Its All In the Details: Modern and Vintage Themed Weddings!

Its All in the Details: By Alyssa Aiola

This past weekend Private Receptions participated in a bridal trade show on board one of the Horn Blower Cruises where we got to exhibit two beautiful yet different wedding design themes! The event was called The Journey of Love, which was sponsored by Lover.ly and allowed prospecting brides to mix and mingle with the industry’s top vendors. We were given the great opportunity to showcase our work by using 8 different tables and transforming them into a modern design and transitioning the look into a vintage design. The premise of this idea is to show what different themes can be used incorporating the same color palate of navy blue and forest green.  This also allows brides to get a better sense of the type of overall style they are planning for their wedding as well as what we can do as far as accommodating your vision.  With the event being a super success we figured we might as well share with you all of our pictures as well as wedding details that helped bring both the modern prep design and vintage design to life!!

*For this event we used the following vendors to bring our vision to life for both looks: Cakes by Sugar Flower Cake Shop, Paper Goods By Christina Dasaro, Flowers by Quatre Coeur and Table linens by Cloth Connection.

 MODERN DESIGN TABLES:

For our modern design we wanted to create a look that was full of clean lines and sharp edges. The mantra for designing a modern wedding should always remain the same “ Less Is More”.  When having a modern themed wedding it is important to take into consideration the lighting around the space since you want the room to feel more open and less cluttered.

• Flowers: In order to achieve the modern look two flowers automatically came to our mind. In this case we used both Orchids and Succulents across the tables. The beautiful thing about using these flowers is they are more then just florals, they are part of your over all design!
• Paper Goods: This is your chance to individualize your wedding and use the modern theme to your advantage! Using clean lines with geometric shapes you can transform your invitation into a work of art. Take a look at what we did with our escort cards, rsvp cards and invitations!! When it comes to modern design FONT changes everything as well.  A standards modern font we can recommend is Helvetica.
• Cake: When ever any wedding has a specific theme it is important to carry the same idea into the cake. Here we geometric squares along with our color pattern to enhance our theme!

VINTAGE DESIGN TABLE:

The major difference between a modern design to a vintage design is it is much less structured and much more romantic. The idea of a vintage wedding uses any soft color palates from the past like champagne, golds, roses with the use of a bold color like our navy blue or green. You want the over all feel of the room to be warm and elegant.

• Flowers:  For our vintage feel, flower arrangements we used a variety of soft colors roses to keep the romantic feel. A great option you can do to incorporate your theme more is add pearls to the florals!
• Paper Goods: One of my personal favorite parts of our display was our vintage escort card’s, which are so easy to make! We simply spray painted vintage keys and placed them over the escort cards so guests could “unlock” the way to their table. Simple, Easy and DIY!
• Cake: our vintage cake is breathtakingly beautiful and much less structured then our modern design. With a floral frosting design embossing the entire front the vintage feel can be seen from a distance!

We hope you liked both of our vintage and modern designs at this weeks bridal show! Please let us know what you thought of our pictures by writing on our blog, facebook, twitter or instagram!

Singing in the Rain!

All Things Wedding by Elizabeth Skogstrom

You spent months trying to find the perfect outdoor venue for your wedding. After seeing  location after location you become frustrated, and wonder if you will ever find a place worthy of your wedding. Then, finally, you walk on to The Spot! You are overwhelmed by it’s perfection. A flash races across your mind of you and your fiance taking your first steps together as husband and wife. It’s perfect. The day before your wedding you look at the forecast and what does it predict, rain, but of course. No need to worry, stop the anxiety ridden phone calls, and go with plan b. No one can control the weather, so instead of fighting the rain, embrace it!

Rainy weather can create a setting worthy of the most elaborate of wedding dreams. One fun idea that can make a rainy day picturesque is the use of umbrellas. Umbrellas come in so many fun designs that no matter what your theme there is sure to be an umbrella to match. Having a vintage wedding? Check out Bella Umbrella a vintage wedding umbrella and parasol rental wedding site.

If you are getting married in a country side setting embrace the glowing green of the trees and grass only created after a fresh rain. If your outdoor wedding is more urban utilize the puddles, and raindrops. To create an interesting photograph. Everyone has sunny photos yours will be different, and have a different feel personal to you.

Use the darkness of the weather to create great lighting with votives. It will give bring an intimate coziness to your wedding. Think about providing your guest with shawls in your wedding colors. Your guest will be cozy and warm. It will also create really great photos.

You have great shoes you don’t want to ruin in the rain. Save the heels for the parts of your wedding that are inside to protect them. When you venture outside throw on a cute pair of rain boots. Hitch up your wedding dress to give an instant eclectic feel to your wedding photos!

The most important suggestion to dealing with the rainy day blues on your wedding day is to keep in mind the meaning of the day. It is the beginning of what is sure to be many sunny days together, so don’t get down; instead, have the DJ play “Singing in the Rain”, pick up your wedding dress, and have your fiance twirl you around in the rain!

How To: Modern Vintage

Fashion Fever By Mallory Mayer

Somewhere within us all is the love for vintage fashion. Its timeless entities and pure elegance never go out of style. Today’s most compelling designers rework, recreate and reinvent the vintage look with a modern twist. Whether it’s your most active piece, or a simple accessory to complete your look, there are many ways to achieve this timeless elegance.

Pull apart your mothers closet, dive into your grandmothers bureau and dig through vintage shops for those hidden treasures! Show off an antique diamond wedding ring, a strand of classic pearls, an engraved ivory hair comb or a vintage inspired wedding dress. One little piece can create a look that’s fashion forward, delicately beautiful and uniquely you!

The great thing about vintage wedding dresses and accessories is that you can mix and match different vintage pieces from different eras. Each decade has its own style, so why not create your own!? Play up a modern gown with some old school accessories, or vice versa! But don’t lose yourself and get too caught up in creating the one of a kind look. Remember that you want to find something that plays up your assets!

Enjoy vintage fashion, and benefit from what the past has to offer. So show off your femininity, grace and charm by wearing this classy look of timeless elegance!

Put a Ring on It!

“I Do” By Jennifer Bueno

Your wedding day is unlike any other, and every aspect of your wedding deserves to be special and unique.  Make it a point to infuse your personality into your wedding in every way feasible.

A good starting point can be the oh so simple ring bearer’s pillow.  Instead of the expected plain pillow, take inspiration from the wonderfully creative and unique ones below!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whether you are going for a bohemian, beachside, or vintage theme, any of these ideas are a sure way to get your point across and get your creative juices flowing for the rest of your wedding planning!

 

 

 

How To – Eco Friendly Wedding Rings

How To by Jennifer Crone

It seems to me that some eco friendly brides and grooms (ahem, especially brides) stop short at the rings. With so much of the earth being disturbed and destroyed by procuring metals and stones (for example, to make one simple gold ring, 20 tons of mine waste are produced), not to mention the politics involved, there’s got to be a way to get your jewels and gems without harming the environment. And good news, there is!

Diamonds: Still Your Best Friend! You don’t have to sacrifice your life-long diamond dream to be eco-friendly. Canada boasts conflict-free diamonds that are beautiful and ethical. Check out Brilliant Earth for a custom designed ring featuring diamonds and/or sapphires of various colors. All of their metals are recycled as well. Try Cred in London for fair trade jewelry metals and ethical diamonds. Earthwise Jewelry also has a small but beautiful selection of rings with fair trade diamonds and reclaimed metals. Also try Green Karat.

 

Vintage = Recycling Vintage has come to be a catchphrase to stand for unique and retro items under 100 years old. But guess what? Buying vintage (and antique, which = >100 years old) is also a form of recycling. Sweet. Browse thousands of gorgeous vintage and antique jewelry at New York Estate Jewelry. Try AntiqueEgnagementRings.com too, just make sure the one your heart desires is a real antique, and not a replica (each ring states in the title which it is).  Don’t forget about Doyle & Doyle, a classic New York City home of “old sparklers” as they say.

Alternate Materials If you’re a couple who has your heart set on a more unique ring instead of a diamond, try a wood ring or event coconut or bone! This is for the more casual and laid back bride. While coconut rings start out at $8 (yeah, $8!) they most likely won’t last forever and can break under pressure. While these bone rings also won’t last a lifetime, they are made from reclaimed water buffalo bone, which is awesome. For wood try Touch Wood Rings or Chicago Joinery.

A Vintage 1970’s Wedding

Stephanie Gaito

Online vintage shop owner and style blogger Stephanie Gaito guest blogs this week to give us some insight on Vintage Weddings–what a treat!

Incorporating vintage is the best way to add a special touch to your wedding. Whether it is a full on theme or just a touch here and there, vintage allows your celebration to be unique. Adding personalized touches that reflect your interests and personalities are key. Lets say you love Marilyn Monroe and Hollywood glam! Your fiance may love classic cars and James Dean! Think of adding a vintage inspired, Marilyn-esque hairstyle with perhaps a 50s Porsche to whisk you away onto your honeymoon. The possibilities are endless!

So what details are most important to creating a vintage inspired theme wedding? With your gown being the centerpiece of your look it is important to capture the essence of the wedding theme with your dress. Once you have found the perfect vintage gown don’t worry too much about making sure each piece of jewelry or decor is vintage as well. It can be difficult to find everything in your size or things that perfectly represent the image in your mind. It is more about achieving a vibe, a vintage feel.

Today, lets explore a whimsical theme, the 1970s bohemian garden wedding. Lets set the scene, shall we? Think of it as an afternoon, woodland wedding. Lanterns lit above your head hanging from a thick canopy of trees. Soft focus, romantic mood lighting. The grass under your bare feet is green and lush. You have selected the perfect bohemian style gown, complete with lace and flowing layers. Your hair is in loose and long waves with the perfect crown of flowers atop. Your makeup is simple, with long eyelashes and flushed cheeks and lips. Your guests are ready to watch the ceremony in your beautiful outdoor wonderland. An evening that surely no one will soon forget.

photo credits from top left to right: vintage mason jar lantern by Seasonables, vine lanterns from Kate Burger, bohemian lace wedding gown from Safe As Milk Vintage, floral headpiece from Head Case By G, vintage 1960s wicker handbag by Walborg from Attic Goods, handmade Swarovski crystal earrings by Karmeli Designs, 70s vintage silver hinged leaf cuff bracelet from Decades. All items on Etsy

Make sure to come back again on Thursday where we will put together another classic vintage themed wedding! See you soon!

Check out Stephanie’s Etsy shop to find your perfect vintage threads and Style Blog to get inspired.

Fun with Favors!

Manic Mondays by Lauren Cooper

Great weddings turn even the smallest details into a fabulous creation and favors are no exception.  If you’re tired of the same old bubbles and Jordan almond favors check out these fun ideas to leave your guests flipping over. Personalization will make the favors pop even more!

Flowerbomb seeds

• Go Green Buy personalized packets of flower seeds to give back to your guests which will have them rembering your spectacular wedding each time they look at the plants. Get 100 flowerbomber seed bombs for only $60 and place in a wheatgrass arrangement at each guest table to encourage the planting of wild flowers.  Or present all natural handmade soaps in delectable scents like lemongrass and poppy seed olive oil from Etsy.

• Foodie Delight If you and your fiancé are foodies, these favors are perfect for you!  Use ice cream scoops tied with a bow and a hangtag with your monogram, wedding date, and personalized note like “Enjoy your sweets! – Amanda and Mike”. Or try the Love Birds salt and pepper shakers which will look great on your reception table and in your guests home.

• Edible Treats They may not be the longest lasting favors but they’re just as fun and definitely creative!  They’re also a great way to add some of you and your fiance’s personality.  Things such as packets of coffee with your monogram and date or cocktail mixes from Beau Coup are fun, inexpensive, and useful.   Try something sweet like chocolate swirl marshmallows from Etsy, under $6 for a dozen.

• 

  Vintage engraved silverware from Monkeys Always Look

  Go Vintage Vintage favors can be a bit of a challenge–especially when your wedding is larger. But fret not, there’s always a way! Instead of searching for 100 of the same items, choose a theme and run with it. Try vintage herb garden markers. You can buy them in bundles and mix and match different ones at each place setting. Etsy makes it easy to find fab vintage finds without searching through antique shops and yard sales for months. Try these gorgeous engraved vintage silverware garden markers.

How To: Art Deco Themed Wedding

How To by Jennifer Crone

The glamour, the elegance, the architecture! Art Deco is the theme and for those of you who love the glitz and glam of the roaring ’20’s and ’30’s here’s How To:

First let’s talk venue. New York City is the perfect place for an Art Deco wedding with such an architectural masterpiece as the Chrysler Building. But no matter where you are you should be able to find a gorgeous Art Deco venue. Think stained glass ceilings and elaborate linear chandeliers. Or take this theme to the next step by choosing a period movie theatre as a venue. You and your groom’s name and wedding date will be up in lights, and you can even screen your favorite old movies during the reception. A destination wedding can also have an Art Deco theme: think of all the fabulous Art Deco travel posters as inspiration for your invitations and design.

all cakes: Martha Stewart Weddings. Clockwise from top left: Marzena Wasilewska Photography, Ceci New York Invitation, A Big Slice Design, Adin Antique Jewelry, Jenny Packham Dress, Nash Ambassador Slipstream, Sun Pavilion in England, Prada shoe, Marzena Wasilewska Photography, Forney at Art Republic, Liz Duren Photography, Art Deco Diamonds, Clardige’s in London, Archibald Photography

In the last decade Art Deco jewelry has been huge and it’s not hard to see why. Emerald cut diamonds and decadent dangling earrings will insure you sparkle all the way down the aisle. For the attire suit your groom and best men in tails and top hats and for your dress (the star of the show!) choose silk or satin embellished with jewels: try Jenny Packham. There are tons of options with Art Deco veils and head pieces, try Etsy for something handmade or custom designed. For your maids choose a long and fitted design or something tea length. Art Deco fashion is timeless and plentiful, so have fun with it! Just make sure to include “Black Tie” on your invitations so guests can dress the part as well.

For your colors you can’t go wrong with metallic: silver, gold, champagne, or a mix of all. For your centerpieces choose lavish Art Deco vases with minimum floral decor. Ask your planning team to dream up a table design fit for a Hollywood star. In lieu of table numbers choose silver screen stars like Fred Austere and Greta Garbo to mark your tables. The Art Deco wedding is definitely in the evening, but probably indoors, though that doesn’t mean you can’t use the night sky as a design inspiration. Have stars and moons hanging everywhere and champagne flowing. Be sure to have a jazz band playing in retro attire and a cake modeled after the architecture of the time. Hire a videographer who can shoot in Super 8 film for the vintage feel to bring this theme all the way to the end result. To leave with a bang hire a vintage car to drive off into the deep navy night as newlyweds.