Look at Your Event Upside Down

I am a huge believer in using spaces and objects in ways they were never intended. For parties, I often use an upside down bowl to serve as a riser for a platter in the food area. I also have been known to use colorful, unique drapery as table runners. Today, let's talk about using items that are meant to be used from the ground up, rather than from the ceiling down. 


Anyone who saw the newest Twilight movie was in awe of Edward and Bella’s wedding, and if you happen to be obsessed with weddings you watched that scene over and over taking in all the details. Possibly the most breathtaking detail was the floral canopy under which the ceremony and reception took place.

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Let’s face it, most of us don’t have the Hollywood-sized budget to make this look happen but there are ways to bring some of this look into your own wedding without a team of vampires doing the manual labor.

Suspended flowers or arrangements can be used instead of or in combination with centerpieces placed on the table. Or maybe place mirrors down the center of the table to reflect the details up above.

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Draping the ceiling gives a light, romantic feeling no matter the theme, creating interest in a usually boring area.

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Hanging fairy lights in the trees gives a magical, wisteria look similar to the canopy in the movie. You can also string the lights instead of letting them hang to create a different but still romantic look.

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How are you using general items in extraordinary ways? Would love to hear your ideas!
For more of our inspiration, follow us on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/abigtodoevent/.

Wedding Trends - Like it, Love it, or Leave it?

Wedding trends are constantly changing; every year brings something new. This month we’ve collected some of the current trends and we’re asking you whether you Like it, Love it, or Leave it!

White Attendants Dresses – Ever since the Royal Wedding we’ve seen white bridesmaid’s dress. Pippa Middleton looked fabulous in her fitted, white dress but is it a trend that’s going to last? It’s always been taboo to wear white to a wedding unless you’re the bride so as not to steal her spotlight. What do you think? Like it, love it, or leave it?

Cowboy Boots – Attendants and even brides everywhere have been foregoing the traditional pair of heels or flats for something a little more memorable: cowboy boots. We’re seeing this trend especially paired with short bridesmaid’s dresses to really show off the boot. Like it, love it, or leave it?

Textured Florals – Succulents, billy balls, thistle, dusty miller. That list may look strange but these are the floral trends we’re starting to see everywhere. Brides are choosing to combine traditional flowers with these more textural additions to create interest. Adding textured florals definitely brings individuality to an industry dominated by roses. Your thoughts? Like it, love it, or leave it?

Push Pops – The new dessert trend sweeping the industry now is push-pops! Like the ice cream versions from your childhood, these are filled with layered cakes (strawberry shortcake seems to be a favorite)! Guests will be wowed by this creative new dessert presentation but what about you? Like it, love it, or leave it?

Chandeliers – Chandeliers used to be confined to ballrooms but the new trend is to incorporate chandeliers into any venue, even outside spaces! Brides are hanging them from trees and arches and covering them with candles and flowers. No matter what the theme, a chandelier seems to fit! Do chandeliers fit your vision? Like it, love it, or leave it?

Flower Girl Tutu Dresses – Let’s face it, kids could wear anything and still steal the show but the newest trend for flower girl attire is putting her in a tutu dress. This is just an extended version of a tutu that sits higher on the body. In one of these dresses your flower girl will look adorable but is it polished enough for your wedding? Like it, love it, or leave it?

Shot Glasses Serving Ware – A few years ago we were introduced to martini glasses used to serve food, most commonly mashed potatoes, now we’re seeing shooters. Caterers are using these to serve soup, milk with a cookie on the rim, shrimp cocktail, and more. These seem like the perfect portion but would you agree? Like it, love it, or leave it?

DIY Weddings – With the addition of Pinterest to the online scene, brides everywhere are going DIY crazy! It’s so easy to find inspiration with step-by-step instructions that bridal craft parties are becoming a norm. Just make sure you don’t put too much on your craft to-do list and get overwhelmed! And remember you can always call us at A Big To Do Event to help with your planning and execution (we’ve been known to pick up a glue gun ourselves for office craft days). DIY Weddings: like it, love it, or leave it?

Tangerine Tango – Pantone’s color of the year was recently revealed as being Tangerine Tango. This fiery orange could be used as just a pop of color or as table linens, florals, and bridesmaids dresses for a bolder look. Could you see Tangerine Tango in your color scheme? Like it, love it, or leave it?

Colored Wedding Dresses – White may always be the traditional bridal color but more and more brides are choosing dresses with a bit of color. Vera Wang’s Fall 2012 collection is done in nudes and blacks! Black may be a little too unconventional for most brides which is why we’re also seeing lots of blush tones. Reese Witherspoon even chose a stunning pink dress for her recent wedding. Are you going out of the box or staying traditional with the white color family? Like it, love it, or leave it?

  

Let us know what you think of these trends and whether you Like it, Love it, or Leave it!

http://pinterest.com/pin/238127899017054635/

New Spins for Old Traditions!

There are so many wedding traditions that have lovely meanings behind them, but they may not be your specific style. Here are a few twists to the traditional ring pillow, which usually doesn't have the actual rings on it because a very cute little person is carrying it. However, if you use one of these more container-type objects you may want to place your rings inside!

A Bird Nest 

(crafted of course!) for the BoHo Chic Bride

This pretty can be found on Esty in the nestedlove store. This would be beautiful in photos of outdoor vows and as a centerpiece on your anniversary picnic down the road. 

Antique Silver Ring Boxes 

for the Classic Bride that wants a " new" family heirloom

I found these at Country Living. This is a beautiful option that could easily be passed down to future generations to use during proposals and weddings.

Simple Ring Plates 

for the Minimalist and Modern Bride

I found these at Etsy as well, at Paloma's Nest. These will look beautiful on a vanity to holding your special jewel for years after the wedding and will likely bring a smile to your face everyday.

Good Luck deciding, they are all beautiful pieces!

Wedding Floral Resource

For many brides, the flowers are the most important piece of their wedding day puzzle. Your guests will notice if the florals were high on your list of puzzle priorities. Also, florals are often times the focus of many of the photographs taken by your photographer, as well as your guests.

http://www.w-weddingflowers.com/

Often times it can be difficult to know what flowers to choose, and which will look best that time of year.

You want them to go with your color scheme, as well as be in season so they are as fresh as possible (and also not ridiculously expensive!). So, I'm sure you are wondering, how can I figure these things out?

Recently I came across a great resource online that allows you to search for flowers to fit your day.

You can search by the color of flowers you want, the area of the country your wedding is in, the season your wedding is in, and even the color of bridesmaid dresses you will have.

Photo by http://www.weddingpartydestinations.com/

The website is called Bliss!

http://www.blissweddings.com/weddingfloral/

Check it out and find the perfect flowers for your big day!!

Elizabeth

Color Palette: Navy and Coral

Today's color palette is super fun! It is girly, but can easily be incorporated into some fun things your fiance will love as well. I adore the way they go together so easily and really compliment each other! You can go with a more chic design or even go the nautical route.

Coral, Navy Blue and White

I love these coral and navy invitations. The script and other embellishments really

set the tone for a fun and chic wedding.

(http://www.blushpaperie.blogspot.com/)

These navy bridesmaid dresses are simple, but classic. The coral and pink flowers look fantastic, and really stand out next to the dark color. Having the navy dresses are a great way to put the focus on the flowers!

(http://www.prettychicky.com/)

Now that signature cocktails are normal, and almost expected at receptions, use this opportunity to bring in your color scheme, as well as having something that is unique to your special day!

Navy suits for the guys is always a more relaxed look. It is easy to pair it with many colors as well as patterns. I personally think a coral tie would look fantastic with the navy suit!

(http://www.blog.evantinedesign.com/)

A great way to add a touch of color to a cake is to add ribbon around it like this one. I love the look of the clean lines around the curved cake. It is such a simple look, but still quite chic.

(http://www.cakecentral.com/)

I love these flowers. They are so pretty and can be easily paired with anything navy to incorporate

 the navy and coral color scheme. I also love the small pops of greenery used to really draw your eye!

(http://www.w-weddingflowers.com/)

Such a fun and simple tablescape. It really goes well with the overall

theme of the navy and coral palette.

(http://www.highstreetmarket.blogspot.com/)

I can never do a color palette blog without including a pair of shoes that go along! I am in love with these navy shoes! The little bit of bling make them extra girly and perfect for your wedding! Not to mention, blue shoes are a great way to incorporate your "something blue."

(www.fairyshoeprincess.com)

I hope you guys are enjoying these color palettes as much as I am!

Find me on Twitter or shoot me an Email if you have any questions or want to see a certain color palette!

Elizabeth

DIY Wedding Signs

I am loving the DIY wedding signs lately! 

It is easy to do and a unique touch for your day. These signs add so much character to a wedding, and it is easy to be creative and add your own touches on them.

They don't cost much money, and if you are lucky you may already have some of the things you need!

Shot by Lang Photographers

(http://www.magnetstreet.com/)

Heather & Tim's Wedding at Roswell River Landing
Photo: Dorn Brothers Photography

Tammy & Troy's Wedding in St. Thomas, USVI
Photo: PhotoSynthesis Studio

Here is what you Need:

1. A piece of wood. Or a few depending on how many signs you plan to make.

2. Leftover paint. You do not need much maybe half a cup.

3. A small paintbrush.

4. A few hours.

(http://www.weddings.theknot.com/)

How To:

Draw on a piece of paper the word you want to paint on the wood. Remember Bubble Letters in elementary school? This is the time to re-visit that skill! Or you can go the easy route and find a font you like on Word and print them on the computer. Make sure it is the size you want it to appear on the sign. With scissors, cut out the word, e.g. "Wedding." 

Place the paper on top of  the wood and tape it in place so it doesn't move.

Draw a pencil line along the edges of the word, so that when you remove the paper

you can see the outline of "Wedding."

Now you are ready to add the paint. Use a small paint brush to fill in the penciled

outline with your paint. It may be a good idea to go over the word a few times to

make sure it is able to be seen from a distance.

When your paint is dry, cut the piece of wood (if you haven't done so already) to the

chosen size.Then you can attach it to a pole with a few screws, or use a rope

or chain to hang it from an archway.

I hope you have fun creating your own signs. Be creative and make them "you!" 

I would love to see them so send me a picture

on Twitter or shoot me and Email with them!

Have fun!

Elizabeth

How To Pocket-Fold a Napkin

Love this new post from the folks at Real Simple Magazine!