#195. Leaf toss?

I have heard about all kinds of sendoff celebrations... Flower petals, bubbles, lavender, sparklers... But, for a fall wedding in New England, you know what would be perfect? Leaves. Yep, leaves would be so incredibly amazing, I can see it now...

#194. Just Dance!

How cute would this sign be outside the dancing area? I think it would be easy to make yourself. I think that it might have to include an exclamation point.

#193. And the centerpiece inspiration keeps on coming!

What about the tin cans, the cross-stitch numbers (for some tables) and the wooden for others, mixed with totally different flower arrangements like this.

Ah.

I love.

#192. Embroidery, tin cans and paint - oh my!

Wow. How great would these centerpieces be for a country wedding with mason jars for drinks. Painted tin cans to hold the flowers? Yes please. Embroidered table numbers? Considering my many (previous) years of cross-stitching, heck yeah!

#191. Centerpieces you can take home...

How cool would it be to get different numbers from different places and place them on tables like this? I think they would have to be bigger, surely, but it could be fun! And, afterwards, you can take them home...

#190. Benediction

I used to be a lot more religious than I am now. Not in the crazy, "let's speak in tongues and throw snakes on one another" crazy kind, but more the God loves everyone, despite their differences kind. I would like to think that I still hold some of these beliefs, and I recently attended a church that I would like to frequent more often. I read this benediction just now, and I think it is perfect, it sums up everything you should feel, and it isn't too preachy (for lack of a better word.)

May your home be filled with laughter and the warm embrace of a summer's day

May you find peace and beauty,

Challenge and satisfaction,

Humor and insight,

Healing and renewal,

Love and wisdom.

May you always feel that you have enough.

Although, I would probably want to add the benediction my church always did to the end with the following modifications...

May the Lord bless you (us) and keep you (us),

May the Lord make his face to shine upon you (us)

And be gracious unto you (us).

For this we pray, in Jesus name, Amen.

#189. Ampersand...

I don't love all aspects of this invite (the color, mainly) but I do love the ampersand sign used on the back of the save the date, as well as the idea of incorporating something iconic related to the place you are getting married in.

#188. The Post About Wheat

A few years ago, I went to a wedding for two friends from college. The bridesmaids all had wheat in their bouquets, and I LOVED the idea. Just like I love this one...

#187. What a great idea

Holy moly! Who thought of this? A device where you can download the pictures right away? I feel like this will be something I would have to nag people about doing (and understand if not everyone did it) but OMG!

#186. Colors, Flowers, Mason Jars - Oh My!

Sigh... I love this. Multiple kinds of yellow flowers (based on what is at the store that day) coupled with mason jars. Blue mason jars. I think it's safe to say that after becoming slightly obsessed with the blue and red combo, that I'm now leaning towards blue and yellow. I mean, they are SUCH happy colors! Also, I think it's still totally possible to do black outfits for the maids and men coupled with yellow flowers or accessories for the ladies and blue ties for the men. Yes. I love this.

Also, I love the idea of using the leftover mason jars for gifts, although I'm thinking about putting things in them... Cocoa mix for Christmas? Flowers as thank you gifts for friends? The possibilities are endless.

#185. FG Dresses

I love the idea of having a Tiffany blue/white flower girl dress! I'm not sure if I love the style of the top, I think I would prefer something that goes straight across, but I really think this is something my Mom could help me make...

#184. B-I-N-G-O!

What if you took the above picture and instead of making an "i spy" game you can make a bingo-type game for your guests? The winner could get a bottle of wine, or some fun kind of age-appropriate toy. This would be great, especially if you made it a part of the program to entertain guests who arrive early. Or, if you have a cocktail time scheduled in before the wedding it might be nice too!

#183. Non-annoying DJ + Anniversary Dance

This weekend, I went to an amazing wedding. I loved so many details about it: the outdoor reception, the doors all along the side of the chapel being open so that there was a fresh air element, the bride showing up in a horse and carriage, but this post isn't about that. It's about the music. I loved it. I danced for roughly 90% of the wedding. And two very interesting things happened.

1. The DJ didn't annoy me. He really didn't talk much at all; he didn't try to make jokes; he didn't improvise; he just did his job and played good tunes.

2. I witnessed my first anniversary dance. At first, the DJ asked all married couples to get on the dance floor. Then, one by one, he asked couples to leave. He started with those married for one year, then five, then ten, etc... until two couples remained - both of whom had been married for almost 40 years.

I loved this idea. Mainly because watching these couples (especially those who have been married for more than half of their lives) interact with one another was awe-inspiring. I think this is a great tradition, and I have heard rumors that some people (instead of doing a bouquet toss) give their bouquet to the couple that has been married for the longest amount of time.

#182. STD = easy DIY

Ah! I love these! AND, I love that I could do them myself...

#181. Candy CENTERPIECES?

I love the wedding blogging world - where else (other than having a creative side; I do not) would I have come up with this idea? Candy as the favor/centerpiece combination? I. LOVE. IT.

#180. Invitation Inspiration...

I really don't know how people planned weddings before wedding blogs... I absolutely love the wording on this invitation!

"On this day we will marry the one we laugh with, live for, dream with (although I kind of like dream of), love."

#179. L.O.V.E.

What a great idea for both the bouquet and the boutonnieres! :)

Also, side note, these fake plants are in our half bath courtesy of the BF's mom.

#178. Baby's Breath!

I recognize that half of my flower posts are about the same thing, but seeing this reaffirms my whole baby's breath as bridesmaids bouquet concept...

#177. STD or Invite text?

I saw this today on A Practical Wedding and I think it's wonderful... I went to the etsy shop and read the full verbiage listed below:

We (Erin Rae Allingham and  Jason Alexander Bissey) are super excited to be getting married. Almost as thrilling is the opportunity to invite those we love, like, and patiently tolerate to come to Durham for the celebration. You are most welcome to join us on May 21, 2010, for a ceremony at 6pm at Duke Gardens. We will then proceed to Vin Rouge where much feasting, drinking, & celebrating will ensure. The sooner the better, please RSVP at (wedding website listed) or by phone at (number listed) if you prefer. Look nice but no tuxes please!

Obvi, some of the language will need to be changed, but it is cute and clever and I love it!

#166. Bouquet Handle

Oh la la! How pretty is this? I want to do this. Fo' sho'.

#165. Napkins

I have seen several people post things about this, and having watched my Mom make napkins growing up and how easy it is... I'm really tempted to duplicate this project! I have been wanting a sewing machine for a while now, so maybe I will think about asking for one for Christmas! :)

#164. Girl Baby Shower Invite

Maybe it's just me, but a lot of my friends are pregnant - and I think this would be an ADORABLE way to do an invite for a sweet little baby girl...

#163. Dinner

In an effort to eat healthier (aka return to life before bf when I did eat healthy 95% of the time) I made the following for dinner: Lasagna.

Not healthy, right?

Wrong.

My lasagna contained a homemade tomato sauce (basil we grew from seeds and equal parts tomato and carrot added to sauteed garlic and onion), steamed broccoli, sauteed (in pam olive oil spray) green peppers, lean turkey meat, and squash and zucchini that I baked after doing an egg, bread crumb, parmesan, salt and pepper mix. I only used two layers of (whole wheat) lasagna noodles, one (very thin) ricotta layer, and some mozzarella on top.

Good. Healthy. Filling.

#162. Verbiage

I have yet to come across more than one or two ceremonies that I did not like, but I have to say, I am in love with this verbiage:

I take you as my friend and love, beside me and apart from me, in laughter and tears, in conflict and tranquility, asking that you be no one other than yourself, loving what I know of you and trusting what I do not know yet in all of the ways that life may find us.

#161. Candy buffet bags!

Sigh... I want to recreate these...

#160. Candy Buffet!

I love love LOVE this idea, and all of these options sound totally doable in advance... :)

#159. Guest Book

Here's an idea.... Remember that poster I was talking about to replace the program/save paper/money? What if I designed it so that people could sign around it for a guest book? Hmmmmm.... Interesting.

#158. OOT bag addition!

What a great idea for out of town bags... I might change it up, though, to read something like this...

Please Do Not Disturb

I had too much fun at the xyz wedding and may need to check out late.

xoxo,

Super Cool Wedding Guest

#157. Maps

Here's a good thing to file away...

#156. Something to consider...

I even started a new category just based on this! How does one make time for everyone? Let's say (for example) I was planning a Saturday wedding, this is one way I might make time for everyone - especially out of towners. I'd probably take Thursday and  Friday (at the very least) off. So, let's say that's it. I imagine some out of towner's wouldn't be able to make it for a bachelorette party, so I'd kick the weekend off with a mini-version...

Wednesday at 7:00 pm - Dinner and drinks with the ladies

Thursday morning - Run with my sister, massage and facial (me - and anyone else who wants to join).

Lunch - my family...

Afternoon - Group (joint) family outing to the Arboretum, Aquarium, etc....

Evening - Optional dinner for all in town (everyone paying for their own this time, though...)

Friday morning - Run with my sister and/or friends and then brunch with my b-maids

Nail appointments complete with champagne - I think that's a pre-req, though...

Afternoon - drop everything off at ceremony/reception site, pre-rehearsal drinks at a wine bar with everyone invited to the rehearsal

Rehearsal + Dinner

Post-rehearsal, I know people will want to go out. I may go out for a bit, but honestly I'd rather go to bed early because I know I'll wake up early...

Saturday morning - Run by myself - I think I'll need a moment to be just me, followed by brunch (possibly homemade or delivered) while doing hair/makeup with whomever wants to participate. I don't care if every female wants to come by...

Two or so hours before the wedding first look/all posed pictures to be taken

Wedding

Cocktail hour (that I will attend)

Dinner, drinks, dancing, and merriment

Sounds perfecsh!

#155. I love this wedding...

Seriously! I love all of the details. This bouquet is gorgeous!!!

#154. Oh la la!

I love the picture lineup, the bridesmaids dresses, the wedding dress... Love it all!

#153. The hair...

Because my hair is fine and thin, I wonder what the best look would be... I really think this might be the best look for me. It's pretty, it won't make my hair look stuck to my head, and it's elegant.

#152. Floral Inspiration

Wow. I really love these. I'm not sure if I could do it myself, but with the help of super fabulous amazing flower decorating sister-in-law, I might just be able to pull off this exact make and model - depending on the time of year. Swoon!

#151. Cheaptotes.com?

I'm sold!

#150. Is it too early to be thinking tunes?

Hopefully not... It's been a slow day, so I went through a few different posts and assembled my own personal list of "must play" songs. I know that the BF will be adding a number of "must play" country tunes, and I think I officially decided I need a DJ. Here are my initial "must play" songs. (The quotes around "must play" are because I just know I'll change my mind and add a few/take away a few before it really matters....)

Mika - Love Today

Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling

AC/DC - You Shook Me All Night Long

Otis Redding - Try a Little Tenderness

Etta James - At Last

Van Morrison - Brown-Eyed Girl

Rusted Root - Send Me On My Way

Dusty Springfield - Son of a Preacher Man

Nena - 99 Luftballoons

Elvis Presley - Can't Help Falling in Love With You

Otis Redding - That's How Strong My Love Is

Belinda Carlisle - Mad About You

Belinda Carlisle - Heaven is a Place on Earth

Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline

Billy Joel - It's Still Rock n Roll to Me

Stevie Wonder - Signed Sealed Delivered

Def Leppard - Pour Some Sugar on Me

Beastie Boys - Paul Revere (odd choice, but it makes sense if you're in my family)

Journey - Faithfully

Billy Joel - Uptown Girl

Billy Ocean - Get Out Of My Dreams (And Into My Car)

Van Morrison - Moondance

Cindy Lauper - Time After Time

The Cardigans - Love Fool

Eddie Money - Take Me Home Tonight

Louis Armstrong - A Kiss to Build a Dream On

Van Morrison - Into The Mystic

Jem - Maybe I'm Amazed

#149. STD Idea

I hadn't really planned on making Save The Dates, but I totally plan on doing some fun STD email... I love love love this idea!

#148. Favors

While I'm not sure if favors will have a place in my wedding, if they do I could totally see myself doing something like this. We have recently gotten into gardening, and I think most (if not all) of our guests would love something like this! Only the ones traveling internationally wouldn't get to take them home... Hmmm...

#147. DIY Ring Pillows!

I feel like I may have posted about this earlier, but just in case... I heart this ring pillow.

#146. I love mail!

Thank you, Martha, for making it so difficult to choose the best guest book option. Could I do both? I think so! :)

#145. Guest Book Idea

This is a fun guest book idea - let everyone fill out these colorful cards (in your wedding colors, obvi) and then you can customize your guest book with pictures of each guest with their corresponding cards. It solves the 'I want a photo booth but cannot budget it in' dilemma.

#144. A fun behind-the-table-of-the-happy-couple sign

How cute would pictures be of the bride and groom eating with their friends and family with this sign in the background?

#143. Cupcake Tree!

Oh la la. Cheap, easy to customize, and totally worth it...

#142. Magic 8 Ball cupcakes

What a fun idea, Martha!

#141. Easy centerpieces

I'm pretty sure when I get married that my sister-in-law will act as my official wedding consultant. She throws beautiful parties all of the time, is excellent at securing all of the details, and I have no doubt she could re-create the image at the top with these awesome vases from Ikea. At $1.99 each, and with one large flower/vase, it will make an excellent addition. Especially if I can find a place that provides the free mirrors/candles. If not, votives or (even better) these bad boys would add a lovely touch.

#140. Mad About You

On my way to work out this morning, I was reminded of one of the best wedding-related songs to play at your reception. So, without further ado, I present the magical lyrics to Belinda Carlisle's Mad About You:

I'm mad about you

You're mad about me babe

Couple of fools run wild aren't we

Pushing the day into the nighttime

Somewhere between the two

We start to see

Mad about you (mad about you)

Lost in your eyes (reason aside)

Mad about love (mad about you)

You and I

Something 'bout you

Right here beside me

Touches the touched part of me like I can't believe

Pushing the night into the daytime

Watching the sky's first light

While the city sleeps

Mad about you (mad about you)

Lost in your eyes (reason aside)

Mad about love (mad about you)

You and I

Mad about you (mad about you)

Lost in your eyes (reason aside)

Mad about love (mad about you)

You and I

I'm mad about you

You're mad about me babe

Couple of fools run wild aren't we

Mad about you (mad about you)

Lost in your eyes (reason aside)

Mad about love (mad about you)

You and I

#139. Stickers!

What a cute idea! I also love the "how many vegetarian meals" option - especially for my family.

#138. Pretty Pom's

Sigh... These are lovely. I wonder if I would have the patience to do this?

#137. I don't think I want a destination wedding...

... until I see a picture like this. OMGSOPRETTY.

#136. Hair...

I don't know if I could pull it off, but I LOVE this hairstyle!

Source

#135. Hmmmm...

I have to say, I think I am totally on board with the blue/red color combo everyone else seems to love. I think I want to wear blue shoes, and I think I want my bridesmaids to have blue shoes too - I can see a cute blue shoe picture... Especially if they're wearing black and I'm wearing white. We need color. What about having the g-men and groom wear red ties?

#134. Favor idea...

I'm sure it's far from original, but let's say I go with this idea:

In lieu of favors, a donation has been made to Seacoast Cancer Center Cares.

xoxo,

The Awesome's

I think putting two hugs and two kisses in each bag will go along with the xoxo part of the note as well as provide everyone with a little chocolate to go. :)

Source.

#133. More dress inspiration...

I really love this dress. I think it's too close in the hips to look that great on me, but I love the neckline, the back, the sash, the lace...

#132. Programs revisited

This makes me want to reconsider having programs instead of a poster...

#131. I think I found my jewelry...

I have always envisioned a bride in pearls. And while I love the stuff on dogeared, I truly think that when I look back on the day I'll be so happy that I wore something like this...

Source.

#130. OMG! Another Monica!

I love these invitations. But, I think the thing I love most about them is the fact that she numbered the reply cards so that if people forget to write their name, you know whose card it is. GENIOUS.

#129. My Dream Shoes - Now A Reality

Do you remember when I found these shoes above? My dream shoes?

Now I can have them-ish! All I need is a pair of dyeable shoes and the ability to finally start to browse Etsy. I haven't gone to Etsy yet not because I don't want to, but because I know that I might like it more than I should.... ;)

#128. Am I a logo person?

I'm not sure. But if I do decide to go with a monogram, it will probably look something like this.

#127. Shower Idea

I know 14 people (I think that was it at the last count) who are pregnant, two of whom are good friends. How cute would this be for a shower?