Wedding Favors.

I hope you had a nice, relaxing holiday with family and friends. Now it's back to work and back to planning for your big day! Since the holiday of gift giving is right around the corner, three weeks away to be exact, I thought it would be a good time to chat about wedding favors. What exactly are favors? As defined via an online dictionary they are: small gifts given as a gesture of appreciation or gratitude to your guests from the bride and groom during a wedding reception.

But where did this tradition come from? Let's dig deeper. The tradition of giving wedding favors is a very old one. It is believed that the first wedding favor, common amongst European aristocrats, was known as a bonbonniere. It was a small trinket box made of crystal, porcelain or precious stones. The contents were generally sugar cubes or delicate confections, which symbolize wealth and royalty. During this era, sugar was an expensive commodity and believed to have medical benefits. As the price of sugar dropped, the general populace were able to start this tradition as well. (thanks to encyclopedia.com for the info)

Over the last few years, I've noticed this tradition has started to fall to the wayside. Many couples are opting not to spend the extra dollars on the mini gifts. This is understandable, especially if you are inviting 200+ guests. Besides that, most favors out there are not that great anyway. If you look a bit though you can find some fun and interesting ways to say "thank you" to your guests. 

Why not think about the favors as part of the decoration for your event? I absolutely love these sandalwood fans that come packaged in their own box with your names and wedding date on it. Can't you see these at a backyard wedding or at a vineyard during summer when it's warm out? They are stylish and affordable at only $1.50 per fan with box. 




Let's continue with taking inspiration from the Asian cultures with these adorable customizable fortune cookies. Dipped in chocolate and then decorated with either a single heart or sprinkles, you get to choose the colors of both! The best part of these is the personalized fortune for the inside. Include your names, wedding date and a note to your guests.



Both of the above favors can be found online at Beau Coup.

Think outside of the standard box with a almonds inside when it comes to offering favors. You might be surprised with what you come up with. 

The beauty of fall.

Fall is a wonderful time to get married. The air is crisp and cool, the leaves are turning orange and gold and fruit is abundant. Nature gives you all the cues you need to create a stunning day. Let's look at few ideas and inspiration fall gives us.

One of a kind boutonnieres. Pieces of fabric cut to look like leaves serve as the background for the fiddle heads and lilacs. Finish them off with a contrasting ribbon wrapped around the stems.

Yellow roses mixed with deep burgundy dalias and leaves create a vibrant bouquet for the bride. Use the colors in nature to inspire your color palette. Oranges, golds, maroon, yellows and green all mix well together or can be displayed on their own.
Pumpkins, nuts and squash make great center pieces and table decorations. Clump them together in groups of three or five for an esthetically pleasing arrangements.

When I saw these cakes I new I had to write a post about fall! They are so amazing, I wouldn't want to cut into them to eat! Ask your vendors for new and exciting ways to display your cake. This one sets atop a cut of a tree. Don't worry, you won't have to cut down a whole tree to get this look. It could turn into an adventure with your fiance going for hike into the woods to find a piece of a fallen tree.

This cake just screams northwest to me! From the bright green moss on the base to the delicate ferns, acorns and tiny mushrooms made out of frosting, this cake is sure to turn heads.

If you're still trying to think of a date for your wedding day, don't rule out fall. Yes, it may rain and you most likely will have to have an indoor site but the decor would brighten up any rainy day! It's also a great way to show how much you love the great northwest. We live in a beautiful state surrounded by great food, fresh fruits and amazing landscapes. Bring some of that to your tables on your wedding day.

All photos from the fab Martha Stewart Wedding site. Check it out for more great ideas.

DIY Wedding Ideas.

The "do it yourselve" trend is popping up everywhere. From Martha Stewart's craft line at Michael's crafts to a website devoted to DIY home projects. When it comes to your wedding day this is a big topic. Many couples want to create gifts for their guests with loving care, others would prefer to pay someone to do it for them. What it really comes down to is how much time are you willing to invest? Also, be sure to price out the total cost of making it yourself or having someone else do it, often you'd be surprised to find out how much it really costs you to make something from scratch.

A lot of us think "I can do that, why have someone else do it for me?" What are some of the things that are actually do-able versus those that are ill-advised? Since this topic has many options, we'll start with one or two and really focus on those.

1. Create a display for your family photos. 

Many couples like to show their parents wedding pictures as well as grandparents. Along with those the couple may also include images from their engagement session and snap shots of trips they've taken etc. 

The most common way to display them is with photo frames on a table. If you do this think of a way to add some height to certain frames so they are easy to see. A more unique idea is below and of course, comes courtesy of our craft lady, Martha. Check here for the full description on how to do it. Once the frames are made, you can pick a spot to hang them at your reception site.

Cork or magnetic boards are another idea I love. Fill the boards with images from edge to edge with them overlapping to create a collage look. The curved edges give this board from Umbra a modern look. Hang them in a grid of four or three across. 

Umbra really has great ways to display photos, I love many of their designs and are all at a great price. I have the photo tree in the my studio and love it!  Here is a mini table top version from them that would attract attention. Go to their website for more great ideas: Umbra.
Hopefully this has started your wheels turning for an easy DIY project for your reception. We'll be adding more to this topic throughout the year. Have a great weekend! 

Parasols & Lanterns.

One of the easiest ways to add some simple, affordable and stylish decoration is by using paper lanterns. I found the site Luna Bazaar awhile back and always have it on the back burner just in case I'm in need of a parasol!



You can shop by color. Add a solid colored paper parasol to your bridesmaids pictures. Coordinate it with your flowers and you're set!

So beautiful and shabby chic, vintage style blown glass lanterns can be hung throughout trees with candles or as vases for flowers.

Don't want to have candles, try out the lanterns above that have battery powered lights in them. Use them to light a walkway for guests to find their way.

These parasols are so affordable and beautiful, pick one up for a great photo prop!


The mini string lanterns are a great way to decorate your tent for the reception. String them all around the outside edge to create a wonderful glow. Be sure to check out Luna Bazaar for all your lantern & parasol needs or wants!

Real Weddings.

Some images from Steff and Tom's wedding...

Location: Governor Hotel, Portland, Oregon.
Flowers: Studio Del Fiore.
Photography: Jasmine Photography & Nicole Wickens.
Music: Porkpie.
Coordination: Class Act Events.

Gown: Ania Bridal


Click on image to view larger.

A Burst of Sunshine!

The color yellow is popping up everywhere, just in time for spring. It's such a refreshing and happy color. Why not consider using yellow as your main color palette for your upcoming summer wedding? The meaning of the color is joy & happiness; the symbolism is the perfect addition to your big day.

Let's get some inspiration from these great swatches below all found on the Print & Pattern Blog.

I'm totally in love with yellow and grey together. It has such a fun and modern feel to it.

Keep it fresh and easy by using all shades of yellow with white as the backdrop. Clean & fresh. 

I love the retro feel of adding some brown accents to the yellow. Reminds me of my grandma's ceramic mugs!  These two colors love a touch of pale blue as well.

Let the inspiration begin!

Ribbons & More Ribbons.

Today's post comes via Lisa of Studio del Fiore. 

Like most creative people I love using different elements in the floral designs that I create, but it's not always about the flowers. I know there are a lot of DIY brides out there so I wanted to pass on this great website that I came across recently.

The Ribbon Jar is an online ribbon reseller, they sell a vast selection of just about every ribbon you can think of....and the best part is they sell it by the yard, so you can purchase as much as you need! I also love that they have pictures of everything so you know exactly what you are buying.



Another unique feature that they offer is what they call The Ribbon Jar special collections. Each unique collection is packaged in a new or vintage jar. The themed collections vary from general craft to wrapping. These jars make great gifts for any crafty friend and can provide inspiration for color palettes to use for your wedding day. The uses for ribbons is endless...wrapping the bridal bouquets, add a quick sash to the bridemaids gowns, wrap gifts, hang down a wall with photos attached. 

The best part? They are based in our beautiful state of Oregon! Gotta love that. 

Perfect Pears.

Let's talk fruit, specifically the wonderful Oregon Pear. I came upon the USA Pear website and found some great ideas for wedding decor.

The first one is sugared pears. This is such a simple and elegant way to make center pieces for your tables. Choose all the same color or mix it up. Either way this classic way of decorating needs to make a come-back!

Play off the name of the fruit by offering guest the "perfect pear" as a wedding favor. Keep the packaging simple and add a ribbon to accent your wedding day colors. You could also tie a message around the bag with your initials and the text "the perfect pear!". Get creative with it!

You can dress them up even more by gilding them with silver or gold leaf. I love their idea of using these for place card holders...so pretty! You can download these ideas by visiting USA Pears and click on Lifestyle, Decorating. You'll find other great ideas on their site as well, such as yummy recipes for cocktails and desserts. Hmmm, I'm getting hungry just thinking out it!

Lisa Featured on Style Me Pretty Blog!

Congrats to the very talented Lisa of Studio Del Fiore!  The wedding flowers she made for Mike & Nicole's wedding are currently featured on the super cool wedding blog: Style Me Pretty. Our group loves this blog and are inspired by the lovely color palettes they put together in the inspiration boards.

Check out the post by clicking on the title above to see Lisa's Flowers & Jasmine Photography's images from the wedding day. Enjoy!

Super cute pins.

So, I'm avoiding work at the moment and starting shopping on the Etsy Website. You could spend hours here looking at all the super cute handmade crafts. I found these pins by the UK designer Paperfish and thought, how sweet would these be attached to your place cards at a reception! And they'd double as the wedding favor.




Then I saw the bigger hearts, which would make a really cute ring pillow or instead of a boring old basket have the flower girl hold a set of 3 at different lengths while walking down the aisle.



And of course the cute little pins that say bride and groom on them. How fun would it be to pin them on the inside of his suit and under wedding gown! Her prices are affordable, check out more of her work by searching for Paperfish once on the site.

A touch of "Green". Part 2.

Below are the final 5 ideas from Kylee at Oregon's Premier Bride on how to host an enviromentally-friendly wedding.

6. Use flowers from your ceremony and bridal party to decorate the reception.

Instead of creating additional flower arrangements for the reception, ask your attendants to strategically place their bouquets for the reception. Your bouquet can be used to decorate the head table or cake table. 

7. Select wedding apparel that is made of sustainable fabrics or reuse a lovingly worn dress. 

You can choose a wedding gown made of silk or hemp or even a blend of the two. Making Memories Brides Against Breast Cancer holds bridal gown sales across the country. You will find gently used or donated new gowns for sale at great prices. Check out their link for more info: www.makingmemories.com. Don't forget to donate your gown after your wedding day!

8. Avoid serving farmed salmon.

Farmed salmon are often given vaccines, pesticides, and antibiotics. Thing the pretty pink color of farmed salmon is attractive-this is a result of synthetic pigment given to them. If you plan to serve salmon, choose wild for the health of your guests and the enviroment.

9. Celebrate you marriage with an eco-friendly honeymoon.

Many hotels have decided to go "green". You can find a list of these hotels at www.greenhotels.com.  You many also be interested in a newer practice known as ecotourism. The international Ecotourism Society is a great resource to find travel agents, tour operators, and lodging committed to "responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of the local people."

10. Consider a ceremony and reception site that are outdoors or one that maximizes natural light. 

Ask the facility about the alternative lighting options for your celebration. You can also opt to use candles instead of electricity for more mood lighting.

Well, that's it for now!  Pick one of the ten ideas to add a dash of "green" to your big day!

Wedding Graffiti

I first discovered this website about 6 months ago. I fell in love with it immediately and have been wanting to share it with others...just kept forgetting to do so! Wonderful Graffiti for Weddings is so cool, I can barely stand it! It is thin pieces of vinyl that look "printed" when applied to a smooth surface. It applies and removes quickly without damaging the surface.

They have created classic and elegant ideas for you to use throughout your event. From decorating your get-a-way car to the dance floor. I also love how they take something as simple as a monogram and created so many options for you to use it. Why not add it to coasters for the cocktail hour? Or how about invites on large lollipops? Fun!



You can also create your own. Check out a view pics from their website and then let you imagination go wild!

Add a touch of "Green" to your wedding day.

Hosting a environmentally conscience wedding can seem overwhelming to add to your already long to-do list. Never fear, Kylee of  the Oregon Premier Bride has composed a list of 10 ideas for you! Here are the first 5 for you to look over, the rest will be online next week. 

You don't have to do all of them, instead find the one that fits your day best and then feel even more fabulous that you're doing your part to save the environment!  

1. Choose an organic caterer. 

Look for a catering company that uses locally grown organic food. This reduces the carbon emissions from transporting the food and cuts down on harmful pesticides. What to do with leftover food?  Donate it to a local shelter or food bank.

2. Use recycled paper for your invitations. 

There are many options available for your invitations including recycled, tree-free, and natural papers. You may also opt for soy-based ink that is biodegradable. Reduce the use of paper by utilizing the Internet for Save-The-Date cards, RSVP's, and a wedding website that has driving directions, lodging information and weekend events listed.

3. Give guests a sapling for a wedding favor.

Often guests have no idea what to do with the wedding favors given to them. Saplings are the perfect way for your guests to honor you and Mother Earth. The National Arbor Day Foundation will provide saplings  with a custom message fro you. 

www.arborday.org/shopping/gifttrees/wedding.cfn

4. Have gifts donated in your honor to your favorite environmental group.

Many foundations or non-profit organizations now have a registry program. Instead of a toaster or salad bowl, your guests can contribute to the foundation of your choice. A great resource is www.justgive.org.  If you still want to receive gifts (who doesn't!) then sign up at www.IDoFoundation.org first and then register with one of their foundation partners. A percentage of the gift purchases will be given to that foundation. 

5. Pick a florist who uses organic flowers.

Support local growers by choosing a florist that uses organic, local blooms. This helps reduce damage caused by transportation emissions and chemically processed flowers. 

Ok, that the first half of the list!  I love the idea of #4, where you can still get gifts but have a portion of their cost donated!  Brilliant idea...

Being Green

On a recent trip to Arizona, like any girl, I found a pair of shoes I wanted to bring home, minus the box of course. I asked the sales clerk if she could recycle the box for me. She stared blankly at me, and then turned to ask another sales person if they recycle. I was shocked to find that Phoenix does not recycle in any way - no cardboard, cans, bottles, newspaper - nothing.

Here in Oregon we are a pretty green state. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is a way of life for most north-westerners. I started thinking what being green means in the floral industry. What more than recycling can we be doing to be more eco-friendly?

In 2007, for Valentine’s Day alone, Americans imported more than 120 million roses. Most of them from South American farms where standard procedures call for fumigating greenhouses with a range of pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides before submerging the flowers in preservatives to keep them from rotting during shipment.

Here in Oregon we’re lucky to have Peterkort Roses, a local grower, whose goal is to grow as organic a product as humanly possible. That means less chemical spraying. They use Integrated Pest Management (IPM), a technique using biological controls and strategic spraying of milder solutions to control pests and disease. Also to maximize the growing potential in the greenhouse, they are increasingly using extra light for better flower production. This enables them to produce more and better flowers in less space for the same amount of heat. They recycle all packaging materials too; one example: they pack with newspaper, which they purchase from a local charity.

At Studio del Fiore, there are several practices I follow to be environmentally friendly. I purchase as many flowers as possible from local growers. I recently cut down my packaging usage with the help of another local company, Blume Box, which makes colorful cardboard vases. They are made from 100% recycled post consumer waste and have a water based varnish coating on them and can be recycled at curbside.


If having organically grown flowers is important to you, there are many ways to ensure you are getting organic flowers:

1. Grow Your Own. Buy organic bulbs or seeds and start an organic flower garden. Seeds of Change offers organic and heirloom seeds and bulbs that you can order online to help you get started.

2. Buy Local and Organic. Invest in your community, and save shipping costs and energy, by purchasing chemical-free organic flowers from a local farmers market. Find the farmer's market near you here: http://www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/map.htm

3. Find out if your local florist can purchase organic and local flowers. If they currently do not, request that they do so. U.S. sales of organic flowers grew to $8 million in 2003, an estimated 52 percent growth spurt from the previous year. Organic flower sales are expected to grow 13 percent annually through 2008. While not yet the industry standard, organic flowers are fast becoming the choice for both consumers and florists.

4. Buy Organic Online too. Online retailers Organic Bouquet and Diamond Organics offer USDA-certified organic flowers that you can ship to loved ones all over the country. While Diamond Organics buys its flowers only from American family farmers, Organic Bouquet sells a mix of both domestic blooms and imports from farms that adhere to certified organic standards.

Protecting the environment and improving farm worker safety by eliminating millions of pounds of toxic pesticides from agricultural usage is a topic that the flower industry is talking about, and while it is a slow process, it is expected that this will be the industry standard in the years to come. Meanwhile, as an environmentally conscious mother and business woman, I continue to make choices that help, not hurt the earth.

Flowers by:
Studio del Fiore

Photos by:
Jasmine Photography

Resources:
www.coopamerica.org
www.peterkortroses.com
www.blumebox.com

This Post © 2007 Lisa Martin for Studio del Fiore