Silver & White Wedding - Perfect for Winter

Winter weddings are beautiful whether you choose traditional colors such as red and green or something with a bit more sophistication. For this post, I decided to use the silver and white color scheme for a winter wedding. For one, this can be used before or after Christmas, pretty much any time during the winter months.

Silver and white is very regal and traditional but you can also incorporate very modern and chic details. It all depends on the event design! For a modern twist, use shimmering silver overlays and several square vases of differing heights filled with voluptuous white Dendrobium orchids for centerpieces.

Of course, the silver and white palette is easily translated into traditional elegance. To create this look, I would use the white linens normally provided by your venue and dress the table accessories up! Use silver charges and bling filled napkin rings to make your table settings pop. For centerpieces, simple white roses with silver painted willow branches would look fantastic!

I love the idea of the wedding party wearing silver dresses and silver suits while the bride wears a stark white. Incorporating beautiful vintage hair combs or jewelry would be the perfect way to add a little silver to the all white ensemble of the bride. After the reception, I can see the happy couple leaving in a silver Rolls Royce.

As you can see, there doesn't need to be a lot of "color" for a wedding to have a lot of personality. White and silver is a subdued palette but the visual details can be interesting with the use of glitter, crystals, and detailed patterns.

The simplicity of this color scheme is perfect for winter because it is both warm and cool at the same time. White and silver are cool colors but they invoke images of a warm fire in the ski chalet or fur lined hats. I also love that it is very versatile because it can be used for a Christmas wedding, a New Years Eve wedding or any time during the winter.

Happy Planning!

PHOTO CREDITS: BOUQUET - EMICIBRIDAL, BOUTONNIERE - DIYBRIDE.COM, BRIDAL GOWN - WEDDING BEAUTY BLOG, BRIDESMAID GOWN - GEEBIRD.COM, CENTERPIECE-FOREVER PHOTOGRAPHY, CHAIR - TABLECLOTHRENTAL.COM, FAVORS-SGWEDDINGFAVORS.COM, HAIR COMB - ETSY.COM, ROLLS ROYCE - SILVER LADY WEDDING CAR, SILVER MENU - SIMPLY POSH DESIGN, TUX - REDFLAGDEALS.COM,

Do With Planner (DWP) - Pretzel Stick Favors

Well, since it is the holidays I've been doing a lot of baking and dessert making. Cookies, cakes, pies...oh my! Flipping through some of the wonderful recipes I have from friends and family, I found something that would make a great favor for a wedding!

Pretzel sticks dipped in chocolate and coated with yummy candy. Wouldn't they be so cute wrapped in a cellophane bag, tied with a bow? I love this idea for a favor because it is one of those DWP (Do With Planner) projects that would be simple and fun!

You can buy cellophane bags at any craft store in their bakery tools section. Dressing them up with a color coordinating bow and some cute scrapbooking paper announcing your wedding date or simply saying "thank you" would be perfect.

The great thing about these favors is they would look good at each place setting or grouped together in a cute apothecary jar and set as the centerpiece on your escort card table. (That way, when guests get their seating arrangement they can also take a favor.)

Here are a few totally easy recipes for DWP pretzel sticks:

Confetti Chocolate Pretzels

Ingredients: 6 squares of Baker's semi-sweet baking chocolate
26 pretzel rods
1/2 bottle of confetti sprinkles on a plate

Place the chocolate in a microwave safe dish and microwave for 5 minutes. Then dip the pretzels halfway into the chocolate evenly coating the pretzel. Gently roll the chocolate coated pretzel in the confetti sprinkles. Place them on a wax paper lined tray and let set in the refrigerator approximately 15 minutes. Then put each individual pretzel in a cellophane bag. Use some ribbon to attach a tag and tie the bag closed.

Oreo White Chocolate Pretzels

Ingredients: 6 squares of Baker's White Chocolate.
1 Package of Oreo cookies, finely crushed on a plate
26 Pretzel sticks

Place the chocolate in a microwave safe dish and microwave for 5 minutes. Then dip the pretzels halfway into the chocolate evenly coating the pretzel. Gently roll the chocolate coated pretzel in the crushed Oreos. Place them on a wax paper lined tray and let set in the refrigerator approximately 15 minutes. Then put each individual pretzel in a cellophane bag. Use some ribbon to attach a tag and tie the bag closed.

Peanut Coated Chocolate Pretzels

Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups of finely crushed peanuts
6 squares of Baker's Semi-Sweet Chocolate
26 Pretzel Sticks

Place the chocolate in a microwave safe dish and microwave for 5 minutes. Then dip the pretzels halfway into the chocolate evenly coating the pretzel. Gently roll the chocolate coated pretzel in the crushed peanuts. Place them on a wax paper lined tray and let set in the refrigerator approximately 15 minutes. Then put each individual pretzel in a cellophane bag. Use some ribbon to attach a tag and tie the bag closed.

Happy Planning!

Emerging Trends - Novelty Food Items

Having a fabulous wedding that your guests will be raving about takes a little bit of ingenuity. Wedding planners are skilled at design conception, resourceful under pressure and clever when it counts. By that I mean a great event is always all about the details!

In the wedding industry, we are always looking for new ways to make your wedding stand out. The emerging trend of including novelty foods, like an Espresso Bar, Food Truck or Ice Cream Truck is one of my favorites because they so unexpected!

La Vita Espresso Catering specializes in providing fancy coffee such as Cappuccinos, Lattes and Mochas to your guests. They do all types of events from holiday parties to weddings. Their baristas are professionally trained and know the event industry well. Not to mention they use professional quality equipment.

I think the Espresso bar is a perfect addition to the late night snack. Who doesn't need a little pick me up after having some wine or cocktails? If you want your guests to stay energized for dancing after dinner, consider having an Espresso Bar. It provides the sweetness of a dessert buffet with the added benefit of caffeine!(I also think it would make for a marvelous feature at a winter wedding, nothing calls for coffee more than cold weather.)

In addition to specialty beverages, Food Trucks are another inventive strategy for providing a late night snack or a dessert buffet. For instance, The Chef Shack provides a variety of "green" cuisines using organic meat. It is perfect for a late night snack that is a little bit more refined than a pizza. (Plus, their Earth friendly agenda is a huge bonus!)
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Finally, if you like the idea of a dessert buffet but you think it has been done too many times, consider an ice cream truck! JR Ice Cream of Maple Grove has a push cart that is available stocked full of wonderful ice creams. How cool would it be to have a traveling old fashioned ice cream shop instead of a dessert buffet at your wedding?!


I hope I've inspired you with some great suggestions. Remember, novelty items are what make an event special whether it is an unexpected treat or a cutting edge design detail. Happy planning everyone!


Resources:

La Vita Espresso
8580 Alverno Ave.
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077
(612) 746-3975
catering@espressoceterer.com

The Chef Shack
(507) 358-4220
info@chefshack.org

JR Ice Cream
13821 85th Ave. N
Maple Grove, MN 55369
(763) 957-0858
jeremyr@jricecream.com


PHOTO CREDITS: FOOD TRUCK - 100 LAYER CAKE, ESPRESSO BAR - ESPRESSO EVENTS ORLANDO, ICE CREAM TRUCK - WEDDING RESOURCE.COM

Planner's Pick - Hydrangeas

I have two large hydrangea bushes in my front yard and I absolutely love them! They are blooming right now and every year I'm reminded how majestic these tiny white flowers are (especially when combined with roses.)

These lush blooms come in a variety of colors, from stark white to chartuese with hints of blue. Depending on the soil, they can also be bright pink, perfect if you are planning your wedding around the "it" color of 2011-honeysuckle.

I put together an inspiration board with periwinkle, mint green and white as the color scheme and, of course, the main flower featured is the hydrangea. Roses and delphinium as the accent flowers to hydrangeas make lovely floral arrangements.

If you plan on having a late fall wedding, dried taupe colored hydrangeas paired with red roses would make a beautiful autumn color combination. Since hydrangeas can be dried by hanging them upside down in a dry space you could easily use them from your garden and ask your florist to incorporate other flowers into the bouquets or centerpieces.

Happy Planning!

PHOTO CREDITS FOR INSPIRATION BOARD: BIRDCAGE- ETSY.COM,BOUTONNIERE - INSPIRED TO FLOWER,BOUQUET -REAL SIMPLE,CAKE -RUTH'S CAKERY,COUCH -COUCH PROJECT,FAVORS - SERENDIPITY,HAIR PIECE-GARDEN OF WHIMSY, INVITATION - GETPAPERED.COM, PILLOW-KABOODLE, RECEPTION TABLE - WONDERFUL DAY WEDDINGS,SHOES- MOLLY YOUNGER

PHOTO CREDITS FOR WREATH - KABOODLE

PHOTO CREDITS FOR DRIED HYDRANGEA ARRANGEMENT: WONDERFUL DAY WEDDINGS

Wedding Inspiration - Hanging Jars

I'm always looking for new ideas to bring to event design. Many times, I find something from a home decorating magazine like Country Living or Better Homes & Gardens and then I think about ways to translate the design for a wedding!

I came across a very cool and very "green" backdrop idea. As we all know, backdrops are becoming increasingly popular. They are being used to stage outdoor ceremonies and to create a pleasing aesthetic behind the head table.

Different types of glass jars and vases, hung with ribbon and filled with green foliage creates a beautiful backdrop. I would start by collecting different glassware from garage sales, Craigslist or borrowing from my friend's homes. Tie coordinating ribbon around the jars and fill them with greenery.

The jars could be strung from trees or an archway to create a backdrop for an outdoor ceremony. For the head table, you would have to create a frame they could be hung from. I would use natural materials, such as tree branches, to implement the "green" design.

Creating a frame would be easy if you install the branches in Terra-cotta pots and secure them with cement. Then, tie some twine from branch to branch. Finally, tie the hanging jars to the twine. Be sure to stagger them so they hang at different levels and create visual interest.

The great thing about this backdrop is you could recycle the jars, compost the greenery and reuse the ribbon for scrap-booking or other crafty projects! Who doesn't love a unique and environmentally friendly event design?!

I hope I've inspired you! Happy planning! :)

PHOTO CREDITS: THE FRENCH FLEA of ANOKA

The Dessert Buffet is Here to Stay!

I'm sure we've all seen them at least once at a wedding, and they are no longer referred to as just a "trend." For better or worse, it seems the dessert buffet is here to stay. I've heard grumbles within the wedding community that they are on their way out but if you've been to a wedding lately, you know that is not true.

I, for one, think they are a great addition to any wedding because they contribute visually to your event design, and they are cost effective. Oh, and guests LOVE them.

Dessert buffets are a great way to treat your guests without having a favor at each place setting. Candy and bakery items are cost effective alternatives to wedding favors because you can set out a limited supply. Having lots of different cookies and candies looks abundant when they are grouped together, but you actually end up spending less.

Traditional favors can cost up to $5 a piece, and if you put one at each place setting that can add up quickly. The dessert buffet allows guests to partake only if they want to, unlike traditional favors that often get left behind. So, this is also a "green" option.

As a planner, I love that dessert buffets contribute to the overall event design. You can do so many different things with them! For instance, if you are a chocolate lover you can set out a variety of chocolates, from brownies to chocolate pops. Or you can create a dessert buffet that accentuates your color scheme by using hard candies, Lolly-pops or taffy.

Apothecary jars in different shapes and sizes make for great containers to hold all your candies and baked goodies. When everything is on display it has a wonderful visual impact that can be customized to reflect your event design.

I always add flowers, fabric and bling to make a dessert buffet look visually stunning.

PHOTO CREDITS: DETAILS EVENT RENTAL, WONDERFUL DAY WEDDINGS

A Vintage Inspired Wedding

There is a new genre of wedding that has become white hot in recent years. The vintage inspired wedding uses details from bygone eras to create a variety of event designs.

Fashionable brides everywhere have fallen in love again with vintage hair combs and birdcage veils. Of course, the style maven of the UK Kate Middleton single handedly brought back the demure lace shrug when she wore it over her gown at the Royal wedding.

As for event design, vintage can be anything you want it to be! Maybe you love art deco lanterns, country quilts or mid-century modern furniture. Another great trend is using antique china sets mixed and matched to create lively "tablescapes".


Whatever your tastes, incorporating vintage pieces into your wedding design will bring unique sensibilities to your wedding. There are so many ways to use vintage elements to create extraordinary details your guests will be buzzing about.


For instance, maybe that old rusted tackle box in your garage would make a great centerpiece if it were filled with white flowers. Take a look around your house, or Grandma's. Do you have any family heirlooms that would make a great prop for your wedding?


If you don't have any antiques you feel comfortable using at your wedding, consider renting a custom piece from Wonderful Day Weddings! We have a variety of unique items available.

Vendor Spotlight - The Land of Promise

The Land of Promise is a beautiful outdoor ceremony space located on the shores of Beebe Lake in between St. Michael and Buffalo.

Pastor Gerry Ernst's charming farm boasts a beautiful view of the lake and a grand yard with enough space to host 200 guests. The white gazebo, rustic red barn and old wood shed are perfect backdrops for fantastic wedding photos.

In addition to the beautiful views, The Land of Promise is home to a small non-denominational Christian church.

"We are all about family here. We want to be a part of the celebrations of life, like baptisms and weddings." Says Pastor Gerry. You do not have to be a member of the Land of Promise to marry here, and all are welcome at their worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Although the Land of Promise is primarily used for weddings, it is the perfect place for a wholesome, family friendly reception, because alcohol is not permitted on the premises. I envision the bride and groom playing yard games with their guests after the nuptials! For large receptions a rental tent can be set up on the lawn and for smaller receptions there is a pavilion that can host about 75 guests.

However, if you intend to host your reception elsewhere, there are several options within a 20-minute drive of the farm.

The Land of Promise is truly a quaint, beautiful and family friendly ceremony space for couples in Wright county. It is definitely on my list of great wedding venues!

For more information on the Land of Promise you can contact Pastor Gerry Ernst at 763-682-6849, or, visit the website at www.dlandofpromise.org.

Etiquette Answers - Cash Bar Yes or No?

I know that the way the economy is going, wedding budgets are tighter and couples are trying to save money. Recently, I was asked if having a cash bar at your wedding is ever acceptable. The easiest answer is that this largely depends on the expectations of your friends and family, your cultural traditions and the formality of the occasion.

In a perfect world we would all be able to foot the bill for an evening of spirits. However, with more couples being budget conscious, this isn't always possible. That said, couples should strive to host a bar for their guests.

There are several ways to have alcohol available without breaking the bank. My favorite suggestion is to provide beer and wine for a limited amount of time, or until supplies are gone. This way guests have been provided a beverage even if it isn't for the entire evening. Then, if they still want another glass they can buy one at the cash bar.

Another suggestion is to do a signature cocktail. By only providing one type of cocktail to your guests, you can set the price point and get a good estimate from your venue. Also, you can set limits on this aspect by providing drink tickets to your guests. (Bonus, you can create tickets that incorporate your event design.)

Finally, the other option is to host a champagne toast only. Each table gets a bottle of champagne which is poured during toasts to the newlyweds. This is the most cost effective way to provide some spirits at your wedding.

Of course, doing any of these suggestions in conjunction with an available cash bar is the happy medium. I do want to reiterate that, if you are having a white or black-tie wedding, then it really isn't acceptable to have a cash bar at such a formal event.The expectation with very formal weddings is that the bar will be completely hosted.

Furthermore, if you know having a cash bar is not an accepted tradition within your culture or your family will give you a hard time, then you should avoid it. Cut back in other areas of your budget so you can afford to host the bar.

You can save money by not doing favors, or using store-bought invitations and embellishing them. The fastest way to be able to host the bar would be to trim your guest count. This means co-workers, friends of your parents and distant relatives are not invited.

The topic of hosted bars and cash bars are tricky for couples. Yet, I'm confident that if you look at the top three factors of family, cultural traditions and formality you will be able to make a decision that suits both your budget and your guests.

In short, during these economic times it is not appropriate to rule out a cash bar unless you are hosting a very formal event. However, it is very desirable for the hosts to avoid a cash bar if they are able.

Happy Planning!

Planner's Pick - Peonies

I am so excited! The peonies in my garden are just about to burst open and give a grand view of their pale pink petals and heavenly scent. This flower is classically romantic because the blooms are so luscious. Only a few peonies can fill a bouquet or vase to give you that bang for your buck.

I love to pair peonies with roses and a few lush greens, such as Amaranthus. The simplicity of this flower is what makes it so classic and so spectacular. Not to mention that the smell is amazing!

Peonies come in a variety of colors from fuchsia pink to white. I think they look their best in a monochromatic bouquet where their full plume takes center stage. The great thing about peonies is they can be paired with other flowers or complete an arrangement on their own.


Unlike roses, they have a hip edge to them because they are not used as a mainstay flower in the wedding world. Peonies are seasonal so that makes them very special for June weddings. Whether you use only white or a variety of hues, you cannot go wrong incorporating this flower into your wedding bouquets and centerpieces.

Happy Planning!


PHOTO CREDITS: MYWEDDINGFLOWERIDEAS.CO.UK, SHOPLOCALFLOWERSHOPS.COM

Vendor Spotlight - Graves 601 Hotel

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending a wedding planner's luncheon at the fantastic Graves 601 Hotel. I have not yet had a client have their wedding at this event space. However, after seeing a picture montage of weddings held here it is at the top of my venue wish list! :)

Not only does the Graves 601 have visually stunning architecture in their ballroom, they have it throughout the building. You can see beautiful aesthetics in the lobby, Cosmos Lounge and in the Bradstreet Crafthouse Restaurant. With so many art installations as backdrops it would be easy to have a variety of fabulous pictures for your wedding album.

There are many event spaces provided by Graves 601 Hotel. Their ballroom has a maximum capacity of 350 for a dinner and dance. If you are doing a cocktail reception the maximum is 750. For a Cosmos Lounge reception they can host 300 maximum. Finally, the Bradstreet Crafthouse Restaurant can be used for a banquet that can accommodate 150 and they also have a special VIP Parlor that can host 50. The parlor is absolutely perfect for an engagement or Bachelorette party.

Now that I've covered all the attractive visual features, I have to rave about the food. The entire menu is impressive, to say the least. We had a variety of wonderful offerings. The luncheon started out with passed hors d'oeuvres. For example, they served Crostini with Preserved Tomato topped with Thyme and Parmesan, and Sesame Chicken Tenders with Pommery Mustard Sauce. Let me just say it was heavenly!

The main courses we tried were just as exemplary. My favorite was the Grilled Salmon Filet on a Cauliflower Stew with Charred Tomato Sauce and Arugula. Afterward we tried samples of their luscious desserts. The mini cheesecakes were my favorite.

Donna Fiedler, Director of Catering and CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) was very welcoming and it was so much fun to talk with other professionals about the wedding industry. Over the course of the luncheon she asked us questions about what our clients are looking for in an event space. She also informed us about all of the unique features of Graves 601.

Next to the divine atmosphere, and great cuisine, the top notch staff is another reason to have your wedding here. Everyone is professional and skilled at what they do. They will make sure that your wedding will be exactly what you envision.

PHOTO CREDITS: WONDERFUL DAY WEDDINGS

Happy Planning!

Planner's Pick - Paper Gowns & Glory

So you want to have a unique cake topper that won't sit in your china cabinet collecting dust? Well, then this post is for you! I found this really cute, boutique paperista and I just had to share. Instead of a traditional cake topper do a hand crafted replica of your wedding gown.(The groom is also included using the cut of the tux.) What a fabulously unique and "green" idea.

Not only is this a way to honor the details of a once-worn dress, it can be a keepsake to remind you how special your gown is. Since it is paper, it is less fragile and can be displayed somewhere you will actually see it, like your cubicle. Of course, since it is paper you could also have it recycled. Just make sure your photographer gets a few snapshots for your album.

The thing I think is the coolest about Paper Gowns & Glory is that she customizes everything and works very closely with her clients. This is definitely an eco-chic trend that I hope continues! If you want a personalized memento of your gown, and you are crazy about being environmentally savvy this is a perfect product for you.

http://www.papergownsandglory.com

Wedding Inspiration - Camp Wedding

Well finally we had a nice day! It is only the 3rd of May but I am already itching to have a bonfire and go hiking. This got me thinking, wouldn't it be just darling to have a camp inspired wedding? I can see the colors now, a muted orange, suede brown, jade green and dark red! I don't know why but these colors totally remind me of camping, perhaps it is the colors of tents and lanterns?

Of course, your wedding should reflect the things you are interested in as a couple and I believe there are a lot of nature lovers out there. The "camp wedding" event design would be just perfect for those that are environmentally savvy and want to have a charming wedding. I realize that not everyone would actually stay to camp, however, the details would make this such a fun wedding to attend.

It is my opinion that this type of wedding would be perfect for those hosting a more intimate gathering and you would also have to love being outdoors. It would be helpful if the venue had a large picnic pavilion that could be used as a back up in case of rain. :)
The food could be provided by caterers that specialize in doing outdoor affairs such as company picnics. I would go with something casual and yummy, a build your own burger type of thing. Sides of potato salad, coleslaw, or pasta salad would be fantastic. Of course, you could snaz it up a bit with a charming fruit,veggies and dip station for hors d'eouvres during cocktail hour.

Providing beverages would be so easy because you could fill galvanized buckets with bottles of pop, beer and wine. (Be sure to use mini-bottles of wine with twist off caps.)Bonus, all of these are recyclable items!

I love the idea of using strung pine cones, moss and prairie flowers as decor for this type of wedding. Hanging lanterns,jars with candles, picnic tables and rustic signs would also make a visual impact.

The evening could be spent around the bonfire with friends and family, sharing tales of your love before you retire to your camper or hotel room. I think either is fitting in this situation but one thing is for sure...your guests will be celebrating late into the night.


PHOTO CREDITS: 2ND FLOOR LIVING,100 LAYER CAKE, ARTESSEN.COM, COUNTRYLIVING.COM, EUGENEWEEKLY.COM, JOHN THE PHOTOGRAPHER, GABRIEL RYAN PHOTOGRAPHY, GOBURBERRY.COM, GREENWEDDINGSHOES.COM, IDANKERTSON, THINGSFESTIVE, WEDDINGIDEAS.COM, WHISPERINGPINES.COM

Inspiration board by - Wonderful Day Weddings

Happy Planning!

Vendor Spotlight - Snowfrog Photography

Artistic. Modern. Natural. Timeless. These four words describe what is best about Snowfrog Photography. Airlia and Geoff blend photojournalism with a unique artistic flair and the outcome is absolutely breathtaking photos! Not only is this couple passionate about what they do, both of them are highly trained professionals with degrees in the in fine arts. The fact that they are a husband and wife team is a huge advantage. They are the perfect combination of individual style and skill molded together.

I had the pleasure of working with Snowfrog Photography and I'm so happy to report that my client and friend, Tina, loves the amazing photographs of her wedding day! They were very easy vendors to work with. Both of them support each other well and have the uncanny ability to be at the right place at the right time to capture the most important candid shots. Still, Snowfrog made even the formal shots look easy and natural. You can see the genuine joy on each face.

Snowfrog Photography has something every couple wants, great talent at a reasonable price. They provide hi-res digital negatives to their clients and they process each photograph by hand.That means that each photo of your wedding day will look fabulous because a human being, versus a computer program, is taking the time to make sure each image is the best it can be.


If you haven't been tempted already, I highly advise that you check out their website and photo gallery! www.snowfrogphoto.com. Check it out, the "hoe-down" wedding was also featured on MN Bride's blog! :) http://mnbride.com/real-weddings/tina-paul

Happy Planning!

Tomato and Teal - A Retro Color Scheme

The "Tomato" and teal color scheme is absolutely retro. I love this color combination, especially when paired with a crisp white. I find bold prints and bright hues to be very inspirational, especially for summer weddings. I'm groovin' on the light airiness of pairing these two contrasting colors together because it is so visually stunning.

Yes, I know...vintage, honeysuckle pink is the"it" color for this year. However, bold is just as beautiful. This combination is definitely bold but it is sweet and sophisticated at the same time. Unequivocally, these colors scream summer. I absolutely love that Minnesota has a "beach" culture but it doesn't involve the ocean. The tomato orange, teal and white color combo works wonderfully for a lake-side wedding.

When I think of a "Tomato" and teal wedding, I envision late July, with outside nuptials and a fantastic yacht ride around the lake for cocktail hour. Serve mozzarella, tomato and basil skewers as the perfect appetizer for guests to munch on. MMMMMM, so tasty on a hot summer day! It would be really fun to serve a signature Blue Hawaii cocktail or orange spritzer!

I can just imagine all the cute details right now. A nice summery color combination lends itself to really cute paper crafts. I would love to see bold orange and teal invitations, menus and escort cards. Really cute favors would be orange and teal flip flops. A big bonus is they would actually be used!


I also think that bright orange roses, white Gerber daisies and blue delphinium would make fun flower arrangements. Using all three would tie everything together to create a very summery look. Guys could have simple orange roses as their boutonnieres.

For the retro event design, I would use bold patterned linens on all the tables. There are so many cool fabrics that could be easily made into table runners and put on top of crisp white linens for that added pizazz. Oh what a smart, summery and retro color combination this is. Thanks for letting me gush. I truly hope that I've inspired!


Inspiration board created by Marissa Partridge, Wonderful Day Weddings.

PHOTO CREDITS: BLUESKYIMAGES.COM,CARQUILTSPLUSCOLOR.BLOGSPOT.COM,CRAFTOLA.BLOGSPOT.COM,EMELIEINC.NET, ETSY.COM, FIDELIOWEDDINGS.COM, LIBBYJAMES.WORDPRESS.COM, MEANDMATILDA.ETSY.COM,MYWEDDING.COM,SKINNYTASTE.COM,STEPTOESANTIQUES.COM,THE BUMP
THEKNOT,WEDDINGBYCOLOR.COM,WEDDINGFLOWERS.COM,WEDDINGINSPSITE.COM,
WEDDINGZILLAS.COM

Happy Planning!

DWP- Eco Chic Centerpieces

I'm sure all of you are wondering what is DWP? Well, it is my version of DIY. Instead of DIY, I think every bride should DWP or Do With Planner! :)Working with clients and brainstorming how to make your wedding beautiful is something I absolutely love to do!

Designing fantastic things is something I'm passionate about, and you know what else? I am passionate about being kind to our planet too. So, I was in my kitchen pulling the label off of a Dole pineapple can and about to toss it into our recycling bin and then thunder struck! I thought, "Wow, this could actually be used to make a beautiful, green centerpiece." Quite literally, I might add.

Not only was my goal to reuse my recycling, I wanted to make it breathtakingly beautiful. As I was thinking about how I could use this recycled can as a centerpiece, I thought a lot about the color green. "Green" is the word used to describe environmentally friendly ventures and it also happens to be a classic color. Why not incorporate the use of the color green into an environmentally friendly design?

Florist's moss is very inexpensive to buy. You can get it at your local dollar store or craft store. It is also a very Earthy, organic material.Over the next few days, I collected varying shapes and sizes of recyclable cans. I used a Swiss Miss hot cocoa tin, and a Dole fruit salad can. My husband was wondering why I was keeping these cans and kept throwing them into our recycling bin!

See! This is why I say to DWP because it will sound so much more legitimate to your significant other when you tell them your planner told you to save all these cans.(Also, we are great to have on hand when you want someone to actually come over and help you assemble your "green" centerpieces.) ;D


I decided to use the florist's moss to cover the tin cans because it is very inexpensive and it is a green organic material. I got some green spray paint and painted the cans a moss color. After they dried, I used my glue gun to hot glue on the florist's moss. You and your planner should wear rubber gloves while doing this so that you don't burn your fingers. (Yes, this is knowledge I am passing on to you.)

After gluing on the florist's moss, then you will need to put florist's foam into the cans and fill them with water. To make a beautiful arrangement, simply buy flowers from your local farmer's market or grocery store. Or if you prefer, prepare the cans and then have them dropped off at your florist's store so they can create a fantastic centerpiece to be delivered to your reception venue. (This is what I prefer.)

The great thing about these centerpieces is the moss comes off very easily and the cans can still be recycled. Obviously, it will take some time to save cans of varying shapes and sizes but it can be easily done when you start early enough. Have a space set aside to put the cans so that they don't clutter up your living space. This could be a closet, spare bedroom or garage.

When the time comes, DWP. Make a day of it! Put on your favorite tunes then start spray painting those cans. When they are dry you can start with hot gluing on the moss. It is a really easy process if you make an assembly line. You could have 12 tables done by days end.

This should be done at least a week before your wedding. I know it is crazy busy during this time but it is important because if you have your "green" vases done they can easily be delivered to the florist. Of course, you can DWP and put them together the day before your wedding. Either way, this project does take time but it is also very simple.

I sincerely hope I've inspired.


PHOTO CREDITS: WONDERFUL DAY WEDDINGS

Happy Planning!

Planner's Pick - Eclectic Serving Trays

I am often inspired by wonderful things and mixing and matching is definitely wonderful! Here is a very savvy idea that will bring originality to your event and will be easy on your pocket book. If you are planning on having a buffet style dinner at your wedding reception, consider asking friends and family to provide the trays for some of the menu selections!

This would make a dramatic impact, especially if you ask for trays of different sizes and shapes. However, make sure they share a common element such as the same color. For my example, I used a red and black color scheme. I used trays from different eras, some are plain and some have a pattern. They also vary in size and shape but all are red or black.

Think about what a cool statement this would make on your buffet table!Striped trays pair splendidly with floral trays. Round, square and rectangular trays could be grouped together. Wouldn't it be fun to see what people bring and how the trays can be mixed and matched? Of course, you could also use a cake stand to display yummy treats or mini appetizers. What a visual feast for the eyes!

Not only will this create a cool design element, it will save you money because you haven't purchased all of them. Be sure to have each person who supplied the tray put their name on the bottom using masking tape. This is so that later it can be returned to them.

Ask your planner to have the catering staff wash them and put them away in a secure location so they can be transferred back to you after the wedding. Be sure to include a thank you note when you return the trays to your friends and family. This will let them know how much you appreciated them taking the time to lend you a piece from their kitchens.

PHOTO CREDITS:PRIZE RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT, CRATE AND BARREL, MANOR HOME & GIFTS,STOCKHOLMOBJECTS.COM, COLOURLOVERS.COM, MYCUPOFTEA.COM, WEDDING BEE.COM, THISISNEXT.COM, FORESTKITCHENLADY.COM

Happy Planning!

Vendor Spotlight - The Woods Chapel

The Woods Chapel is located in Wayzata and is the perfect place to host an outdoor garden wedding and reception! The event site is so stunningly beautiful and has an indoor chapel that can be used in case of rain. This is a big bonus! The chapel is able to host 250 guests and is just beautiful.

The outdoor ceremony space features event seating in front of a picturesque pond, complete with fountains! The on-site event coordinators make sure they go off just as the couples kisses. It really is a very unique way to celebrate the moment of marriage.

Underneath the chapel, there is an indoor space that can accommodate small receptions. However, large receptions are able to be held here with tent rental. When it is positioned on the back parking lot, there is plenty of room for a large tent that can hold a many guests. There is also enough room for a catering tent and some vehicle parking.

In addition to this beautiful outdoor space, the Woods Chapel offers ample parking, indoor restrooms and a gorgeous grotto area for an outdoor cocktail hour. The pictures you will get at the Woods Chapel are simply amazing!


This is the perfect location for brides that want an outdoor wedding with the security of having an indoor space in case of bad weather. Tracy McCall is very accommodating and works well with planners and other wedding vendors to make sure that your event will be fantastic.

I definitely love this venue!

Happy Planning!


PHOTO CREDITS: WONDERFUL DAY WEDDINGS, THE WOODS CHAPEL