Tag: wedding reception decorations
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
Maybe it’s the brilliant designs or the standout color blocking… perhaps it’s the fun, graphic schemes or simply the epically b.e.a.uuuuutiful photography (whaddya say, Lindsey K!)… either way, there is no if’s, and’s or but’s about it… I love love love our new table runner designs!!
Available in a variety of colors and designs to match any taste, each runner can be personalized at absolutely no cost to you! Simply choose from one of our hot color options, fill in the overhang with your names, monogram or initials and see how many ‘ooh’s and aww’s’ will be gasping the day you say ‘I do.’ Don’t believe me? Well the proof is in the pudding, my friends; so, grab a spoon and enjoy these tasty creations!
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
courtesy of Lindsey Kroemer via marilynskeepsakes.com
Personalized Table Runners cover a lot of ground and create a lot of drama, and they are extremely simple and easy to use! Printed on durable 100% cotton, our fabric table runners feature a polymer coating for a soft, canvas like texture to produce superior draping.
Because bold colors and schematic patterns cut down the need for decorations, you’ll be able to save on extra costs by simply adding your place settings and centerpieces to the already well fashioned tables.
November 17, 2011
courtesy of doveweddingphotography.com
Because so many wedding trends tend to fashion around color, it’s no wonder that this colorful topic is among the hottest in industry news. Whether it is an unusual color combination or funky patterned table linens or even seasoned and stylized bouquets, brides everywhere have become aware of making their big day a bright and colorful occasion.
But what about the bride looking to create a cleaner look?
Well, she might try all white! Both simple and chic, all white weddings have a look that can be stylized both for vintage glam or modern flare. And if an all white pallet is simply too modern for you, try accenting it with another neutral color that will compliment its crisp design, while brining in a pop of interest. Blushes, creams and hydrangea greens all seem to do the trick. Check out below and let the inspiration begin!
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) blog.weddingpaperdivas.com, doveweddingphotography.com, kaboodle.com, dreamyapartment.com, weddings-invitations.org, blogs.dexknows.com and stevekoophotography.com
August 23, 2011
courtesy of treschicbride.blogspot.com
When throwing a shower for one of my girlfriends awhile back, I came across a little recipe for “cake pops” and have been OBSESSED ever since!
Being the regular Betty Crocker (for those of you that know me, please hold in your laughter) that I am, I decided this would be an excellent choice for a festive dessert! And if I’ve gotta be completely honest… it TOTALLY was! (Subsequently pats self on back) I made three kinds: Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry.
Now, while these three flavors may seem like nothing all too impressive, it’s what you can do with them that makes them so incredible! After baking the three cake mixes in the oven (according to the box instructions), I simpled let the pans cool for about 15 minutes before crumbling each flavor into a mixing bowl and stiring in the same flavor frosting. (White w/ Vanilla, Chocolate w/ Chocolate and Strawberry w/ Strawberry.) After which, I balled the sugary goodness into small circles and covered them with candy melt toppings.
It took a little practice, but once I got the hang of it, it was super easy… and even more delicious! I topped the White Cake Balls with vanilla icing and yellow sprinkles; the Chocolate Cake Balls with chocolate candy melts and coconut, and the Strawberry Cake Balls with a melted white chocolate candy bar and pink candy heart sprinkles (my faves!). I placed some on sticks, creating a gourmet sucker look and the rest I left on decorative trays for easy, sweet munching!
There are several options on how you can create your cake pops / balls, but I have yet to find one I didn’t enjoy! Take a look below for some delicious inspiration and easy to make recipes (found below images) and start poppin’ your way to party goodness!
Choloate and Turquoise Dream!
courtesy of karascakery.com courtesy of Google Images courtesy of bzevents.com
Pretty in Pink!
courtesy of bakersroyale.com
Citrus-y Goodness!
courtesy of bzevents.com
Wrapped with Love!
courtesy of etsy.com
Turtle-Something Surprise!
courtesy of cakebybridges.com
Cupcake Cuties!
courtesy of thehappychickadee.blogspot.com
Designed by Darlings!
courtesy of camillestyles.wordpress.com
Lined with Perfection!
courtesy of thesepeasarehollow.blogspot.com
Sweetly say “I do!”
courtesy of etsy.com
Example Recipe Guide for Reference:
- 1 Box of Cake Mix (Choose your favorite the flavor)
- 1 16 ounce Container of Pre-Made Frosting (Again, choose the flavor!)
- 1 3 ounce Bar of Flavored Confectionery or Candy Melts (Choose your taste yet again! Mixing and Matching is half the fun!)
1. Prepare the cake mix according to package details, using any of the recommended pans for backing. Once cake is baked fully, simply crumble the cake while still warm (but after 15 minutes of cooling) into a large mixing bowl, and stir in the frosting until well blended.
2. Melt your flavored confectionery or candy melt coating in a glass bowl in the microwave or a metal pot over a pan of simmering water on the stove-top, stirring occasionally until at a smooth consistency.
3. Use a melon baller or scoop (or even just your hands!) to form small balls (use Dunkin’ Donut holes as reference) of your cake mixture. Then, either dip the balls into the melted pan of goodness using a toothpick or simply drizzle it on top using a spoon to coat each one accordingly. Place on waxed paper to set.
4. Decorate accordinly. Place on sucker sticks if desired. Refrigerate once fully cooled.
5. & ENJOY!!
August 2, 2011
photo courtesy of sundaepaper.com
Nowadays, everyone is on a budget; so, when it comes to your wedding, it’s important to get the most bang for your buck. One way you can do this is by having centerpieces that double as favors!
One of my favorite dueling decorations is potted or replant able centerpieces that your guests can take home and enjoy long after the disco lights dim and the dances are done. By using dual purposed décor, you’ll not only create a standout look for your reception, but a standout memory for all your guests.
Everything from fragrant herbs and superb spices to vibrant blossoms and tall grasses can all be arranged to your liking and sent home with your guests for theirs. It’s a win / win for everyone!
And depending on your budget, you can easily make homemade plant boxes for super cheap, simply by using wood, nails and a stain of your choice… or leave the wood as is for an even cheaper, more rustic solution! As always, it’s really up to you. Get as over the top or under the radar as you want… just be sure to have fun and stay happy :)
Here are some of my faves:
photos courtesy of theknot.com and marthastewartweddings.com
July 16, 2010
In several areas and regions around the world, monograms have been used for centuries for a number of different reasons. Customarily speaking, they were used to display an artisan’s signature on his or her creation, but through the years, monograms were adapted as a unique way of personalizing one’s possessions.
I know. Blah, blah, blah, blah, right? I can’t help it… my heart beats for historical facts :)
Anyhoot, when it comes to your wedding day, monograms can be a great way to personalize and detail your ceremony and receptions. Because they can be produced as a design element, rather than just alphabetical letters, they are a timeless way for adding customized class. Think of them as the most elite form of combining your initials to your Louvre’s initials to make one, succinct symbol of your devotion for all to see…
Too deep?… I knew it. I always do that.
Okay, maybe monograms don’t need to be thought of that deeply, but for your wedding, they can be a useful tool to bring a sense of elegant uniformity. They can be done as subtle touches on your paper products, like stationery, favor packaging, ceremony programs, reception menus or place cards.
For a bolder look, buy or make a monogrammed aisle runner. Perhaps in lieu of a traditional cake topper, have one that combines you and your spouse’s initials. Orrrrr wrap your bouquet with a monogrammed handkerchief. It’s your wedding day… you can do whatever you want!
Bottom line, simply by taking your first name initial, his first name initial and plopping your new, shared last name initial in the middle, you can create an abundance of choices to add to your big day! And who can’t get behind that?
And if you’re looking to add your monogram to your big day, be sure to check out our extensive line of Monogrammed Wedding Accessories & Personalized Gifts!
June 2, 2010
photo courtesy of beautifulblooms.com
YOWZAS! Talk about making a statement from floor to ceiling… floating or hanging wedding décor is one way to get more bang for your buck! Because they offer a means to create more levels of dimension throughout your entire reception hall, you’ll easily streeeetch your real estate dollar to its fullest potential by filling in areas that otherwise would be lost… And who doesn’t love that??
After perusing through several images on BeautifulBlooms.com, I couldn’t help but be inspired by these float-tastic furnishings and immediately set off on a journey to discover more. (Of course by “journey,” I mean manic mouse clicking and by “discover,” I mean whatever Google Images wanted to show me… but alas, I digress.) I went absolutely Lady GaGa for the one of a kind, optical illusions they create and fell even deeper in love when I realized their practicality.
Not only do these suspended superstars create an allstar look, but they also offer brides and grooms a way to decorate their tables without blocking the view of their guests. Because big, bold centerpieces can create such big, bold WOW factors, so many brides are drawn to them… but they don’t always create the most rational way for your guests – seated in between and across from them – to communicate to others or worse yet… see you! Blasphemy!
Hence, only furthering the appeal of hovering centerpieces! By cutting out the middle “man” altogether and suspending the décor, you can be as big and bold as you want without blocking the view of your guests! It’s a win / win for everyone!
Just be sure to go over things with your venue. Since some of these will more than likely need more planning to accomplish, you should definitely work with your reception hall vendor and / or coordinator to make sure they go off without a hitch!
And if you’ve found yourself already booked to venue that doesn’t allow or have a means to hang things, there are still several options for you to create this look. One, consider using super tall, thin vases and placing floral or “pom pom” styled arrangements on the tops only. This will ensure you’ll get the height you want with minimal to no distractions of your guests… Or I like the idea of using large, elevated glass cylinders. You can fill them to the top with water, creating the illusion of “clear” space, and crowning them with your favorite flower buds, floating candles or fiber optics.
March 17, 2010
Photo Courtesy of the tennessean.com
Thanks to celebrity power couples like Tom and Katie, Eva and Tony and Victoria and David, castle weddings are becoming all the rage for brides the world over. Providing the best in dream-come-true- appeal and over the top glam-ocity, it’s easy to see why a castle would make an idyllic setting for the princess bride in all of us.
… But what happens when there’s a trim budget to take into consideration? Is a Castle Wedding still possible? Well, according to Jessica Patterson and Matt McCullough, it sure the heck is!
Recently featured in the Tennessean, Patterson and McCullough tied the night this Valentine’s day (2.14.2010) at their favorite castle during the wedding ceremony of their dreams. Under a very tight budget and the unmistakable glow of fluorescent lighting, the couple said “I do” front of all their family and friends inside of one the world’s most famous (and delicious) castles ever… White Castle.
That’s right. Home of the world famous sliders and Patterson’s job for the last four years, the Murfreesboro White Castle provided the perfect setting for their newlywed nuptial love to shine, and it did it all without breaking their bank.
With the help of her co-workers, family and friends, Patterson was able to pull off the day she has now dubbed “the happiest day ever” and was quick to credit all those who assisted in getting the plans together. “I’m just tickled it turned out so nice,” she said. <Siiiighhhh> Young love :)
So, without further adieu, can I just say that I love this? I’m all about couples making their wedding day their own, and this, my dear friends, is making it your own. To me, Patterson and McCullough knew the “who” on a wedding day is a schmillion times more important than the “what, where, when, why and how’s.” Consider yourselves, Marilyn’s Keepsakes approved, Julie and Matt and cheers to many years of happiness!
…
P.S. Feel free to send any of the leftover reception treats to me. Goodness knows, I’m always down to get my onion petal / chicken ring / slider munch on!
February 15, 2010
Photo Courtesy of Intimate Weddings
I may not know much, but I do know this: Weddings Are Expensive. And I’m not just talking about the main venues (reception hall, food, booze, dress, etc.); I’m talking about eeeevvveeerrryyyythiiiing, and one wedding detail that are often times overlooked in expense are flowers. My poor father – who was constantly being told by my well-intentioned mother, “Just shut up and pay, William… just shut up and pay” – had a very hard time keeping quiet about the florist’s bill… so hard of a time, in fact, that he decided not to keep quiet at all. Haha!
I’m not kidding you, the man almost fell out of his chair when he read the circled price hovering over the dotted line. Then, while readjusting his specs and squinting his eyes, he almost immediately began making remarks that would hit home to fmost athers around the world. “Are you kidding me? For flowers?? Why on God’s green earth… (inaudible grumbles)… But they’re dead the next day!”
And while I love love love flowers (what girl doesn’t?) I’m afraid I had to agree. Like every bride, I had to find the balance between my dream wedding and our actual budget. We started throwing out ideas, and we decided it might be fun to make the bridesmaid bouquets ourselves and save on the expense of having a florists bring them in.
What You Will Need:
- Flowers (focal, filler & greenery)
- Vase
- Vase Filler
- Scissors
- Floral Tape
- Finishing Ribbon
- Straight Pins
- + Any Additional Accessories of your Choosing (ie. lace, tulle, beads, etc.)
What You Will Do:
First, gather your flowers, vase and vase filler. Be sure your vase is congruent to the size and shape you want your bouquet to be. Add in the vase filler of your choosing to the bottom of the vase. Sand, beans and pebbles all work nicely and will make arranging your flowers much easier.
**Extra Tip** Whether you choose real or fake flowers is totally up to you! But if you choose to do real flowers, check out FiftyFlowers.com. They sale large quantities of flowers at wholesale prices and also provide tips on flower combos and arrangements. For fake flowers, try a local arts and crafts store. Places like Hobby Lobby and Michael’s have large selections of flowers, as well as a number of products you can use to “spruce” up your bouquet.
Next sort your flowers by color, bloom size and the amount intended for each spray and trim their stems to equivalent heights. This will make it easy for you to build your bouquet, as well as keep it organized.
***Extra Tip*** When trimming the stems of real flowers, be sure to cut them under water with sharpened scissors. This will help keep the bloom healthier for longer.
Then, using the vase as your holder, start placing in your flowers. Because larger blooms are more difficult to maneuver, you should start with them first. Work your way from the center, outward and alternate from color to color (when applicable) until a desired look is achieved.
After all your larger blooms have been added, start adding any “filler flowers” or smaller blooms into the bare areas of your bouquet, followed by any greenery. This will give your bouquet a full and polished look.
***Extra Tip*** Great filler flowers can be found anywhere. The most popular choices include: hydrangea, baby’s breath, asters, statice or limonium flowers and blooms, which feature several buds on a single stem.
Once you’ve reached the desired amount of flowers and size of your bouquet, shift them around and rearrange them accordingly until you’re satisfied with the appearance. If you’re not completely satisfied, try adding in accent accessories, such as bouquet pins, picks or anything with sparkle.
After you have your bouquet positioned perfectly, remove it from the vase using your hands carefully, making sure to disturb the arrangement the least amount as possible. Then, using florist tape, wire or even a rubber band (depending on your preference), tie off the bouquet.
Finally, finish off your bouquet with any desired accents, ribbons or jewels and – voilà! – you’ve just made your first bouquet!
***Extra Tip*** If you’re having difficulty getting things “juuuust right,” try using a hot glue gun. This will ensure your arrangement stays in place.
January 22, 2010
Yes, that's a pic of bride, her groom & HER cake - CAN'T!
BREAKING NEWS: This just in, traditional wedding cakes are being invaded by their just as delicious counterparts… and the world, as we know it, will never be the same! (Cue the scary “dun! dun! dun! Music)
A wise man once said, “the times they are a-changin’,” and even though Bob Dylan originally wrote this particular lyric in 1964, no quote is more fitting for today’s modern bride. Pair the infinite amount of choices and opportunities a girl has with an unlimited quantity of search engines, hog wild imaginations and varying budgets, and there is no telling what color rabbit a bridal magician will pull out from under her hat. This is the same notion tapping in and taking over on the traditional wedding cake’s reign of supremacy. It is merely one more wedding tradition that has inevitably fallen victim to pomp, circumstance and apparently, bridal wizardry.
Ice Cream - Can!
Among the most well known cake alternatives are colorfully creative cupcakes and ultra yummy, candy bars. Arguably rivaling the notorious, traditional wedding cake, cupcake towers and candy bar buffets have really become household names in the wedding world. Working their way up the popularity ladder, these customized creations have proven time and time again, what they lack in tradition; they gain in delightful designs. Because both choices can be dipped, dolloped, shellacked, sprinkled and stacked any way a bride sees fit, they are easily taking over the market of goodies miniature in size but powerful in taste.
Doughnuts - Yum!
Not to be outdone by the more popular wedding cake alternatives, places like Baskin-Robbins and the Krispy Kreme Doughnut chain have also jumped on board the wedding dessert bandwagon. Each has started customizing delectable dishes for brides and grooms looking for something original and nontraditional. Krispy Kreme will refine, ruffle and raise up rows of doughnuts in the name of “holey” matrimony, while Baskin-Robbins likes to allow their newlyweds-to-be the option of choosing their favorite flavors to be merged and quaffed into a giant ice cream creation… giving ice sculptures and “cold feet” reassurance it’s super cool to be a part of wedded bliss. (What? Too much?)
Pork Pies - Huh?
And while chilled cream cakes and ice sculptures give couples a reason to freeze their assets, stacking their finger licking favorites in tiers is yet another alternative that will leave their guests with full bellies and warm hearts. Everything from fruit packed pastries to mousse filled toasting flutes and even pancakes and pork pies (yes, pancakes and pork pies!) have been displayed in reception halls across America. Not only can this cut down on service charges, but it also allows newlyweds the opportunity to have more than one choice. One of the most popular “tier”-ing choices is a combination of prepackaged confectioneries, such as Twinkies, Ding Dongs and Sno Balls, being assembled and stacked on cake plates and platters. These are obviously done by a bride looking to be the “Hostess with the Most-est!”
Pancakes - Yum!
But aiming to please isn’t the only reason people are leaning more toward wedding cake alternatives. More often than not, dessert options are decided by someone’s preferences, culture, heritage or beliefs; so, many couples will look to other parts of the world are looked to for inspiration. For instance, while many Americans humor in the fruitcake as a holiday gag gift, places like the British Isles, the Caribbean, Ireland and Scotland revere the fruit frenzy as a wedding day must have. Couples looking for something different might even look to Europe where France venerates its caramel covered, cream filled pastry towers (known as croquembouche) or Lithuania where sakotis – a cookie like dessert, shaped into a Christmas tree are nothing short of blue ribbons. Even newlyweds who (gasp!) don’t have a sweet tooth can look for inspiration in places like Korea who simply cover ground steamed rice in red bean powder or areas like Japan and India who use “dummy cakes” instead of the real thing. While the guests might not delight in eating cardboard, the wad left in a couple’s wallet from cutting cake costs will leave at least two people smiling.
Hostess Treats - Back to Yum!
Bottom line, wedding cakes and all their ensuing alternatives really don’t have any specific rules to follow. In fact, since everyone knows *calories don’t count when someone’s getting married, it may even be encouraged to go for the broke and try them all!
*not backed by scientific facts; only by the white lies people tell themselves to feel better.
October 23, 2009
Christina Aguilera + Her Halloween Hubby
While I was out on Wednesday for a marketing conference, I ran into an old friend – don’t you just love that? And pretty Ms. Nancy reported that she recently received a wedding invitation from an old, mutual friend of ours. Remembering the girl and how I admired her ability to march to the beat of her own drum, I was not in the least bit surprised that she was having a Happy Halloweener Wedding, complete with the instruction for guests to come in costume!
That’s right, her wedding wants to put everyone in the holiday spirit, and can I just say that I love love love it!!! I love hearing about different ideas and ways brides and grooms choose to showcase their love. Moreover, I’m stewing in my own misery for not keeping better contact with her – ‘cause you KNOW I would be decked to the nines for this bad boy! Hehe!
This was actually the same path my cousin Kelly wanted to take three years ago while planning her wedding. She has always had a severe crush on all things Halloween and delighted in the idea of surrounding her wedding with all things black and orange. She even toiled (pun intended) with the idea of costume/cross dressing as the groom and having Matt (the actual groom) wear the dress… haha, ohhhh Kelly.
Knowing Kelly very well, my Aunt and cousin decided it would be best not to say anything at all. For they knew, any objection or slight hesitation in their voices would only cause her to be more motivated, and after a couple days, the inspiration subsided. And while Kelly opted to have a very traditional wedding, it is by no means out of the reach of other brides to take a wedding theme over the top!
Go ahead and Google it… you just may be surprised all the things you can find. I literally saw everything from subtle hints of Halloween through candy bars, color accents and dim lit settings to the outrageously BOO-filled celebrations complete with the Bride of Frankenstein, black winged bridesmaids and graveyard ceremony settings. (Yeah, the last one creeped me out a little too.)
It almost makes me sad to know that I would never have courage to do something like this - as I’ve been dead set on being a “timeless” bride. I will, however, always take my hat off and applaud all the brave brides-to-be who dare to be different! Go ahead with your bad (and in this case, trick-or-treaty) selves!
October 16, 2009
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