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Back To The Basics: Preparing For Your Outdoor Wedding

One of the most picturesque weddings imaginable is a gorgeous spring day, with flowers blooming everywhere, out in the gardens in the brilliant sunlight. Outdoor weddings can be beautiful, amazing affairs, but there is a lot that goes into planning and preparing for an outdoor wedding. Make sure you consider all of the options and what goes into having an outdoor wedding and think about these things when you make your final decision.

Time of Year

There are a few factors that go into this consideration. The first is temperature. You don’t want a day that is too hot, or a day that is too cold. You don’t want guests freezing and shivering during your ceremony, but you also don’t want them sweating the whole time either. In most climates spring and early fall are the best time to have you wedding, but depending on your location that can differ. If you are further north a summer wedding might be perfectly enjoyable, and if you’re further south a wedding in the later fall might be what you want. Also take into consideration the precipitation in your area. Although you certainly can’t control if it rains, in some places during some seasons it’s more likely than others. Become familiar with your local weather.

Location

There are many places that you can have an outdoor wedding, but make sure you pick a place that best accommodates your needs. While a backyard wedding might seem quaint, if you are planning on inviting hundreds of people it might not be realistic. There are many other lovely outdoor options if you do your research. For instance, your hometown might have a botanical garden or a city park that you could rent for a small fee that would work wonderfully. Many reception sites also offer outdoor locations on their premises, and they are prepared to handle outdoor weddings.

Always Have a Back-Up Plan

If you’re planning an outdoor wedding, no matter how much research you do and how well you plan, there is always a chance that mother nature might interfere in some way. Whether it is excessive heat, a thunderstorm, or even unexpected snow, make sure you have an alternative. The best alternative is to have an indoor location available. Perhaps it’s another property owned by the place that you are renting your outdoor space from. You could also go with tents for you wedding, which will cover you in case of rain. Just keep in mind that you’ll need big tents with plenty of space, because guests seated at the edge of the tents may just get a shower they don’t want if there’s wind that day.

Posted in Outdoor Wedding Ideas, Outdoor Wedding Locations, Outdoor Wedding Receptions, Weather. Tagged with , , , .

Going Green: Garden Wedding Inspiration

Summer time is one of my favorite times of the year because it’s one of the greatest seasons in the world of weddings especially outdoor weddings.  I have a love for outdoor garden weddings and I am pretty sure that the newly engaged are looking for some great inspiration on what and how to intertwine certain elements together to create that special vision. I have created a very elegant but simplistic collage that’s meant to inspire and help create great ideas for your wedding ceremony.

Posted in Garden, Outdoor Wedding Ideas. Tagged with , , .

Sweeten Up Your Outdoor Wedding

Want to make your outdoor wedding memorable? Well I have just the way to WOW your wedding guest: a fabulous desert table. You may wonder what the concept of a dessert table is and would it be too much if you had a cake?

All About Dessert Tables

The dessert table could be put in place of a cake or you could have it as a part of your wedding décor. You will be surprised how well placed food could make for a great wedding accent.  A dessert table is one of the wedding accents that draw people in right away. Pretty colors, decadent sweets and a beautiful layout are sure to catch the eyes of your guest.

A few things to keep in mind before you set up your fabulous dessert table for your outdoor ceremony.

  • Make sure you keep in mind of the outside temperature so you can take the appropriate measures to keep your sweet treats from melting.
  • If you are having kids at or in your wedding, you may want to have someone keep an eye out for the dessert table. We wouldn’t want to little to make a mess.
  • If you or your groom want to taste a certain dessert and you have more than enough to display for your guest, feel free to take one sweet treat aside and hide it. If not, the night will come and go and you wouldn’t have gotten a taste of your dessert.

Posted in Country Western, Extreme Weddings, Garden, Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding Dresses, Outdoor Wedding Ideas, Outdoor Wedding Receptions, Vineyard, Winter.

3 Fabulous Centerpieces For Your Outdoor Wedding

Creating fabulous centerpieces for your outdoor wedding is a great way to make your wedding reception like no other. The centerpieces enhance your tables and spruces up the décor. I have gathered up the some great centerpiece inspiration for your outdoor garden wedding.

#1.  Potted Plants—Try having a few potted plants as centerpieces for your wedding. Be unique, have different types of plants making a circle in the center of your table or if you are having long table you can have the potted plants going down the center of the table. The potted plants could act as favors and a great eco-friendly centerpiece.

#2. Birdcage with Flowers—This unique centerpiece will definitely be the talk of your reception. The birdcage adds a great touch for outdoor wedding, especially a beach wedding. While yellow flowers are very pretty, you can use any bright color that goes along with your theme to make your tables pop.

#3. Rustic Centerpieces—Get really creative and create a nice rustic or vintage style centerpiece by using an older base and some fresh colorful flowers. Depending on your wedding colors you could also incorporate bowls of fruit as your centerpiece; this will complete your rustic outdoorsy feel and add a unique touch to your ceremony.

Posted in Country Western, Garden, Outdoor Wedding Ideas, Outdoor Wedding Receptions, Vineyard. Tagged with , , .

Making Your Outdoor Country Style Wedding Come To Life

Mix a bit of romance with some down home flavor and a nice outdoor scenery and you have yourself a great foundation for an outdoor country style wedding. Since you already have your theme for your wedding (country-style), you should focus on finding a nice outdoor location.

Country-Style Wedding: What to Look For When Picking Out an Outdoor Venue

  • Open Landscape: Look for a venue with a nice open landscape. It would be nice if you could have it in a park, on a ranch, on a farm or better yet in a relative’s backyard. The open landscape gives you room to create a country style wedding that fits your personality.
  • Nice Huge Trees: Trees could be used to hang rustic signage or simply used as décor for your ceremony. Using nature to the best of your ability will help bring out that rustic country feel.
  • A Farm House: Having your wedding in front of a farm house will make for great pictures. It will definitely incorporate the country-farm style appeal.

Accents That Bring Out Your Country Style Wedding

  • Flowers: Sunflowers or Daisies are a great accent to a country style wedding. It’s a great way to add color and to add a hint of pizzazz.
  • Wooden Signage: Making wooden signs adds a rustic feel to your ceremony. It also adds a DIY charm to your country style nuptials.
  • Stacks of Hay: Accenting your ceremony with stacks of hay helps to lure your guest in with a farm-like style.
  • Honey Jars: We can’t have a country style wedding and leave out the favors. You can let your guest take home their very own personalized jars of honey; this will add a country charm to your wedding reception.

Posted in Country Western, Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding Ideas, Outdoor Wedding Receptions, Themes. Tagged with , , .

Finding Wedding Inspiration Through Fabulous Cakes

Looking for fun outdoor wedding themes for your big day? If you are, I am sure I have one of the most uncommon places soon-to-be brides look for inspiration:  Cake Books. Yes, cakes can give a lot of inspiration regarding your outdoor ceremony. Plus if you see a cake that you adore, you have killed two birds with one stone. Fabulously decorated cakes are great resources to help you pick out your colors and  could also help you decide if you want an over the top wedding or a simple, classic wedding. I am sure you are wondering, how can a cake give a future bride wedding  inspiration? Well you may come across a three-tier simplistic cake with a couple of  flowers on the top. The color of the flowers could give you great ideas on a color scheme. Or you may decide that you like the idea of a classic cake and you may decide that you want a more intimate wedding. You may also come across a cake that may have a ribbon

lining the bottom of each tier and you may decide to get a sash to go around your dress. You may decide to do away with a cake and go with cupcakes. This shows that you want a relaxed and fun wedding–you be the bride that want a outdoor wedding.  Many brides don’t understand that your wedding cake tells a lot about your personality.

While we are on the subject of cakes, if you happen to see a cake that you love you must keep in mind when and where you are having your ceremony. For example if you are having your wedding in the middle of July in an area where the temperatures are known to creep pass 90 degrees. You may want to re-evaluate what type of icing you want to have or make sure there is an area to keep your cake cool, until it’s time for serving. In the meantime, you could have a fake cake on display for your guest to drool over.

Good luck on finding unique wedding inspiration. Just remember to be creative but remain true to yourself!

Posted in Outdoor Wedding Cakes, Outdoor Wedding Ideas, Outdoor Wedding Receptions, Themes.

Spring Wedding Themes: All About Butterflies

It’s finally spring time, which means it’s time for spring themed weddings.  My favorite spring time wedding theme is the “enchanting butterfly theme”. I know, it may sound a bit like Cinderella but trust me, this theme is absolutely beautiful.   Here are some great things to focus on while you are planning your “enchanting butterfly” themed wedding.

How Do You Begin Planning Your “Enchanting Butterfly Theme”?

You should start focusing on the perfect outdoor venue.  You could choose from your local parks, zoos, aquariums or historic sites. You want to make sure that the scenery is magical and you are able to use nature’s gifts for decorations. For example, if you choose a garden venue—make sure the garden lawn is well manicured and the flowers are alive and the colors are popping. Using natural elements could also save you on your décor cost.

Let’s Talk Cake

Make sure your cake is decorated in line with your theme. Remember less is more. Have the cake decorator to add a couple of butterflies on the cake, depending how many tiers you have. This will add that special touch to your wonderful ceremony.

Great Escape

One way to make your “enchanted butterfly” theme wedding come to life is to have a horse and carriage as your means of transportation to and from the wedding ceremony. This will definitely bring that fairy tale aspect to life. Or you can rent an old, classic white car—which would have many people in awe as well as send out this fairy tale effect. Both of these choices would be perfect for your great escape.

Simple Things

Next, you could focus on the smaller things. Try putting a butterfly hair pin in your bouquet or wearing a butterfly necklace. Or you could have your flower girls throw out butterflies, instead of flowers.

Posted in Garden, Outdoor Wedding Cakes, Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding Ideas, Outdoor Wedding Receptions, Themes. Tagged with , , , .

Outdoor Weddings: Unforgettable Celebrations in Storybook Settings

With spring and summer on our heels, many brides are preparing for one of the most special days of their life. Luckily, I’ve found another great resource where you can get some outdoor inspiration. Outdoor Weddings: Unforgettable Celebrations in Storybook Settings is a great book full of creative and fun ways that will inspire you during your outdoor wedding planning. The great wedding photographer Mallory Samson appeals to all types of brides and invites readers on an extravagant illustrated tour of 15 beautiful weddings in a variety range of surroundings. From a Napa vineyard wedding to a five-day Texan style wedding extravaganza, there are plenty unique ideas for you to  choose from. Outdoor Weddings in the perfect dream book for brides-to-be who want to swap vows in the perfect outdoor setting.

Posted in Outdoor Wedding Books, Outdoor Wedding Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding Ideas, Outdoor Wedding Locations, Outdoor Wedding Receptions, Themes. Tagged with , .

Top Four Spring Wedding Favors

With spring on our heels, it’s time for many spring-time brides to start thinking about wedding favors. That’s right spring-time brides your time is almost near and hopefully one of the last things on your list is picking out your wonderful wedding favors. So I’ve come up with my top four spring wedding favors, to give you a few choices for your big day!

Cherry Blossom Wedding Favors

If you’re looking for something that offers an Asian twist you will absolutely love cherry blossom wedding favors. With cherry blossoms being popular during the spring season and originating from Asia—this favor will add that perfect flair to your perfect day!

All About Going Green: Bamboo Wedding Favors

Now days who isn’t thinking about helping the environment and being eco-friendly? The perfect way to bring this element into your wedding day, is by gifting your guest with bamboo wedding favors. These eco-friendly wedding favors not only speak volumes on your love for the environment but they are also pretty chic! They will make a great accent to your eco-friendly wedding.

Plantable Wedding Favors

If can’t tell by now-I am a lover for the eco-friendly wedding favors. One of my favorites to be exact is the plantable wedding favors. What better way to say thank you to your guest, than have them take home a personalized plantable favor—that allows them to plant seeds, give it a little love and care and watch it grow. This is the perfect recipe for your marriage.

Wine Wedding Favors

Getting married at a winery is definitely one of the trends in 2010. If you’re looking to add that special touch, you can start by creating your own winery atmosphere for your wedding guest—saying “thank you” by giving wine wedding favors. With wine wedding favors, you have a variety to choose from. You could either go with bottle stoppers, wine glasses, cork place card holders or wine cork candles. With wine wedding favors there are a tremendous amount of ideas you can explore.

Posted in Garden, Outdoor Wedding Ideas, Outdoor Wedding Receptions, Themes, Victorian, Vineyard. Tagged with , , , , , .

Choose the Perfect Veil for Your Outdoor Wedding

There are so many unique styles to choose from when selecting your perfect wedding veil.  The variety of materials, designs, and decorative details available may be a bit overwhelming, especially for what may seem to be an insignificant part of your extravagant event.  However, a veil can be a vital part of your wedding apparel, whether you are selecting a veil for religious reasons or for its pure beauty.   Here are a couple of things to take into consideration when selecting your veil:

  • Length
  • Fullness
  • Fabric
  • Decorative Details

Depending on the style of your dress, your face shape, hair length, and your individual preference, the variety of veils available for you to choose from are innumerable.  If you know ahead of time what you are looking for, specifically considering these four details, then finding your perfect wedding veil will be a piece of cake!

For an outdoor wedding you may want to consider a veil of shorter length.  A long veil can be elegant and beautiful, especially when delicately flowing behind you in the natural breeze, but your wedding day weather may not be “picture perfect” and a long veil would certainly interfere.   You may prefer a thin, light fabric for your wedding veil, but for an outdoor wedding consider selecting a slightly heavier fabric, like chiffon.  The fuller, heavier fabric will stay in its place better than a finer fabric such as bridal tulle.  Also, you may want to consider selecting a veil with decorative jewels or diamonds around the edges or at the bottom, which will assist in holding the veil in its place throughout the ceremony.

If you are a DIY bride and have the time and creativity, try making your own wedding veil.  First, decide on your veil’s length, fullness, fabric, and style.  Here is what you will need:

  • Scissors
  • Small veil comb (or tiara with comb)
  • Fabric glue
  • Needle, thread
  • Fabric (of your choice, most commonly soft tulle)
  • Embellishments (diamonds,ribbon, lace, jewels, pearls)

Some sample measurments:

  • Shoulder-length veil: cut 24 inches of fabric
  • Waist-length veil: 32 inches
  • Fingertip-length veil: 40 inches

Step 1: Measure fabric to your desired length, fold the fabric in half, and cut.

Step 2: Sew your finished edges—add lace, ribbon, or other elegant trim (if desired).

Step 3: Add your embellishments—add diamond or jewels with fabric glue.

Step 4: Gather the veil together at the top and sew it into the comb using a needle and thread with a running stitch.

Be sure to try your veil on, see that it lays properly, and that you are happy with the placement of each of your embellishments.  Finally, your perfect, personalized veil is complete!

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