What are Save the Dates?

 

I read somewhere that brides should send out their "Save the Dates” about 6 months in advance. When I was discussing this with my sister in law, she asked the common question: What exactly is a Save the Date and why is it different from a wedding invitation?

A save the date is a notice stating the date of a significant event. In this case, a wedding. It is generally addressed to those likely to be interested in attending so that they can keep this date free of other activities. Many brides opt for the save the date to be formal, however, if the wedding isn’t extremely formal, the bride will just verbally inform everybody.  

For weddings, save the dates usually take the form of a card. These days, this card can be customized for coordinate with the wedding theme, if the bride has picked it out already. Save the Dates are usually mailed out at least six to twelve months before the wedding date. They are followed by the formal wedding invitation, which is detailed with times, locations, etc. While the save the date started as a wedding formality, it is now used by individuals, businesses, and organizations to announce the date of any special event.

Save the Dates

Wedding Cakes, Cupcakes or Both?

 

I went traditional with my wedding cake. I did a 3 tier vanilla cake with buttercream frosting. It was beach theme so I had a beach wedding cake topper and there were edible chocolate shells. It was quite delish, if I must say so myself.

I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that the cake was the most fun part of planning my wedding. I tossed the ideas around and browsed pictures for hours. At first, I wanted a cupcake tower. I searched for hours, found so many that I liked and printed pages and pages of samples.

Then, I changed it to a half and half cake. The top was a 2 tier traditional wedding cake and the bottom was a huge cupcake display. This option is so fun because you can get creative – colorful and really use your imagination.

In the end, the traditional cake won. I found my cake topper worked best on a traditional cake – however, I cannot tell a lie. My heart ached for some cupcakes!

Whatever you decide to do, you can mix it up and get creative with various cake toppers and styles.

Weddingstar Floral Art Deco Filigree Paper Cupcake Wrappers

Signature Wedding Cocktails

 

Drinks are a huge thing at a wedding. Many brides and grooms ponder the idea of an open bar for hours. If you’re on a budget, an open bar might not even be an option. If you really wanted to serve your guests a drink, consider a “signature cocktail”. In fact, this idea is so popular, it’s even available WITH an open bar!

A “Signature Cocktail” is a cocktail that is prepared and sometimes even named after the bride and groom. They are generally fun, tasty and a huge hit at any wedding reception! The best part, the bride and groom have the “grueling” task of testing each and every cocktail until they find one that works the best! Sounds like a rough evening, right?

If you have a particular color theme for your wedding, you may want to try and coordinate your Signature Cocktail with this. Especially because a beautiful tray of cocktails can certainly help finalize your “table-scape”.

Here is a great idea from the Weddingstar Blog:

Sophisticated Jello Shooter

Sophisticated Jello Shooter

1 package of Jello
1 cup boiling water
1 cup chilled Champagne

Add the Jello and boiling water and stir until powder is dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Slowly add the champagne and stir in. Pour into an ice cube tray and refrigerate until set. When the Jello has begun to set you can dust them with sprinkles or colored sugar for a little extra pizazz.

To loosen shots, dip the bottom of the trays in hot water for 5 seconds and then run a knife around the outside of the shot. To remove, tip the ice-cube trays upside down over a plate. Place on a serving tray and serve with tongs or serve individually in the glass of your choice!

The above images show a strawberry kiwi Jello – however, if you’re doing a different color, go ahead and switch up the flavors and colors!

If you do some research, there are millions of different cocktails out there. You can fancy each one up with your own style by using fancy cocktail glassware, straws and other items to “doll” up your famous mixture.

If you think that your cocktail will be a hit, think about incorporating the recipe into the favor for your guests to take home. You can also create recipe cards for your guests to pick up and take home.

A fun way to inform your guests of your Signature Cocktail is to include a sign at the front of the reception or announce it as drinks are handed out. Many brides and grooms include “beverage tickets” as a fun twist as well.

Keep in mind: Signature cocktails  can have a non-alcoholic version as well. I prefer to call these “mocktails” and they are fun for kids too!

Weddingstar Sippers Candy Striped Paper Straws

Planning a Spring Wedding

 

Many brides opt for Spring weddings because they are known for “rebirth” and starting life anew. It’s no surprise that couples say their vows during this time. Not only is Spring a spiritual time, it’s also one of the prettiest seasons. Perfect, cool weather. Fresh, wild flower galore. One downside of Spring: “April showers bring May flowers” was written for a purpose: rain is very common in all of the United States during the Spring months. If you’re planning a Spring wedding, make sure you have a backup plan which is indoors.

Similar to summer, another advantage of a spring wedding is the extra daylight. This gives you a few extra hours of sunshine, fresh air and wedding activities. Your wedding will last longer with the cooler temperatures and you don’t have to worry about mosquitoes, which tend to harass guests when the weather is more humid.

If you’re planning on fresh spring flowers, consider these popular favorites: tulips, daffodils, freesia, birds of paradise, orchids and more.

Wedding colors this year are making their rounds – I have seen many sites using white and apple green. Light pink and chocolate brown are very romantic as well. Spring is a light, fun time of the year.

Weddingstar Spring Colors Floral Oval Base with Pen

Wedding Bouquet Jewelry

 

I have done a lot of research on the 2013 bridal trends – and the one trend that is standing out to me is wedding bouquet jewelry.

When a bride is thinking of her bouquet, she typically thinks of the flowers and the wedding colors. This goes for the actual brides bouquet, the flower girls bouquet or any of the bridesmaids.  I have learned, however, that if you want to take your bouquet up a notch, you might want to look into bouquet jewelry or brooches.  

Wedding Bouquet Jewelry is a fun way to add your own style to your bouquet, but it also helps the bouquet stand out in your photographs.

Brooches and buckles are one of the most common ways to add a little pizzaz to your bouquet. These are typically wrapped around the stem of your bouquet. Generally these are inexpensive – yet the impact that they make is massive.

Decorative picks or “needles” are a huge benefit to your bouquet because they take a simple flower, such as a rose, and transform it into a unique flower that makes a beautiful statement.

Lillian Rose Peacock Bouquet

Winter Wedding Planning

 

I live in South Florida – there is no “real” winter weddings. It may get chilly for a few weeks but we don’t get to have that snowy winter wonderland wedding that many brides dream of. There are many ways to create a winter wedding, even if it’s not so cold outside.

#1) Atmosphere. Winter weddings are generally in the evening. I picture a cold night with the bride and groom indoor dancing by the candle light. Having said that, I think illumination is highly important.

#2) Colors. Winter wedding colors are pretty basic. Blue. Silver. White. While these traditional colors are beautiful, this year we are seeing a lot of rich browns included in the mix. A light blue with a warm brown can set the mood for a chilly winter wedding, even if it’s warm outside.

#3) Accessorize. Just because it’s not snowing outside doesn’t mean that you can’t bring the snowflakes INSIDE. There are tons of coordinating snowflake favors and accessories that can be used to really create a winter wonderland atmosphere. Hang pretty dangling snowflakes from the ceiling and scatter white holiday lights to create a magical experience.

#4) Chocolate. I mentioned the color chocolate brown above, but this is referring to the FOOD. Chocolate is thought of as a “warming” and comforting food. Many brides like the idea of giving personalized chocolate bars, personalized hot chocolate mix and even chocolate fountains! Guests with a sweet tooth will love this addition to your winter wedding!

Fashioncraft Snowflake Candles

Bellacroft’s #1 Winter Wedding Color Scheme

 

Brides have gone back and forth – but Bellacroft has made the decision! The top color scheme for the 2012/2013 winter wedding is: Chocolate and blue!

These colors were a match  made in heaven. The light blue plays perfectly on the deep, rich chocolate color. Luckily, you can coordinate with this theme perfectly.

Chocolate and blue weddings colors allow various different options because of the color shade options and the way that these colors blend together. Vibrant shades of blue such as “Tiffany blue,” go well with the richness of chocolate brown. Incorporate this wedding color scheme into your upcoming winter wedding so they add to the freshness of traditional white.

Cathy's Concepts Decorative Table Runner, Damask