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