Crowning Inspiration: GONE TO THE BIRDS!

Another 2013 trend is Birds.

Birdcages, birdcage veils, bird cake tops, birds on invites, birds in flowers, birds on charms.... these love birds are flying in and bringing good luck. Here are our favorite 

birdie finds on Etsy. Links below :) 

Shopping Links:

Cake Topper

Love Birds Napkins

Placecard for Glass

Birdseed Bags

Gift Tags

Family Tree

Crowning Inspiration: UNITY IN GLASS

Looking for a creative alternative to the "Unity Candle"? We are so excited that one of our June couples are going to be creating a piece of art work and new family heirloom with Unity in Glass by artist Lee Ware. Unity in Glass captures the beauty and intimacy of a bride and groom’s unity ceremony for eternity in an elegant, hand-crafted glass sculpture. What could be more perfect for Toledo brides and grooms? Toledo IS the Glass Capitol, after all...

How does it work?

1. Go to the website and fill out the required forms and purchase the special glass chips.

2. Ceremoniously mix your glass chips like you would sand

3. Ship the glass chips back to the artist in the pre-paid box

From there artist Lee Ware creates your piece and ships it back to you.

Crowning Inspiration: Taking the Time

Its so easy to think only about you and your groom when planning your wedding. After all, this is YOUR union, YOUR day. And you think, list and stay awake at night imagining of all the ideas you want to do, craft and incorporate into your wedding day. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is think of others' excitement for you: their wishes for you, their vision of your perfect wedding day. Its only human nature to get excited and there's nothing wrong with that. But be sure to remember other's, too. And I don't mean giving into their crazy ideas that make your skin crawl. What I mean is considering all the people that are celebrating YOUR day.

These pictures illustrate what I am getting at. This bride and groom took the time from their day to stop and spend some precious moments with the bride's grandmother. They brought along their photographer (hence the fabulous images from JP Photography) and videographer to capture the moment. They could have skipped it and spent the time taking pictures of just the two of them or hit their favorite bar with their bridal party for a celebration toast. But they didn't. They brought their celebration to her grandmother who could not be present at their ceremony that day. But she got all dressed up, her smile was her best accessory. And as you can see this was a moment worth living for!

 

Take the time to cherish the day. Don't rush to do everything "perfectly". Instead grab the moment. Savor the moment. Share the day. And that will make it even more special.

Crowning Inspiration: Long Table Runners

Long tables are one of the hottest trends in wedding design - and a favorite amongst my readers (as I can tell from the incredible page views from my last post on long tables!!!)

One of the greatest things I love about long tables is the ability to carry the eye from one end of the room to the other with centerpieces and also table runners. Check out these great table runners - don't they complete the look?!

Adding a table runner gives another dimension to your tablescape and also brings color and texture in an affordable way. Create groupings of centerpieces along the table and also add some candlelight for that romantic glow.

From a simple fabric, to one with a pattern or even objects (like the typewriter - so cute), moss, ribbons and dollies - your runner can be eye catching and complete the look with ease!

Crowning Inspiration: Covered Shoulders for Ceremonies

In yesterday's class that I teach at UT, we talked about the Orthodox and Jewish wedding ceremonies. I love the rich heritage and traditions that these ceremonies still hold strong to this day. One of the traditions includes modesty and covered shoulders. But not just modesty, covered shoulders can signify strength and the new role that women take in their marriage.

If you are considering covering your shoulders for your ceremony, check out these beauties I pinned on Pinterest. Most of the bolero jackets can be removed to show off your glowing skin for post-ceremony festivities and receptions.

Love how just a little jacket can add some variety to your wedding dress!

Crowning Inspiration: Flower Crowns

There's a new trend in bridal that we can't help but adore! For all of you who fell in love with Kate Moss' wedding spread in Vogue, then you will love new look of the bridal crown using flowers and foliages.

Check out these beauties to inspire your wedding day look:

1. etsy
2. etsy
3. etsy
4. Preston Bailey Brides
5. etsy
6. etsy
7. oncewed.com
8. etsy
9. Lovely Lost Things
10. etsy  

Crowning Inspiration: Long Wedding Tables

I love it when my clients request long wedding table(s). Sometimes we do many long tables and place them perpendicular, and other times we do one long table. I think the long table has a great significance to the idea of 'two families becoming one' at a wedding.

Here are my favorites I pinned on Pinterest - follow me!

Crowning Inspiration: Save-the-Date "Tie the Knot"

I can't resist sharing this cute idea for a Save-the-Date!

When guests open the card they "Tie the Knot"

Crowning Inspiration: Wedding Invitation Wording

The invitation can be one of the most difficult tasks a bride can do. So if you have already ordered yours, take a sigh of relief. But if its still on your to-do list, then this is for you.

The invitation sets the tone of the wedding. You don't have to break the bank on expensive letterpress or exquisite papers. But you don't want to go chipper-cheap (as I call it). Your paper shouldn't be anything less than 100lb. But my rule of thumb is 110lb at least. It should hold well in the hand, nice and firm. And if it doesn't, it will not hold up well in the mail and your guests will receive it with damaged edges or worse yet, creases.

I love the creations from Alicia Foehl of Sophie a Design Boutique.

The wording of your invitation is still very much rooted in etiquette. Its probably the most etiquette-binding formality left of the wedding.

Here are some proper ways to word your invite.

IF THE PARENTS ARE SPLITTING THE COST, VERSION 1

Mark and Mary McDonald & John and Judy Jones

request the honour of your presence

at the marriage of their children

Elizabeth Denise

and

George Michael ...

IF THE PARENTS ARE SPLITTING THE COST, VERSION 2

The families of

Elizabeth Denise McDonald

and

George Michael Jones

request honour of your presence ...

IF THE BRIDE AND GROOM ARE PAYING, VERSION 1

Elizabeth Denise McDonald

daughter of Mark and Mary McDonald

and

George Michael Jones

son of John and Judy Jones

request the honour of your presence ...

IF THE BRIDE AND GROOM ARE PAYING, VERSION 2

Elizabeth Denise McDonald

and

George Michael Jones

together with their families

request the honour of your presence ...

 

IF THE BRIDE’S PARENTS ARE PAYING

Mark and Mary McDonald

request the honor of your presence

at the marriage of their daughter

Elizabeth Denise
to

George Michael Jones

son of John and Judy Jones ...

IF THE GROOM’S PARENTS ARE PAYING

John and Judy Jones

request the honour of your presence

at the marriage of their son

George Michael

to

Elizabeth Denise McDonald
daughter of Mark and Mary McDonald ...

 

IF THE BRIDE AND GROOM AND BOTH SETS OF PARENTS ARE SPLITTING THE COST

Together with their families

Elizabeth Denise McDonald

and

George Michael Jones

request the honour of your presence ...

 

These versions are taking into account that there are no divorces, deceased parents, etc. If that is the case, then a few more rules apply. Also notice that I spelled "honour" in the traditional old English, which is preferred for formal invitations.

For questions about your wedding invitations, feel free to email me!

Crowning Inspiration: Tablescape Design | Perrysburg Event Coordinator & Designer

Check out the latest tablescape design on the website!

Special thanks to Ann Strickland of Bartz Viviano Flowers & Gifts 

and Jamie N. Koluch of Considering Lilies Photography. 

This concept was a fun reflection of our creativity and design talents! Its ultra feminine and chic design is perfect for weddings, bridal showers, birthday parties

or any reason for celebration! 

The items shown are rentable! Contact Brittany for details.

Crowning Inspiration: WTOL News Cip | Toledo - Perrysburg Wedding Planner

If you missed my WTOL Your Morning Saturday Special on Welcome Bags and Baskets, you can catch it here! And for more pictures and a complete list of the items,

you can view them here.

We are looking forward to sharing more tips and trends for Wedding Planning. Have suggestions or ideas, share them here! Or send me an email.

Crowning Inspiration: WTOL Your Morning Saturday | Welcome Bags & Baskets

Showcase your local favorites in your welcome bags and baskets with these fabulous Greater Toledo goodies!

Downtown Toledo Basket

This basket is perfect for guests staying at the Crowne Plaza or other downtown hotels. Include signature items from Petit Fours at The Oliver House such as their Cafe L'Orange Coffee and delicious apricot scones. Include a gift card and treat guest to afternoon tea and cookies on their seasonal patio.

And no Toledo welcome basket wouldn't be complete without Tony Packo's Pickles!

Perrysburg

There are many goodies in this bag to satisfy any sweet tooth! Perrysburg's famous Marsha's Buckeyes are a tribute to the state of Ohio or maybe your home team. Currently available in this two-package box, which can be customized, Marsha's Buckeyes will be introducing their new packaging in May 2011! Look for more details on this in the coming month.

Another town favorite is DebHouse Fresh Baked Goods. Not only are they great tasting, but the proceeds go to a great cause: The Deborah House, a home where shattered lives of young Romanian girls are being restored through education, counseling, legal services and lift-skills training. Choose from homemade cookies like chocolate chip and oatmeal cherry or their Lemon Bars, Buckeye Bars or Coconut Macaroons. A complete list of all their baked goods can be found online.

Another good tasting treat that goes to a good cause is Comfort Crunch: an artfully arranged, naturally sweetened mix of nuts and dried fruits in flavors such as Original, Pepita Pick-Me-Up, Toffee Talk and Ginger in a Snap. 5% of the net profit goes toward cancer support programs.

Your guests can have their cake and eat it on the go with Babycakes Cupcakes 2Go! These adorable pint sized goodies come a variety of flavors such as Brown Sugar Cinnamon Chip, Brownie Bliss, Dark Chocolate Raspberry and S'Mores Delight. Check out all their flavors online. Babycakes2Go lasts for ten days and guests can eat them whenever they want, even taking this treat home with its convenient jar and twist top. Customize the label with your monogram or personalized sticker for that added touch.

Nothing goes better with all these goodies than a good cup of coffee from Flying Joe at Levis Commons. Treat guests to their signature grounds in their guest room or invite them to check out their coffee house right for their delicious lattes ad fruit smoothies.

I love this recycled bag from Scoots on Louisiana. Its easy to pack home, yet strong enough to hold all these goodies!

Sylvania

If your guests are staying at the Wingate in Sylvania, than be sure to treat them to some Biggby Coffee and bagels from Barry's Bagels. For a truely "sinful" breakfast bread, include the 'Sin-O-Man' Cinnamon and Maple Loaf from Country Grain Bread Company or their HUGE cookies like Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter made with whole wheat flour. Call ahead and they will pre-package slices of the breakfast breads and cookies with personalized labels. Or add your wedding monogram like the one shown above.

Maumee

The place for good coffee, homemade scones and muffins in Maumee is Georgette's on Conant Street. Not only will you be supporting Fair Trade with their coffee, but Georgette's also provides jobs for individuals with developmental disabilities through their employment program. While you are there, walk through the shop to find a gift shop selling fair trade handicrafts.

The box pictured was provided by Georgettes and makes a great package for your guests. Personalize it by adding a label and some other goodies mentioned below.

Brittany's Top Ten Picks for any Welcome Bag or Basket:

1. Local Flavor: pick your favorites and include them. Even if it's something you make yourself or mom's cookies. It adds the comforts of home to your guests stay in Toledo.

2. Greater Toledo Guide from the Toledo Convention & Visitors Bureau. These are free if you call ahead and place an order for the number of guides you will need. Included are maps, reviews, restaurants and area attractions for cities and suburbs in the greater Toledo area.

3. Water: You can customize your water with labels from Collingwood Water. Or order stickers online. Use your wedding logo or monogram to complete the look.

4. Asprin or Tylenol: Packets of two pills are handy and really appreciated for headaches or long nights of partying. Find these at a dollar store or Warehouse Club like Sam's or Costco.

5. Mints: Whether they are needed to settle their stomach, or cover up their cocktail breath, these are sure to be used.

6. Keep in mind that guest maybe flying back home and you don't want a container or any item that is too heavy or un-packable. Small glass items can be rolled in clothes for safe keeping, and most containers can be folded up or gently smashed down for the trip home.

7. Keep it simple: Something sweet, something salty and a good drink will do the trick. For a sure winner, pop your own popcorn, or even get creative with some chocolate drizzled on top. Package it in small bags and tie them with a colored ribbon.

8. Include an itinerary or timeline of events. Just in case guests for got their invite, they can easily be reminded of the weekend's events. If you are providing transportation, include pick-up and drop off times. An example of this can be found on the Perrysburg Bag.

9. Share not only your favorite treats, but your favorite locations about town. If you have a late Saturday ceremony time, suggest places for guests to go during the day such as The Toledo Museum of Art or the Toledo Zoo.

or 4 guests.

Crowning Inspiration: Must-do Pre {& Post} Wedding Shots: Shoes Part II

Wedding Shoes are such a fun topic that I couldn't wrap it all into just one post!

If you missed the first post, check it out here.

Bridesmaids are stepping it up with fun colors and grooms & groomsmen are complimenting the bride's style with fun socks.

For the Groom, I love these "Cold Feet" Socks!
This DIY idea is compliments of Pretty Blog.
This creative template comes in blue or green. Just print and wrap up!
 

Where to shop? Love the colors and patterns from Happy Socks

Crowning Inspiration: Sweet Goodness

You can serve up some sweet confections and aid the tsumnami victims in Japan with these Cherry Blossom cup cake wrappers.

From March 16 to April 30, 2011, Dress My Cupcake will donate 100% of net proceeds of the sale of the Sakura Wrappers™ to Doctors Without Borders (MSF)to aid the victims of the Japanese tsunami and earthquake.

Japanese sakura, or "cherry blossoms" come into bloom once a year during March/April for only two weeks. The vibrance and beauty of the blossoming sakura represents the re-blossoming of the Japanese people.

Crowning Inspiration: Must-do Pre {& Post} Wedding Shots: Shoes Part I

Who doesn't love shoes?! Whether yours are high, platform, flat, kitten-healed, rubber-bottomed, laced-up, zipped-up or slipped on, a girl has to have her shoes!

From the moment Annie Banks, in the Father of the Bride 1991 remake, appeared in her wedding Sidekicks, brides have not been afraid to express their shoe style.

A trend we have been seeing for a few years is the wedding day "statement" shoe. Brides are expressing their wedding day colors and personality. A growing trend this year is the ultimate sparkly, crystal-embellished shoe {as seen in my last post} 

and a patterned shoe such as leopard print and polka-dots.

Be sure to capture your shoe-sonality on wedding day. Check out these fun "stems":

Shoot your shoes with rings, your bouquet or dress as the backdrop.

{look carefully at the above, top left image. Those shoes are in the chandelier!}

A few tips to insure the perfect pair:

- As popular as shoes are, its still all about the dress. You shoes should compliment your wedding day style - not overshadow or out-shine your dress. In other words, your shoes should complete the look, no steal the show.

- As fun as trends are, don't let them steer you away from your wedding day style. If you are reserved and graceful, go for a vintage, classic shoe in a softer color. But if you are loud and wild, go for a brighter shoe with accents.

- Comfort is key! You will spend a long day on your feet standing, dancing and walking. If you are questioning the comfort of your wedding shoes ask if they are returnable. Then take them home and walk around on the carpet. If you cannot make it an hour, you will not be able to break them.

- For some extra cushion be sure to check out Dr. Scholl's inserts. They also make great tokens to tuck into bridesmaids and mother-of-the-bride gifts.

- After your shoes are photographed and admired, you can add some extra traction to make sure you don't slip down the aisle. I love Foot Petals. They come in white for lighter-colored soles.

- No one is perfect and most likely your feet are not the same size. Be sure to get the right fit with added cushion to the back heal, arch or toes. More great options found at Foot Petals.

- Nothing can ruin the look more than going from some fabulous shoes to boring flip flops. To keep your groove going on the dance floor bring along some fun "pumps" or "sneakers" or classy ballet flats. I love the ballet flats and bamboo-lined flip flops from The Dessy Group. They have 180+ colors to choose from!

Look for Part II this weekend to include groom's socks and bridesmaids shoes!

Crowning Inspiration: Must-do Pre Wedding Shots

Before you say your "I Dos", there are a few photographs every bride must have: your bridal gown (without you in it), your shoes, your wedding bands & wedding day jewelry, your invitation, program and any other stationery used (menus, escort cards, place cards, welcome bag tags, etc.) and finally your bouquet (before its over handled, nudged and petals are bruised).

Basically, to sum it up: details, details, details!!!!

Let's start with the dress. I have spent quite some time looking for these shots. These are my favorites.

When thinking about where you are going to be getting dressed on wedding day, think about where you are going to hang your gown, the lighting, the hanger its on and the atmosphere.

Mix it up and include your Groom's tux or the bridesmaids dresses!
What's your favorite look? Photogs, tell us what angle you love to shoot the dress!

Crowning Inspiration: Escort Cards

Escort cards are one of the first things guests receive when they enter your wedding reception. Therefore they should make a statement!

Your statement doesn't have to be expensive. It can be creative with a DIY, easy project.

In order to create the perfect escort card, you need to know what it is. An escort card is a way of guiding your guests to their assigned table. It usually includes both couples names. For a formal event, it would include their proper titles:

Mr. and Mrs. John Smith

Table Nine

 or

Dr. and Mrs. Edward Kime

Table 9

For informal or casual settings, escort cards can be first and last names:

John and Kathy Smith

Table Nine

or

Ed and Liz Kime 

Table 9

If the couple is not married, you list the lady's name first, with the man's name below:

Ms. Kathryn LaPointe

Mr. John Smith

Table 9

All escort cards should have last names with a suffix, ("Jr.", "III", etc.) when necessary and be organized alphabetically.

If you are choosing to assign the seat of your guest at each table, then you will need a place card. The place card has one name per card, vs. the escort card has two names (or one name if attending solo). The place card can be on a menu, or tied to the napkin, placed on a glass, chair or above the plate. No matter where it is, it must be visible and easy to find to avoid confusion and delayed seating. If its too complicated it could delay the time your dinner is served, thus your food will be sitting under a warmer or in a

hot box continuing to cook and dry out.

One final tip: make a few extra "blanks" in case you need to change the seating arrangement, someone brings an unexpected guest, or you have a guest that didn't RSVP.

Crowning Inspiration: Black & Green Chic

Here's a little something I am working on for one of my June Brides, Emily.

She has chosen a black and green color scheme. We are going to play on this chic, elegant color tone and tie in elements of nature with some branching, curly willow and even some dramatic trees. Tables will be filled with candlelight to give the room a warm glow against the white and soft green hydrangeas.

Crowning Inspiration: Help with your Bridal Registry from the Martha

Martha Stewart. Who is not inspired by her organized, decorated, fashionably-tidy lifestyle of helping households live up to the ultimate American stigma. Even if she annoys you, you have to admit, she knows her stuff!

I have been savoring her Martha Stewart Wedding magazines for years... in fact my childhood room could have qualified for Hoarders with all the wedding magazines I saved over the years! I woke up one day and found recycling to be just as gratifying! I burned those issues to the brain! (wink, wink)

Spring is around the corner, and hopefully sooner than later if the Groundhog does his job this week. And with Spring comes a wonderful time for Bridal Showers. If you are already registered, thinking about it or dreading it, Martha's Registry list is something to review.

To read more about Martha's tips for your wedding registry, check out the article along with some tips on a modern registry.

P.S. Gotta love the colored cuisinart set! I have this set in PINK!

Crowning Inspiration: Romantic Candle Chandeliers

Hosting an outdoor reception or social gathering? Check out these chic, yet romantic

candle-lit chandeliers and votives!

They will look great handing from a tent, pergola, umbrella, or tree branch.

If you are feeling inspired and want to DIY, check out this design featured on Apartment Therapy from Sunset Magazine.

So easy and pretty!