Monday, June 30, 2014

Elegant Gothic Lace Posh Wedding

Pink Ribbon Cross Communion Invitation

Pink Ribbon Cross Communion Custom Invite
Pink Ribbon Cross Communion Custom Invite by NoteableExpressions

This sweet invitation design is perfect for your child's First Holy Communion. It is called Pink Ribbon with Silver Cross Communion and has a bright white background. In the upper left corner there is a pink ribbon graphic with a silver cross in the center of the bow. In the lower right corner there is a coordinating partial border to highlight your text. Just change the text to personalize your invitation and you are all set! Great for any church service. 

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Elegant Gothic Bat Lace Posh Wedding

Wedding DIY Push Pop Confetti


Materials

Push pop containers
Push pop stand
Confetti
Kraft labels
Scissors/paper cutter

Directions

Step-1 Print out your kraft labels. You may use a couple’s logo, or create escort cards, or even just write a fun saying like we did. Each label should be 6″ x 2″ once cut, and you are able to print 5 labels per each 8 1/2″ x 11″ label sheet. (If you have beautiful handwriting – even better! You can simply cut labels to size, and handwrite whatever you would like).

Step-2 Assemble the push pops, and carefully stick a label on each. Leave the tops off for now.

Step-3 Stuff each push pop with confetti. While you can easily make your own confetti with scissors and tissue paper, we bought this fun neon batch from Knot & Bow.

Step-4 Place the tops on each push pop, and place all of the push pops in the stand. When ready to celebrate, take the top off, push up, and shout hooray!

Friday, June 27, 2014

Cream Silk and Red Scroll Posh Wedding

13 Pieces of Actual, No-Bull Wedding Planning Advice

There's a lot of wedding advice floating around the Internet. Problem is, a lot of it is useless fluff dreamed up by a) relatively well-heeled editors contractually obligated to spend their days inventing absurd nonsense to fill pages surrounded by advertisements b) people who've never planned a wedding/mistakenly think their very specific experience can be extrapolated. Or both!

Sure, those mason jars wrapped in polka-dotted ribbon are a cute idea on Pinterest, but it's a good way to wind up sobbing in the middle of your local Michael's two weeks before the big day. And all that money-saving advice? Yeah, the buffet's going to save you $10 per person, tops.

Maybe you're planning to tie the knot at a 50-person backyard barbecue. Or maybe you're hosting 350 friends, family and business associates to some Gilded Age castle. Whatever. Here are a few pieces of real-talk wedding advice that you can actually use.

1. Maybe pay someone to do that. Are you supremely artistic and experienced in the ways of crafting? Is your great aunt Martha Stewart? Unless the answer to one of these questions is yes, think very carefully about any D.I.Y. projects. Examine your own abilities with a critical eye. For instance, I once tried to complete a "Cosmos manicure" and ended up looking like I'd let a four-year-old paint my nails. Face the music: Despite what Pinterest would have you believe, some of us are just can't cut it at art. And your wedding is probably not the time to learn that lesson. It'll only be more expensive when you have to replace everything at the last minute.

2. Not everyone gets a date, and that's fine. Look, lots of us wanted everyone we've ever known and loved at the ceremony. But that's just not feasible unless your daddy is a robber baron. You'll want to invite as many significant others as possible, of course, and if someone is flying from Shanghai to Cleveland for your reception, you'd better allow them a date. But at some point, it's time to hitch the caboose to the gravy train, and once you do, stick 100 percent to your guns. Consider preparing an email in advance for anyone who truly does not understand that money doesn't grow on trees.

3. You are not the Lone Ranger. Perhaps you want to be the Stanley Kubrick of weddings, strictly controlling every single aspect of the entire production. But that way lies The Shining, my friend. When someone graciously offers to help, come up with some very specific detail they're well-equipped to handle. (If you've got it covered or this person is an absolute incompetent, politely decline, but I urge you to consider the offer, even if it's as simple as logging RSVPs.)

Also, on a more specific note, unless you're wearing that $100 H&M dress, seriously consider having more than one bridesmaid. If I'd known how much work getting my girdle on was going to be, I'd have a bridal party of eight or nine really strapping gals.

4. Write thank-you notes as gifts come in. Do not get behind, unless you want to spend your honeymoon crafting odes to the lovely Waterford from Aunt Mildred.

5. Be ready to show some backbone. I'm willing to bet that most readers of this blog are very, very committed to not being a power-drunk nightmare-person Bridezilla during their planning process—and that's great! Never, ever be nasty. But know that it's perfectly okay to say no, no thanks, not gonna to happen when your florist tries to talk you into expensive hot-pink table overlays. (You'll also need to be prepared to wield that NOPE like a broadsword if you've laid down a law like no kids or no cellphones, by the way.)

And once you put down a deposit on something, don't feel guilty about making sure that vendor gets her job done. If you're paying for a wedding planner, don't let her drop the ball. If your sample floral arrangements are the wrong color, speak up.

Now, a corollary: Pick your battles and save your emotional energy for the big stuff. Maybe you hate your cousin's formal kilt, or your bridesmaid's spray tan, or the best man's habit of wearing lime-green socks with dress shoes. For goodness sake, just let it ride. Save your fury in case the limo never shows.

6. All you need is Google Docs. I've got a binder, a website, several notebooks and pieces of wedding-related paper lying all over my apartment. But the only tool I really needed to get through this without rending my garments and running screaming into the night was Google Docs. Sure, maybe your dad still hasn't gotten the hang of the Internet. But that's what the export to PDF function is for!

7. If you must give favors, give food. Don't give your guests something they're just going to throw away. No one in the history of party planning has ever gone wrong with a light snack. Definitely do not D.I.Y. anything. (See above.)

8. Limit your options.  A lot of things were simply out of budget. But honestly? THANK GOD. There are too many options out there, and limitations are your friend. The name of the game in wedding planning is eliminating as many possibilities as fast as possible. If you're pretty sure you don't want to get married in a barn, put your blinders on and stop looking at barns.

9. Ask (politely!) for discounts. Hey, it can't hurt.

10. Treat thy bridesmaids as thou would like to be treated. I'm not talking no diet commands and no haircut lectures. That's table stakes. I mean don't pick a bridesmaid dress that would look good on you but not them. There are more body types than stars in the sky; maybe give them a choice of five dresses and let each pick her fave. It's not the end of the world if they don't match. Don't ask them to spend a fortune on something they'll never wear again, and give them some sort of thank you at the end.

11. There is no perfect dress. You're probably not a paragon, and you're not marrying one, either. We live in the world of reality, not Platonic ideals. So do yourself a favor and pick a gown that's beautiful and within budget. Don't let the dress shopping drag on until the entire experience curdles.

12. Ask yourself: Who actually cares? Agonizing over whether to have a champagne toast, or pay for chiavari chairs, or (god forbid) shell out for peonies? Here's a question you should seriously ask yourself: Are my guests really going to care? Because this is technically a celebration of you, but REALLY it's an enormous party that you're throwing for your friends and family. This is not your fifth birthday party at McDonalds. You are hosting these people that you love. Every decision should come down to whether the guests like it, appreciate it, or notice it at all.

Remind yourself (as others have reminded me) that people care about the dancing, the food and whether a good time was had by all. They don't care about how much painstaking effort you put into the hand-aged programs and the very firm email you wrote to get the perfect amount of greenery in the centerpieces. You're better off focusing on the broad strokes that best facilitate the party than bothering overmuch with piddly stuff.

13. Have fun. Unless you are Olivia Pope and thrive on details and chaos, it's easy to get overwhelmed. (Yes, even if your plan is simply to order 25 pizzas and surprise all your buds at a bar, you still have to write the ceremony, write up the invites, etc., etc.) But this is fun! It's a happy occasion! Go forth and drink and dance! And remember, as long as you're married at the end of the night, it was a success.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Cream and Purple Vintage Scroll Posh Wedding

Gold Zebra Stripe Home Decor

Did you know that I design gorgeous things for your home as well as invitations? Well, now ya do! :) One of the new things I'm doing in 2014 is each week I am going to choose a design to highlight with pictures! ooh la la! These are great for your own home or to give as gifts.



This pretty design called, Gold Zebra Stripe Pattern, has a rich sophisticated feel. This design has a shiny gold look background with a flat gold zebra stripe pattern. Mix your wild side with elegance. This would be a beautiful addition to your home decor.

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Wedding trends for 2014: Unusual venues, food trucks, colorful cakes


It's wedding planning season, and there are plenty of decisions to be made on vows and rings, gowns and reception venues. Let's see what's trending in nuptials this year.






Pictures Perfect

Popular right now in wedding photography is a vintage feel and aesthetic, says Jody Zorn of Zorn Photography in Denver.

That can mean using vintage cameras — one couple recently requested the Zorns use an old Polaroid, in addition to their state-of-the-art digital cameras — or by adding vintage after-effects or album design elements.

Couples are also asking for more than the traditional, posed shots, Jody Zorn says, adding they want "fashion-forward" and artistic photos, as well as more free-flowing images that "really tell the story of the entire day."

Party Places

The trend in venues is all about the nontraditional.

Think unconventional locations, said Kerri Butler, owner of A Touch of Bliss Events — warehouses, rooftops, vacation rental homes, "the more unique the better."

Art galleries, small restaurants and breweries can also make great venues, said Lauren Smith, owner of Hourglass Productions. Going nontraditional can also reap financial benefits, Smith said — such venues can be more affordable, especially if you book them before they get too popular.

Flower Power


Bridal bouquets are coming up lavender (and purple) this year, according to Chuck Graham, a designer at Bloom in Denver.

Bouquets are also trending away from the "wildflower feel" popular in past years and toward a little more formality and structure, he said.

"It's more of a countryside feel — English garden or French country," Graham said. "Roses are coming back big, especially garden roses and heirloom roses. Jasmine vines, olive branch, herbs — just things you'd find in your grandma's garden, lavender, lilac, things that are almost nostalgic."

On the Menu

It's a big reception question: Buffet or plated dinner?

Many couples are forgoing both, according to Donnah Phipps, an event planner at Three Tomatoes Catering.

One popular alternative is interactive stations, with foods like mac-and-cheese or sliders and choose-your-own toppings, Phipps said.

When Denver Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker and singer Jessie James wed last year, their reception featured a make-your-own-grits station, catered by Epicurean Group.

Another fun, cost-effective option is to hire your favorite food truck, said Nicole Lowery, co-owner of Hey Party Collective.

At smaller receptions, guests can mingle while they order at the truck. At larger gatherings, runners can bring custom menus to the tables, with pick-up at the truck.

Have your Cake

A few years ago, it was almost a sin to put color on a wedding cake, according to Rachael Teufel, owner of Intricate Icings Cake Design. Now, it's all about bold colors, textures and patterns.

Metallics are becoming more popular. So is color-blocking with a bold color like fuchsia, aqua or purple on the bottom tier.

If you don't want a traditional cake, dessert bars are still popular, and the sky's the limit when it comes to options, according to caterers. Ideas include donuts and frozen yogurt with toppings.

With this Ring

Passing diamond rings down through the generations is a wedding tradition that many couples find appealing today, which is sparking interest in what jewelers call "heirloom" designs. "People want something that might have belonged to their grandmother — or look like it might have," said Susi Altman, general manager at Hyde Park Jewelers in the Cherry Creek Shopping Center. Engraving, openwork and other details give contemporary rings a vintage look, she said, adding that rose gold also has the patina of age and continues to be the hot metal.

All that Glitters

When it comes to decor, gold is making a "huge comeback" in reception decor, said Debbie Orwat, owner of Save the Date Events.

Think gold mercury-glass vases and gold chevron table linens, she said. The same goes for glitter, Butler said — it makes a great accent on menus, escort cards and guest books.

Designer Dresses — for less


The average price for a wedding gown nationally might be $1,355 but the reality is that many brides who want a designer dress pay much more than that. Which is why it makes sense to at least look at the offerings that big-name designers Vera Wang and Zac Posen are doing more affordably for retailers like David's Bridal. Posen's new collection of seven gowns is priced from $850 to $1,350 and includes such designs as a fit-and-flare style with a corset bodice, as well as more classic looks in lace and tulle.

Party Posing

Photo booths are still a fun option, but there's a new booth in town gaining traction, according to Orwat. "Slo-mo" booths record super slow-motion video of your guests letting loose with such props as silly string and confetti. Afterwards, you get a 3- to 5-minute montage video set to music.

Pure Cinematography and Cinepro Studios offer the service locally and said the booths run between $1,200 and $2,000 for two to four hours of, ideally, late-night entertainment.

Raise a Glass


Another on-trend option is to hire a creative bartender, Butler said. "Gone is the signature cocktail, replaced by the 'emotional' cocktail,'" she said. "Tell the mixologist your mood, and he will whip up a custom concoction just for you."

Charcoal and Aqua Chevron Posh Wedding

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Chalkboard Posh Wedding

Chalkboard Posh Postage Stamp

Burlap and Birch Posh Wedding

Vintage Birdcage in Brown Aqua Wedding Invitation

This beautiful and elegant design, called Vintage Birdcage in Brown and Aqua Wedding, has a bright white background with a brown and aqua border. At the top is an aqua blue vintage style hanger that supports a vintage birdcage graphic with two birds perched on top. This would be perfect for your classic, Victorian or vintage themed wedding or event! Pretty enough even for a royal wedding! This set has invitations, save the date cards, response cards, thank you cards, table number tent cards, envelope seals, wine labels, binders, and return address labels available. Use the envelope seal stickers for any of your DIY gifts - these are available in both large and small sizes! For matching items in this set **CLICK HERE**.

The Back:

Here is your weekly wedding tip - designed to save your sanity! 

Monday, June 23, 2014

10th Tin and Diamond Wedding Anniversary Invitations

10th Tin and Diamond Wedding Anniversary Announcements
10th Tin and Diamond Wedding Anniversary Announcements by NoteableExpressions

This beautiful and elegant design, called 10th Tin and Diamond Wedding Anniversary has a silver tin or aluminum gradient background with a border made from faux diamonds (note - these are graphics ONLY). This invitation is perfect for the couple celebrating their anniversary with the special tin or aluminum design as a nod to traditional anniversary gift giving. This would be perfect for your tenth wedding anniversary party or event! 

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Wedding DIY Fresh Flower Drink Stirrer


 If I could, I’d put fresh flowers on just about anything, so why not in a cocktail too? With a sweet set of vintage glasses from Pollen Floral Design and always gorgeous photos from Cambria Grace, these fresh flower drink stirrers have me ready to sip and smell!

Materials

Wood Skewers
Fresh Flowers
Gold Embroidery Thread
Hot Glue Gun

Directions

Step-1 For larger flowers, such as a ranunculus or a poppy, snip off most of the stem, leaving a bit right under the flower head. For smaller and more wild flowers, such as chamomile or aster, snip off one stem with a small bunch.

Step-2 For the larger flowers, all you need to do is simply skewer the stem. Piece of cake! For the smaller flowers, use the gold embroidery thread to wrap around the base until tightly wound. (As you will see, I used some gold thread to embellish some of the larger flowers as well)!

Step-3 Place a dot of hot glue on the back of the embroidery thread, and use the glue to seal the thread.

Step-4 Pour yourself a cocktail, and enjoy! The floral scent while you sip is just an added bonus.

Photography: Cambria Grace Photography | Styling + DIY: Lauren Wells Events | Vintage Glass Rentals: Pollen Floral Design

Blue and Teal Snowflake Posh Wedding Blue and Teal Snowflake Posh Wedding

Friday, June 20, 2014

Black White Red Bohemian Wedding

Wedding Planning: The Worst Wedding Advice Ever

Brides told us the most terrible tips they've been given while planning their wedding.

From the moment you get engaged, it seems everyone has some wedding know-how to share. A lot of these tips are helpful; some are borderline disastrous. We asked brides for the worst wedding advice they've heard. Here's what not to do when you plan a wedding.

Bad Advice: "The worst wedding advice anyone has told me was to sing our vows to each other." Erin, Richmond, VA
Our Advice: We totally encourage personalizing your wedding vows, but unless you moonlight as opera singers, leave the American Idol aspirations for the wedding after-party.

Bad Advice: "My mom insisted that I wear my gold-colored junior prom dress as my wedding gown. She thought it was silly to buy yet another dress that I'd only wear once." Alyssa, Madison, WI
Our Advice: While hand-me-down gowns can add a sentimental touch and colored gowns are gaining popularity, most prom dresses should stay securely in the back of the closet for the wedding day.

Bad Advice: "My future father-in-law thought that since we were getting married in an historic home and I'm a costume designer, we should wear hoop skirts and crinolines!" Abbey, Austin, TX
Our Advice: We love historic homes, but unless you're into the idea of a masquerade ball wedding, play up the decor rather than your attire. Likewise, your wedding photos will be around for years to come, so wear something that won't leave your grandkids in hysterics.

Bad Advice: "I was told that if the groom was unavailable during the toast, the bride has to kiss the best man." Anonymous
Our Advice: Making out with the best man at the reception is a great idea -- if your wedding happens to fall on Opposite Day.

Bad Advice: "My mother-in-law said that it was perfectly fine to spend $9 a plate on dinner for our guests. She based this on my sister-in-law's wedding, where they served cold meat sandwiches, au gratin potatoes, and questionable-looking fruit salad." Morgan, Madison WI
Our Advice: Food is one detail every guest remembers. Whatever your budget, you should allot about 40 percent of it for wedding catering. Work with your caterer to prepare a menu within your budget and try to cut costs in other ways (like by trimming your wedding guest list) rather than skimp on the meal.

Bad Advice: "I was recently a bridesmaid in a friend's wedding. I'm also engaged and was amazed when she told me I couldn't wear my engagement ring during her wedding because it was larger than hers…ridiculous!" Scarlet, Longview, TX
Our Advice: Being upstaged by a bridesmaid can be a very real fear for some brides. Handle the situation gently -- explain that you'd rather not take off the ring for personal reasons. If she persists, remove it to avoid more drama.

Bad Advice: "My mother wanted me to ask random pretty girls at church to be in my wedding party so that my brother could meet and then date them." Anonymous
Our Advice: It's true that weddings are a great place to match-make. But your bridesmaids should be your dearest friends and relatives, so pick attendants you know you (not your brother) will want standing by your side at the altar.

Bad Advice: "My mother said that to cut costs, we could send invitations without an RSVP card. Guests could go online instead and RSVP on the web page my dad built for us. I thought it was a good idea, but only two people RSVP'd! I ended up having to call my entire guest list to find out who was coming." Nicki, Oklahoma City, OK
Our Advice: In the age of online-mania, RSVP cards are definitely still relevant, especially for older guests who might not be as accustomed to the Internet. If you do opt for digital responses, enlist your parents and attendants to spread the word and help guests who don't have access to a computer. The online option is an easy way to keep track of guest responses, but have a backup plan (a traditional RSVP card) for those who aren't as tech-savvy.

Bad Advice: "A lady I worked with overheard me telling another coworker how much my fiance and I were planning on saving up for our wedding. She decided to pipe in and say, 'Wow, you might as well just buy a house, you'll get divorced anyway.'" Caroline, Flagstaff, AZ
Our Advice: Avoid snide money-related comments by discussing your wedding budget only with those who need to know, like your parents and fiance.

Bad Advice: "I was told that the bride and groom don't receive the gifts. Instead, the bride's parents get them." Suzie, Norfolk VA
Our Advice: Give each of your parents a small gift as a token of thanks for being so supportive throughout the wedding planning process. The Cuisinart mixer and all the other goodies on your registry? Those are definitely your gifts to keep.

Bad Advice: "My fiance suggested we randomize the seating for all our guests because it would be cool for everyone to meet new people. I can just imagine my crazy friend from grad school and Aunt June at the same table. Yikes!" Vicki, Durham, NC
Our Advice: This idea is only partly off-track. To mix tables with a few people who don't know each other is a good way to bring everyone together at the reception. But don't put anyone at a table with no one else they know, and spare Aunt June the stress by seating like-mannered guests together.

Bad Advice: "'Beggars can't be choosers.' This advice was given to me when I decided to wait on making a decision on a dress and venue. I have a low budget, but being rushed into any decision seems unwise." Erin, Rockford, IL
Our Advice: Sticking to your budget certainly doesn't mean you have to settle. It's always best to check out a few options before you make a decision, and if a certain vendor is just out of your price range, see if you can negotiate for a slightly scaled-down package.

What's the worst advice you've been given?