Happy Valentine's Day!

Photos via Once Wed...again :)

Valentine's day is just around the corner!

Photo via Once Wed

Do you celebrate Valentine's day? How?

Vintage flower pins

 

Photo from the Knot

I'm a lover of pins and broaches and try to wear them as often as possible. I usually shy away from these vintage enamel flower pins but I've never seen them in bulk. I love these all displayed together. It's perfect for a garden themed wedding. They double as seating cards and a gift. And they're very affordable. If you're interested in collecting them check your local thrift stores and flea markets regularly.

AWESOME

Just discovered this video guest book program by Thrilled for you over at Snippet and Ink. Here's a little video to see how it works but I love this idea for a guestbook! It's only $99 which isn't bad for a program that can be used again. It also gives people a chance to leave a message rather than just sign their names and there's no paper or cheesy white books involved. 

Memorabilia

When you're planning a wedding on a budget you have to decide how you're going to spend your money. You've read all the articles about choosing to spend your money on the things that are most important to you. Perhaps the meal is the most important or the music, maybe you're most excited about a decadent cake or a deluxe bar. Whatever the category may be, you already know to spend your money there first and cut in other places. 

Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings

But besides that more general rule, I would also recommend thinking about the future. What do you most want to keep from your wedding? Obviously, everyone wants at least a few good photos. But what about memorabilia, what things do you want to save?

 Photo by Elizabeth Messina

I don't care to keep my dress or to spend a lot on my shoes or jewelry but there are other items that I'll be selecting with care. Those items include the program, cake topper, some paper decorations, my veil and a tablecloth from our table at the reception that I'll have monogrammed. I'd like to keep my cake topper for fun and as decoration in our home (I'll prove that they can be beautiful), my veil for sentimental reasons and perhaps I can lend or give it to someone later, and the tablecloth for our table on special occasions. I'm less concerned with saving and spending big money on my dress, shoes, and jewelry which is where people will push you to spend. There's obviously nothing wrong with those things but I would encourage you to think past the usual big ticket items and consider what else might be important in the future, especially in regards to your everyday life. 

Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness...

Photo by Anna Wolf via 100 Layer Cake 

Check out the biscuit bar from this southern style wedding shoot. I'm a sucker for these salty treats and their jam, jelly and honey toppings. 

This would be a fun addition to a menu or perhaps instead of cake. 

Candy bar in black and yellow

Photo via Style Me Pretty

Reminds me of the city. 

A treat for the men in your life

Photo by Jen Rodriguez via Style Me Pretty

I saw this cigar box idea at this winery wedding on Style Me Pretty and thought it was a nice treat for the men. It's not that expensive to do- just don't offer a premium brand like Cubans.