Inspire The bride

2010 Wedding Trend Video

InspiredGal — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:00:00 -0800

David Caruso of Dynamic Events shares his insight on wedding trends for 2010. Check it out, I like what he shared about having a Lounge at the reception and adding color to cocktail drinks (even in champagne drinks). I do have to admit i laughed a little bit at the White Elephant in the video for them having a Mariachi Sombrero and not even talking about why they had it featured on camera... I am assuming he was going to mention it is also a fun idea to have a themed wedding such as a Mexican theme with bright colors and sombreros for your guests to take funny pictures with (thats the only thing i can think of haha)! Anyways, enjoy~

Advice: Be prepared for Wedding Tastings with Wine Tips

InspiredGal — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 06:00:00 -0800

Inspiration Board: Winter Black & Green

InspiredGal — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:00:00 -0800

Invitation by: Smock Letterpress

Winter Green and Black

Ornate Feather Hair Clip $10 - Forever 21

Diane von Furstenberg Opal Wedge Platforms $295 - Saks Fifth Avenue

Basile Ombre Fringed Wool-Cashmere Pashmina Shawl $78 - Forzieri

ABS Strapless Butterfly Dress $285 - Saks Fifth Avenue

Here is a great way to incorporate modern style and warmth on your winter wedding day! Allow your Bridesmaids to be dressed in beautiful glamour accessorized with a warm Green Pashmina Shawl, Black Modern Wedge Heels, and a Green Hair Accessory or pice of jewelry if you prefer (please one or the other to be subtle). Also a great touch is to have Pashmina Shawls as Wedding Favors at the ceremony - Having them rolled up with a ribbon and a personalized tag that says "Enjoy: Compliments of the Bride & Groom" or something in that nature is a great touch to help your guests stay warm throughout the entire evening and also leaving them with a sweet parting gift! Custom Invitations and matching Table Menu's also add an elegant touch to tie in all your details~

Bridal Shoes for Rainy Weather...

InspiredGal — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 06:00:00 -0800

Photo By: Katialo on Flickr

Betsey Johnson Women's Marilee Sandal $191 - Endless.com

Christian Louboutin Miss Gres Zeppa 90 sandals $860 - theOutnet

Rafe New York silver leather 'Lindsay' wedge sandals $195 - Bluefly

Coloriffics Women's Victoria Wedge Sandal $84 - Endless.com

$501 sale

Bridal Shoes for Rainy Weather

I know that many Brides getting married in any wet and rainy season is going to be worried about what shoes to wear (no one wants to sink into mushy grass in heels, especially the bride)! I recommend wearing a beautiful wedge heel so that if your wedding is out doors at all, you won't be worried about tip-toeing down the aisle... This also goes for Bridesmaids and guests, allow yourself to be comfortable at all times and be able to dance the night away!

DIY: Vintage Soda Shop

InspiredGal — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

Weddings now days are becoming so much more creative... Having a Vintage Soda Shop is a great and unique way to entertain your guests in a memorable way! Take your guests back in time to the good ol' days when soda pop was served in glass bottles and savored ;) I recommend sticking with your color scheme and making that color pop (with soda pop). Here are some items you will need: Glass Bottled Soda Pop (Coca Cola, Pepsi, IZZE, etc), Beverage Tubs (filled with ice to chill your bottles), Bottle Openers, Colored Straws (stick with one color or multi-colored stripped straws), and a beautiful table display (some fun ways are to have a colored or patterend table cloth, or even using a cute cart to make a soda station). Check out the inspiring images and let the Fun Pop!

IZZE Soda Shop

Rehearsal Dinner Tips from Monique Lhuillier

InspiredGal — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

One of my favorite recipe websites "Delish", recently posted a great article with expert wedding advice from Monique Lhuillier and I thought i'd share...

"Decide on a color 'story' and carry it through to the china, napkins, flowers, menu," suggests Lhuillier. She also suggests, "A printed menu on a napkin is a more modern look than a napkin ring - and shows you took the time to plan a wonderful meal." And flowers? Says Lhuillier, "Oh, I love an abundance! And lots and lots and lots of candles."

From the Monique Lhuillier Collection for Royal Doulton: Femme Fatale dinnerware and Atelier stemware and flatware; available at Bloomingdale's. Photo by Julie Toy

"A table should feel luxurious, which is not to say that everything has to be expensive - a mix of high and low can be scrumptious. But always use your best china. Life is short!" says Lhuillier.

Peacock, Deyrolle, Paris; all flowers by Krislyn Design. Photo by Julie Toy

Yes, that's a log! Lhuillier put flowers in carved-out birch: "I like integrating textures - more organic, more interesting." For a miniature version, try the 18" Sleeping Beauty, $250. Krislyn Design: 323-692-7862; krislyndesign.com."

Advice: How to decorate your venue under restrictions

InspiredGal — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:37:57 -0700

I recently spoke with an Orange County, CA Bride (the oh so sweet Beth Dunkerly) who asked me for advice...

QUESTION: "How can I hang decorations if my venue has restrictions on using tape or any type of nails or adhesive to their walls or ceiling? I want to create a unique and warm feeling for our Reception, what should I do?"

ADVICE:
If your ceremony or reception has these type of restrictions, it is actually a good thing. They do this to keep their venue looking as best as possible so that future Brides like you don't have to deal with covering ugly marks on the wall or ceiling. In order to create the look you want while following the venues rules, there are many ways you can still create the the same look!

Ceremony Ideas: If your ceremony location has these restrictions, you can bring in hanging decorations that are not attached to any of the venues structures. For example, you can bring in rentals such as an arbor, archway, gazebo, that you can hang florals and crystals from (by using clear fishing line). If the venue has an altar that is rod iron - you can also attach fishing line to hang things from and then completely remove them from the structure after your event. This type of tool does not leave any mark to the venues structure after your event! Also bringing in floral decor such as Manzanita Trees and hanging crystals from them look pretty amazing and can also be relocated to your recetion and used to decorate in 2 different venue locations.
Reception Ideas: Using lighting is another great option that can be reflected on the interior/exterior walls or ceiling and can be either your wedding monogram or also a custom design (such as a floral pattern, damask, or even wording like your wedding date). You can also bring in items like the same wedding arch you used in your ceremony - with hung crystals, and re-use it in your reception design (it looks amazing when over/behind the sweetheart table or when used over/behind your round cake table). Also, if your venue has existing beams, you can hang lanterns, crystals, or florals from these beams to feature decor above all the tables by using clear fishing line, yet again (pretty much one of the best resources)!

Advice: How to create the perfect Candy Buffet

InspiredGal — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Presentation
Color scheme: Your color sceme should deflinitely match the over all color palette you are using in your wedding. Wedding colors aren’t just for the flowers and bridesmaids dresses! Take advantage of the colors of your chosen palette: Enhance your candy table’s presence by tying together to your ceremony to your reception.

Depth and height: Use pieces like simple boxes, phone books, or even upside vases (short/cubed glass vases usually work best) in your display. You can decorate the boxes u use to create height levels by wrapping the boxes in decorative paper, or leave them bare and covered with matching linens for a table that flows elegantly.

Multipurpose Centerpieces: Whether you are using flowers, candles, swimming goldfish, a unique plant... using an extra centerpiece or two in your candy buffet display will not only tie into the rest of your reception, but it also adds spunk & freshness to your candy table!

Use The Trimmings: Using fashionable and bold details like quality linens, ribbons, and paper can add nice touches to your overall display.

Less is more: trimmings are definitely your friends, but don’t over-do it! Too much stuff on one table could definitely clutter your table and cause it to look less enticing.

Consider the table: where will it be located? Will there be a nice backdrop or wall behind it for pictures? Or will it be open so people can access it from all sides? Will it even have sides, or will it be round? These are all good questions to ask yourself before deciding on a set-up design.

Candy

Color is Sooo Important: Having a specific color scheme can sure make your table pop with vibrance! Be sure to consider different hues/shades – for example, if your colors are red and brown, don’t be afraid of using different shades of reds and pinks. If using primarily dark colors, try to use trimmings in lighter shades to bring energy to your table.

Check the weather: Will it be hot or sunny? Will the table be indoors or outdoors? If indoor, will there be AC? If you’re worried about warmth, save the stress and avoid candies that could easily melt. This definitely means most chocolates, skittles, and obviously ice cream is a sure No No !

Seasons: if you’re planning to use fresh fruit at all (e.g. chocolate dipped strawberries or raspberries), be sure to keep in mind that they are even in season.

Not just candy: A fun way to make your table more exciting and enticing is to consider unique "un-candy" items as well, such as: mini cookies, candy carmeled apples, kettle corn, or spiced nuts.

Be creative: candy isn’t just made to be eaten, but also to play with! Bundle large lollipops together like a bouquet of flowers, or skewer some marshmallows to simulate kabobs – the possibilities are endless.

Don’t buy too much! It is easy to over buy for your guests in candy, as you want to make sure they get to enjoy the sweet delights... But if you’re serving a meal and cake at your event, guests aren't going to be packing their bags full of candy as if it were halloween ;). "A small portion of ½ cup (4 oz) or less is a good estimate per person. If you want to buy in bulk for a visual effect, save large containers for popular candies so you won’t have too many leftovers."

"Online Candy Stores:
-    http://www.candywarehouse.com/
-    http://www.candyfavorites.com/
-    http://www.bulkcandystore.com/
-    http://www.metrocandy.com/home.asp
-    http://www.candydirect.com/
-    http://www.blaircandy.com/
-    http://www.hometownfavorites.com/shop/candy_store.asp
-    http://www.oldtimecandy.com/
-    http://www.groovycandies.com/
-    http://www.sweetnostalgia.com/
-    http://www.nutsonline.com/gifts/weddingfavors/

Local stores for candy:
-    Grocery stores like: Safeway, Lucky, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and more...
-    Bulk stores such as Costco, Sams Club, or Smart & Final
-    Michael’s: they have a special selection of wedding candies (they can be pretty pricy there, but they offer m&m's in so many clolrs
-    Cost Plus World Market: offers a wide variety of unique candies from all over the world

Containers and things:
-    Restaurant supply stores, like Kamei or East Bay Restaurant Supply
-    Save On Crafts: http://save-on-crafts.com/
-    CB2: http://www.cb2.com/
-    Michael’s
-    Ikea
-    Crate & Barrel
-    Thrift or second-hand shops
-    Cost-saving stores like Target, Ross, or the Dollar Store
-    Scoops: http://www.lionsdeal.com/wi-as-5.html
-    More scoops: http://store.primaryshopping.net/30002413.html"

SOURCE

Tips: Setting the perfect table

InspiredGal — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Simple, easy tips to help you set a pretty table!
Great advice from HWM

"When it comes to setting the table, there is often confusion as to what goes where and the "proper" way to do things. A quick search for "how to set a table" on the internet can sometimes further complicate matters, as everyone seems to say something different, depending on the level of formality/ettiquette within the article.

Expert advice is to not get hung up on too many rules, and instead follow the general guideline of: forks and bread plates on the left; spoons, knives and glassware on the right. Chargers and dinnerware are front and center, of course - and the amount of dishes you use should be determined by the amount of courses and types of food you're serving (and maybe the amount of dishes you're prepared to scrub later!). Here are a few details to help you sort things out:

Place Settings:
Charger plates are an easy way to instantly dress up the table for both formal and casual meals! They are typically meant to act as a place holder for the dinner plate and removed after the salad course during formal meals, but they work great even at more casual occasions.

Inexpensive silver and gold charger plates are a great entertaining staple to stock up on; try Charter Club's Platinum Charger Plates ($9.99/set of 4 at Macy's).

Place settings should be set & layered in the same fashion that the meal is served: soup bowls or salad plates on top of dinner plates, and dinner plates on top of charger plates. Always include a separate salad plate if your menu features dishes with a sauce.

Bread-and-butter plates should go to the upper-left of the plates, above the forks.

Serving more guests than the amount of plates you own? Mixing and matching different dinnerware is fine! Just make sure the overall look is cohesive. For example, mix in solid white or red dinnerware with a set of patterned red & white dishes to make them stretch farther: use the patterned salad plates on solid white plates, and basic white salad plates on top of the patterned dinner plates.

Flatware:
The salad and dinner forks should be placed to the left of the plate and knives and spoons to the right. The general rule is to "work from the outside in", so the salad fork should go to the left of the dinner fork, and the spoon to the right of the knife. Make sure to always keep the blade of the knife pointing in towards the plate. If you're using more than one spoon, such as a soup spoon and a teaspoon, the teaspoon can be placed horizontally at the top of the plate. Space all flatware about .5" apart from each other.

Drinkware:
At formal dinner tables, water goblets should be placed above the tip of the knife, with red and white wine glasses clustered a little further back. For festive occasions that are dressy but not super formall, it's fine to use tumblers in place of water goblets.

Table Linens
Table linens offer a great opportunity to incorporate a pop of color and creativity!

One of the most common ways to display napkins is a simple rectangular fold, either set directly under the knife and spoon to the right of the plates or displayed in the very center of the place setting and topped with a place card or decorative accent. However, there are multitudes of ways to get even more creative with napkin folds - check out this online tutorial on 12 different folds"

Expert Advice: Table Dressing by Colin Cowie - I'm a fan!

InspiredGal — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 11:30:00 -0700

"Entertaining, like dressing, is a form of personal expression. We’ve all mastered the art of dressing ourselves, of making a unique personal statement through the clothes we choose to wear. The next arena in which we can express our sense of style is the table. Whenever I go about devising table arrangements and decorations, I try to think both visually and graphically. My notion is to bring a fashion sensibility to the dining room, to “dress up the table” just as a fashion designer dresses models for a runway show."
- Colin Cowie

For more great entertaining advice from Colin Cowie, visit his awesome website!!