Fall Weddings - pumpkin inspired

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Colors:Color Palette: Orange
Motif: Pumpkins

To celebrate fall I decided to create a fall inspiration board with pumpkins as the theme. I found so many ideas, I finally had to stop looking and start putting the images together. Would love to know what you think. Anybody planning a fall wedding? Shopping resources and image credits are below the photos.
Fashion & Accessories:
Bridesmaid Dress Alfred Angelo from House of Brides, Autumn Flower Hair Clip from Social Butterflies at etsy, Citrouille Earrings from Jennifer Rydin Designs at etsy, Handmade Fall Ring Pillow in Golden Autumn from Shabee Stiches at etsy

Decorations:
Pumpkin Paper Lanterns from Martha Stewart (love this idea - it's ordinary paper lanterns dressed up with leaves, a stem and tendrils - details project instructions here), Pumpkin Table Setting from Martha Stewart with How-To, Carved Pumpkin from Brides.com, Husk Pumpkins from Plum Party

Invitation:
Fall Wedding Invitation from Naptime Productions

Favors & Place Cards:
Glass Pumpkin Place Card Holder from My Wedding Market, Pumpkin Soap in Gift Box from Plum Party

Desserts:
I love the idea of serving pies and sweets to guests. One unique idea is to create a dessert bar and offer bakery bags or boxes for your guests to take home some sweets. The Pumpkin Biscotti and Pumpkin Ginger Nut Muffins from Simply Recipes are perfect selections to include. The pumpkin pie with orange marmalade is from Toni's Kitchen. I love the presentation of the Pumpkin Spice Cakes from Country Living, perfect for the dessert bar too. If you choose to forgo the traditional wedding cake, why not serve your guests one Pumpkin Cake per table from Williams-Sonoma? Each cake serves 8-10 and is 5 moist layers of double-chocolate cake with a chocolate-truffle cream filling. Presented on a cake pedestal, it's sure to be a spectacular presentation.

A Fun Save the Date Card

just had to share this with you - found it while looking thru flickr. Clicking on the image will bring you to the flickr page that explains about the Save the Date.

Cupcakes by the Season

In continuation of wedding cupcake week, I've put together some sweet cupcake eye candy for you organized by season. If you know of any other cupcakes, please leave a comment with a link to the image/photo.
fall season:
Apple Cupcakes from Martha Stewart {with recipe}
Top Right from blue cupcake
Bottom Left from jen's desserts
Pumpkin Patch Cupcakes from Martha Stewart {with recipe}
winter season:
Christmas Tree Cupcakes from Martha Stewart {with recipe}
Chocolate-Almond Cupcakes from epicurious.com
Winter Wonderland Cupcakes from Cupcakes Take the Cake
Red Velvet Cupcakes from Brides.com
spring season:
Hummingbird Cupcakes from Martha Stewart {with recipe}
Pansy Cupcakes from Woman's Day {with recipe}
DIY Pansy Cupcakes from Brides.com
Daisy Cupcakes from Woman's Day {with recipe}
summer season:
Ice Cream Cupcakes from Martha Stewart {with recipe}
Blushing Grapefruit Cupcakes from Woman's Day {with recipe}
Kiwi Strawberry Cupcake from Sweet Avenue Bakeshop's blog
Beach Cupcakes from Martha Stewart

Free Digital Photobooks from Inkubook

Laura from Inkubook has provided me with a great offer that I have to share with you.
Inkubook is a new collaborative photo book making web site and to help celebrate their recent launch, Inkubook is giving away free digital scrapbooks. Digital scrapbooks are an ideal way for a bride to create a professionally-bound photo album with pictures from their wedding or honeymoon trip. The pre-made page designs are ideal for busy newlyweds – you simply drag and drop your pictures into the pages. For advanced digital scrapbookers, custom page designs can be used as well – you don't have to stick with the pre-made designs. These photo books are even perfect for engagement photos, guest books, and gifts for the parents . . . the ideas are endless.

To receive your free digital scrapbook from Inkubook, simply follow these three steps:
1. Sign up with Inkubook and start making your free digital scrapbook
2. Using the "Invite Friends" feature, invite someone to join Inkubook and submit a few photos/page designs to include in your book. Inkubook will send them a promotion code to use for a free digital scrapbook.
3. When you're finished with your free digital scrapbook, enter this promotion code at checkout: EJR372. You pay only shipping charges to receive your free book. (Basic shipping options are $6.99 for Media Mail and $8.99 for Standard Ground)

Additional books start at just $13.95 for a 20-page softcover book and $24.95 for a hardcover. The above code is good for one book of any size, hardcover or softcover. Inkubook currently has three different options you can select from (8.5x8.5 softcover, 11x8.5 landscape hardcover and 8.5x11 portrait hardcover). Additional information on this special offer can be found here.

Fuchsia and Navy Blue Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Colors: Raspberry Pink and Navy Blue
Motif: Raspberries and Blueberries
On Friday - Kim {from The Event Essentials blog} posted about fuschia and navy weddings as she is now a matron of honor for her dear friend who wants a blue or deep purple and the fiancé wants a raspberry pink color. She posed a question wondering if anyone would help her create some fun color palettes with the magenta/raspberry/fuchsia pinks and aqua/navy blue scheme. So, here we are. This is my inspiration board for the wedding and the more I thought about it, I realized why not actually incorporate raspberries and blueberries into the overall theme. I absolutely love the bright pink centerpiece arrangement {from Table Settings with Pictures}. Adding candles that float atop blueberry filled cylinders with small galvanized pails that are filled with fresh blueberries would complete the table setting. The perfect favor for your wedding guests would be homemade raspberry jam. Add your guest names to the lid and you have both a personalized favor and place card. {favor image from Martha Stewart, the recipe for Red Raspberry Jam is also available on her site} The navy and pink wedding invitation from Custom Programs is the ideal invitation to introduce your color scheme to guests. The wedding dress {from David's Bridal} features a ribbon waist accent (in your choice of colors) and comes with sleeve options (if desired). The bridesmaid dress is a crinkled chiffon A-line frock with a ruffled halter neckline and a navy sash from Alvina Valenta. The finishing element for those who wish to serve their guests an alternative to the wedding cake is a Very Berry Cupcake {from Ana Henneberke's flickr gallery}.

Additional Images:
Floral Bouquet from Amy Squires and others from Brides.com

Red Leopard Bridal Shower

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Ideal for: Lingerie Themed Bridal Shower
Motif: Leopard Print

I came across the Red Leopard Style&co. "Jules" Slide from Macy's and loved them. From there, the inspiration for a red leopard bridal shower began (although this could easily be used for a bachelorette party too). The leopard handmade bodice sachets from Beau-Coup are the cutest. They could be used as either favors or used in centerpieces. Another idea for guest favors is the personalized Leopard Print Mint Tins from Wedding Favors Unlimited. The Leopard Print & Sparkly Shoe Cake is from the flickr gallery of Debbie Does Cakes. The Leopard Bridal Shower Invitation is from Angel Custom Creations and is only $1.35 each for smooth paper and $1.65 each for a linen finish. You customize the invitation with the wording of your choice. The Betsey Johnson Leopard Charm Bracelet from Macy's is a stylish accessory for the bride to either wear to the party with a red dress or as a themed shower gift. And lastly, the Leopard Nightie from Sleepy Heads with matching Leopard Cosmetic Bag set is a wonderful gift for the bride's honeymoon bag.

Another perfect invitation for a lingerie themed bridal shower (not shown) is the Leopard Print Bra and Panties Die Cut Invitations from Paper Style.

Strawberry and Lemon Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Color Palette: Red, Yellow and hints of Orange
Motif: Strawberries and Lemons

I love the idea of a strawberry/lemon theme for an outdoor summer or early fall wedding (could be used for a bridal shower too). Maybe instead of a cake or cupcakes for dessert, you might consider serving pies or strawberry shortcakes. It's something unexpected for your guests, but one I'm sure they will love.
Image Credits and Resources:
Berry Basket Favors from MarthaStewart.com {send your guests home with fresh strawberries and scones to enjoy the next morning}, Table Setting with gingham napkins from Brides.com, Citrus Centerpiece from Brides.com, Red Beaded Silk Chiffon Dress from Nordstrom, Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes from Deirdre Jean's flickr gallery, Polka Dot Chrysanthemum Wedding Invitation from Sutherland's flickr gallery, Red Crinkle Patent Leather High Heel from Zappos, Sweet & Refreshing Homemade Lemonade and Strawberry Daiquiri from Hostess Blog, Cultured Pearls Swarovski Fire Opal necklace {with earrings} from ynakeelady2's etsy shop

My Wedding Labels - save 15%

My Own Labels is currently offering 15% off any purchase until August 31, 2008. Coupon Code: CPZ12A

I'm sure some of you have probably heard of My Own Labels, but if not, I wanted to show you some of my favorite ideas they showcase on their site. The designs (available in many different sizes and shapes) are eye-catching and completely customizable to your needs - all at affordable prices. On their site, you can find labels for all kinds of items (including wedding, food/craft, wine, cd, and more), favor tags, place cards, coasters, boxes and bags, and bottled water labels (with and without the actual bottle).
I love the ideas section - it's filled with sample labels, suggested phrases/sayings, and beautiful photos for helping you see what the finished product might look like.

PS: Don't forget to use coupon code CPZ12A and save 15% on your order thru August 31st.

Paper Lanterns at Weddings

I'm loving the look of paper lanterns at wedding receptions - particularly for outdoor weddings held under a tent after dark. The lighting they create is so romantic. Luna Bazaar recently joined our wedding directory and they offer paper lanterns in over 50 great colors to decorate your wedding with. Here are some inspiring photos from Luna Bazaar and other sources (credits below the montage). If you are having paper lanterns at your wedding, I'd love to hear about it.
Image Credits:
Top Left: Luna Bazaar
Top Right, Middle Row: Brides.com
Bottom Left: Marie Labbancz courtesy of Southern Weddings
Bottom Right: Sublime Photography courtesy of Southern Weddings

Pink Gerbera Daisy Bridal Shower

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Color Palette: Bright Pink
Motif: Gerbera Daisies

While this inspiration board could easily be used for a summer wedding, I initially created it for a fun, "just us girls" bridal shower. My starting inspiration? . . . the yummy looking cupcakes.
Image Credits and Resources:
Gerbera Daisy Cupcakes from Pink Cake Box, Table Setting from lisarunolfson's flickr gallery, Donna Morgan Cap Sleeve Eyelet Dress from Nordstrom.com, Gerbera Daisy Invitations from My Personal Artist, Flower Arrangement from Brides.com, Cointreaupolitan Cocktail with recipe from Cointreau.com, Gerbera Daisy Favor Boxes from My Wedding Market, Azalea Necklace from Brooke Marton's etsy shop

Unique Wedding Centerpiece Idea

Web Site Find
I'm loving this alternative idea for either bridal shower or wedding centerpieces - it's a centerpiece and favor combo in one. (Thank you mom for bringing this site to my attention) The company is Florelle™ and they offer bouquets made up of candy-filled wands that each guest at your table can take home. They offer centerpieces for tables of 8, 9, 10, and 12. You select the colors, gourmet candy filling of choice (ex. sugar coated almonds, after dinner mints, sweet heart candies, etc), the size of the wand, and if you wish to, you can personalize the favors with the name and date of your event.

This idea is so clever. And, flowers can still be incorporated into the favor centerpieces if desired. There are over 40 colors to select from and you can have your centerpiece be comprised of one or more colors. There is sure to be a color that will match your event. To speak with a Florelle™ designer, you can call toll-free 1-800-768-7116 or 1-800-746-0429.

Has anybody used this type of centerpiece before? What are doing for your bridal shower or wedding centerpiece arrangements? I'd love to hear your ideas on unique centerpieces.

Blue and White Summer Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Color Palette: Indigo and White

The following inspiration board I've put together would be perfect for a summer wedding - particularly a seaside affair.
Image Credits and Shopping Resources:
Blue Sailboat Tea Light Holders from Beau-coup, candy table display from Brides.com, Letterpress Wedding Invitation from Wedding Paper Divas, Onda de Mar Mini-Comb from Pavoreal's etsy shop, Blueberry Hill Cupcakes with recipe from epicurious.com, Coastal Wedding Cake from Brides.com, Dress from Chadwicks on Brides.com, Tate Jeweled Shoe with steel diamante heel from Dikuza, Floral Bouquet from Brides.com

Damask Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Color Palette: Black and White (or Cream)
Motif: Damask
Today I decided to put together a black and white inspiration board with a damask theme - I've kept the board to just black and white as you can easily add any color to be the accent. But, be careful to not overdue the damask - not everything has to have the damask pattern on it. For example, I wouldn't pair the damask dinnerware set on top of the damask table runner. If using the dishes, I would have the table runner be a solid of the chosen accent color. If you use a solid color table runner, the Damask Table Cards from The White Aisle would look wonderful on each table. (thank you to Teresa of The Homestead blog for the table setting photo)

The Black Damask Wedding Invitation Set from Social Circles is absolutely beautiful and the bow matches the one that's on the back of the Blue by Enzoani wedding dress (image courtesy of Brides.com) If you are looking for a wedding invitation that pairs well with the damask theme, but doesn't have the pattern, you might want to consider the Falling Petals Wedding Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas. The Damask Wedding Ring Bearer Pillow from Chubby Monkey pairs well with both the invitation and wedding dress. At the Chubby Monkey shop, you can also find Mint Matchbook Style Party Favors in Damask (not shown).

For your bridesmaids, the Victorian Damask Acrylic Heart Necklace from Heatherly Designs would be a wonderful gift and one they could wear the day of the wedding with their Kimba Travel Dress from White House Market.

The Damask 16 piece Dinnerware Set from Target is a perfect registry item or, if the budget allows and the bridal shower is kept to a small number of guests, why not purchase this dinnerware to serve food in at the shower? Then, the bride can keep the dishes for use after the wedding. For a truly amazing damask bridal shower in black, white and green, please check out Jennifer Skog's blog - she's a talented photographer in Northern California and the bridal shower shown was her very own.

For favors, I selected to show the Simple Sophistication Favor Kit from My Wedding Favors to show that it doesn't have to have the damask pattern on it to fit in with the overall theme. This favor box is elegant and features a monogrammed circle seal with gold dot border.

Is anybody having black and white wedding? A damask wedding? Has any photographer or wedding planner worked with a bride and groom on a wedding with this particular theme or colors? Please email me at brenda{at}bestweddingsites{dot}com to have your wedding featured here.

And lastly, here are a few additional items I found that I just didn't have room to fit in the inspiration board:
Black and white pattern cake from Pink Cake Box
Personalized Mint Tin from My Wedding Favors
Damask Mint Tins from Wedding Things

Lemon Yellow Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Color Palette: Yellow
Motif: Lemons
My inspiration for this board began with the photo of the bride and groom behind the lemon yellow parasol (photo taken by Hollye Schumacher Photography). This board could easily be used for a bridal shower or wedding. The citrus centerpiece (courtesy of Martha Stewart) features lemons and grapefruits in a glass compote with a menu card on display. This would be the ideal tabletop display for summer weddings. The bouquet (from BHG.com) features garden roses and berzillia berries. The Palm Springs invitation suite is from Kenzie Kate Invitations and features a bright yellow and sleek silver design with timeless graphic patterns and delicate line work. The Lemon Cupcake courtesy of bumbleberry cakes. There's also a great recipe for lemon bars on Niki's site with beautiful photos (they would be perfect for a bridal shower dessert).

Aqua and Red Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
In honor of the 4th of July weekend, I wanted to create an inspiration board with the popular aqua color paired with red. Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

Image Credits: Dress from David's Bridal, Wedding Cake with Hydrangeas from Patricia's Cake Creations, Rose Bouquet from rpslee's flickr photo gallery, Vintage Damask Wedding Invitation from Wedding Paper Divas, Mini Aqua Blue Favor Boxes from the Best Wedding Sites Store, Satin Pumps from Zappos.com, Wedding Programs courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Wedding Details

The week continues with more from the NJ Wedding Salon - here's a few of my favorite detailed photos I took while at the show...
Glass votive holders hanging from tree branches were the centerpiece for the escort card table upon entrance created by A Touch of Elegance. Below is another view of the amazing display. Pink beaded napkin ring holder with edge of beaded plate from Select Event Rentals. Close-up of Vera Wang wedding gown modeled at exclusive fashion show. Customized napkin ring from Boxwood Linen.

Pink and Green Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Color Palette: Green and Pink
Motif: Polka Dots
I love the pink and green color combination. This inspiration board began with the bottom right photo (dress, shoes and purse in one great shot) and evolved into a green and pink polka dot theme. The above scheme would work for either a bridal shower or wedding (for the bridal shower the bride could wear the pink dress and green satin shoes with the beaded purse, or this could be the look for the bridesmaids at a wedding).

The inspiring fashion photo and centerpiece with the polk dot round table card is from Brides.com. The centerpiece features peonies, sweetpeas, roses, fiddlehead ferns, mint and geranium leaves. The polka dot chinese takeout favor box is from Favor Studio and the pink/green floral cupcakes displayed on polka dot paper are from be cheery's flickr photo gallery. The green and pink flower pendant from Kralenimpressie (Bead Impressions) etsy shop is absolutely beautiful and would be the perfect bridesmaid gift for this color palette.

Orange and Fuchsia Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
Color Palette: Bright Orange with a hint of Fuchsia
My starting image for this inspiration board was the beautiful cake photograph taken by Amy Squires (AKA: one of The Wedding Chicks). I noticed there was a bit of fuchsia color in the flowers surrounding the cake, so from there I looked for matching elements. I'm thinking about entering this inspiration board into a contest - if it's selected as one of the finalists, can I count on your vote to help it win? More details to come if I'm selected.

Additional Image Credits:
Orange glow reception from Weddings Costa Rica wedding planner, Larissa, Rum and pomegranate cocktail from Brides.com, Orange bouquet from Brides.com, Jeweled party shoe from Dikuza.com, Love Today Tomorrow Always Wedding Invitation Collection from SandyPhotoArt's etsy shop

Green and White Weddings

Ideas and Inspirations | Photos and Galleries
motif: green apples
A green and white wedding theme with apples would be ideal for a late summer or fall wedding. My inspiration began with the cake from Sweet Pea Bakery (photo taken by Herbert Harper at flickr). The small berries reminded me of green apples.

Additional Image Credits:
Green Apple Escort Cards, Flower Bouquet, Reception Centerpiece, Bridesmaids in apple green silk dresses from Simple Silhouettes, and the Apple Martini are all from Brides.com, Radient Rose in Green Wedding Invitation is available from Invitation Consultants

A Flower Inspired Bridal Shower Dessert

I found the idea for this amazingly cute and eye-catchy dessert from two food blogs and thought they would be perfect for bridal showers. On the Pioneer Woman Cooks blog, she calls them "Springy Flower Pot Desserts". At the My Sweet and Saucy blog, she re-creates the recipe from Pioneer Woman using mostly homemade components instead of store-bought ones. Both blogs have step by step tutorials to create these unique fancy flower pot desserts. To make these desserts, you place a round piece of pound cake on the bottom of a terra cotta pot with a straw inserted into the middle. Then you layer with ice cream or gelato and your "dirt" mixture. You insert your flower into the straw and your done. Very clever idea.

Image Credits:
Top Left, Bottom Left and Right: My Sweet and Saucy
Top Right: The Pioneer Woman