Button Mums: The Not-so-Ordinary Wedding Flower

I initially started this post to talk about this gorgeous clutch and ring pillow covered with mums by Branch Design Studio and captured by Juliet Elizabeth Photography, but I got so inspired by these little flowers. They come in a variety of colors and are plentiful during the fall.





I love how these mums create gorgeous decor pieces were found on Wedding On The Brain blog.





Mums are the perfect flower to add that pop of color to a simple white table, like this gorgeous escort card table shown on The Bride's Cafe blog.

Simple + Sophisticated Centerpieces:: Bud Vases

Your decor does not have to look like you did it yourself. Bud vases with your favorite flower is a simple way to fill in space on a table, fireplace mantle, window sill or any open space. Remember sometimes less is more. Here is a little inspiration for you.




Check out more images from this great wedding designed by Bliss Event Group featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs, photographed by Rae Leytham Photography.


These pewter vases, blogged by Kenzie Kate, definitely would be modern touch to an already stylish event.


All inspiration should not just come from wedding related sources. I found this fabulous arrangement in Country Living Mag.


A little creativity never hurt anyone. I love this! Image found The Bridal Blog.



Gorgeous single rose display image found at The Knot.

Keep the Kids Busy

What kid does not like a good scavenger hunt? Keep your little guests busy with the simple game of I Spy. At their place setting equip them with the list of items, a pencil and a disposable camera for them to capture the items on film as they find them. Those of you trying to find something to keep the kiddies out of your hair, I think this is a great one. I'll be suggesting this to my September bride for her underage guests.

Find the list of items developed by Martha Stewart Weddings here.




Image from Martha Stewart Weddings

Carolina DIY Brides: The Ultimate DIY Workshop

The Ultimate DIY Bridal Workshop

A Day with the DIY Bride Khris Cochran

presented by: Shanika J. Butts of SJB Weddings & Events and SJB Weddings & Events: the blog

Who: If you are interested in having a hands on learning experience on creating fabulous accessories and centerpieces for your wedding this is the workshop for you.

When: Saturday September 26, 2009 and Sunday September 27, 2009

Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Where: Embassy Suites Charlotte, 4800 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28217

Khris Cochran is the creator and founder of the award winning DIYBride.com one of the most popular bridal crafting websites and is also the author of The DIY Bride: 40 Fun Projects for Your Ultimate One-of-a-kind Wedding. Khris is dedicated to helping brides personalize their weddings by assisting them with designing elements that will enable them to put their own personal stamp on their wedding.

Topics for the day include:

• Intro do DIY Bride: How to do it well, on a budget and with your sanity in tact.
• Invitations 101: Invite basics and hands-on time creating rubber stamped invite set
• Favors for under $1: Showcase favor ideas that can be made for under $1 + hands-on project time
• Pimp My Wedding: Ideas for adding pizazz to basic wedding products. Learn how to embellish items such as shoes, gowns, favors, etc.
• The $20 Veil: Learn to create a fabulous veil for $20
• Creative Centerpieces: Showcase of inexpensive + creative centerpiece ideas

This workshop is designed to be fun and an open environment for questions for Khris as she shows you how to make beautiful items for your wedding day. You will come away with actual projects that you have made during class and the know how to create additonal items.

The workshop fee includes the hands on instruction by Khris Cochran, all class materials, hand-outs, takeaways and lunch. Please choose one of the two workshop dates that fit your schedule.

Please register here. If you have any questions please send an email to info@sjbweddingsandevents.com

Super Easy Bridal Shower Favors

One of the fastest way to waste money while planning a wedding or shower is to spend money on useless favors. The best way in my opinion to spend your favor budget is to purchase or make delicious favors that your guests will happily enjoy. One of the easiest bridal shower favors ever is sending your guests off with the bride's favorite cookie in a beautifully wrapped package. Now if you are a master baker, put your skills to use and bake the cookies yourself that way you can take complete credit! Here are a few packaging examples from Martha Stewart Weddings.

Fabulous Escort Card Setups

Your escort card setup can be another place where you can bring in more of your style and your wedding elements. Your card can be a simple tent card or it can be something more unique like a rock or an apple. No matter what it is do not neglect the space. Make it fabulous by adding your personal style. Here are some of my favorites.

What a beautiful use of natural elements:


An escort card table we set up at a recent wedding. We simply took one of the crates the rental coffee cups came in and used it as a stand to add some height to the table. The bride liked how it came out.



From Instyle Weddings


From Petals by Alice


From Karen Tran Florals


Just a reminder, your escort card tells your guest at what table they are seated. A place card is actually on the table and tells your guest where they are seated at the table.

Cookie of the Day

Are you possibly planning for a cookie buffet, instead of a candy buffet? Or maybe you just love to bake and need some cookie recipes. The fabulous Martha Stewart provides a daily cookie recipe that can even be sent directly to your inbox. I know, because I get them everyday. I had no idea so many cookies existed! :)

For those of you planning that cookie buffet, this is perfect. This is a great way to give your guests a wonderful selection of home baked cookies. Enjoy!

April 21 TUESDAY Black Forest Cookies The combination of rich chocolate and tart dried cherries provides a pleasing contrast in these irresistible cookies. TODAY'S COOKIE RECIPE Plus, This Week's Recipes Craft of the Day | Organizing Tip of the Day | Cookie of the Day

Wedding Menu Inspiration from the Food Network

I absolutely love to cook and I love to watch other people cook. That's why the Food Network is one of the most watched channels in our house. One of my favorite shows in Semi-Homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee, even though I've been trying to do more "from scratch" cooking these days.

As I was watching I thought what a wonderful show to get some ideas on what to include on your wedding menu. On this show, Sandra makes a themed meal including an entree, dessert and cocktail. Also, she always includes a tablescape with her themed meals. She definitely gives great ideas on matching particular cocktails with entrees, which can be helpful if you want to create a unique menu for your guests. Now, I know your caterer will hopefully not take so many shortcuts as Sandra does when preparing your meal, but it does give you the shortcut so if you were interested in trying a particular dish out you could make it quickly yourself in order to determine if it is exactly what you want. Well, that would be for the brides with time on your hands. :) But anyway, I just wanted to give you another little idea for making your wedding day unique and special.

Image Courtesy of Pittsburgh Post Gazette

bakerella: a woman after my own heart

If you've read this blog a few times you must know I love food and I love to cook and bake!!! My wonderful husband bought me a Kitchenaid Mixer for Christmas, only one who truly loves to bake would think this is a fabulous gift! :) But anyway, I literally stumbled across this blog today and I am so happy!!!! Masterpiece Weddings alerted me to this new favorite. Bakerella is a blog about everything sweet!!! With step by step instructions and great photos along the way you are destined to make these delectable treats almost as fabulous as she has. Here are photos of her tiniest creations, red velvet cake balls (above), cake pops and the cupcake pops. Cute, cute ideas for favors!!! My daughter may have these cake pops for her birthday party!!!

Looks absolutely yummy!! It's only a little bite after all!

Make Your Wedding One-Of-A-Kind!!!

I had the opportunity to receive a copy of the much anticipated DIY Bride book written by Khris Cochran from the Taunton Press Company. When I read through it I immediately sent Khris an email telling her how amazing this book is. I know Khris only through the internet, but I feel like I've met her face to face. She did an excellent job giving the super crafty bride and the not so crafty bride ideas of how they can add their own personal touch to their weddings. If you are recently engaged and are loading up on your bridal magazines, please let this book be one of your resources. There are 40 projects in the book with detailed step-by-step instructions and she also gives you an idea of how much money each project will require. Everything is laid out perfectly. I had a bridal consultation the other day and the bride expressed that she wanted to get some projects done and I referred her to this book. It is an excellent resource and one I'm glad to have in my own library. Excellent job, Khris!

The Martha Stewart Show - The Wedding Show

On Friday January 18th The Martha Stewart Show will air it's "Wedding Show". This episode will showcase bridal gowns and bridesmaids attire from Badgley Mischka , tips on how to pick your perfect wedding cake and Darcy Miller showing Martha's Good Things for the wedding day. I can't wait. You can't have too many Good Things for your wedding day! :) So, set your DVRs and TIVOs, I'm sure you won't want to miss this episode.

Your Spring Wedding - DIY Place Cards and Table Numbers

I love cute DIY wedding ideas, especially the easy stuff. Here are a few place card and table number ideas that will add that little something extra to your reception table.


Let's start with the easiest idea first, from Khris over at DIYBride. Great website, by the way if you haven't seen it. Khris calls it the Chalkboard Votive. If you are having an informal wedding reception where fun is your main priority, these place cards may be nice for your table. Here are the directions.

Supplies Needed

1. Chalkboard paint (found at craft stores and home improvement centers)
2. Votive cups
3. Newspaper or other covering to protect your work surface
4. Well-ventilated work area (do this outside if at all possible)
5. Chalk

Instructions

1. Cover your work surface with newspaper.
2. Wash and thoroughly dry your votive cups. This removes any gunk and fingerprints to ensure you get a nice, even coverage of paint.
3. Turn the votive cups upside down on the work surface. (So you don’t spray inside the cup.)
4. Spray the votives with chalkboard paint. Hold the paint can about 8″ - 12″ from the cup and spray lightly. Too much paint will leave runny marks down the side of the glass.
5. Let the paint dry per manufacturer’s directions. (About an hour should do. Your time may vary.)
6. Add another coat, if you want. Sometimes it takes a 2nd to cover any spots you may have missed or to get a good base on larger pieces.
7. After the paint is dry, write your message on the votive. Voila!

Also, most of the chalkboard paint I've seen only comes in black or green so it may not necessarily go with your spring decor, but I searched and finally found the instructions on how to create a custom chalkboard paint color. Here's the how-to:

Custom Colors How-To
Start with flat-finish latex paint in any shade. For small areas, such as a door panel, mix 1 cup at a time.

1. Pour 1 cup of paint into a container. Add 2 tablespoons of unsanded tile grout. Mix with a paint stirrer, carefully breaking up clumps.

2. Apply paint with a roller or a sponge paintbrush to a primed or painted surface. Work in small sections, going over the same spot several times to ensure full, even coverage. Let dry.

3. Smooth area with 150-grit sandpaper, and wipe off dust.

4. To condition: Rub the side of a piece of chalk over entire surface. Wipe away residue with a barely damp sponge.

The Floaty Butterflies (pictured above) from Martha just screams spring! I absolutely love them. This would definitely be a conversation piece. Well, I know I wouldn't be able to stop talking about them.

Tools and Materials
Spray adhesive
Decorative paper
Card stock
Template
Pencil
Scissors

Floaty Butterflies How-To
1. Spray-mount paper onto card stock or paper that's colored on both sides; fold in half. Place butterfly template on paper with flat edge of butterfly's body flush against fold; trace.

2. Cut out butterfly along inside of the traced line and cut out V-shaped notch along the folded edge. Open slightly. Slip notch over rim of glass to hold butterfly in place.

Don't forget the Butterfly Template.

Table Numbers


This idea from Martha Stewart, I thought was great. This Trifold Table Number is created so it can be seen from all angles. Really, how many times have you been to a reception and had a little trouble finding your seat because the number was faced in an odd direction. I know I have. Here's how to make it.

1. To make it, use a computer to print numbers onto pieces of colored cover stock (or have numbers calligraphed).
2. Trim the papers to 6 by 7 1/2 inches. For the feet, cut 1/2-inch squares from both corners on bottom edge.
3. Measure over 1 inch for each foot, and mark.
4. Cut out a 3-by-1/2-inch strip between marks.
5. Crease each sheet down the middle, and join the 3 pieces with rubber cement.


Last but not least is the personalized table numbers. This great idea was posted by Kelly on the Weddingbee. Each table was numbered based on a year in the bride and groom's life, with a picture of them during that year. What a great idea to allow your guests to walk down memory lane with you as they see how each of you grew up. This will definitely get your guests talking and laughing.

Remember you can use photos of your pets, places you've visited together, any of your favorite things and even your engagement photos. Be creative. Remember your guests will remember and appreciate the little touches.

Your Spring Wedding - DIY Resource

How on God's green earth did I forget to blog about this? I don't know, but better late than never. Khris Cochran from DIY Bride has given us what I would refer to as the DIY Wedding Bible! :) She is so talented and if you are thinking of doing some things (I didn't say everything) yourself for your wedding, you need to pick up this book! If you're unsure where to find it in your area, click here for Amazon.

Sweet Homemade Favor

I love to cook maybe more than I love planning weddings. Cooking is probably a really close second. I've been trying to do a lot of homemade cooking lately and it's been great. I was watching Ina Garten's show Barefoot Contessa on Food Network the other day and she made homemade strawberry jam. I could not believe how easy it was. I thought instantly what a great wedding favor that would be. Remember, your wedding favors should be useful or edible, if not they go in the TRASH!! It's hard to believe that your guests would throw your cute little favor away, but yes they will if they find it useless. So why not give your guests something yummy! Now if you have 200 guests, you may need to consider another favor, unless you have great bridesmaids, because it would take a gazillion years to make enough for everyone. Now to make it personal add a personal label saying something like " Our sweetest thanks, love Bride and Groom" with a beautiful ribbon. If you're interested here is the recipe below:

2 cups sugar
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
1 1/2 pints fresh strawberries, hulled and halved.
Combine the sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small saucepan and cook over very low heat for 10 minutes, until the sugar is dissolved. Add the strawberries and continue to cook over very low heat for 20 minutes, until the strawberries release some of their juices and the mixture boils slowly. Cook until a small amount of the juice gels on a very cold plate. (I keep one in the freezer.) Pour carefully into 2 pint canning jars and either seal or keep refrigerated. Use immediately, or follow proper canning guidelines below.

Tips on Sterilizing Jars:
Properly-handled sterilized equipment will keep canned foods in good condition for years. Sterilizing jars is the first step of preserving foods.

Sterilizing Tips:
Jars should be made from glass and free of any chips or cracks. Preserving or canning jars are topped with a glass, plastic, or metal lid, which has a rubber seal. Two piece lids are best for canning, as they vacuum seal when processed.

To sterilize jars, before filling with jams, pickles, or preserves, wash jars and lids with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and arrange jars and lids open sides up, without touching, on a tray. Leave in a preheated 175 degree F oven for 25 minutes. Or, boil the jars and lids in a large saucepan, covered with water, for 15 minutes.

Use tongs when handling the hot sterilized jars, to move them from either boiling water or the oven. Be sure the tongs are sterilized too, by dipping the ends in boiling water for a few minutes.

As a rule, hot preserves go into hot jars and cold preserves go into cold jars. All items used in the process of making jams, jellies, and preserves must be clean. This includes any towels used, and especially your hands.

After the jars are sterilized, you can preserve the food. It is important to follow any canning and processing instructions included in the recipe and refer to USDA guidelines about the sterilization of canned products.

Tips on Sterilizing Jars
Properly-handled sterilized equipment will keep canned foods in good condition for years. Sterilizing jars is the first step of preserving foods.

Sterilizing Tips:
Jars should be made from glass and free of any chips or cracks. Preserving or canning jars are topped with a glass, plastic, or metal lid, which has a rubber seal. Two piece lids are best for canning, as they vacuum seal when processed.

To sterilize jars, before filling with jams, pickles, or preserves, wash jars and lids with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and arrange jars and lids open sides up, without touching, on a tray. Leave in a preheated 175 degree F oven for 25 minutes. Or, boil the jars and lids in a large saucepan, covered with water, for 15 minutes.

Use tongs when handling the hot sterilized jars, to move them from either boiling water or the oven. Be sure the tongs are sterilized too, by dipping the ends in boiling water for a few minutes.

As a rule, hot preserves go into hot jars and cold preserves go into cold jars. All items used in the process of making jams, jellies, and preserves must be clean. This includes any towels used, and especially your hands.

After the jars are sterilized, you can preserve the food. It is important to follow any canning and processing instructions included in the recipe and refer to USDA guidelines about the sterilization of canned products.

Image Courtesy of MacMonkies

Cute Alternative to Votive Candles

They look like mini-lamps to me! I stumbled upon these cuties on Wishingfish.com and I love them. What a great alternative to the simple votive candles. This a great way to add style to your basic table. Who new a wine glass and a tea light could be so cute!

Easy Pumpkin Centerpiece - DIY

I love Martha Stewart Living Magazine. I've been a subscriber for years and it is often my inspiration for my own personal DIY projects. Here is a great one that was listed in this months issue. With all of the parties coming up, this may be a cute addition to your table.

Tools and Materials

A round pumpkin
Cylindrical-shaped container
Knife or pumpkin-carving tool
Pen
Pumpkin scoop or spoon
Flower food
Water
Seasonal flowers

Pumpkin Flower Vase How-To
1. Put the cylindrical-shaped container on top of the pumpkin, to use as tracing guide. Using a pen, trace outside rim of container and score for a perfect fit.

2. Cut off the top of the pumpkin. Be careful not to break the stem when removing the top.

3. Scoop out the pulp on the inside with a pumpkin scoop or spoon. Discard pulp.

4. Place the cylindrical container inside the pumpkin to hold the flowers.

5. Pour water into the container and add flower food.

6. Arrange a variety of seasonal flowers such as dahlias, cockscombs, rose hips, and mini crab apples.

Elegant and Simple DIY Project

I was perusing my DIY sites tonight, I'm feeling a little crafty, and I ran across a beautiful DIY project on the DIY Network. The project is creating this beautifully decorated Candelabra Garden designed by one of Charlotte's talented floral and event designers Carolyn Shepard. I am not a wedding planner who says you shouldn't do things on your own, I just say you shouldn't do everything on your own. So, here are the supplies and steps needed to make this your own masterpiece. I, of course, am not feeling super ambitious to take on this project tonight, however, when I get started on it I'll be sure to post my pics. Have fun with it.

Materials:

2' length of ivy garland
Roses (mixed shades of red)
Cymbidium orchids
Celosia
Pink spray roses
Pink Gerber Daisies
Red Dahlias
Magenta stock
Floral wire – 24=gauge
2 ¾" red wired satin ribbon
Scissors
Electric skillet and Pan melt glue

Directions:

1. Twist several vines of ivy together and secure with green floral wire.
2. Wind the satin ribbon through the entire garland, gentle tucking portions of the ribbon into the ivy.
3. Heat an electric skillet and add the pan melt glue. Dip stems of largest blooms into the glue, then place the blooms throughout the garland.
4. Dip stems of smaller blooms into the pan melt glue, then cluster those flowers throughout the garland until full.
5. Once the glue is completely dry, wind the garland around the candelabra by securing in place at the top with floral wire. Wind the garland around to the bottom and allow the end to rest on the table.
6. Add candles to candelabra, then place votive candles around the table.

Lollipop Bouquets

I was meeting with my super-organized, DIYer bride-to-be, Amber and I was checking out one of her newest creations.. lollipop bouquets. The minute I saw it, I thought what a great idea I must blog about it. She made them for her attendants to use at rehearsal so they could get an idea of how to hold their bouquets on wedding day (September 22). This would be her 115th wedding project! Just kidding! :)

This is a really cute idea and adds such a sweet touch to your event! This cute idea is a really easy one to put together. Here's some video for you. Check it out!