ban.do corsages

It is very clear that I have an obsession with ban.do and I think they know it since they are always sending me goodies to my inbox. And, well, today was no different. I opened my inbox to find an email introducing ban.do corsages and really, I couldn't be more in love.

Aren't they gorgeous?! Not only are they the most adorable everyday accessory but they could totally be used on your wedding day. They are the perfect unique bridesmaid gift or they could be an alternative to real flower corsages. Real flower corsages are always gorgeous but lets be honest, they don't fit the style and design of every wedding. (think J.Crew, picnic, on the beach, on a boat, at city hall, etc.) Really, had these beauties been around on my wedding day I may have designed the entire affair around them.

Thank you ban.do for being fabulous!

Find Inspiration Everywhere

My mother-in-law is currently in the middle of remodeling her bedroom and is stuck on choosing (and finding) the perfect shade of purple paint to be used on an accent wall. For weeks, she has been gathering paint samples from various stores and has spent hours starring at them trying to decide which color is best. In fact, she even has an "inspiration" folder with every shade of purple you could imagine.

This same process reminds me how hard it is for brides to make decisions about their wedding design while being surrounded by the ever inspiring wedding magazines and blogs. There are so many options to choose from and so many pretty details that you can't help but love most of them and it's hard to resist wanting to incorporate them all into your event.

I told my mother-in-law exactly what I would tell one of my brides. Find something, whether it be a vase, a candle holder, a photograph, a fabric swatch, or a button that really inspires you and base your entire design around that. I promise it will help you to make decisions and will especially keep you on track in creating a cohesive design. While looking for inspiration try and keep in mind the overall feel you are trying to achieve, and once you've made a decision about design move on. Don't give into the temptation to tweak every last detail, you will drive yourself insane.

Now, go and find some inspiration!

Wedding Season Fever

I typically don't post many pictures or inspiration boards on this blog and that is definitely intentional. There are already so many lovely blogs that do that so well that I would rather concentrate on straight up advice, but today is different. The weather in Milwaukee has been so incredible lately that I can't help but let my mind wander into the upcoming wedding season. I've put together some of my favorite spring time finds for you, and hopefully that will help cure my Wedding Season Fever.

The bridal gown you are about to see from J.Crew is one of my new favorites. It's so romantic and whimsical looking-perfect for a garden wedding.

This bridesmaid dress is also from J.Crew (don't be mad, I have an addiction) and would be the perfect mate to this gorgeous gown. Also, take a note to the model's shoes. Who ever decided that bridesmaid's shoes need to be open toed, sparkly or a basic pump?

Oh, and this headband! There is nothing that makes a statement more than a beautifully designed accessory. (confession: I really wanted a different headband for my wedding, designed by ban.do, but I was concerned that it may look like a crustacean on top my head, thoughts?)

Lastly, I leave you with this stunning pair of shoes. A classic ivory in color but just so feminine in design. Wouldn't you love to enjoy your first dance wearing these beauties? I sure would!

So, anyone else have Wedding Season Fever?

Kicking off 2010 with Randomness...

I am continuously thinking of new ideas that I’d love to see at a wedding but don’t always have the right bride to use them for. So, to kick off 2010 I am sharing some of my favorites in hopes that at least one bride will be inspired and find them useful. Bear with me, they are very random.

How about a patterned wedding dress like this Oscar de la Renta beauty? It’s perfect for a bold spring wedding and would be gorgeous paired with this bridesmaid dress, in clementine of course.

Why not dress your maids in ball skirts like this one from J.Crew? It is totally unexpected but yet not too extreme. (By the way, if you use this idea, please ask me to be in your bridal party. I’ve been dying for an excuse to buy this skirt!)

Why not have an outdoor winter ceremony? If your ceremony is short and sweet it would be beautiful. As the guests walk into the candle lit pavilion hand them a hot chocolate and a blanket and they will be all set. Also, check out this post for some fun winter reception ideas.

In terms of décor, how about an all white wedding? Many people envision white as boring but I think the simplicity is beautiful. By using a mixture of creams and whites you won’t be obsessing on the right color which allows you to design more freely. The options are endless. Of course, in Milwaukee the perfect venue is The Art Museum.

Anyone else have a fun idea they'd like to share?

Blogs that are sure to INSPIRE!

I sometimes hate to admit it, but Milwaukee brides are a tad behind the times of wedding blogging and not to sound dramatic, but you are really missing out on some great inspiration. So, my gift to you this holiday season is a list of my favorite daily wedding reads, which is sure to bring you up to speed.

Pearls Events Blog: This blog is written by Aletha Vandermaas, a Michigan wedding planner, who really knows her stuff. What I love most about this blog is every week it includes a series called, Weekend Eye Candy, which showcases beautiful Michigan weddings and is proof that Midwest weddings can be fabulous!

Style Me Pretty: This blog is really the “it” blog for inspiration. It is updated multiple times a day and showcases many different wedding styles. I highly suggest visiting this website in the early stages of your planning to help you define your style.

Style Me Pretty has also introduced Style Circle, which allows you to create your own inspiration boards. I played around with it the other day and it’s pretty fabulous. You can upload your own photos or use ones that are already provided. It’s really simple to use and will help you to create a cohesive design.

Hostess with the Mostess: This blog isn’t entirely wedding related it but it offers some incredible inspiration. Their posts include recipes, real party themes and popular trends. It’s a really fun blog and will sure to get you thinking about design.

DIY Bride: If you are a crafty bride, this is the blog for you. This blog includes (unique and fun) do-it-yourself project ideas, product reviews, and recommendations for the best crafty products out there. Also, if you are in need of any last minute Christmas ideas, This DIY Bride book is awesome!

What other fabulous wedding blogs are you reading?

Ideas for a Winter Wonderland Reception

Milwaukee has recently been dumped with some snow, which inspired me to come up with some fun ideas for a winter themed wedding.

Warning: These ideas are for the couple who are true snow enthusiasts. Making any of these ideas a success will be a challenge and are dependant on many factors such as snowfall, venue and budget. Also, be sure your invitation is clear that guests should dress appropriately!

Sleigh Rides: Perfect for an intimate winter wedding. During cocktails or after dinner invite your guests to enjoy a quick sleigh ride. For bonus points, have hot chocolate waiting for them when they return to the party.

Ice Skating: This could be a really fun way to entertain your guests. Think about it, how often do you get to ice skate with all of your family and friends?

(Hm… you could even hold your ceremony on the ice!)

Snowman building: Go to a thrift store and gather winter accessories (mittens, hats, scarves, and sweaters) to be used to decorate snowmen. Encourage your guests to create the best snowman they can with the props you have supplied and give the winner a prize. Of course, you and your new husband are the judges.

Sledding: Yes, I know this is a bit extreme, but it’s perfect for a casual picnic style winter wedding. Provide your guests with all different types of sleds from your childhoods (or the local Wal-Mart) and let them loose. If the space permits, start a fire and cozy up with your guests.

Anyone else have some fun alternative winter reception ideas?

Let it snow!