Orange and Red

Photos from The Knot, C Designs & Illustrations,
Special Event Decorators, Budget Dream Weddings, Flicker

Photo from The Knot

I adore the rich elegance of this ceremony photo. 

Orange and Purple

Photo from The Knot

You can do this color combination subtly or... 

Photo from My Wedding Favors

... over-the-top dramatic!

Orange and Blue

This color combination (above) will give a cool beachy feeling to your event.

The darker blue gives this combo more of an autumnal vibe.

All photos from The Knot

Orange

When I think of October, I think ORANGE

Check out these orange combinations from TheKnot.com

We'll explore a few of these color palettes in more detail throughout the month. Stay tuned...

Zen Principles for Your Special Event

Round-shaped vases suggest never-ending love.

(Photo Source)

Mirrors boost positive energies.

(Photo Source)

An upward spray of flowers encourages guests to "reach for the stars" and live life to its fullest.

(Photo Source)

Blue evokes serenity.

If you add loosely arranged blooms to glass vases in shades of blue or violet,

then you will ensure an easy-going celebration.

(Photo Source)

Sweet as Baby's Breath

Done well, baby's breath can make a beautiful and affordable centerpiece. Personally, I only like baby's breath when it is alone, as shown in these arrangements. Bundles of baby's breath create a fluffy fragrant cloud. If placed on top of a glass vase, it will look like it is floating. For a more dramatic impact, arrange the baby's breath in a solid, ceramic piece.

Photos from Project Wedding, The Cinderella Project, and Chillipit

You can also repurpose your centerpieces as ceremony decor (as shown below in this photo from The Knot)

Outdoor Ceremony Seating

The beauty of having an outdoor ceremony is the many creative ways you can arrange the seating for your guests to witness your vows.

Circular seating from mixmingleglow.com

Wooden benches topped with plush white cushions

found in Modern Bride magazine and on cachicdesign.com

 

Wooden benches adorned with vivid pillows

found on theknot.com

Create Centerpieces with Edible Elements

Epicurious.com posted an interesting article about using edible elements to create elegant and aromatic spring centerpieces. One centerpiece included asparagus and artichokes in place of traditional greens (shown above).

Another had green grapes cascading over the edge of a tall vase filled with budding branches.

And a 3rd arrangement added fresh herbs to a bouquet of sweet-smelling lilies for a savory aroma.

Click here to see the how-to slideshow.

Guest Book Alternatives

I can't tell you how many times I have heard a bride say that she does not want the traditional guest book at her wedding because it seems like a waste of money. After all, when are you ever going to look at it again?

The idea of a guest book is to keep a record of those special people who attended your wedding. It does not have to be pages of names and addresses. Here are some great alternatives to the blah guest book of yesterday:

An engravable signature mat in an elegant frame

From I Do Engravables

A special engraving pen is included which allows guests to engrave their names and well wishes into the frame to create a lasting keepsake.

A wish book

From the Mindy Weiss Collection @ Eliza Fig

Guests write their wishes to you on little 3 1/8" x 2 3/8" cards and put them into envelopes mounted on the pages of the book.

A wish jar

Perfect Pair Jar from Weddingstar

Similar to the wish book, the wish jar holds your guests wishes until you can store them away, then it makes a great cookie jar in your new home. Use with the coordinating Perfect Pair cards.

For more Guest Book Alternatives, visit the Always Fabulous Boutique.

Fabulous Feather Flair

Stardust Event Planners

MyWedding.com

So Let's Party

Wedding Wire

Damask

Photo from Etsy

In case you can't tell, I happen to like damask. It is a classy trend that adds more dimension to event decor than solid colors.

Here are several ways to incorporate the damask pattern:

Square Labels 78 cents each @ Wedding Things

Favor Boxes $19.49 for 25 @ Bliss Weddings Market

Damask Runner (photo from PriceScope.com)

Want a Piece of Candy?

I am a subscriber to Daily Candy Philadelphia, so when I saw there was a Daily Candy Weddings, I was intrigued and enthusiastic. Check it out for ideas on dresses, dancing, drinking, and more.

I love the Cake Alternatives. If I was getting married again (to the same man of course), we would definitely serve Krispy Kremes instead of cake.

There is a really cool download for First Dance Songs based on your individual styles. For example, if you are a Nerd and your beloved is a Socialite, then your first dance song should be

How Deep Is Your Love by the Bee Gees.

Be sure to check out the decor galleries for inspiration and ideas for your own wedding.

Fall Wedding Ideas

As with any theme, your invitation sets the tone for the upcoming event. Decide on your color scheme and/or theme early so you can find all of the elements you want to incorporate before the invitations go out.

Use a rich shade of brown instead of black. Add rich shades of red, orange, and golden yellow. If you want to use a metallic accent, then go for gold, bronze, or copper.

Include natural signs of autumn like fallen leaves, berries, and acorns. Scatter leaves instead of flower petals.

Serve freshly harvested fruits and vegetables like apples, pumpkins, and squash. For a sweet treat, add caramel corn and candy apples. For some great menu ideas, visit event jubilee.

Autumn is the perfect time of year to get married at a winery (or to have a wine-themed wedding).





All photos from FavorIdeas.com

Long Reception Tables

All photos from WeddingChannel.com

Fab Trend 2009 #2

(source)

Textured Envelope Liners

For unexpected luxury, look for liners with lots of texture. (Note: These envelopes may be too thick to run through your home printer. If you are a DIY-Bride, then try printed labels instead of printing directly on the envelope.)

A Sweet 16 Video

Cupcakes

Many of our clients have requested cupcake towers instead of a cake. Here are a few examples of those we have incorporated into weddings and parties.

Although you can be creative with cupcakes, I found a great way to add a touch of whimsy to even a box of store-bought cupcakes for a smaller-scale party. These cupcake holders are from Wedding Things.

Picket Fence

Filagree

Butterflies

These wrappers can inspire or coordinate with your party theme. These will work for a bridal shower, baby shower, housewarming, or even a small wedding.

Sweet 16 Fabulosity

I happened to come across a photographer's blog post about a Sweet 16 party in the Jacksonville, Florida area. The theme was FABULOSITY (from the book by Kimora Lee Simmons). She had a diamond-shaped cake on a sparkly revolving cake stand accented with a big diamond paperweight. The birthday girl showed up to her party in a Rolls Royce. Her guests were treated to henna body art and it looks like her favors were bottles of Baby Phat perfume (at least for the girls).

{Henna: Photo from Sara Murals}

For henna artists in the Philadelphia area, go to http://www.hennadesigner.com/


Off Topic Side Note: Did you know that Kimora has launched a Fabulosity line of clothing for JCPenney? I guess this is her lower-end version of Baby Phat.