Event Design Ideas - Fire & Ice

Lately, I've really been enjoying winter. Especially since last year's was so mild. Well, it is Minnesota and we just got a huge snow storm!  My kiddos have been playing in it non-stop. We've been ice skating outdoors, sledding, and building snowmen. Of course, when we come in from the cold we like to warm up with a hot cup of cocoa.

It was really sunny and beautiful the other day, which made the snow lined trees absolutely sparkle. This got me thinking about how awesome it would be to do a winter wedding. If it were up to me, I would do a "fire and ice" event design because it is so fun to go out in the cold and then come in and warm up by a toasty fire.

I would incorporate a lot of sparkly elements paired with an unusual color scheme for winter - dusk blue and fire orange. Of course, I think having the girls in short, gray glittery dresses would look amazing!

Additionally, it would be so easy to make some outstanding centerpieces using Dollar Store vases. First, coat them in Modge Podge and then roll them in white glitter. Next, wait for them to dry then rub off any excess glitter and coat them in modge podge again. Finally, roll the vases in Epsom salt. They end up looking like they are covered in sparkly snow! Glittered branches, white hydrangeas and orange roses would make a beautiful floral arrangement to go along with your Faux icy vases.

Speaking of table-scapes, dusk blue napkins in glittered napkin rings would really add some elegance. Lot's and lots of white candles create a very romantic ambiance. Of course, there are other fun touches to add, like an ice luge serving signature cocktails. A S'mores bar where guests roast their own marshmallows would be phenomenal! I also love the idea of having the walkway to the venue lit with ice candles. A vintage broach bouquet would be heavenly, and maybe the groom could sport an icicle boutonnierre?

There are so many fun details that would make a fire and ice wedding fantabulous! I truly hope that I've inspired.

Happy Planning!

PHOTO CREDITS: CAKE -LEE ANN BELTER BRIDAL, ICE BLOCK W/FIRE - EHOW.COM, BROACH BOUQUET - ERIN HU PHOTOGRAPHY, INVITATIONS - ETSY.COM, SHOES -DRESSSALE.COM, ICE LANTERNS - THE NESTING JOURNAL, S'MORES BUFFET - HELLOCOTTON.COM, SNOW & ICE JARS - WONDERFUL DAY WEDDINGS LLC

Emerging Trends - Coordinating, Not Matching, Bridesmaids

 Allowing bridesmaids to pick their own dress as long as they follow a set of guidelines is becoming increasingly popular. I'm really loving this trend because it alleviates some stressful situations for the bride. I mean let's be honest. Although we love our girlfriends, going dress shopping with all the different personalities, and body shapes, can be a challenge.

It can be almost impossible to find that dress that makes everyone happy. Inevitably, there will always be one friend that just hates the dress that was chosen. Either because she feels it doesn't flatter her figure or she hates the color or the fabric makes her itchy. So do yourself a favor and skip the stress inducing fiasco that is bridesmaid dress shopping!

So this idea, coordinating bridesmaids dresses, is a perfect solution! I think it works especially well for brides with a large wedding party. The best way to go about letting your bridesmaids pick their own dress is to set strict guidelines. This means you will have to let them know the color, the length and maybe even which fabric you prefer.

First, the bride must provide an example of the acceptable color shades. A simple, no fail way to do this is to go to the local hardware store and pick a paint sample with strips of the same color in different shades. Send the paint sample to each girl in your wedding party and write on the back the length of the dress you desire. This will be very helpful for them to bring along when they go dress shopping!

The next step is to simply trust your friends' fashion sensibilities. If your bestie likes romantic, ruffled skirts and a sweetheart neckline, she can choose it as long as the length and color fit the guidelines! It really is cool to see all the different fashions represented and yet everyone will appear aesthetically cohesive.

Remember, you set the guidelines so they are as specific as you want them. For instance, if you really hate Taffeta make sure that your wedding party knows that all Taffeta dresses are off limits. Your ladies will appreciate the guidelines but also love the fact that they will have a lot of lee-way to pick out something that flatters their sense of style and body type. This will drastically cut down on any bridesmaid drama on "the big day" because you won't be spending any time having to reassure anyone that they look great.


Happy planning!

PHOTO CREDIT - WEDDINGCHICKS.COM