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So my friend Erin who is getting married in November recently sent me a picture from a friend’s wedding. Instead of flowers the bride and her maids carried button bouquets instead. I have to be honest, you all know how much of a flower whore I am. My first job was at a crazy little florist shop in my town (that didn’t have cash registers) and despite the ridiculous working conditions… I still fell in love with flowers. So I’m a little on the fence with non-traditional bouquets myself. HOWEVER, I know you brides out there just looking to buck every bridal trend on the block LOVE these alternatives, so these are for you.
The Satin and Tulle Princess Bouquet $35 from Really Bad Kitty Creations
Green & Navy Button Bouquet $350 from Lola Zeta - Etsy
The Classic Button Boquet $130 from Letters 4 Lily- Etsy
Ivory Bridesmaid Bouquet $38 from the Oh So Shabby Collection of Kreated by Kelly- Etsy
Ivory and Mink Vintaage Bouquet $210 from Vintage Magpie- Etsy
Bridal Bouquets $95+ from Jillian's Shop- Etsy
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Well ladies I have been waiting to blog about some amazing froof, and the day has finally come. The Blue Onion Marketplace is an adorable new online shop that just opened up with full-force. Back in the Spring of this year, I stumbled across Michele (she’s the super fabulous owner at Blue Onion) and her amazing collection of Dulken & Derrick pins. These are THE beautiful silk flowers you see styled on all of the latest fashions for J.Crew.
Well now they’re available for you to style at home. Which is seriously amazing.
Dulken & Derrick is perfect for Fall, and PERFECT for weddings. Pin the corsages to a great jacket, dress or t-shirt and go.
Here are some of my favorite’s
Yellow Parrot Tulip Pin $27.99
Soft Blue Gardenia Pin $41.99
White Peony Vintage Pin $47.99
Large Butter Poppy Pin $37.99
We did a test run with some of these fabulous pieces at Katie & Chris’s Wedding in the Woods. I pinned the Vintage White Peony pin- above- into my friend Shauna’s super simple updo. With her Navy and white dress and…
Total success.
But heed this quick warning ladies… when you’re unpacking that duffle from your weekend away, avoid throwing these amazing pins into the wash. They’ll die. Trust me.
But seriously, these are totally versatile. Pin them on a dress, fasten it to a belt, or bobby pin it into your hair. They’re beautifully made and have a seriously high-end feel. Plus, they’re super affordable.
So The Blue Onion Marketplace also has super fun OTHER things too. I hear the Dulken & Derrick pins, but they also carry Streamline Luggage– which is A-MAZING. The Editor Series is my favorite… I think. I also really love The Aviator Series. They’re so old Hollywood yet… made in Ireland. I love it.
They also carry Passotti Ombrelli umbrella’s and hats, and have a line of Kate Aspen luggage tags and party favors coming soon!
Now here’s the best part. FREE SHIPPING in SEPTEMBER. Just enter the Code: WELCOME at checkout.
J.Crew Aholics– Aren’t you so excited by this?!?!?
Happy shopping girls!
So Brides.com today has this stellar piece up about Peacock inspired wedding ideas. And you KNOW I love me some feathers. Just remember… don’t go overboard. Integrate the colors into the wedding with subtle actual peacock elements. Otherwise it’ll just look like a complete and total mess… trust me.
First… this cake is to DIE for. Seriously AMAZING. $520- serves 40 by Mark Joseph Cakes
Photo by John Aquino- Brides.com
Then there’s the flowers…
Photo by John Aquino- Brides.com
And the bridesmaid dresses…
Photo by John Aquino- Brides.com
There are loads more fun and beautiful peacock inspirations to choose from at Brides.com. In addition, head over to your my never fail… Etsy… like these below.
Peacock Ring Pillow $28 from Busy Buttons- Etsy
Peacock Feather Boutonniere $15 Ruby Feather- Etsy
HOLLY Peacock Fascinator $19 The Sleepy Albatross- Etsy
So as much as I love and find it necessary to be surrounded in flowers… sometimes they are the first to go in the great wedding budget cut. It’s true. Flowers can be one of the more expensive things in your plan, and people have different feelings about this. You know my feelings. I worked in a flower shop for two years when I was 16 and can’t seem to shake the petals from my hair. I love them. And for me, they’re up there with food, and music as VIP wedding “big bucks” items. BUT, it’s different for everyone, AND it’s absolutely possible to maintain a beautiful wedding sans enormous blooms with simple elegant elements. Here’s how…
CHEAP FLOWERS IN BULK
Photo Courtesy of Brides.com
This is one of my favorite rules, and if you are a regular Wedding Belles reader, you know that I talk about this often. You can maintain a really beautiful look at your wedding by using uniform flowers… lots and lots of them. Daisy’s, mums, carnations and tulips look AMAZING in large bunches. Simple and sophisticated.
BRANCHING OUT
Photo Courtesy of Brides.com
Especially if you’re planning a wedding that incorporates natural elements, using branches instead of flowers can be a very sleek and modern centerpiece substitute for mounds of fluffy petals. Incorporating other details like ribbon, hang tags, and even food can give your centerpieces a modern look for less. Just don’t go overboard.
MOOD LIGHTING
Photo Courtesy of Brides.com
Candles are a great way to light your party, and your guests faces for photographs. Ambiance is very important, and creating different lighting schemes can changes the theme and style of your event. Substituting high candlesticks with lower votives along with small floral elements can add a unique style to your table. I have something similar to this on my dining room table now. Crate & Barrel, CB2, and Anthropologie have beautiful and really inexpensive faux glass candlesticks with beautiful embellishment. Add bright candlesticks, a dash of floral color and you’re done!
GIFT GIVER
Photo Courtesy of Brides.com
Showcase your favors in beautifully packaged boxes as table centerpieces. Fill them with assorted candies, handmade soaps and stacked elegantly on white cake stands.
FOUND OBJECTS
Photo Courtesy of Brides.com
Nix the typical centerpice vases and head to your local flea market in search of found objects to incorporate into your wedding style. Use mismatched shapes and style to create a whimsical look on each table with simple florals.
WRAP IT UP
Etsy Seller Two Inspire You $55
Turning a wreath on it’s back and filling the inside with high candlesticks or hurricane lamps with lighting is another way to make a smaller affair seem more intimate. Choose the wreathe carefully, and make sure your elements go together.
Oh the ultra preppy, ultra fun and flirty color combo. Perfect for beach side, destination and tropical weddings that embrace the bright colors.
Photos Courtesy of TheKnot.com
Depending on your details you can substitute traditional wedding dresses with patterned Lilly dresses. I will caution you. Lilly is not a cheap brand. But you get what you pay for, and your bridesmaids… providing they like to pop their collar as much as you do…. will thank you for opting for a dress they WILL actually wear again. If you’re feeling extra sweet offer to pay for your bridesmaid dresses as a thank you for agreeing to make you their priority for the next 8 – 10 months. 🙂
Fitch Shift Dress in Grasshopper Green $348
Briere Dress Silk Chiffon $428
AND… Lilly has a great part of their online shop called “The Little White Dress” which might be a perfect bridal outfit change for a more casual wedding, a rehearsal dinner or an out fit to leave your giant party in. People still do that right? A fun new take on the “honeymoon suit.” Or keep with your own theme and don your own pink and green ensemble fit for traveling to someplace exotic, warm and honey-mooney.
Fiesta Dress Sateen $288
You can always opt for something a little bit more conservative and go with solid colored bridesmaid dresses from David’s Bridal in shades of pink or green with alternating colored flowers. Lime green dresses with bright pink flowers are beautiful! And a pale pink dress with a bouquets of green and white works too! Plus it’s a little less expensive for your ladies in waiting. You can always incorporate the patterned look with “Little Lilly” for your flower girls. They have adorable children’s dresses that are perfect for a preppy wedding.
Green Bridesmaid Dress from Jasmine Bridal
I know I put this dress up a lot. It’s just so pretty. I can’t help it.
Cotton Candy Sydney Dress $225 J.Crew
Maren Dress $98
Even the groom and his boys can get in on the action. Brides.com put together this look for a preppy chic wedding.
Photo Courtesy of Brides.com
Photo Credit: Three-button suit, Charles Tyrwhitt, ctskirts.co.uk. Pink-and-white striped shirt and tie with turtles, Vineyard Vines,vineyardvines.com.
Always Vineyard Vines Groomsmen ties. Always.
Photo Courtesy of Brides.com
Photo Credit: A clutch of peonies, roses, ranunculus and hydrangeas adds a jolt of color; about $275, Belle Fleur, NYC, bellefleurny.com.
Invitations can go one of two ways too. Pick a solid color and embellish with the other color, or use both in a more complex patterned invite.
Summer Fever Invitation from Custom Creations (Etsy)
Secret Garden Wedding Invitation by Tulaloo (Etsy)
Custom Invitations by Embellished by Tiffany (Etsy)
Greet your guests with this Pink and Green guest book and pen set from Etsy seller Creative Bridal Solutions.
Pink & Green Guest Book by Creative Bridal Solutions (Etsy)
I’m a big fan of the out of town bachelorette weekend. I’m a bigger fan of brides saying thanks to their bridesmaids as much as possible. Do you really have any idea how much money we are spending on you?? A lot.
To say thank you, fill a monogrammed (obviously) bag from The Palm Gifts with adorable preppy treats like, flip flops from J.Crew or these adorable pink and green checked ones from The Palm Gifts, Notecards from Lilly Pulitzer, and maybe even a silver monogrammed ring or preppy bachelorette coozies from Preppy Monogrammed Gifts. Also just a quick note about J.Crew… if you still have your student discount lying around you can get 15% off in-store (varies) purchases. Definitely worth using.
Flip Flops by J.Crew $24.50
Lilly Circle Notes $16
Polka Dot Bridesmaid Glasses $15
Seriously. How cute are those glasses!? I am obsessed. I love them. They are from Etsy seller The Preppy Polka Dot. They also have these adorable shot glasses with fun ribbon that would be adorable to carry around for a bachelorette party!
Preppy Polka Dot Shot Glasses $9 each
And for further inspiration… courtesy of Vineyard Vines… because they’re awesome. Here are some pink and green wedding parties to rock your world.
Pink and Green Wedding Inspiration
Pink and Green Wedding Inspiration
Pink and Green Wedding Inspiration
I always loved this next combo together. It’s romance with an edge. Who doesn’t like that? Be careful with these colors though. I feel like it’s better to stay with deeper shades of purple or lime green to keep it looking fresh and new and less like an Easter basket… unless that’s what you’re going for…
Just a thought.
Photos COurtesy of TheKnot.com
AND… some things you can actually buy…
Very chic and very modern custom wedding invitations from Etsy seller, Modern Ink Studio!
AND… if you place your order before April 15, 2009 you get 15% off your entire order! They also have very cool custom table numbers for just $1.99 each!
Olivia Custom Wedding Invitation
Olivia Custom Wedding Reply Card
Modern Ink Studio Custom Table Number
These Zen invitations from Etsy seller Tucci Paper Company also are for a set of 20 for $40. A little bit more organic looking.
Zen Invitations 20 for $40
Aria’s Spring 2009 bridesmaid collection has lots of froof! Yay! They run from $151- $250.
Purple dresses paired with bright green hydrangea, orchids and bells of ireland is a perfect spring color combo!
Photo Courtesy of Brides
Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings
Photo Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings
So you can sub in pink for red or any other color here too. I just love the bright happy hues of these shades together. Throw a little green in for good measure.
Photos Courtesy of TheKnot.com
AND as always… some things you can actually buy.
Zinnia Lover 7 Piece Pom Kit- Pom Love (Etsy) $30
I wrote about these awhile back, when I was talking about how to decorate gifts at display showers. But they are also really beautiful and fun decorations. You can make your own, or you can just buy the kit that has everything in it from Pom Love! So cute!
Afternoon Delight Fascinator from Jenn A Say (Etsy) $24
I love this froof. So bright and colorful and screaming for a daring unique bride to toss in her veil for! So fun, and so affordable from Etsy vendor Jenn A Say!
Custom Invitations from Lillebarn too
These mango and pink invitations from Etsy Vendor Lilliebarn Too are sure to catch your guests attention. Bright, fun and fuschia… why not?!
Lula Kate Bridesmaid Dresses
I ADORE Lula Kate Bridesmaid dresses. They have color combinations that never end, and their work is BEAUTIFUL. The Ashley Dress is my personal favorite…
Pink and Navy is my ALL-TIME favorite color combo. It’s elegant, but still flirty and fun and evokes all the style of New England summers on the Cape. So fab.
Photo Courtesy of TheKnot.com
AND…
Here are some things you can buy right now…
The Pink & Navy Retail King… Vineyard Vines. Seriously have you guys ever checked this place out. EVERYTHING is in this rockin’ color combo and it’s AMAZING. They have great ties for groomsmen, and patterned dresses perfect for bridesmaids. J.Crew is another great option because almost all of their dresses come in pink and navy for mixing and matching or total solidarity.
Cotton Candy Sydney Dress $225
Vineyard Vines Tie $75
Pink & Navy Monogram Invitations from Your Style Invitations
Pretty pink peep toes are so very girly and fun.
Joley Patent Leather Peep Toe $198 J.Crew
Again… incorporating prints and patterns into a color theme is a fun way to lighten it up and keep it fun and whimsical!
Polka Dot Wedding Cake- Purple Awning Pastries
And just to give you a better idea of how the pink and blue color theme looks on the whole bridal party… some wedding photos courtesy of Vineyard Vines. THE pink and blue wedding expert.
Photo Courtesy of Vineyard Vines
Photo Courtesy of Vineyard Vines
Photo Courtesy of Vineyard Vines
My friend C just got engaged and she’s weighing her color options. There are so many ideas floating around and to decide on just a few seems so unfair. So in the spirit of my darling friend and all the other brides that are gracing the aisle anytime soon, here is the first in a parade of wedding color inspiration boards to wet your palette and make some decisions already!
First up… Navy, White & Yellow Weddings!
I love yellow, and I really love navy. Navy is a closet staple. It goes with just about everything- orange, yellow, green, pink… the list goes on. But I do really love yellow… especially with navy. It’s classic, yet fun. Lovely.
Photo's courtesy of TheKnot.com
AND…
Here are some fun things in Navy, Yellow and pink that you can buy right now.
Monogram Block: Navy Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas
Photo Courtesy of Brides.com
Ask your florist for extra flowers. If you go with larger cheaper flowers like carnations, spider mums and dahlia’s you’ll be able to use them in bulk or as stand alone flowers to decorate chairs at the reception, in bulk on top of cocktail hour high-tops, or in flower “balls” with ribbon to hang on doors, and entrance ways or decorate the aisle.
Photo Courtesy of Brides.com
Photo Courtesy of CorenMoore.com
I wish I could explain to you how much I LOVE Coren Moore dresses. They are incredible, unique, beautiful and fit just about any kind of wedding you’re planning to throw. I think they’re just wonderful. I could go on and on about them, but check out their custom designs and color combo’s AND check out their wonderful new blog they just launched! So great!
"Just Married" Banner from Ear Mark (Etsy) $14
I love banners. But not the weird crepe paper versions from ghosts of birthday parties past. No, No. Pretty banners with flags, or paper with modern fonts and sweet stamping. Pretty. Hang it from your Trolley, Over a gift table – or just blowing in the wind near the entrance to cocktail hour.
Navy Blue Ring Bearers Pillow from Emici Bridal (Etsy) $65
Incorporating prints and patterns into the solid navy blue and yellow color motif lightens it up a little bit and makes it a little more whimsy, a little less “Milautica” (the merging of nautical and military decor… obviously.)
Augusta Peep Toes $225 J.Crew
Just remember… the style’s in the details. It doesn’t have to take over your reception. Don’t make EVERYTHING yellow and blue. Shades of colors tie nicely together, and leaving white as a staple color throughout brings everything together.
Some lovely “reds” in honor of Valentines Day and looking forward to Spring…as always
Photo's Courtesy of Brides.com
