Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Guest Buttons & Escort Cards

I came across this idea for your wedding guests and literally laughed out loud! I love it - personalized buttons for each guest, complete with a cute description or fun fact!

via Style Me Pretty
Quite the undertaking with a big guest count, but if you're having a more intimate affair, it'd be completely doable!

Talk about a way for your guests to get to know one and other - It's a perfect icebreaker. Plus, I feel like it's a great, tongue-in-cheek, but meaningful way to show guests that they are special to you and you're happy they came.

Attach a little tag to the back pin with their table number and you're set for escort cards as well!

What do you think? Could you think of a fun tagline for each of your attendees? Challenge accepted!


Friday, February 7, 2014

Patterned Bridesmaid Dresses

There are so many different options for your ladies these days! Way beyond the standard taffeta, solid colors and big bows - brides are branching out all over the place!

I'm sure you've seen the ombre' effect for your maids, and you've definitely seen the different dresses each in the same shades. Have you considered patterns though?!

via Style Me Pretty
I am loving these stripes! (especially with the pops of color on the shoes!!) It's super elegant with a twist!

via That Weird Fashion Girl
Isn't this floral gown stunning?! I kinda feel like a bouquet would be overkill here...she would look beautiful walking down the aisle with a gorgeous clutch (as pictured) or maybe with a candle or pretty lantern? Or for an outdoor ceremony - a parasol?!

via The Polka Dot Bride
The bride herself jumped on the pattern train here! That's right - the bride is the one in the floral gown with her ladies in solid complimentary colors - how different and special!

We've been in love with nontraditional bridesmaid dresses for awhile now...check out these stylish polka dot ladies post too!

Weigh in - are your girls wearing solid colors or a patterned gown?


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

City Map Seating Chart

My favorite weddings are the ones that incorporate special touches about the couple and what makes their love story unique. I love it when guests get to learn more about the bride & groom! Whether it's as simple as some childhood pictures, a sign with their love story, or table names with meaningful things on them, all of these details make the day that much more intimate.

I saw this and thought it was a really neat way to add that personal touch every wedding needs!

via Bridal Musings
This couple used a city map as their seating chart for guests! Each table was named after a different location in Paris and guests found their names and found their seats. You could use your home town, the city you met, where you got engaged....the possibilities abound!

Speaking from my Gator side - I think doing this with a map of the University of Florida campus would be Gatortastic! You could use your dorms, classes you had together, special campus landmarks...fun, right? (Obviously I'm biased here, but any college would be special and really unique!)

One of my rules is that you should always alphabetize your seating charts and escort cards - it's just immensely easier for your guests. I love this idea so much though, I'm willing to break the rule here (What's a rule without that exception, right?). If your guest count is on the smaller side, you'll be set. If you have a bit of a larger wedding planned, think about electing a special person (or wedding planner!) that has an alphabetized list to assist guests standing nearby.

How are your guests finding their seats?


Monday, February 3, 2014

Paper Cut Boutonniere

Not everyone loves the look of traditional boutonnieres. Maybe you're looking for something a little more on the modern side for those special guys in your wedding?

I came across this picture and thought it was such a different and fun idea!

via Brooklyn Bride
It's still romantic and whimsical (as all good boutonnieres should be), but it's sleek and modern with a fun twist at the same time!

Literally, ANY color, pattern, texture is open to you. I'd use the heaviest card stock that I could find to help it keep its shape throughout the day (and all those hugs). You can pick any flower silhouette you like.

Plus it's light! If your groomsmen will be rocking the suspenders or vest only look (or maybe even just a dress shirt and tie?) you'll need boutonnieres that are as light weight as possible. Traditional boutonnieres just are typically too heavy to stay upright without using a bunch of pins, which gets uncomfortable.  This would be the perfect solution!

For the full list of instructions, as well as a downloadable template, check out Brooklyn Bride.

She used a craft cutter to help keep the lines cleaner. While she doesn't specify how it's pinned on, I think any pin backing from your local craft store would be fine with some light glue at the biggest point of the flower.

Tell us what you think! Would you create these for your wedding?