Don't forget to enter the current giveaway . . .

Don't forget to enter and win in this week's giveaway. Enter to win a pair of Swarovski Crystal Flip Flops in your choice of color.. Contest ends on Monday January 30th, 2012 at 11:59pm EST.

A Customizable Invitation Suite that's versatile and features washi tape

So excited to share with you the amazing invitation suite designed by Christa of Christa Alexandra Designs that matches this months Wedding Vendor Challenge for January on Best Wedding Sites. Christa writes . . . This could be a great little invitation to suite many different weddings, especially the romantics at heart who are looking for a little touch of customization (inside the circle where any icon can go). The invitation suite can be modified to almost any color to match brides differing themes. I think the washi tape adds a little pop of color against the powder blue envelopes, and brings a little touch of fun and craft in.

What I love about this invitation suite from Christa Alexandra Designs is the versatility. You can exchange the top icon for something that matches with your wedding theme (for example . . . love birds, a monogram, etc), as well as the colors to match your theme. And, in the end? You will still have an elegant invitation. Truly a win win for all !!!!!

PS: the calligraphed font is Belluccia from Debi of Lettering Art Studio.

An Ice Skating themed bridal shower photo shoot w/glitz + beads

Today's photo shoot comes to us from Kim of Something Floral who designed a 4-person tablescape for an ice skating themed bridal shower {given by members of the brides-to-be's figure skating club}. Kim was a former ice skater herself so she had lots of fun putting this shoot together :)

Notice the trophy-shaped vase for the floral arrangement above? From Kim . . . Each floral arrangement featured a mixture of roses, spray roses, chrysanthemums, gerberas, berzelia, and pittosporum foliage.  The icy blue and silver palette was warmed and softened by including pink, cream, and light peach flowers, as well as white and grey, in the floral arrangements.

From Kim . . . Placesettings were marked with teal, resin, scalloped picture frames, and napkins were folded and displayed horizontally at the top of each plate to resemble bow ties.  Stretch bracelets of aqua Czech crystals were used as glittery napkin rings.

From Kim . . . For the round tables, classic aqua linens were used and topped with a hint of glitz from sequined, aqua and silver table runners in a pattern that looked like snowflakes. Silver chivari chairs, silver metallic plate chargers, and silver flatware added additional pops of silver to each table. The menus were mounted on scalloped, silver metallic cardstock to mirror the scalloping on the plate chargers and flatware.

Both the invitations and menus {shown above} featured touches of aqua and ice blue satin ribbon and each were accented with 3-dimensional ice skate scrapbooking stickers to emphazie the event's theme. This is such a wonderful idea for a DIY invitation. For me personally, anytime you add dimension to an invitation or other paper good, you immediately bump up the wow factor.

From Kim . . . Instead of encircling all sides of the table, guest chairs were setup only three quarters of the way around so that a more pronounced, visual focal point could anchor each table. Oversized tables were used to ensure each guest had enough room to eat comfortably, and with the tall centerpiece elements situated at one side of the table, the focal point could be enjoyed by all guests at the table without blocking or inhibiting anyone’s view or ability to socialize. White, resin, scalloped picture frames held table numbers that also included the name of a figure skating jump or spin.  Clear crystal candy jars filled with aqua Sixlet candies sat next to each table number so that each guest could help themselves to treats.

From Kim . . . Decadently delicious, individual, round cakes layered in dark, milk, and white chocolate mousse were displayed on a cut-crystal tray in the center of each table. Guests were given sterling silver ice skate charms as favors, wrapped in silvertone gift boxes tied with delicate, aqua-striped ribbon and presented on glittery, irridescent, white snowflake ornaments.

Vendor Credits:
Styling, Coordination, Linen and Chair Rentals: Something Spectacular
Floral Designs and Other Rentals: Something Floral 
Photography, Stationery, and Paper Goods: Urban Fire Studio 
Knit Jersey Body Form and Acrylic Riser: Bob’s Store Fixture Supercenter, Inc.  
Individual Chocolate Trio Desserts: Sweet Dreams Bakery 
Silvertone Jewelry Gift Boxes: Notable Notions 
Figure Skating Outfit: Courtesy of Kim McMullen
Candy Jar and Aqua Candies: JoAnn Fabrics 
Table Number Frame and Snowflake Ornaments: Hobby Lobby
Placecard Frames and Crystal Beaded Bracelets (Napkin Rings): Michaels

Brand New Wedding Favors for 2012 from Favor Days

Favor Days has just released some amazing favors for bridal showers and weddings. And, many can be used as decor elements or for any time you want to throw a fun party. Below is just a sampling of the new wedding favors you will find in their shop.

The porcelain miniature flower vase favors are chic and modern and are blooming with style. These vases are well-suited for use with a single flower and you can either set them alongside each place setting to serve as a place marker or group them together in the center to create a simple yet fashionable centerpiece display. And, of course, you can invite your guests to take one home to enjoy after the party.

I can't help but smile when I see the miniature porcelain gnomes. They remind me of the movie Gnomeo and Juliet. We started watching it one night but our daughter didn't like it - now I want to see the rest of it. It looked really cute and clever to me. Anyway . . . these tiny gnomes will add a little magic to reception tables, centerpieces, guest favors and so much more. He holds a sign that grants "Wishes of Happiness" to everyone.

The miniature glass cupcake dome favors with white fluted base are just about the cutest thing I've ever seen. What a unique and stylish way to present the favors to your guests. You could even use them to create a botanical favor with a bed of moss and a decorative butterly inside. And, the matching Classic Crest Paper Wrap Ribbon can be added to your purchase if you like.

The DIY black and white floral favor boxes with the merlot flap are a stylish way to package your favors. They even come with the pre-cut black 5/8" wide satin ribbon to tie them closed and come as a set of 25.

These chalkboard frosted-glass tealight holders are so versatile - you can write your guests' name on them for use as a place card or you can even write a mini message to each guest. Your guests can then take the candle favors home and write their own message - maybe even changing it for each season or holiday.

Which new favor featured is your favorite?

sponsored post

A "Love Bird" Texas Wedding

Location: Dallas, Texas
Color Palette: Blue + Yellow

Jane and Harrison met in medical school and fell madly in love and their beautiful wedding was photographed by Mulberry Lane Studio. As Amanda, the photographer, wrote . . . "Jane said she would never marry anyone other than a Korean, but Harrison clearly stole her heart and swept her away." Isn't that the sweetest?

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Mulberry Lane Studio
Hair Stylist: Avalon Hair Studio
Floral Designer: Kang Ae Flowers
DJ: DJ Connection
Bakery: Mozarts Bakery
Event Venue: Cityplace Events

An Ice Blue and Silver Winter Wedding Inspiration with Snowflakes

So happy to welcome Laura {a monthly contributor} of Eye Candy Event Details to the blog today with her gorgeous winter inspiration. You may remember Laura with her boards on Best Wedding Sites, she's now joining us here each month :) And, I just love Laura's details she provides on each photo so you can easily implement the element into your event. For the inspiration board this month Laura writes . . . There is something about a winter wedding that exudes class. Especially using the color palette shown here. Shades of ice blue & silver can really set the tone for a whole wedding or event. If you are thinking about planning a wedding in the winter months, one theme to consider is to incorporate the use of snowflakes into your wedding décor. They can be whimsical & fun, to classy & sophisticated.

1. It all starts with the invite. It sets the entire tone for your event. Imagine how excited your guests will be opening an amazing like this? Choose an invite that will easily allow you to incorporate the theme & carry it throughout the entire process. Having a simple element on your invite can make your invite stand out. Combine it with a script font & you have a very Classy Invitation that will ensure your guests to RSVP right away!

2. Choose a dress that will make heads turn! This one is no exception. Remember it is your day to shine & this Disney Wedding Dress would brighten up any winter day.

3. Cake pops are still wildly popular so why not have some for your guests to enjoy at the reception? Choose a variety of different flavors that are common in the winter months, dress them up to look like ice & you have provided a sweet treat for your guests - they will love them!

4. Sprinkle some confetti on your reception tables to add that little extra touch. This glittered snowflake confetti would be stunning on the reception tables & around the dessert table. Little details are so important when planning for an event, so make sure to cover all your bases.  

5. Who doesn't love cupcakes? Have fun with the desserts that you choose for your guests. Chocolate cupcakes would be the perfect cupcake for a winter wedding & they look fabulous as well. Accent them with colored frosting, add a chocolate snowflake on top & you have the perfect cupcakes for a winter wedding.

6. Beautiful centerpieces are a must! The choices are endless & you can create this look with a glass vase, iced branches & some fresh flowers for a look that is simply stunning.

7. Send your guests home with a keepsake from your wedding. Try to find something practical for your guests to take home with them that they can use later. These snowflake candleholders are the ideal choice for a winter, snowflake theme reception because not only are they functional but gorgeous too.

8. Make sure to pick a fabulous accessory to complete your wedding day look - earrings! These snowflake earrings are gorgeous & would be a perfect compliment to your wedding dress.

9. Having a fantastic pair of shoes is a must. This glittered slingback pumps are no exception. Walk down the aisle in style & search for a pair that is the perfect accent color to your wedding.

10. Mini cake-shaped cookie towers is another fun choice to have for your guests. Cookies can be made in so many different flavors that you are sure to please everyone by selecting a couple choices to have on hand.  Another idea would be to find some clear boxes to put these in & send your guests home with them at the end of the evening. It definitely would be a wonderful favor to send guests home with, not to mention delicious.

11. Dress your bridesmaids in stunning silver dresses like this one here. Silver is one of those great colors that can go with any color scheme you may be considering, plus a neutral colored dress is most likely to possibly be worn again. They will love you for that.

12. Attach these adorable snowflake tags on the gifts that you will be giving your wedding party . . . super cute & fun!

13. Jewelry is a very popular choice to give to your bridesmaids as a gift. Your bridesmaids will love wearing these bracelets, accented with tiny snowflakes, making this the perfect choice for a gift.

14. Choose flowers that look good against your dress and match your theme. White flowers with the accents of icy blue make this bridal bouquet the perfect choice for a winter wedding.

15. Have your baker design a cake that will make you smile every time you look at your wedding pictures. This cake matches the color scheme & has a few graphic elements on it to make a person never want to take a bite.

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Much love to Laura for joining us today with this beautiful inspiration for the holiday season. Please be sure visit the Eye Candy Event Details site and the Eye Candy Event Details Design Shop.

Wednesday Wedding Accessory : Custom Table Runners

Available in today's hottest wedding colors these table runners from The Wedding Outlet offer personalization in an unexpected place. With a variety of designs and personalization options like couples name, last name initial or monogram you can create a custom piece for your cake, gift, guest or head tables to add a fabulous addition to your big day celebration! After the wedding use it to add to your dining room decor. Made from 100% cotton with a polymer coating. Shop Table Runners 

Featured (left to bottom right) Parisian Decorative, Foliage Decorative, Doily Pattern, Country Chic

The Wedding Outlet is a sponsor of Brenda's Wedding Blog