It can be considered faux pas to have your wedding fall on or near a holiday. The scheduling can often conflict with vacation plans and you may not want your day to be known as “that wedding that ruined our Fourth of July plans” or “that cliche wedding on Valentine’s Day.”
However, if you and your fiance were already considering a fall wedding and really enjoy Halloween, consider a Halloween-themed wedding.
Don’t go screaming in the other direction before you hear all the details! We’re not talking cheap plastic jack-o-lanterns as centerpieces or fake cobwebs over the doorways. Far from it! Think autumn meets edgy. With your special Halloween touches, your fall wedding could be one for the ages.
Plan ahead: If you plan ahead–up to a year in advance–you can find Halloween novelty items on discount after the previous Halloween holiday. Don’t go overboard on the cheesy stuff like plastic coffins or witch broomsticks, but instead look for leaf garlands, scented candles, glitter pine cones, cute pumpkin bowls for a candy bar, fake fall flowers and berries and even antique-looking glasses for toasting!
Cute objects incorporated into a beautiful display. (Photos courtesy of chillipit.co.za & theknot.com)
Color-coordinated: One of the big questions is about the color palette of a Halloween-themed wedding. It is obviously in fine Halloween tradition to stick with the orange and black combo. However, try incorporating orange as the accent color and have black and white be the main color scheme. Also, don’t be scared to experiment with other fall colors like yellow or a deep red. Here’s some inspiration:
Bring nature inside by using trees! (Photos courtesy of chillipit.co.za & perfectweddingguide.com)
Proof your Halloween wedding can be themed but classy. (Photo collage courtesy of fatosoda.seesaa.net)
Photo collage courtesy of mixmingleglow.com
Gorgeous pumpkin ideas! (Photo collage courtesy of mixmingleglow.com)
Other special touches and ideas to consider:
- Don’t require it, but give your guests the option of dressing in costume
- Antique, classic dress for the bride
- Cummerbunds for the groom and groomsmen
- Wrought iron candelabras for centerpieces
- Serve apple cider and pumpkin cake
- Feature a candy bar with a wide variety of sweets including a Halloween favorite, candy corn!
- Choose historic venues, like an old church or mansion
Happy planning & Happy Halloween!
-Stephanie
@wishpotwedding
Congratulations, you just got engaged! …Um, now what?
One of the first steps in planning a one-of-a-kind wedding is securing a photographer. Don’t underestimate the power of photography! Finding a photographer that matches your style as a couple is absolutely key. And luckily for you, visiting wedding photography websites are a perfect way to sample what kind of work they can produce (not to mention how much it will cost!).
After you contact and book your photographer, one of your first “wedding-y” things you will do as an engaged couple is shoot your engagement photos for your announcements, Save the Dates, etc. Most wedding photographers package together an engagement session with the wedding day itself. This absolutely genius concept allows you to save money, ensures you know the wedding photographer well in advance and creates thematic continuity in your photographs from the engagement to the ceremony. Genius!
Engagement session photos are amazing (and different from actual wedding photos) because of how personalized they can be. They can be traditional and classic or unique and off-the-wall… or both! Let’s take a look at two common engagement photo shoot styles:
Romantic: Vintage, classic and beautiful are common traits for a romantic photo shoot. Simple poses paired with beautiful lighting in traditional backgrounds and landscapes make viewers say, “Awwww…” Location ideas: local park, beach, rose garden, big trees, hiking trail, country club golf course, open field, park bench.
Simple and beautiful photography in light pastel, bright and black and white. (Courtesy of trendsettingwedding.com, theknot.com & elizabethanndesigns.com)
Urban: In contrast to the simplicity of romantic photos, photos taken in cities show the couple in an everyday type of setting. Location ideas: skyline in the background, graffiti wall, alley, iron gate fence, old church, modern architecture, bookstore, coffee shop, bustling city corner.
I love how natural, yet adorable, these are in a city setting. (Courtesy of hubpages.com)
Consider using stairs in your urban photos--it's a natural point of interest to play around with. (Courtesy of NicoleWelchphotography.com & ericjphotography.com)
Engagement shoot location ideas:
- Where you first met
- Where your first date was
- Your favorite restaurant or coffee shop
- Where he proposed
- Where you first said “I love you”
- Your alma mater (if you met in college or high school)
- Where your parents got married
- Stadium of your favorite sports team
- Amusement park
And try incorporating these props:
- Your dog!
- Balloons
- An umbrella
- Antique furniture
- Old books
- A sign that says “Love”, “I love you”, or your names/initials
- Your car
- Bicycles
- Flowers
- Suitcases
- Sunglasses
- Hats
- Musical instruments
Some of my favorite engagement shoot stand-alone shots that I LOVE:
Love the nautical theme. (Courtesy of MindCastleBlog.com)
Love the big & little contrast. (Courtesy of jaclynmichele.com)
Love the spontenaity of this! (Courtesy of ericjphotography.com)
Love the creative poses! (Courtesy of edmontonphotographerblog.com)
Love the tenderness and of course the close-up detail of the ring. (Courtesy of DavidWeddingPhotography.com)
Love the passion and the youthful secret hideaway aspect. (Courtesy of daveandcharlotte.com)
What theme or style caught your eye for your engagement photo shoot? Get creative! Talk to your fiance before your session and decide on wonderful places that represent the two of you as a couple. Remember to go to several locations, bring a few outfits and practice your million dollar smile. Your photographer has ideas but as an artist, he or she will want to be innovative and hear your ideas.
-Stephanie
@wishpotwedding
First comes love…then comes marriage…then comes the baby in the baby carriage…or no wait….first comes baby…then comes marriage? In a modern world things might not go according to the song, but that doesn’t mean you leave the kids out of the wedding registry. Getting married means building a life with someone. Kids can have a hard time knowing mom or dad is changing their life. Make the transition easier, by adding a few items for them. They will greatly appreciate it, and it will help them become more a part of the big day!
Here are some kid-friendly item for your wedding-day wish list:
1. Does your kid like cooking or arts and crafts? Try these smocks.
2. Moving into a new home? So should your child’s toys. This toyhouse will be great!
3. Keep all of the new toys and items neat and tidy with these stacking storage bins.
4. If your getting new dishware why not throw something in for kids? A lunch thermostat especially for them, will let them know they are still important!
Brides-to-be say “I do” at the first Wedding Expos of the season Jan 9-10 in Seattle at the Seattle Center.
Brides-to-be will discover the latest tips and trends and meet hundreds of local Wedding professionals. Each event features a large gown sale where brides-to-be can save up to 70% on their wedding dress.
Admission is $15 at the door.
Expo sponsors include: WISHPOT, Marci Jewelry, Men’s Wearhouse, Grand Event Rentals, Chaplins Volkswagen and Bridesclub.com. These events are produced by Buckles Production which has been producing Wedding Expos in Western Washington for over fifteen years.
Seattle Wedding Expo
Seattle Center
January 9-10, 2010
Wedding Expo Hours
Saturday: 9:30 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 10:30 am to 4 pm
Admission:
$15 at the door.
Discounts at bridesclub.com
A common trend we are seeing is brides using the word “vintage” when describing the specific feel and atmosphere they want to achieve for their wedding. We are wondering, however, do these flashback lovers mean “antique” or simply “retro?” Your wedding planners and event designers need details when helping you create the exact ambiance you want. Here are three ways to create a different vintage look that convey three completely different feelings.
Antique: To achieve the antique vintage feel for your wedding, think light pinks paired with cream and gold accents. Try adding antique wedding photographs of relatives around the reception or even as a center piece on a table. These brides love the classic look of romantic pearls or a passed down family locket. Think satin and lace for the bridal party and garden roses for the perfect bouquet.
True Vintage: Think contrasting black and white with a splash of red. These true vintage brides can be seen wearing feathered headbands, beaded necklaces, and a perfect touch of red lipstick. For inspiration, check out some 1920’s photographs or pick up a copy of The Great Gatsby. A vintage wedding is simple, bold, and timeless.
Retro: The retro bride loves polka dots and oversized flowers. Expect a bold invitation in the mail and a sweet Frank Sinatra first dance. This couple loves to make a statement, and expect a classic Grace Kelly-esque inspired fashion statement. Short dresses, fishnet headbands, and gloves are sure to be found at this wedding.
Antique Sources Locket, Dress, Flowers, Pearls, Shoes, Invitations
True Vintage Sources Bride, Invitations, Flowers, and Bride and Groom, Bridesmaid Dress, Shoes
Retro Sources Bride, Magazine Cover, Cake, Flowers, Shoes
We got the idea to register for vintage dishware after seeing the plates of our dreams on set at a television sitcom taping we attended. I was flat out drooling for them, and even Hunter gave them a hells yeah. We scampered over to check the stamp on the plates, ran home to google it, and mentally filed it away. After a long and painful search for something new (and more readily available) that we loved just as much, we finally decided to go our own way and register for the first dishes to steal our poppy lovin’ hearts.
Wild Poppies - Metlox: Aren’t they dreamsicle?!?
It was the perfect decision for us, and we love our dishes more and more every time we use them. In fact, we ended up buying vintage silverware to go along with it!
The benefits of vintage dishware are threefold:
1. more financially friendly - the set we picked out cost less than most sets we saw at Crate and Barrel or Macy’s.
2. more eco-friendly - reuse is always a better choice than buying new, any day!
3. more finger friendly - we excel at breaking dishes. Vintage dishware is often sturdier and more break-resistant, which means keeping our wedding dishes safe for years to come!
Whatever your taste, you can find vintage dishes to suit them, in many places both online and in shops. Check out these babies:
Manzanita by Brock
Johnson Bros - Chelsea Collection
Starburst by Franciscan
Gold Dahlia by Metlox
You can search for vintage dishware at sites like Metlox California (who were supremely helpful in our registry process), Replacements.com, etsy, and ebay among many others. You can also try flea markets and antique bazaars in your town, like theRosebowl.
There are also some progressively fierce companies taking vintage dishware/china and turning it into something modern and delicious, like Esther Dirkx!
via Reform School - a favorite green boutique of mine
"But, Dana" you protest "how do I register for something so random and hard for guests to find/pay for?"
Woman, hie thee to Wishpot! You can register for items you find anywhere, in brick and mortar stores or on the internet. Its a convenient way to unleash yourself from single-store registries, and allowed us to explore our eclectic tastes in a personal and customizable way. It worked great for us, even when we bought our flatware through auction. We just manually listed it, posted the price, and someone "reimbursed" the gift to us. Or, contact a replacement company and ask if they’ll set up a registry for you. Many offer that service these days.
There are tons of ways to make your registry more personal, and more green. But vintage dishware is my absolute favorite (she says, as she eats her cereal from a sunny poppyfilled bowl).
Did you register for any vintage items?
Love this post and this idea! And I heart your poppy dishes! Thank you for sharing!
gift girl
Spice things up- Vintage swimwear for your honeymoon
So you’re going to be doing some swimming on your honeymoon, right? Well, instead of packing 10 different bikinis, why not switch things up a bit with a vintage inspired bathing suit? Why you ask? Well for starters, these suits are super chic and totally scream "I’m am confident and carefree!" I don’t know what it is about them, maybe it’s simply because they are so unique. Another reason to opt for vintage inspired swimwear is that they have a sort fantasy appeal to them. (I know you’ve seen a sexy pin-up photo before!). Pair one of these suits with some cute heels, and your hubby will surely thank you later!
You can do a google search for vintage inspired swimwear and find lots of sellers. If you got a couple (or more) hundred bucks to spend, check out Norma Kamali. Super duper sexiness all over her site!
I picked out a few from etsy seller LA Drama Queen. Love these!
You can check out her shop here.
These would also be fun options for a boudoir session. Oh and I must mention that the cut of many of the vintage inspired bathing suits do wonders for a variety of body types- gotta love a high waist! Get these on your wish list fast and maybe you’ll have one in time to pack in your honeymoon suitcase!
Be sure to stop by Pretty Chicky for more wedding tips and daily inspiration- We’d love to have you!
Shari
www.prettychicky.com
Love these! So stylish and what fun theme for a wedding shower.
|
This week’s wedding inspiration comes from the wish list of Wishpot wedding expert Pretty Chicky. Get a timeless look and incorporate vintage and classic pieces in your wedding. Adding vintage, or vintage inspired elements gets you lasting style that will be considered beautiful for years to come .
One, such item is the rhinestone haircomb from Romancing the Bling on Etsy. This piece originally a vintage broach is now an elegant one of a kind vintage rhinestone hair comb. If you have any family heirlooms or accessories consider incorporating them into your day. It’s a cost-effective way of adding lasting elegance and sentiment.
The gorgeous headpiece/veil was taken by Stephanie Williams Photography. And it’s a perfect example of timeless glamour combined with a veil that modernizes the look! The headpiece veil is the perfect addition to any classic wedding gown.
The last picture is a beautiful vintage pleated wedding gown that can be found on The VINTAGE Dress on Etsy. This elegant, floor length, gown with cream colored lace details embodies class and romance.
These indie, vintage-inspired designs are just a few ways you can be fashion-forward without sacrificing the lasting look of your wedding!
Thank you to Pretty Chicky! Check out Burgundy Weddings for more wedding wish list inspiration.
|
 |
| |
|
Get Groomed #3 – Don’t bow to the bow tie.
The other day a lovely bride asked me whether or not grooms can wear bow ties without tuxes. My answer? Absolutely. To some, this look may seem a little contrived, preppy or geeky. To others, they may be fearful of the bow tie. But, this look has always seemed quite natural to me. I don’t know…maybe it has something to do with the fact that my father used to go to work everyday wearing a bow tie under his suit.
So, channel your inner geek or prepster. This look can be cool, stylish and hip. Image via GQ
To avoid looking like a Bozo, I would recommend the following.
First, avoid pre-tied bow ties. They just look silly. All men should know how to tie a real bow tie.
Second, maintain proportions. Take a good look at your hubby-to-be’s face (not that I have to tell you to do that). If his face is round or broad, he might not look good in something that is tied horizontally. Remember: Proportion is key.
Third, make him practice before the big day. I know this sounds silly, but learning on the day-of is not a good idea. While it’s not a difficult knot to make, it can easily look sloppy or uneven. And, as they say, practice makes perfect. To learn how, click here.
Fourth, have fun with color and patterns! There are so many amazing textures for bow ties. Stripes, flowers, paisley are all good choices. Just make sure that it goes with the rest of your fiance’s suit and your wedding palette.
bow ties by sshih on Polyvore.com
Remember, don’t bow to the bow tie. Bow ties are just as versatile as its vertical cousin.
If you have questions about your groom’s style, please contact me!
Email: weddings@9tailors.com
Website: www.9tailors.com
Blog: boutsandbowties.blogspot.com.
Such fun! Remember to add a bow tie to your wish list too! These are so pretty I want to wear them in my hair…..
gift girl
Spring has Sprung! Beautiful ideas for an outdoor picnic wedding. Save fabulous ideas like these in your Wishpot Wedding registry for wedding inspirations!
The beautiful weather we’ve been having has me itching for a picnic. As much as I love a casual picnic, I think a more dressed up version is also appropriate for a wedding. In today’s inspiration board, I drew inspiration from this Kate Spade ad, using jadeite and lawn greens to create a fresh springtime palette.
Mood: garden picnic Palette: jadeite, lawn
![[387.jpg]](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_oZuFDni50Qs/ShDHRqK14UI/AAAAAAAAHoY/OQp1dH4qcOQ/s1600/387.jpg)
Top row from left: Kate Spade ad campaign, photo by Meg Smith, bouquet andcufflinks both from Martha Stewart Weddings Row 2: ring pillow from Martha Stewart Weddings, vintage stamps from Things Are Better With A Parrott, ponytail bride photo by Jonathan Canlas Row 3: RSVP cards by Austin Press, jadeite dishware via Classic Bride, photo byJ’M Photo
Beautiful! But i am a little biased I’m obsessed with all things green and well all things blue and green well that is just PERFECT! Thanks Kathryn
gift girl
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=e8736ff8-eca7-4408-b922-4431ae69cab0)
