A beautiful place setting

Photo from via The Knot

The prettiest place settings include a charger. The charger or service plate is the larger decorative plate used to add color and texture to the place setting. They're a beautiful addition but are often only found at formal weddings because it's an additional piece to rent and clean (and transport if you're having an outdoor wedding). I love chargers but had given up on them because of the additional cost. Then I found this...

I absolutely love this idea from the Every Last Detail blog (which is filled with great advice and ideas, by the way). She used standard scrapbook paper as a charger. It's the budget friendly option. There are so many kinds of this paper at craft stores. I'm excited just thinking about the possibilities here. You could buy a variety of colors, patterns, and textures that all work together and mix the place settings. 


Bonus: it's inexpensive and easy to clean. Make sure to purchase when they're on sale and/or grab a circular for a 30% or 40% off coupon. Most chain craft stores offer a coupon like this.

November wedding, Inspiration Board

Navy, brown and deep orange are a perfect combination for a November wedding. These shades of navy and orange compliment each other and evoke a warm, autumnal feel. This is the time of year for heavier fabrics and textures. You could have a more lavish spread if it's a smaller reception, perhaps with a feast-like spread including carved meat, potatoes and lots of red wine. 

First row from left: French-inspired invitation, ceremony, wedding dress, navy blue nails via QVogue, Second row: pretty gift, bouquet via Living Fresh, door monograms via Martha Stewart weddings, Third row: Monogram chocolate cakes, Hug photo by Erin Samuell of A Simple Photo, Fourth row: decopage gift boxes via Martha Stewart weddings, BCBG bridesmaid dress via OneWed, monogram sugar cookies, calligraphy

Engagement photos

I just got our engagement photos back and I am so happy with the results! I didn't plan to get engagement photos but we lucked out with an incredible photographer who included them in his packages, which by the way, are very affordable.

I have to stop here and highly recommend our photographers, Alex and Natalia. They're both talented, professional and very friendly. I have seen too many wedding photographers who either have no idea what they're doing or are rather demanding and difficult. We are fortunate to have photographers who have become friends in the short time we've known them. Isn't that how you dream everyone you work with would be? 

I've tried to stay away from being too personal on this blog but I love these photos so much that I had to share my favorites! All photo credits go to Alex and Natalia of Fedorov Foto.

We're getting married in 7 months! :)

Hydrangea

Photo via Isaac Mizrahi New York

Easy centerpieces. Hydrangeas are a great wedding flower because of their big blooms. A single stem is all you need for a small vase. This is your go-to flower if you're on a budget and going the DIY route. Use ribbon, wall paper, wrapping paper, or twine to decorate the vases.

Photo by Fedorov Foto.

They make great bouquets.

Emerson Made...

some classic things. I recently came across EmersonMade and was glad to discover several of their creations. Below are a few of my favorites.

Something Blue ring pillow by Emerson Made.

Love this tie. The little flower is subtle and unexpected. 

Dahlia clutch. 

A classic trench, traveling coat. 

This is one of the most flattering dress styles for women. 

Ribbon send-off

This Indiana wedding is filled with cute DIY details including a ribbon send-off. These photos from Casper Hamlet Photography via Style Me Pretty certainly make me want one.

Kids would love this. 

Be there or be square

Photo via Favors and Flowers.

These square seating cards are modern and unexpected. A friend of mine is a graphic designer and she recently recommended a square design like this.

Love.

Recently came across these letterpress cards on Snippet & Ink from Moontree Letterpress. So pretty. 

Stamped-Bag

These stamped bags are pretty, inexpensive and easy to make. I like these white paper bags but you could also use colored or brown kraft paper bags. Just fill them with goodies for a favor. They double as table decoration. Directions and tips here.

In the details

Photo from Martha Stewart Weddings

A friend of mine recently reminded me about the classic monogram look. Check out the lovely hanging monograms featured in this stop motion wedding video via Design Sponge.

Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate or a cake topped version of hot chocolate is a perfect addition to a fall wedding. You could offer dark or milk chocolate options.

Icon

Photo by Levin Rodriguez

Iconic New York Photo. NYC wedding in black and white?

First Dance

Photo by K. Holly Photography

How about this backdrop for your first dance?

Paris Romance

Photo from Beautiful Things To Share

A Paris inspired photo.

Rustic Romance, Inspiration Board

Here's another of my autumn wedding inspiration boards. It's a rustic palette of dark brown, tans, mauve and marroon with lots of texture and some pale pink accents. I'd serve a variety of wines and some spiked apple cider. Delicious.

Top Row from left: Rustic barn from Black Eiffel, wedding program, silhouette cookies and tea from Martha Stewart Weddings, wreath of wheat. Second Row: pork with sauteed granny apples from Real Simple, bridesmaid photo from Project Wedding, wine crates. Third Row: velvet bows for shoes, wine corks. Fourth Row: pressed flower frame from Country Living, fruit and cheese appetizer platter, corn husk votives and mauve roses, brownie cupcakes from Martha Stewart

Nautical

Photo by Millie Holloman via Style Me Pretty.

Another beautiful background. I recently attended a nautical-themed wedding and I loved the early fall and nautical mix. The colors were navy and white with bright red, orange and pink flowers. The wedding favor was a tin of Old Bay.

Old Bay Seasoning photo from Tastespotting.com

Cheerful red

Just a very pretty tree for fall inspiration.

Unique decor idea.

Photograph by Eric Kelley via Style Me Pretty

Cute backdrop right? It's a shower curtain!  Another creative decor idea that's useful after the wedding. 

Autumn Sunset, Inspiration Board

Chilly autumn weather has arrived. The days are growing shorter but the setting sun is just as stunning. An autumn evening sunset was my inspiration for this board. Browns and creams with some deep orange, pink and jewel tone blue accents. I would plan a menu of seasonal foods including brussels sprouts, apples, figs, leeks, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and parsnips.

Top row from left: Love sparklers, caramel wafer coffee warmers via Martha Stewart, Wheat wreath from Martha Stewart weddings, Veuve Cliquot Champagne Row 2: Bridesmaid with sash from Martha Stewart weddings, Mum peach and orange bridal bouquet from All Things Lovely, Autumn bride from Sane wedding planning Row 3: Mums invitations via papersource, Henry and Kate framed silhouette from This next Row 4: Orange dahlia boutinere from Martha Stewart weddings, Cashmere cap sleeve sweater by English Dept. via This next, Jewel tone blue and orange candlesticks from Martha Stewart Weddings, Wine Cork place card holder photo by Justine Ungaro

Wedding day at the races, Inspiration Board

I've always adored the 1964 musical film, My Fair Lady. It's a timeless romance between a snobbish professor and a simple flower girl set in both high and low society London. The Ascott opening day race is one of my favorite scenes and that is the inspiration behind this board. Black and white mixed with some feminine details.

Top row from left: Bridal party from On Your Day Events, Charming Go Lightly invitation from Cheree Berry paper, Bouquet Photo by Justin & Mary via Style Me Pretty, Charbonnel et Walker Pink Champagne truffles via Polyvore

Second row: My Fair Lady race day photo, My Fair Lady movie poster, Box full o' engagement rings from Martha Stewart Weddings

Third row: Bentley from Big Entertainment, I Spy game photo by Laura Ivanova via Style Me Pretty

Bottom row: Patio reception photo by Lori Paladino, Dinner Party by Greedy Girl, Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, Horse Race by Handicaphorseracing.com

Opening Day at Ascott:



Eliza blunder cheering: