The spread.

Photo from Honey Sweet Love

I was recently reminded how much presentation and packaging can do to improve the simplest things. If you're sticking to a simple menu and want to add some distinction to the table then put some thought into how you want to display the goods. 

Picture from Be The Foodie

Lovely designs for free.

My good friend Margaret recently made me aware of these goodies. Wedding Chicks is giving away this awesome free monogram download from Mae Mae Paperie. In fact, there are a lot of lovely designs that you can personalize (including colors) in their DIY/Download section, like these...

Another book recommendation.

I thought I was rejecting the wedding industrial complex...and then I read this book, One Perfect Day. The Selling of the American Wedding. The author, Rebecca Mead, explores the wedding industry from behind industry lines and provides an eye-opening perspective into the world of wedding vendors, pricing and fantasy. She reveals how women are bombarded by advertising even before engagement and how, as a result, wedding planning begins with a lot of pressure and in most cases a desire to create a perfect elaborate event (or series of events) that reflect all of the couple's personal tastes. Many of the stories are extreme but the multi-billion dollar industry that's aggressively targeting us is very real. 


I thought it was a worthwhile read because it made me aware of the industry pitches and provoked some important questions like, why do I think a $400 dress is a good deal and what does this (fill-in-the-blank) tradition actually mean? 

Another fun find

I thought these bright colored scrolls were a great idea. Instructions here. From the very beginning of wedding planning, I've been more interested in the details than the big ticket items, mainly because I prefer the pretty and manageable details. But bigger decisions must be made this month! 

Petal boxes

Favor box via Martha Stewart weddings.

Another favor idea that also serves as table decoration. Create these petal boxes out of the paper of your choice, then arrange them in the center of the table.  They can be prepared in advance and they'll save you the money and work of arranging flowers, setting candles etc. 

Front porch elegance

Photo from Design Sponge via Ritzy Bee

If I were hosting a small reception I would definitely consider a front porch reception on a wrap around porch with a great view of the ocean or countryside. It'd be so charming and relaxed.

A charming continental breakfast

Sips and bites table by Elizabeth Anne Design. Photo via The Sweetest Occasion. 

I've planned a little wedding day continental breakfast for the bridal party, mainly because I'll have an excuse to have champagne for breakfast (not that I need an excuse)! We'll have some scones, croissants with jam, and fruit. Plus we'll have the fixin's for mimosas and bloody marys-- served in moderation of course. I've been a starving bridesmaid before and I want to make sure everyone is fed throughout the day. 

All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast. ~ John Gunther

Pale pink. Champagne and glitter.

Photo from Sunday Suppers via Ritzy Bee.

Lovely.

Perfect pairing

Photo via Martha Stewart weddings

How about a wine and cheese pairing reception? Hmm, yes please. Especially if the spread looks anything like this!

The three photos above are from Sunday Suppers.

A DIY recommendation

This is a worthwhile read if you're interested in or planning a lot of DIY projects for your wedding. The author goes into more detail than most including lists of things you'll need, specific instructions, menu options, etc. I got it from the library but you can also buy it here.

Top o' the cake

Love birds from Etsy

A few cake toppers for your consideration.

Love statue from Etsy

Wood cake topper from Etsy

Silver Dove cake topper from Etsy

Handmade paper flower cake topper from Etsy

Calm

My Aunt recently reminded me that no one will think about my wedding as much as me. She's been to 50+ weddings in the last ten years and she can barely remember anything specific about them. She can't remember any weddings that disappointed or wowed. She can't remember the flowers, favors or what food was served, if any.

She can remember watching the couple get married and the joy of being with them. After our conversation, I started asking around and reading about wedding memories and it's true, most people can't remember details about their own wedding, let alone other weddings. Even a last minute problem that might seem catastrophic is completely forgettable.

Before these conversations, I was stressing about stretching our budget to cover a fancier meal but this little reminder-- that no one cares as much as you and probably no one will remember the details-- has helped me calm down. I'll do what I can and not worry about it. No one's going to care and no one is coming to the wedding for the meal. They're coming to see us get married and that's probably all they'll remember.

Photo by Roger Overall

Pretty in pink

I never knew pink and maroon went so well together.

Bright table decor

A friend of mine sent this picture from a wedding she recently attended. They used bright colored ribbon to decorate the table. It's a super inexpensive way to decorate and adds a lot of color. Nice and simple. 

Refreshments

This looks like the best way to serve non-alcoholic beverages. 

Just another way to say...

Photo by Maria Alexandra Vettese

I love you. Paper chains are easy to make and great decorations! If you're not using it for the wedding, why not the rehearsal dinner? 

"In a digital world the handwritten note is the ultimate luxury"- Ceci

Ceci New York invitations are beautiful and stationary is one of my favorite luxuries. Her invitations are quite expensive but they're certainly inspirational. If you're a paper craver then you'll like this work. 

A plan

Photo by Jessica Kettle via Amorology

It's helpful to have a month by month plan of what needs to be done. I used Real Simple's list. Most of the planners include all the extra stuff but I just went through, crossed off the extra's and created my own personal list. 

Celebrating with your guests

Photo by Jennifer Walker Photography

I just heard about the group shot idea recently and I thought it was a great idea. If you're very close with your family and friends (and they're game) then you should definitely add this to your photo wish list.

Pretty as a picture

Photo by Mat and Ash Photography via Style Me Pretty

Loved this photo. Check out that faded background.