Archive for March, 2009
* DIY Wedding Challenge - Vote Now!
Posted on March 23rd, 2009 by Margaret. Filed under Announcements, Bridesmaids.
It’s time to announce the five finalists of our DIY Wedding Challenge and vote on the winner of the $500 grand prize and the $250 runner up prize!
We had an overwhelming response with over 160 gorgeous do-it-yourself entries from our lovely brides, each one filled with amazing creativity married with personality and style. I couldn’t possibly choose the finalists by myself, so instead I enlisted the help of the most inspirational people in the world of weddings, design, and entertaining: the ever so sweet Bee from Weddingbee, the fabulous Grace from Design*Sponge, the lovely Mackenzie from Something Old, Something New, the oh so stylish Emily from Once Wed, and the modern chic Jennifer of Hostess with the Mostess.
A very big thanks to our celebrity guest judges and all the incredible brides who entered! The finalists are announced below, after which comes the fun part… choosing a winner! Don’t forget to vote for your favorite DIY entry for the $500 grand prize and the $250 runner up prize! Voting ends on Monday, March 30th at 5pm PST.
Good luck everyone!
Bee’s Top Picks:
- (Finalist) The Panel Pocketfold Invitations because they look fantastic and can be easily customized to fit your color scheme.
- The Lantern Centerpieces for the awesome instructions and fabulous yet affordable look
- The Personalized Matches for its simplicity and personalization.
Grace’s Top Picks:
- (Finalist) The Personalized Match Boxes because it’s inexpensive, easy to do, and can be customized in such unique ways.
- The fabulous Bling Letters because they look so professional and very inexpensive to create.
Mackenzie’s Top Picks:
- (Finalist) The Lace Escort Cards because it’s a romantic look that anyone can do.
- The dramatic Cascade Bride’s Bouquet
Emily’s Top Picks:
- (Finalist) The inspirational DIY Calligraphy, because it’s just so hard to resist a way to achieve perfect handwriting and invite wedding guests in a beautiful and inexpensive way.
Jennifer’s Top Picks:
- (Finalist) The Message in a Bottle Invitations because of the over-the-top creativity and meticulous attention to detail. Fromt the drops of mango scented oil and tiny sea shells to the clever “old style map” motif and raffia ties that made it easy for recipients to get the message out. Every aspect of these invitations is amazing!
- The Bouquet with Feathers and Beads because it is just so stunning
- Sliding Nugget Favor Boxes because they are absolutely adorable and can easily be tailored to any color palette, theme, or occasion.
- Cake Box Card Holder because the concept is so clever and makes for a great bridal shower centerpiece as well!
* Elegant Do It Yourself Invitations
Posted on March 17th, 2009 by Margaret. Filed under Do It Yourself, Wedding Invitations.
We’re currently pouring through all the awesome DIY Wedding Challenge entries to pick the five finalists! As I’ve been connecting with our celeb guest judges, this elegant do-it-yourself wedding invitation from mhudnall really caught my eye. I love the fall colors, and the entire presentation from the wrapped paper to the chocolate brown ribbon embody what a wedding invitation should be: charming with a lot of personality and style.
DIY Wedding Challenge: Elegant Fall Colored Wedding Invitations
Utilizing invitation kits, but adding your own personal twist. (community article)
I looked at a lot of wedding invitations and fell in love with several designs, yet nothing was ever exactly as I wanted, or if it was, the price was way too much for our budget. At this point, we chose to create our own wedding invitations using a kit from an amazing paper company as our base, and then adding to it to create an elegant invitation with a touch more pizazz that would truly set the tone for our special day.
Materials:
-”Carmine” Invitation Kit purchased from http://www.invitesite.com The paper in this kit included recycled card stock, and gorgeous red mulberry with mango leaves decorative paper which I loved. Elements were: 8.5×11″ Husk Card stock, 6.25 x 12.5″ Husk Card Stock, Starfold Wrap Mulberry paper, Exterior 6.5×6.5″ Envelopes, A4 RSVP Envelopes, Matching Pre-Cut Envelope liners for RSVP and Main Envelopes, and Red Taffeda Ribbon (Which I did not use for this project.)
-”Java” Colored 12×12 Card Stock from Bazzill Basics
-”Brown” colored single sided 5/8″ satin ribbon from http://www.jkmribbon.com
-Ink for your printer
-Fonts were purchased off of http://www.veer.com We used “Pabst” and “Declaration”
-Images were purchased off of http://www.istockphoto.com We made sure to use vector images which allowed us to utilize different elements. Search terms we used were “Vector, Floral, Grunge”.
-Stamps created on http://www.zazzle.com
Tools:
-Rotary Cutter which will give you the ability to cut and score your paper
-Scissors
-Lighter (And possibly a candle for multiple invitations)
-Glue Sticks (Which are provided when you buy the “Carmine” Kit)
-Glue Dots: The Kit also includes some of these, but you will need extra, I suggest using the “Memory” version, which are large enough dots, but extra thin specifically for attaching paper or photos to each other.
-Gold Pens for edging.
-Glimmer Mist from Tattered Angels color: “Gold”. http://www.mytatteredangels.com/
-Printer. (Ours was an HP inkjet printer.)
Assembly:
-If you plan on printing addresses from your computer directly onto your envelope, (ie: return addresses etc), I suggest do so prior to gluing in your envelope liners as this will add thickness to the envelopes and may create complications. Pictured on the left is the address printed directly on the envelope… on the right, we used clear mailing labels, printed on them and then stuck them on.
-Using your glue stick, insert your pre-cut envelope liners into each envelope. Fold liner over to apply glue, and then gently press to the inside of the envelope.
-Now here’s where you get to benefit from my lessons learned. While I loved these kits, I wanted to add some sparkle. I thought the exterior mulberry paper would look lovely if it were edged in gold. So, I went out and purchased a couple bottles of gold nail polish and got to work on each piece. While the effect was lovely, it created an extremely stinky apartment. Doing this project again for someone else, I was able to re-create the effect using a gold marker and a gold gel glitter pen on top. Same look, less stink.
-I also wanted to add a soft shimmer to the exterior of this mulberry paper. For my project, I ended up using “Queen Phyllis” eye makeup from Bare Minerals… adding it to a makeup brush and lightly brushing it over the paper to create a shimmer effect. Result was pretty, but costly. Lo and behold, I discovered a new product by Tattered Angels called glimmer mist! It’s effective and fast and adds a fine colored glimmer to any product. So… take the mulberry paper and lay it down with the part that will be facing outside laying up. (Make sure you have something underneath you don’t mind getting sprayed too.) Shake the glimmer mist so everything mixes properly, and lightly spray the paper. Allow to dry a few minutes.
-While paper is drying, take your Bazzill 12×12 Java paper and cut in half using the paper cutting feature of your rotary blade so now you have two pieces that measure 12×6″.
-Now changing the cutter so it is in scoring mode, score your 12×6 paper in half so that you can easily fold your java colored paper into a 6×6″ booklet.
-Now we’re onto our elements section. For us, we opted to have four different parts to the invitation; The invitation, hotel card, maps/directions, RSVP card. The first three parts were all square measuring 5.5×5.5″ and were printed on our HP Inkjet home printer on the 12.5×6.25″ card stock, and then cut down to size. As stated above, original images were purchased off of istockphoto.com, and fonts from veer.com. Graphics were then created on Adobe InDesignCS3 software.
-For the map, first we took a screen shot of google maps. Image was then brought into Adobe Illustrator where a second layer was created, and the key streets were traced over. It was then transferred over to InDesign where graphic was created and saved as a PDF.
-After the invite, hotel info and map cards were printed up and cut to size, I mounted them onto the java card stock by placing glue dots on each of the four corners of the cards and pressing them gently to the paper to adhere.
-RSVP Cards were printed on the 8.5×11″ card stock. The actual cards measured 5.5×4.25″ and hence fit 4 to a sheet. We also then flipped the paper over and printed our monogram on the other side which was a merging of our initials together, an ‘M’ and an ‘A’.
-RSVP cards were cut down, and then tucked inside the flap of the RSVP envelope which had our return address printed on it along with the proper postage. (We used superhero stamps for the RSVP envelope because we’re closet nerds.) Whole shebang was then tucked inside the booklet.
-Meanwhile satin ribbon was cut to 24″ in length and fed through the pre-cut holes in the starfold mulberry paper, shimmer side of the paper down. (Depending on your bow tying skills, it may need to be slightly longer.)
-Place invitation inside and then fold the pointed flaps over securing shut with a single glue dot.
-Tie your ribbon into a neat little bow, using your scissors trim the edges, and then with a lighter, carefully melt the edges of the bow to prevent the satin from fraying. (Good old, Ren Faire trick.) If doing multiple bows, it might be useful to light a candle and utilize the flame from that.
-A quick note about stamps. We ended up custom making our postage on the outside from http://www.zazzle.com For these invites, they are considered ‘odd sized’ and therefore require more postage. I love using zazzle as it’s a great way to make a neat impact. A note however about the image you chose… make sure it’s bright enough, if your photo that you upload is too dark, your stamp may appear grainy. Despite it being grainy, I still love our stamp we used, which was a photo of us at Sundance along with our wedding date added on there via Photoshop before being uploaded.
And there you have it! These were truly a labor of love between myself who likes to scrap book and my husband who does graphic design. Even now, we still like to make fancy invitations for events we throw. Our friends love getting them, and claim they’re often times more ornate than actual wedding invitations they get, which is nice to hear.
Approximate Cost: $6.50 per invitation INCLUDING postage for invite and RSVP envelope.
A couple more images for the road.
* Goth Inspired Wedding
Posted on March 17th, 2009 by Elle. Filed under Wedding Inspiration.
GOTH…that one word conjures up imagines of Marilyn Manson…or perhaps teenagers full of angst with black lipstick…BUT can one use Goth as the inspiration for a wedding without reenacting a scene from Tim Burton’s The Corpse Bride? Of course! Let the word GOTH instead conjure up images of black, dark crimson, dark purples, and rich decorative accents. Let’s start with the wedding attire shall we?
These gowns are rich in their detail and are definitely unique. I especially love the gothic fairy look – although the colors are dark, the entire ensemble just screams ethereal! The groom’s suit is also perfect and if you want to add some extra pizzazz, have the groom wear a top hat. Your shoes (as well as the bridesmaids) should be special but also very classy. Goth shoes tend to be a little chunky and would not work in this situation. As a Goth bride, your bouquet should be full and definitely dark, whether red, purple or even black.
Your bridesmaids can wear either a two piece ensemble consisting of a red corset, such as the one shown here together with a long satin skirt that is fitted to the body or a halter top black dress circa 1950’s. Vintage can be Goth! Why not have your girls wear birdcage veils with a dark flower instead of you? That will shake things up! You will want to keep your flower girls looking sweet, but still fit into the theme of rich colors. How amazing would your little princess be in a massive tulle color explosion?
For makeup, I suggest a great smoky eye, but NOT overdone! Keep the look sexy and fresh so that you don’t end up looking like a painted up doll. My suggestion for hair is just one word…or rather three…Dita Von Teese! She has perfected the flawless look of sleek, wavy hair that would work well with a Goth themed wedding.
When you are decorating your ceremony and reception spaces, keep in mind that the overall look should not necessarily be dark (as in mood)…this is a wedding after all. Again, rich colors, dark lace and pieces with substance will make any venue look like Dracula’s castle glamorously revamped. Manzanita trees are very popular – spray paint the tree(s) in black or dark red instead and hang crystals on it. The look will be luxe Goth. Rent black chirvalri chairs, use dark vases, goblets, plates and napkins and use lots of mirrors, both on the tables and wall (if permitted to hang). If you are having a sweetheart table, rent or borrow overstuffed chairs in dark leather or even better, crimson suede. The overall look will be tasteful.
Enjoy a Goth inspired wedding and show your dark side…
* An Elegant Napa Wedding
Posted on March 16th, 2009 by Margaret. Filed under Real Weddings.
* Lily of the Valley Bouquet
Posted on March 12th, 2009 by Margaret. Filed under Flowers, Real Weddings.
There are a lot of things going on over here, but I wanted to give you a sneak preview of a lovely lily of the valley bouquet from next week’s real wedding of the week…
Photo by Little White Dress, Coordination by Alison Events
* 1920’s Era Wedding Inspiration
Posted on March 12th, 2009 by Elle. Filed under Wedding Inspiration.
“Rich girls don’t marry poor boys, Jay Gatsby”. When Mia Farrow spoke this line to Robert Redford in The Great Gatsby, that summed up the entire movie. The mood of the movie, set in the roaring twenties, was light, rich, slathered in fabulous clothing and constant parties. A roaring twenties theme wedding should be just that – fun and light.
As a 1920’s bride, your dress should be airy and you definitely get extra points for lace. Here are two pictures of Mia Farrow as Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby for inspiration. Her look is ethereal and so pure…perfect for a wedding. If you opt for a veil, one with a cloche would finish off the look perfectly. Check out this real 1920’s inspired wedding. The bride and groom got the attire just right!
For the bridesmaids, this picture from a McCall’s pattern shows wonderful choices. A dress with a drop waist is very indicative of the 1920’s and some light ruffles on the bottom would make a perfect bridesmaid dress.
A tea party inspired reception would add sophistication and whimsy. Colors like cream, pinks, light blues, mint greens and other pastel colors would add the perfect look to any tea party reception. Tea sandwiches, pastel colored macaroons, cookies and cupcakes would finish off the look.
Think Art Deco, think jazz, think The Charleston, think excess – and you have all the ingredients for a great 1920’s wedding.
* Introducing… Elle!
Posted on March 12th, 2009 by Margaret. Filed under Announcements.
From Elle: My honey proposed to me on August 4, 2008. Although I knew that he was going to ask me to marry him, it came as a total surprise because I was not sure as to when he was going to ask. I met him at school. We are both in the same adult accelerated program and will graduate next spring. Our wedding is scheduled for September 19, 2009 at Real Art Ways (art gallery) in Hartford, Connecticut. We are excited and he has completely immersed himself into the planning (although not as much as I)! He especially loves the tastings because he has a bottomless pit stomach and I tell him so at least 3 times per day. He is the only man that I have ever met that has a bigger chocolate craving than I do and I could eat chocolate EVERYDAY!!!
Our wedding vision is modern and somewhat minimalist. Our colors are ice blue, black and white. He has left all of the decorations up to me which is just the way that I like it. (: We are renting everything which gives me creative control right from the beginning. We have already booked our photographer, DJ, and venue. We are in the process of booking our day of coordinator, caterer and cake. We have two tastings for cakes at the end of October and I can hardly contain myself. Sugar - YUM!
Can’t wait to share ideas with all of you!
* DIY Hanging Paper Cranes
Posted on March 10th, 2009 by Margaret. Filed under Do It Yourself.
This is a really cute DIY entry from Kristen!
~~~~~~~~
Paper cranes are a great way to accent a wedding with an Asian theme. They’re versatile, easy to make, and origami paper is pretty cheap. You’ll have to bear with me though as my wedding hasn’t happened yet, so the pictures I post really don’t do justice to the project. My apologies.
How can you use them?
You can use these hanging paper cranes in multiple ways. As pictured above, they can be creative escort card holders, but be sure to have a sturdy background because the tiniest bit of wind will cause them to twirl around. If you have a nature theme, you can hang them from a string (use a paper clip as a hook) and put them against a blue background - it’ll be like birds on a wire. You can also use them as decorations for the various tables (sign in, guest book, buffet, dessert, gifts, etc.), or hang them from manzanita branches in a decorative vase to serve as a centerpiece.
So how do you make them?
Materials:
- origami paper
- thread and needle
- decorative beads (2 sizes)
- scissors
Procedure:
1. Fold origami paper into a paper crane (as demonstrated here)
2. Pick out any kind of beads you want. For my project, I used opaque white beads that were about 1/4″ in diameter, and clear beads that were about 1/8″ in diameter. Bought them at Jo Ann’s for about $3.50 total.
3. Cut a piece of thread into a 7.5 inch strip. Put the thread through the larger bead (make sure the ends match) and then slip the two ends into the needle. Take the needle and slip it through the smaller bead. It should look like the picture below, although I accidentally took off the needle. Don’t do that, keep the needle on.
4. Then you will take the needle (with the thread and beads) and slip it through the hole at the bottom of the crane. Then carefully guide the needle straight up so that it punctures the peak of tbe crane’s body, as shown below.
5. Pull the needle through until the beads touch the crane. Then you’re going to the take the thread and knot it. It’s best if you use a string-like thread, something with a some grooves; if it’s too thin, it’ll easily slip through the crane.
6. If you’re going to make them as escort card holders, cut a slit between the head and the body. For these cranes, I cut an “escort card” that was 1″ x 3″.
The origami paper I used was roughly 4.5″ x 4.5″. It doesn’t produce a large crane, as the picture below shows (the crane is being compared to a Dove promise chocolate):
How is Kristen going to use them?
I’m getting some branches, spray painting them a light gold, and putting them in a cylindrical vase with leaves wrapped around the inside. I’ll hang about 50 paper cranes (it only took me a few hours to string them as my MOH was kind enough to fold them) and will put the vase on the escort card table so that the cranes are hanging over the tented cards. I was going to put votive candles underneath but realized that the heat wouldn’t be good with the paper cranes. Maybe I’ll get those flickering light kind of votives. Unfortunately I don’t have a picture of all this just yet. Check my bio in about 5 months. 
But you can really make this your own - origami paper comes in all sorts of designs and you can get colorful with different beads and thread. You can even hang multiple cranes on one thread (make sure the knot is big enough so the cranes don’t slide through). Get creative and have fun!
* Blog Redesign!
Posted on March 10th, 2009 by Margaret. Filed under Announcements.
Welcome to The Inspired Bride!
I’m so excited about our new blog branding and our fresh new design. Our awesome graphic designer, Marissa, redesigned the blog to reflect the look and feel of the rest of our site, incorporating an elegant color palette and a romantic lily of the valley letterpress style header.
What do you think of the new design? =)
* DIY Ranunculus Dragonfly Pomander
Posted on March 5th, 2009 by Margaret. Filed under Do It Yourself.
This ultra-chic DIY entry comes from the extremely talented TheChicBride. She created this gorgeous white pomander with crystal bead tie and a crystal dragonfly accent. Fabulous!
Materials:
-(15) 2.5 inch silk ranunculus heads
-(15) 2 inch silk ranunculus heads
-4 inch white styrofome ball
-Glue gun
-12 inch crystal strand
-Crystal dragonfly bouquet stick
-Wire cutters
Instructions:
1. Take crystal stand and hot glue it to the styrofome ball. Make sure to use a generous amount of glue so the strand will hold.
2. Please allow 30 minutes for glue to set completely before adding flowers.
3. remove flower heads from stems.
4. Add a generous amount of hot glue to the back of the flower head and attach to ball.
5. Please allow 5 minutes for glue to get.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 untill your ball is completely covered.
7. Once the ball is completely covered with flowers, it is time to add the crystal dragonly bouquet stick.
8. Snip the metal stem of teh dragonfly bouquet stick with wire cutters so that the stick will only be approx 2 to 3 inches long.
9. Add a bit of hot glue to the back of the dragonfly bouquet stick.
10. Place stick where ever desired and press lightly. Allow 5 to 10 minutes to adhere.
Voila!!!! You have just made a pomander.
Pages:
Categories:
- Announcements
- Beauty
- Bridal Shoes
- bridal shower
- Bridesmaids
- Celebrity Weddings
- Ceremony
- Cinematography
- Color Palettes
- Destination Weddings
- Do It Yourself
- Favors
- Flowers
- Inspiring Links
- Luxe for Less
- Photography
- Real Weddings
- Reception
- Rings
- Things we heart
- Uncategorized
- Wedding Cakes
- Wedding Dress
- Wedding Favors
- Wedding Inspiration
- Wedding Invitations
