April 29, 2011

Stunning!

The wedding was so much perfection. So much love. A fantastic combination of decorum, sentiment, and overall loveliness. I'll discuss more after I've slept a titch.
Love you all!
Hope you get to catch a bit (or all) of the wedding!

April 28, 2011

The Queen's Scones

If you're still looking for something to snack on during the Royal Wedding, consider these yummy looking scones found on Smashed Peas and Carrots. Find the recipe and the fun story behind them here. She also has a Devonshire Cream recipe to top them off here.

Two of my favorite things...

A few of my favorite things combine in these Kate Middleton paper dolls. Weddings, Princess, and Disney! The soon to be Princess Catherine gets to try on the most famous Disney Princess gowns in preparation for her big day. Find them here!

Royal Wedding Carriage

Wouldn't it be fun to have this be your wedding getaway vehicle? Read more about it here.


For Your Royal Throne

Look at this lovely embroidered pillow! I think this would be a perfect way to keep a bit of the Royal Wedding fever going long after the big day! I'm considering getting the black and white mini version. They're both from Jan Constantine.

DIY Union Jack Tablecloth

Check out this fabulous Union Jack tablecloth tutorial from The Charm of Home! I think it'd be an easy way to bring a ton of color and character to your table on Friday.

Charitable Fund to Celebrate Royal Wedding

In lieu of the (sometimes ridiculous) wedding gifts frequently given to royal couples, Prince William and Catherine have asked that those wishing to give them a wedding gift donate to a charity fund benefiting charities they chose reflecting their interests and experiences. Learn more about it here. If you want to donate the site is here.

April 27, 2011

Wedding Viewing Party Favors

Here are a list of favors in a range of prices that would all be sure to win over your guests!

If the Tiara Fits Lip gloss from Bath & Body Works
$4.00 each
Mini Tiara Combs from Zurchers
$3.73 for 12
$9.00 each

If you haven't found your prince charming...

Perhaps you need this pin? It sure makes me smile!

The Queen Mother's Wedding Cake

The Royal Wedding Cake

I love the bit where she talks about the meanings of flowers to be included on the cake. Such a beautiful way to add sentiment to your cake!

Official Approval Given by the Queen

According to the Royal Marriages Act 1772, all descendants of King George II (that includes our dear Prince William) must get formal sanction from the current Sovereign before marrying. Lucky for Will and Kate, the queen gave her official approval. I thought getting my dad's approval was difficult, but this takes it to a pretty intense level. Read more about it here.

April 26, 2011

Royal Wedding Photographer

Meet the Royal Wedding photographer. His name is Hugo Burnand and he was Charles and Camilla's wedding photographer as well. Read more about him here.

Wedding Viewing Party Deserts

If you're intending to have that wedding viewing party, even if it's just you who's invited, you'll need some great themed food. Here are four fabulous recipes that I'm considering for that day's desert. Since they're from Betty Crocker's website, they're all simple to make and impressive to serve, which is just what we like to see in a party food.

If you'll be watching with your girlfriends- May I suggest these slightly silly Kate the Bride cupcakes. It'd be fun to have each guest decorate their own bride's dress with piping bags and see which one looks most like the real gown.

If you're watching during breakfast- Consider these light, flaky Palmiers. Sure they're a cookie, but they're just the right combo of pastry to make them alright for morning consumption just this once.

If you're watching with mixed age groups- Make these adorable engagement ring cupcakes. Everyone loves a cupcake and with the gorgeous addition of blue rock candy, they're as visually stunning as they are delicious.

If you're watching with you Mother in Law- Serve this jaw dropping Royal Blue Velvet cake. Who couldn't help but be impressed by this beauty?!

More Printables!

I love this set of printables from Tomkat Studio! Be sure to check out the large "Keep Calm and Marry On." I'm considering framing it as a gift to any and all newly engaged girlfriends. Find them here.

Wedding Viewing Party Printables

Find a whole slew of printables for your Royal Wedding viewing party here at Design Edition. The printable set includes invites, pennants, a crown and more.

April 25, 2011

To go with the Tea Towel I assume?

If you want to see what the bride and groom would look like in a hot tub on their wedding day (creepy) you could get these fabulous tea bags. Find them and a few other ridiculous souvenirs here.

Want a Commemorative Tea Towel?

Order the sweet, whimsical commemorative tea towel here.

Royal Ring of Your Own

Wanting a rock worthy of royalty for yourself, but don't want to find a legitimate royal to buy it for you? Check out these three practically priced options that are sure to stun.

Our first option comes from Overstock.com. It's $29.99 and has great matching earrings available that would make it really pop. Find it here.
In my opinion your best looking option comes from QVC's Diamonique ling. At $54.60, it carries the biggest price tag of the three, but boasts the most realistic looking center stone by far. Find the listing here.

Our third option doesn't have a picture, but is easily the most practical option and was actually quite beautiful. Walmart (at least my local one) is currently carrying a fashion ring in store only that is a fantastic knock-off of the royal ring. I believe it cost around $12 and it looked really great on. As a bonus, you'll have it in time for all of the royal wedding festivities which is just so appropriate.


The Engagement Ring

Don't you just love that Prince William's bride-to-be is wearing Princess Diana's ring? He said, "It's my mother's engagement ring and it's very special to me, as Kate is very special to me now as well. It was only right the two were put together." What a sweetheart!
Read (or watch) more about the story here.

It's Royal Wedding Week!

Will and Kate are tying the knot on Friday and it seems like the whole world is going crazy about it. Let's not lie here, I run a wedding blog, you know I'm pretty psyched too. This week we'll be having multiple posts every day all centered around this fantastic royal event. Get excited!

April 24, 2011

Happy Easter my Lovelies! I hope you enjoy this happy holiday with your family and friends!

April 22, 2011

Printable Wedding Invites

Ladies, have you been to Download & Print yet? If you're on the hunt for your perfect (inexpensive) invitations, you need to. No seriously, go now.

Not convinced yet? Maybe you've only seen tacky printables. Maybe you're afraid that the printable option isn't as inexpensive as you need. Whatever your hesitation, Download & Print will probably be able to win you over. Many of the templates are free, but you'd never guess by looking at them. That grey gorgeousness below? Free. The templates that aren't free are still pretty close at about $20. Find the grey template here and the whole line-up of freebies here.

April 20, 2011

Engagement Photo Inspiration

Kathleen from Grosgrain (love. love. love.) is planning a wedding and as such puts up the most gorgeous things on a daily basis. Check out her series of engagement shoot inspiration like the lovely below. Found here.

April 18, 2011

Seed Starter Favors

How great are these seed starters from MADE? I love the bright colors! In my opinion, these would make the perfect favor for a spring wedding or bridal shower. They're inexpensive, pretty easy to make, and customizable in shape and color. Love them! Find the full tutorial here.

April 15, 2011

Green Tourmaline and Diamond Ring

Most brides want to stand out from the crowd, be unique, show their true colors. If you're that kind of bride, and you want your ring to do the same, check out this yellow gold and green tourmaline stunner from Master Goldcraft. Ringed in diamonds and with a perfectly designed matching wedding band, this gorgeous green stone sets itself apart for under $1ooo. Find the listing here.

April 13, 2011

Ribbon-Weave Tabletop

I love the unlimited options this ribbon-weave tabletop idea opens up! Each table could be different using all the colors from the pallet you've selected for your event. It's a great update of the traditional table runner concept and it would be fairly inexpensive if done carefully (keep in mind that the dollar store often carries satin ribbons like this). Photo seen here from Martha Stewart Weddings.

April 11, 2011

Layered Felt Flower Bouquet

Here's another great look for bridal bouquets made of felt. This tutorial is brought to you by That Jolie Girl and features some great customizing options with multiple colors, embroidery, and accenting with beads and buttons. Be sure to look at the gorgeous flower representing her grandmother, a very sentimental way to remember a loved one. Find the tutorial and all her great tips here.

April 8, 2011

Felt Heart Bouquet

How cute is this bridal bouquet?! I love it! It's sweet, it'll make a great keepsake, and it cost under $10. You just can't beat that! I'm guessing you could outfit your whole bridal party (your bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres, etc) for under $25. Find the whole tutorial with great step by step photos here at La Belle Bride.

April 6, 2011

Doily Chargers/Place Cards

If you're having a formal dinner reception or wedding luncheon, take a look at this brilliant idea from Martha Stewart Weddings. Using 12 inch doilies (which are inexpensive and easy to find) as both a charger and a place card adds a sweet simplicity to your table setting. If you don't want assigned seating, consider writing lovely quotes or song lyrics that mean something to you and your groom. Find this idea and a round-up of other table setting ideas here.

April 4, 2011

Something Blue Dress Label

As we all know by now, I'm a big fan of personalizing your big day, but I also love traditions. There's just something about doing the things that brides have been doing for generations before you. If you're intending to carry the "Something borrowed, something blue..." consider this sweet tag from Embroidery by Linda. Fully customized with your monogram, wedding date, and the choice of white or ivory to match your gown, this sew-in label will turn your dress into a time capsule of your wedding day. Find the label here.

April 1, 2011

Lace Heart Garland

This is such a delicate and romantic look! I think this gorgeous lace heart garland from Michele Made Me would make stunning reception or ceremony decor, but it might be a bit labor intensive for that. I'm seeing it along the aisle at a ceremony, ringing a sweetheart table at your luncheon or reception, or as backdrop for photos or your receiving line. Find the step by step tutorial (with photos thank you very much) here.

March 30, 2011

Vintage Wedding Ideas

Karryann from Gracefully Vintage has a fantastic list of ideas for hosting a vintage or vintage inspired wedding. My favorite suggestions include re-purposing vintage wedding dresses as frilly tablecloths and using vintage scales or jello molds as unique centerpieces that nod to the theme. Find the whole list here and be sure to check out her drool-inducing furniture make-overs while you're there!

March 28, 2011

Epic Letterpress Giveaway at Be Different Act Normal

Love the look of letterpress? Enter to win the Epic Letterpress and Die Cut machine over Be Different Act Normal. Find the giveaway here!

March 25, 2011

Look Good, Do Good

This gorgeous Calla Lily necklace from Pixie Dust features a white swarovski pearl and an 18 inch chain. I'd love to see these on each of the women in a bridal party. The shop owner will be donating 20% of the sales to the Red Cross relief effort in Japan so you'll be giving to a fantastic cause while outfitting yourself or your bridesmaids. Find the necklace for only $22 here.

March 23, 2011

Pretty Paper Chains

I'm a bit obsessed with these paper chains made by the Crafts Dept. from Martha Stewart. I made a paper chain to help me count down to when a certain handsome fellow was headed back to the States and they hold a special place in my heart. My chain wasn't nearly as beautiful as this one, but if you are sentimental about paper links as well, consider a garland of these strung around your reception site. On a smaller scale, they would look stunning wreathing a sweethearts table or as a backdrop for your receiving line. Find the tutorial here and be sure to scroll down to see the other punch options. I'm especially taken with the Butterflies and the Infinite Loops. What option is your favorite?

March 22, 2011

Sick Day!

Sorry for my absence yesterday! My husband and I have been down with fever and chills, but we seem to be on the mend. Regular posts will resume tomorrow!

March 18, 2011

Seashell Locket

I love this sweet seashell locket for a beach wedding! This would be an incredibly thoughtful wedding gift if you got engaged near the ocean and I certainly think it's lovely enough to be worn on your wedding day. Find it here and be sure to check out Tyra's etsy shop for more personalized gorgeousness.

March 16, 2011

Conversation Starting Guestbooks

These guest books are such a great idea! Part guest book, part icebreaker, part table decor, these notebooks have each guest answer a question about the couple in small notebooks. What a fantastic keepsake! The covers are a free printable, but it seems that some brides have had trouble with getting the covers to fit their purchased books so you may want to use this one mostly for inspiration and personalize the idea to your wedding. Find the whole how to and the download here.

March 14, 2011

Applying False Lashes

If you're thinking about using false lashes for your wedding day, be sure to check out this great video tutorial to learn how to apply them. She has some great tips, but don't get frustrated if you have a hard time getting yours to go on the first time. Practice makes perfect so get a few sets of the lashes you want to wear and take a few trial runs.

March 11, 2011

Diet Tips for Healthy Hair and Nails

For all you ladies getting yourself in tip top shape for your big day (and the honeymoon) check out this article about what healthy foods will also make your hair and nails healthier than ever. Find the full article here.

March 9, 2011

Personalized Thank You Postcards

I'm a little bit in love with these personalized postcards as Thank You notes. As a new bride I really struggled with getting notes written, especially to my husband's family or guests that only he knew. With postcards not only would you be less pressed to write a novel of gratitude, but your postage cost would also be cheaper. Find the tutorial here.

March 7, 2011

Centerpieces and Tablescapes

Here's another line-up of creative centerpiece ideas. This round-up isn't necessarily geared for weddings so some of the ideas would probably be too casual, but many are really clever. Highlights include this stunning greenery wrapped centerpiece, the family tree centerpiece, and the finial placecard holders. See them all here from Better Homes and Gardens.

March 4, 2011

Non-floral Centerpieces

If you're looking for centerpieces that are a little more unique, but sure to browse through this round-up of centerpieces that are anything but your average bouquet. My favorites include a pyramid of doughnuts, the "Modern Wood" centerpiece, and the dramatic chandelier shown below.
Find the full list from Martha Stewart Weddings here.

March 2, 2011

Free Printable Table Numbers

I love these sweet table number printables from The Knotty Bride! Make sure to check out the bonus flags at the end. So cute! Find this printable here.

February 28, 2011

Gorgeous and Glamorous Earrings

Where were these while I was planning my wedding?!?!
Seriously, these are fabulous. We all know I'm a big fan of a pop of color in a bridal ensemble and Lara Lewis' shop is just the place to get it. They have a wide array of glamorous accessories just perfect for your big day or any day. Find these earrings here and be sure to take a look at the rest of the shop!

February 25, 2011

Ivory Satin Hair Clips

This set of two ivory satin hair flowers are made especially sweet by their rhinestone centers. They're only $14 for two handmade flowers and measure about two inches across. Find them (and many more great bridal accessories) here at Saras Boutique.

February 23, 2011

Candlestick Topiary

I love the way this candlestick topiary looks! It looks like they'd be pretty easy to mass produce for centerpieces. I have an image in my head of all of them being slightly different looks and heights. I love it! They wouldn't be to expensive either, which we definitely love over here! Check out the full tutorial at Stay at home Artist here.

February 21, 2011

Doilie Cupcake Skirt

Everything about this picture is sweetness! I love the lace peeking out from beneath that fluffy frosting, I love the glittery sprinkles, and I think the rhinestones gave it just a little oomph to drive the girlie look home. The "skirt" is surprisingly simple to make and these would make a BIG impact on a desert table. Find the tutorial from No Fuss Fabulous here.