Pantone

It's actually perfect for a wedding, especially a spring or summer wedding. To quote the Pantone website, emerald is:

"Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty
that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony."

Doesn't that sound perfect for a wedding?

Using touches of the color is easy to do all over your wedding and reception. For instance, you could:

• bouquet ties
• boutineer ribbon
• bridesmaid shoes
• tuxedo ties, vests, cummerbunds
• ribbons or runners on the guest tables
• charger plates
• accent on the cake
• green glassware
• table linens
• etc...

Jewelry is a nice way to introduce or accent with the emerald color. Your bridesmaid gifts could be earrings, bracelets, pendants or jeweled hair combs or a combination thereof. The bride's jewelry will definitely be noticed so that's a great place to use the emerald color.

You don't have to spend thousands on the jewelry, costume jewelry today is gorgeous as well. Sterling silver is a wonderful backdrop for an emerald stone too. Take a look at some of the jewelry available that features the emerald green color:

Emerald Colored Earrings

 Emerald Green Color CZ Teardrop Pave Dangle Earrings Sterling Silver Celtic Knot Emerald Green CZ Hook Earrings Emerald Green Austrian Crystal Earrings with Silver - Green Bridesmaid Jewelry

Emerald Pendants/Slides

 Emerald Cut Simulated Emerald Pendant in 925 Sterling Silver Celtic Love by Kelly Love Knot Pendant wtih 8mm Heart Shape Simulated Emerald in .925 Sterling Silver Ravishing Oval Cut White Gold Plated Silver Simulated Emerald Diamond Accent Pendant with 18" Necklace

Bracelets with Emerald Accents

 Emerald Crystal Art Deco Links Bracelet Ravishing Oval Cut White Gold Plated Silver Simulated Emerald Diamond Accent Bracelet Fabulous Round Cut White Gold Plated Silver Simulated Emerald Diamond Accent Bracelet

See anything you like?

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Let's take a look at a few burlap products that can help you convey that rustic feel throughout your wedding day.

Burlap is a Great Accent

The color and texture of natural burlap is perfect for a rustic wedding theme. It can be used in so many different areas including:

• wrap for bouquets 
• accent on boutineers
• floral arrangement accents
• as table cloths
• centerpiece accent
• chair decoration
• favor bags
• runners
• and so much more...

 Forms of Burlap Available

Burlap comes in yards of fabric in different widths. It is also available as ribbon and what I call runner (usually 12" or wider but not as wide as fabric bolts). You can buy it by the yard, bolt, spool or already made into items you can use to decorate your wedding. It's up to you. Here are a few options for ready to go burlap products:

For burlap by the yard or bolt -- try here. For burlap ribbon, try here. And for burlap 12" to 14" wide (like for table runners), try here!

Burlap is a wonderful, natural fiber material that will add that rustic touch you want for your wedding. Now you just have to decide where you want to use it!

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So, Brides-to-be are researching what new trends are leading the pack for weddings this year. They search for hours online, visiting large and small blogs and websites about wedding trends, they buy all the bridal magazines, they call friends and recent brides to get their advice, they talk with industry professionals and all the while, try to wrap their mind around what everyone else is planning to do, new ideas from vendors or what has been forecast-ed as the newest, best trends...

The thing is -- it doesn't matter.

Let me say it again -- It Doesn't Matter!

First off, there are contradictions all over the place as to what the popular trends are for any given year. Actually, that's pretty logical. Think about it:

• What is available in the big cities is not always readily available in less populated areas
• Wedding Budgets vary widely across the country and around the world
• Family and/or cultural traditions vary
• It is human nature to steer an undecided person toward something that is easily obtainable, popular or "all the rage". Friends, family and even some industry professionals are guilty of this. Instead, they should be listening to your wants, dreams and desires and helping make them come true.

The bottom line is everyone has an opinion about up and coming wedding trends. It's an opinion. It's not a simple case of right or wrong. They only opinions that really matter are those of the bride and groom.

Just because some wedding magazine, your best friend or wedding professional says that pink with purple polka dots is the "in thing" and all the vendors have it in dresses, linens, favors, cakes, flowers etc... doesn't mean you should paint your entire ceremony and reception in pink with purple polka dots.

UNLESS and that's a big unless... that's what you truly want. If it's your heart's desire then do it!

I guess the point I am trying to make don't lost your individuality or personality during the wedding planning. Remember your own wants, desires and dreams. Don't make your wedding and reception a cookie cutter event for the sake of being considered "in style". Don't let current trends dictate your decisions.

Be who you are and make your decisions because of who you are. Choose elements for your wedding and reception that you truly love and/or that represent who you and your fiance are.

You know what you like. Don't make your decision based on what other people are saying is popular. If you want pink with purple polka dots -- go for it! If you abhor it, don't be talked into it.

If you like it, do it -- if you don't, then do it your way.

Now, I'm not talking Bridezilla, here. There is no excuse for bad manners or not using common courtesy. Just believe in yourself and your decisions. It's your wedding day and your guest will be happy to be a part of your dream.

Say "I gotta be me!" and plan your wedding with a smile.

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via Librarian Avenger under CC by 2.0 License

via Martha Stewart Weddings

via Martha Stewart Weddings

snowflake escort cards

sparkling ice table decorations

There are so many fun elements you can add to a winter or Christmas wedding. Ice, icicles, ornament favors or place card holders, evergreen boughs or bouquets, and more. Colors can be a more traditional green and red, or a fun version of lime green and fire engine red. For a winter theme, shades of blues, silver, and whites are gorgeous!

A winter or Christmas themed wedding is just gorgeous, no matter the direction you go.

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More and more brides and grooms are moving towards dessert buffets in addition to a smaller cake. The presentations can knock your guests' socks off and offer them more in the way of sweets at your reception.

Dessert Table Tips:

A few fun ways to make your dessert table stand out and be memorable for your guests is to use gorgeous serving pieces. Make your dessert table a work of art or decor, as it were. A couple of tips:

• Use different shaped tables -- Dessert buffets look fabulous on round, horseshoe, serpentine and square tables as well as a traditional rectangle table.
• Use all sides for serving. Instead of baking your table to the wall, make it a focal point with access from all sides. This makes the decorating fun!
• If you use a round or oval table, arrange it in a "geyser" formation. That is, the center of the table will hold the tallest item and work down to table level on all sides.
• If you use a rectangle against a wall, make a fun backdrop with fabric, paper banners or tissue poms and balls -- just anything that will make a great background for your desserts.
• Remember, different heights is important for ease of serving themselves as well as being visually pleasing.
• Have fun!

Midwest CBK White Twelve Arm Cupcake Tower	White and Pink Beaded Multi Cake Stand
14" Chrome Folding Three Tier Buffet Server Fits 9" ~ 11" Plates	Crystal Clear Alexandria 3-Tier Buffet Server

Image Credit: Michael's Cookie Jar

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Winter weddings can be breathtaking. There are a lot of different directions you can go. One of my favorites is to use snowy white feathers in the design of your centerpiece.

Feathers for Winter Weddings

Feathers have been associated with winter and used as decor for years. Something about snow or snowflakes being perceived as light and fluffy translates into feathers (they won't melt). Anyway, feathers are a great decor item and are relatively inexpensive. If you want ostrich feathers, you may find those pricey but boas and other loose feathers are affordable.

Speaking of boas, they are one of the easiest decor touches to work with. You can wind them around almost anything and jazz things up. For one of my favorite winter weddings, we used boas in olives, retro greens, white and ivory to create a forest-like display on the dessert table. We wrapped the boas around cone shaped foam and used "u" shaped floral pins to hold them in place -- simple but the effect was very dazzling.

At the last minute, I added some different sized risers, and covered white lights with fabric "snow". The whole display was glowing and elegant. The desserts were set up in front of the feather tree display in different heights as well. It was gorgeous.

It's very simple to wrap feather boas on the foam cones or even around the base of your chosen centerpiece to get that winter snow vibe. Here are a few photos for you (from things I had around the house), just so you get the idea.

Supplies - Cone, boa & "U" floral pins

use "U" shaped floral pins to attach one end of the boa to the foam

push the pin all the way into the foam

wind the boa a couple of times and then use another pin to hold it secure

finished winter feather tree

Vintage style sleigh with candle and feathers

Boa wrapped around a pedestal candle holder -- clear glass can simulate ice

Large pedestal bowl with pillar candle and feather boa

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Let's take a look at some ideas for venues to hold your wedding reception.

Hotels

Ballrooms and banquet rooms at hotels have long been favorites for wedding receptions. They usually have everything you need -- catering, bar, gorgeous ballrooms and even give your guests a place to stay all in the same facility. They are usually also on the high side of the budget due to all these factors.

A lot of times they also have a list of preferred or "must-use" vendors that they partner with. This can cause some problems if you have your own favorite band, DJ, florist or decorator. Read the fine print and ask questions. Make sure using their facility will allow you to use the vendors you were planning to use.

Sports Facilities

Country Clubs and Sports Clubs are another option for an indoor setting. A lot of them have wonderful views as well. Check with them, specifically about taking pictures outdoors if the weather is good. Also, check to see that they aren't holding a golf or other sports tournament on the day of your event. That could clog up the parking lot, remove the opportunity to take pictures outdoors and/or cause a slow down on the catering end.

Just like the hotel option, find out if they have a preferred vendor list or that you can use whomever you choose as your vendors. Some of the clubs have in house DJ's or specific caterers you have to use.

City/State Parks/Camp Grounds/Beaches

This is where your outdoor choices for a spring or summer wedding can multiply. There are a number of City/State parks, beaches and even some campgrounds that allow for wedding receptions and maybe even the ceremony. Just check with parks near you.

One caution though -- a lot of those places have strict time limits and some do not allow alcohol. If you were planning on a bar, check to see what is/is not allowed before booking. They are usually affordable options, though.

Historical or Municipal Facilities

Old mansions, libraries and theatres in your area may offer packages for ceremony and/or receptions. It's worth checking into. The buildings are usually ornate and gorgeous and make a wonderful backdrop for a wedding.

Again, do check the rules. I know I have run into a lot of these facilities in the past that don't allow candles. Not a big deal since you can use LED candles but you want to know prior to buying anything!

 A Family or Friend's Property

Think barns, large yards with terrific views and open space. My cousin got married on her in-laws-to-be property in Washington state overlooking Puget Sound. The views were breathtaking. She approached the ceremony site off the expansive back deck down a couple of steps and up a beautifully floral lined aisle.

Their house was large enough to accommodate the wedding parties and they dedicated a field for parking. These are things you need to consider when using a family or friends property -- parking, access to the ceremony area, where the bride will enter from, dressing areas for bridal party, etc...

Obviously, this is an inexpensive option as far as venue rental fees are concerned but don't forget you will need to rent other things like chairs, tables and tents. A caterer will probably charge more if there is no prep kitchen available. Just things to keep in mind!

Tourist Attractions

Disney World, Disney Land, stadiums, arenas, old west towns and the like are some tourist attractions that allow for weddings/receptions. Some will have indoor and outdoor locations available others will have one or the other.

Again, get all the rules prior to booking. Some may have extensive rules or guidelines since they are public facilities. Always best to know what your options are!

Hope this have given you some ideas that maybe you haven't thought of yet. A unique location is one that guests will always remember!

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Vintage weddings are still all the rage! A few brides are going back at bit farther in time than the 1940's Hollywood era to embrace the 1920's. Flappers and the Great Gatsby is the inspiration for these fun but romantic themes. I've had a few questions about color schemes for this era, so I thought I'd put together some ideas to share.

Color is a very personal and important choice when planning your wedding. Certain themes almost dictate certain color schemes but the 1920's - Great Gatsby themed wedding is a bit different. You can choose from many different colors and still capture the essences of the times.

Each of these schemes is showing 6 colors but remember, we are talking about all colors that show up in a wedding from flowers to centerpieces to attire to stationery to dishes and candle holders. Some of the colors will only show up in a small detail but it will still add to the overall theme.

The above colors scheme is a traditional neutral Art Deco color scheme. It is the one that reminds me most of the Great Gatsby theme. Now, if you are thinking this is a bit to dull, remember, you can always accent with another, more bold color. And, there is always gold to add to the silver.

Speaking of gold, metallics were very prevalent in Art Deco. Gold and silvers symbolized wealth and prosperity. Add to that a strong blue color and you have a striking Art Deco or 1920's color scheme.

Another more bold combination is achieved by adding deep reds and blues. It screams vintage and elegant. Again, you still see the combination of gold and silver adding to the richness.

At the other end of the spectrum are the more Tropical or Miami Art Deco inspired colors. Greens, pinks, blues and yellows are reminiscent of the architecture used in Miami in the 1920's. This is perfect for an afternoon soiree.

Other elements you might want to incorporate with your color scheme that were very popular in those times are feathers, (faux) fur and any other type of wraps, birdcage veils, rhinestones or crystals, fringe and pearls. These can be added to centerpieces, the attire of the wedding party, stationery and anywhere else you can come up with.

This type of Great Gatsby or 1920's era theme is elegant, rich and sophisticated. What will you come up with?

Image Credit:Art Deco Black Tie Affair Bridal Custom Announcements by cowboyannie
Browse more Deco Invitations

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There are tons of very creative and resourceful brides/grooms out there! When I started researching unique and different wedding seating charts I was delighted, amazed and thrilled with some of the ideas I found. I thought it would be fun to put them in "theme categories" here. That way, you can draw inspiration from other brides and design your own.

We'll do a few themes at a time to spread it out or this post would be HUGE! We're starting with Travel Themes and Hollywood (movie) Themes first.

Below each of the photos is the blog/site I found the photo on. Please visit the ones you are interested in for more photos and possibly instructions for re-creating their wedding seating charts. If your seating chart appears here and you would rather it not, just use the contact form to let me know and I will take down your photo/link.

Have fun and enjoy looking at what other creative brides have used as wedding seating charts!

Travel Themed Wedding Seating Chart Ideas -

via Richard Lambert on Twitter

via The Loveliest Day Blog,
Photographer Jeremy Chou Photoworks & Shannon Lee
Designer: Miss Tashina

via MarthaStewart.com, Photographer: Ella Blue Studio

Hollywood/Awards/Movie Themed Wedding Seating Chart Ideas -

via Matthew Jones on Twitter

Originally Posted to the blog - savearecipe.blogspot.ca
not sure who to credit for the photo but I love it!

More to come -- Stay Tuned!

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Maybe you're the Mother of the Groom (or the host, anyway) and you will be hosting the rehearsal dinner. It doesn't have to (and frankly, shouldn't) be a miniature of the wedding reception. It will pale in comparison if you try to duplicate all the elements of color, theme and style of the actual planned reception.

It's a separate and different event that should have it's own theme and/or feel. Since the guests will also be at the wedding, coming up with a different or unique idea will allow them to attend two related events but not feel like one is a smaller version of the other.

Since Rehearsal Dinners are part of most wedding celebrations, let's look a bit deeper into themes/styles you could use and some tips for planning that will save some headaches.

Choosing a Theme for a Rehearsal Dinner

Rehearsal dinners are usually for the main players in the wedding party, family and close friends. They are smaller than the wedding but the guests are usually very close to the bride and groom. It's an intimate celebration of the pending nuptials and a time for thanks you's, sometimes reflection and looking toward the future. Making it fun and less stressful for the bride and groom should be at the top of the list for any host.

You can accomplish this by making it personal -- use a theme or idea that depicts something about the bride and groom. The theme could be:

• Something they love like crafting, racing, sports, books/reading, gaming, etc...
• A Style they love like retro, vintage, modern, cottage, coastal, etc...
• Places they have been, will go on their honeymoon or dream of going to one day like Paris, London, Ireland, Egypt, Hollywood, the Caribbean, Hawaii, etc...
• Their Occupations -- Celebrate their professions with your theme
• Families -- a wedding combines two families. Celebrate this with elements from the two families.

Obviously, you can go a ton of different directions but choosing a theme will make the event fun and memorable for the couple and the guests. Even combining some of the ideas above would be fun. Let's take a look at some in-depth ideas for some of the themes listed above so you can get the idea.

Combo - Occupations/Hobby - Let's say the bride and groom are a teacher, writer, or librarian or just loves books and reading.  Make it a school or literary theme. You could use some of these ideas for school/literary themed centerpieces, find an invitation with a book or school theme, and choose colors that will go along with the theme. (You do not have to use the wedding colors. They will be prevalent in almost everything all weekend, choose your own color scheme.)

Places or Travel -- This one can be loads of fun. You can mix it up and have each table reflect different places around the world that the couple has been or want to go to or you can stick to just one place like where they got engaged or will be going on honeymoon. Use items that represent that country or city in your travel centerpieces, find invitations that are themed for travel or the city or country you choose.

If the couple are big time travelers or want to travel a lot, you can build a theme around modes of transportation (buses, airplanes, trains, cars, ships) and different destinations they have or want to visit. Travel posters or postcards would be great decor items for this type of a theme.

Families -- This theme can be so different, unique and fun at the same time. Get wedding photos from both sides of the family and from close friends. Frame one as part of the centerpiece for each table. Then borrow a candle holder, candelabra, cake plate, a couple of pieces of silver, anything (a family piece of serveware, a collectible, the cake topper, costume jewelry or hat/veil from the couple in the wedding photo. Just something that represents them and make your centerpiece from this.

This is also a great opportunity to celebrate marriage wisdom from the family. Frame a piece of marriage advice from Uncle Ned or Grandma Rose and use it as part of the centerpiece. If both families collect silver or Depression glass or Jewel Tea Dishes, use these for the centerpieces. Make it personal and it will be memorable for the bride and groom.

A Couple of Rehearsal Dinner Planning Tips

The rehearsal dinner, as stated above, is separate from the wedding. If it is hosted by anyone other than the bride and groom, they need to take on the responsibility. Don't bug the bride and groom with details or questions. Their plate is full with welcome packages/events, ceremony details, reception details, honeymoon details and so much more already.

Let the Rehearsal Dinner be an event where they only have to show up and enjoy -- not be active in the planning and production. Some brides have a problem letting go of the reins. However, a Rehearsal Dinner is in the couple's honor, not hosted by them (usually). Tell the bride to chill and just enjoy a fun event. She will most likely need to pick out an outfit and bring attendant and parent gifts along for the evening. Beyond a suggestion of color or theme for her to choose an outfit, she should just relax and bask in being one of the honorees - VIP's for the night.

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