it's all in the details: seating charts

there are so many fun and creative ways to let your guests know where they are seating. these are a few of my favs...
the old window

the old window, door or picture frame painted with chalkboard paint (how to instructions here)

you can also use picture frames

if you are wanting to go the escort cards route, then here are some ideas...
old keys buttons or other trinkets are unique and perfect for a vintage wedding

you could also paint the names and table number on rocks, or use clothes pins to hang them from ribbon attached to old doors, window shutters or even an old mattress spring.

anything can be used to mark the tables, but i especially like these ideas

{photos by: 1&17: jill thomas 2: katie stoops 3&4: via wedding window 5: via destination weddings 6: by clayton austin 7: by chelsea nicole 8: via crazy about weddings 9: via style me pretty 10: by beaux arts photographie 11&12: by jose villa  14: clayton austin 15: via flickr 16: by charlotte jenks lewis 18: by lauren crew}

it's all in the details: paper flowers

paper flowers!!?? i bet you didn't see that one coming from a florist. but for real, faux flowers can really add a lot to your wedding (and they can be inexpensive!). now i'm not suggesting that you use JUST faux flowers, we all know that there is nothing better then the real deal, but used in combination the two can make for a real statement wedding! You can put them on your cake... 

instructions on how to make crepe paper flowers here. you can use them for your ceremony backdrop, my ultimate fav being from this wedding below...

you can make GIANT flowers and use them on your tables or to carry like this bride did, instructions here.

not interested in making your own? well bhldn sells some hand-made bouquets and garlands...but be ready to pay an arm and a leg, or go here for some single blooms.

i am also a fan of these feather flowers made by rebecca thuss, which can be used as boutonnieres, in the hair or in your bouquet.

the possibilities are truly endless and these flowers are easy to use, seeing as they don't need to be watered and kept out of the heat.

{photos by 1: martha stewart weddings summer 2011, 2&3: ashley rose, 4&5: ali degraff via 100 layer cake, 6: bhldn, 7&8: rebecca thuss}

it's all in the details: pinwheels

who doesn't love pinwheels?? they are so fun and flirty and a great little detail to add to your special day.  you can make a bunch of them and take pictures in a field of pinwheels... or make super sized ones like this cute couple did.

you can also use mini pinwheels on your tables to add a little whimsy and playfulness to your centerpieces.

all sorts of materials can be used to make them... fun and funky paper that matches your wedding theme (i love the use of maps the featured couple used!) or use tissue paper like in the pictures above, instructions for making these delicate tissue paper pinwheels here, and paper ones here and you can purchase here.

and if you are feeling extra playful, you could wear the pinwheels in your hair (ladies) or on your lapel (gentlemen)!

{photos by 1,2&8: sarah layne; 3&4: jade + matthew take pictures via the sweetest occasion ; 5: elizabeth street; 6: hilton pittman photogoraphy via the wedding chicks; 7: ashley rose 8: sarah rhoads} 

it's all in the details: dip-dyed

on this beautiful thursday, i am loving anything that is dip-dyed.  it's the new tye-dyed... more sophisticated and clean then the hippie-wear ( don't get me wrong, i love me some tye-dye).  what i love most about it, is that you can dye ANYTHING. for example, check out this spoon instillation at a museum in paris.

 i am totally loving these ombre dyed escort cards... i think that it is a great idea for the invitations as well.

I am planning on doing this one below for my next photo shoot.  I am going to take white napkins and dip them in blue dye!  i'm really excited to see how they turn out.  instructions here.

you can dip dye anything... tee shirts, shoes, white feather earrings, scarfs... do you have other ideas??  please share and happy dipping!!

{photos by: 1&2: thank you, ok 3&4: via once wed 5: via once wed}

cinco de mayo + DIY details!

In honor of cinco de mayo i have put together this "mexican" themed inspirational post, full of pastels and bright colors.  I have also included a DIY detail that you can add to your wedding or party... signature cocktails!!! happy cinco de mayo! 


{how AMAZING is this dress (above)??? it melts my heart i want it so bad!! i used to have a dress that looked similar, it was pink and white, that my mom made for our cino de mayo festivities in elementary school!}

and what about a yummy blood orange margarita??? Signature cocktails add uniqueness to your wedding or party and they can help cut down on the cost of alcohol because instead of having an open bar (where guests are sure to overindulge) you can offer them a special cocktail or two.

{photos by: 1,2,3,4,8,9&16 by this modern romance via green wedding shoes; 5 by belathee photography, 6&7 by sarah yates via style me pretty; 10,11,12 by sarah yates; 13,14&15 by joielala via green wedding shoes; 17 by aida coronado; 18 by confections of a foodie bride}