Wedding Maps

Diary of a Bride to Be by Lauren Cooper

There’s a recent trend that I’ve really taken a liking to:  Wedding Maps.  I first saw the wedding map in Martha Stewart Weddings magazine and I fell in love with the idea.  It’s such a creative and fresh take on direction cards!  Fortunately, there are tons of stationers on sites like Etsy that can create a wedding map for you…however, it can be a bit pricey.  So I took matters into my own hands and drew up our map myself! 

I’m a fan of DIY-ing but, as I’ve mentioned before, I don’t really want to overwhelm myself since all of my wedding helpers are a few hours away.  😦  Keeping that in mind, I thought drawing a map and sending it to whatever stationer I chose would be a simple and fun project. And I was right.  I went to Google maps, looked up where our wedding is being held and searched for locations nearby that pertain to our wedding weekend.  Clicked print and viola!  A simple template.  I carefully traced the streets that I needed and added in the locations.  Then I drew little symbols that went along with each destination.  For example, there’s a golf course nearby that people can visit, so I drew a tiny golf bag.  Finally, I very carefully hand printed the names of the streets and destinations.  And it looks pretty!  I’m scanning it in to the computer today so that I can pass on to the stationer when I’m ready.  (Yes, I still have to choose invites.  Yes, I have a week left to do so.  I know, I know!)  Pictures to come soon!

White Swan

Fashion Fever By Mallory Mayer

As a young girl, many of us dream of two things; becoming a ballerina, and the day we walk down the aisle. Well today is the day those two dreams become one. From gowns to accessories to hairstyles, there are a million ways to create an atmosphere worthy of the New York City Ballet.

One of the most iconic ballerina fashions is the tutu skirt. Show off that perfect neckline and drape your body in a soft flowing chiffon skirt combined with a bodice made for a queen. The light layers of chiffon will make any bride feel as if she is floating on air. What a stunning style for a wedding gown!

But let’s complete the picture. Sweep that hair off your face into the most elegant of buns and finish it off with a little sparkle. Give your face a kiss of color and you are ready for the spotlight, but only if the shoe fits. Slip your toes into a ballet flat; comfy, cozy and perfect for dancing the night away!

Full of life and movement; half couture, half classic elegance, we are love-struck from neckline to hem. Draw your inspiration from the quiet, graceful beauty of the ballet, and turn your bridal debut into a spotlight performance worthy of a standing ovation.

How To – American Classic Wedding

How To by Jennifer Crone

I’ve sort of been obsessed with polo players lately. Why? Well, have you seen them? I rest my case. It has me pining to be in the country as fall approaches, American Classic style. And from this fantasy land comes an inspiration for your wedding. Observe:

Your venue is really important as a way to set the tone for your wedding. A lush green ranch with purebred horses and classic charm is the perfect place for your ceremony. Move to a nearby mansion for cocktail and reception. Think mahogany wood floors, white washed walls, and understated and chic details. Try Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts. Fall is the perfect time of year to have this wedding.

More is less with the decor details. Crisp white china with light colored green and blue accents suits this theme just fine. Include small details like monogramed crystal and gold piping on china.

clockwise from top left: Sweet Sensations Cake, Williams Sonoma champagne flute, earrings from J.Crew, Canyon Ranch, Ralph Lauren Black Label gloves, dress and belt, photo by Debra McClinton, teapot from Royal Copenhagen, Real Simple floral arrangement, Suit from Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Restoration Hardware, Martha Stewart Collection with Wedgewood china, Yum Sugar, photo from Weddings Unveiled*

 

Put your groom in a Ralph Lauren Purple Label (aka The Ultimate in Luxury) made to measure suit. Just don’t go over board, your groom is not Chuck Bass (let’s hope). Put your maids in a long gown, as this wedding is a black tie affair. Give them cashmere lined gloves to keep them warm in the crisp air. Gift them pearl earrings from J.Crew for a classic and cohesive look. Think the Upper East Side goes to the country.

*Weddings Unveiled credits here.

Thursday TOD: Use Your Talents!

pressed flower cards from Martha Stewart

I’m not one to recommend anything DIY for your wedding unless it’s extremely low maintenance (which is an oxymoron), but after the fact is where you can get creative with a DIY thank you card!

• Use your special talents: Do you sew? Like photography? Drawing? Collaging? Stamping? Use your fun and unique hobbies and turn them into a fab thank you card! Your loved ones will appreciate your thought and time in exchange for their gift of happiness (and something from your William Sonoma registry) on your wedding.

TOD says: Get crafting after your day!

How To – Blog Writing!

How To by Jennifer Crone

So many of you, our beloved readers, ask us for advice on starting your own wedding blog as a bride-to-be or just a wedding enthusiast, so here’s How To!

Get Inspired. As they say, nothing happens in a vacuum. Look around at other wedding websites (our favorite is Martha Stewart Weddings) as well as Pantone for the latest colors and fashion blogs for style inspiration. For decor check out your favorite catalogs–we like West Elm and Pottery Barn.

Don’t Be Shy. Write about your experiences with different vendors and venues. Give credit where credit is due and constructive criticism when appropriate. No one likes a bad-mouthing bride, but part of being a resource is telling it like it is.

Get Out There. Go to as many worthwhile things as you can, such as bridal shows, gown boutiques, venues, etc. Always keep a notepad to jot down those facts that go in one ear and out the other. Go to not only wedding related events, but art galleries and museums as well. There you can get inspired by color schemes and styles. Take note of what you like and what you don’t. You will most likely have an instant reaction to each style or piece of art work. Be in tune with yourself and try to figure out why you like and don’t like certain things. These reactions are telling about your personal style.

Imagine Images. Photos are an important part of blogging. People have busy lives and short attention spans, so reel them in with an interesting and aesthetically pleasing photos. This includes original inspiration boards. To learn how to make inspiration boards check out my How To Inspiration Boards blog.

This lounge furniture from Pottery Barn can be an inspiration for a color palette, table decor, or overall feeling

• Tip Know your colleagues! Reading other bridal blogs will give you ideas and keep you on the up and up about what other people are doing/thinking/going to. They may post events they are attending that you haven’t heard of. Use your resources wisely.