Flowers & lighting are vital to setting the overall ambiance, but it’s often the small touches your guests will remember the most – including the thought you put into wedding favors created especially for them. Send them home with a gift they will remember long after the last dance, like plant-able seed papers. Embedded with tiny seeds, these dissolving papers can be planted as-is and will grow into wildflowers, daisies, or other annuals. Available in many shapes & colors (like pink hearts or white doves) seed papers can also be printed on, so use them as the ultimate recyclable invitation or place card.

Like the “Spring in bloom” idea but want something more substantial for your wedding favors? Your local craft store or favorite online hobby shop will have a variety of tiny flower pots, watering cans, or decorative boxes. Get them pre-decorated or paint to match your wedding theme and fill them with live baby plants. Include a small note or thank you card with growing instructions and you’re sure to be remembered every time your guest waters their new plant. Don’t want to mess with real plants? Faux flowers can work just as well, and require no long-term care! A small faux flower arrangement is just as pretty as the real thing, and can still be given in any number of decorative containers.

Another idea is letting your place cards do double-duty as take-home favors as well. Skip the boring flat cards and go for origami-style die-cut 3-D cards in the shape of butterflies or your favorite flower, which can be used as decorations later. If you have a little extra time and a bit of a creative streak, consider giving small sun-catchers that you’ve painted yourself! Add the couples’ names and wedding date and your guests will have beautiful hanging mementos of your day.

Even the simple candle can be spruced up to bring in Spring. Shop for candles made with embedded rose petals or even whole flowers for one-of-a-kind decorations. Or start with plain votive or tea-lights and wrap them with tiny satin ribbons; attach baby’s breath or other small buds to the bow for an elegant touch.

Now I am sure you may wonder—Where do you start?

When looking at wedding dresses for your outdoor vintage wedding—you may want to focus on off the shoulder gown, or a gown that is made with lace. Those two are the most popular styles of vintage wedding dresses.

For your accessories, you could go with pearls or even diamonds to add to your vintage look. To add a hint of modern fashion—add some color to your fashion with some colored heels.

If you’re looking for a vintage hairstyle you may want to try an updo or a bun; this will definitely give you the vintage look that you are going for. To top it all off—break out the red lipstick. This color screams vintage and will make a bold statement.

Just remember—fashion is what you make of it and vintage fashion is classic. Be creative and don’t be afraid to take risk when it comes to your special day!

2.       Make sure when choosing your outside venue—you also choose a plan B, just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. You could either rent a tent or find a venue that gives you a plan B option.

3.       Find a local florist. This is a plus when you are getting married in the summer, when the days seem to be a bit hotter. You want to make sure your flowers are fresh and will remain fresh on your special day.

4.       Make sure you have cool beverages or warm beverages for your guest depending on what time of year your outdoor wedding will take place. You want to make sure your guest are hydrated or warm enough to sit through the ceremony.

5.       Don’t forget your wedding favors. Be creative….but make sure you find a unique way to thank your guest for attending your wedding.

6.       Hire a wedding planner! Hiring a wedding planner will make your life a lot easier and will take a lot of stress off of your plate.

• If you decide to have your wedding at midnight on New Year’s Day, after your ceremony you can have an awesome reception and continue bringing in the New year with your family and friends.
• You can save plenty on your catering bill, hence the fact that this ceremony will take place at 12am, you can go with Hor d’oeuvres or even do tapas still plates. It will be late but I am sure your wedding guest will appreciate the late night snack.
• How about a beach wedding? Yes, you may be afraid of the temps but you can rent portable heating units and have a phenomenal wedding on the beach.
• Bring in your Outdoor New Year’s wedding in with a bang and get some great fireworks to top off the night! Your guest will be amazed, just make sure you check the proper guidelines regarding fireworks because it varies from state to state.

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.

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.

#1.  Beneath the Trees: Instead of using an arch, you can find a nice spot where nice, huge trees and act   as your arch. This natural arch makes for great photos and plus it makes for a great shaded area.

#2. Poolside: That’s right! If you have your very own pool in your backyard or a hotel’s pool you can have your very own poolside reception. With some great lighting and a nice tent your wedding is sure to be a showstopper.

#3.  Secluded Meadow:  Let nature take its course and be the perfect stage for your wedding.  You and your guest will enjoy a serene, grassy field located in between mountains.

#4.  A Sail Boat: Sail away with the love of your life. Having your wedding on a sailboat will make a great venue for an outdoor ceremony. Just imagine sharing this moment with your closest family and friends, this could be the picture perfect wedding. Just make sure you bring a couple of umbrellas and parcels just in case you run into some rainy weather.

1.    Simple and Memorable: Many weddings will be based on the foundation of the ceremony and not the magnificence of the evening. Think about spending more of your budget on long-lasting memories rather than the appearance. Allot more of the money to go to photography or videography and scale back on other things (extravagant floral arrangements). You could even consider a longer honeymoon stay and focus less on the reception. You will be thankful for the memories after it is all over!

2.    Home Sweet Home- Intimate and personal weddings in our backyard are another top trend for 2010 brides. Having your outdoor wedding at home brings a sense of togetherness and it helps personalize the wedding experience. You could also scale down on the guest list and go for a more intimate setting for your wedding ceremony.

3.    Skip The Fondant- Out with the fondant and in with the butter cream. Don’t worry about butter cream icing being too messy for your outdoor wedding because many skillful artists can apply the butter cream to look just as smooth as fondant. Another plus, cakes with butter cream icing tend to save some extra dollars in your pocket.

4.     Bring in the Favors- That are right! Favors for outdoor weddings are a big hit! Personalized favors are appreciated and many of your wedding guests will be grateful to have a “thank you” trinket from you and the groom! Remember a small token as a “thank you” goes along way.

5.     Take Me Away- Destination Wedding are a big hit for future brides. With a destination wedding many couples including the bride and groom could use this as their great escape! When planning your wedding keep your options open for a destination wedding! Trust me, if you embark on this adventure it’s one you won’t regret!

6.    Simply Lovely Colors-The hot colors for 2010 outdoor weddings include oranges, vibrant pinks, yellows and greens. Metal colors are also a big hit: gold, silver, copper and pewter. And the color black is back—many brides are going with the black and white mod look and it is just fabulous!

7.    Going Green- Eco-conscience brides are popping up everywhere and that’s wonderful. Organic Outdoor Weddings are taking the wedding world by storm. Being more aware of how your wedding necessities are made, the food that you serve, how things are disposed, the lighting and where the event takes place. Being knowledgeable about the following can make you become a better eco-conscience bride!

You will need:

4′ silk ivy strand

One spool paddle wire

Wright’sB. or OffrayB. ribbon, 2 to 2 1/2″ wide

Assorted silk flowers with stems, in a variety of colors

One bunch dried white baby’s breath

Glue gun with glue sticks

Wire-cutters

First, you take the ivy strand and fold it in half, doubling it for thickness. Measure two 48″ lengths of ribbon. Fold each in half. Attach to the ends of the swag with wire. Then make two four-loop bows with two loops to the right and two to the left. Finish the bow with an extra loop in the center, and tie a piece of floral wire through all the loops, leaving enough wire to tie it to the ivy strand. Leave 15″ tails. Carefully wire the bows onto each end of the ivy swag. Next, trim stems of assorted silk flowers close to the flower, then hot-glue flowers throughout the ivy swag.

Hot-glue sprigs of preserved fresh baby’s breath around the swag to fill in extra spaces. Finally, tie each end of the swag to the back of the chair, using the 48″ ribbon lengths on each end to tie a bow to the chair.

Here are a few extra tips:

Use plain ivy or ivy with grape clusters.

Use several different colors of ribbon, depending on the color scheme and the overall design of the swag.

Once you have the ivy base, select various shades of silk flowers, or purchase fresh flowers to wire into the swag that day.

For a dressier look, weave a sheer green 7/8″ ribbon through the ivy strand.

Add Chair Covers

If you are having wood or metal chairs, place covers over them. You can purchase or rent nice comfortable chairs cover from any table rental establishment. Sometimes the venues offer this as an add-on to your package. You will be totally surprised by how comfortable your guest will be with this small addition to the chairs.

Provide Electric Heaters

Next, make sure you provide the heat. I am sure this will be one of the first things on your list but I want to remind you; keeping your guest warm should be priority. You can add heat to your outdoor winter wedding by renting warming units.  You can also give white throws as wedding favor and your guest can put them to use during your ceremony or reception.

Keep Your Ceremony Precise and Be On Time

I know that this is your special day but make sure that ceremony is not lengthy. Many wedding ceremonies last only about 20 minutes  and you want to be mindful that your guest are there on your behalf, making sure they are comfortable and warm is important.  It is also important that you start your wedding on time, this will make your ceremony run smoothly and everyone including you will be happy!

Offer a Warm Room For Guest

Many of your wedding guests will arrive early and offering a warm place to visit before the ceremony goes along way. Try offering a place, either a heated tent or a heated room nearby where the guest can gather. You can also offer hot coffee, hot tea, or warm cider these hot beverages will keep your guest comfy and warm. Once, it’s time for your guest to be seated you can have your host or hostess let your guest know.

Now that you have a few tips that will help you keep you and your guest warm and comfortable you are ready to plan your outdoor winter wedding. Have fun and good luck!