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wedding blog + planning guide for creative weddings | inspiration for DIY Brides

Brenda's Wedding Blog is your online resource for planning your dream elegant wedding. Helping you find the "wow" in weddings.

Instagram Tip: How to Reply to Instagram Comments in Facebook

Did you know that replying to comments on Instagram is one of the ways to increase your own engagement? Not only does it show the accounts that took the time to comment that you care {and to keep them coming back}, but it increases your own engagement in the Instagram Algorithm.

But, do you wish you could reply more quickly? As in typing faster and not on your phone with one finger? Well, there is and it’s saving me so much time now that I’ve set it up. Plus, I have 3 Instagram accounts so being quick, efficient and meaningful in my replies are key.

PS: If you’d like, you can follow me at each of my Instagram accounts here:
@weddingsites@festivefetti | @gigglehearts

And, now . . . let’s get started —

How to Reply to Your Instagram Comments within Facebook {from your desktop or on mobile via the Pages App}

Step 1: this is easily done from the desktop
You want to first be sure your Instagram and Facebook are connected. To check this - simply click on settings at the top right of your FB Business Page. Click on the Instagram link in the left column and if you aren’t connected, simply sign into your Instagram account and you will be all set.

Step 2: these steps are easily accomplished from the desktop as well
Now, when you are in your own FB Business Page, click on the inbox icon in the upper left. Once in the inbox, if you haven’t used this method yet, you might see a link to use the new inbox that you will want to click. Once, in, you will see 3 icons in the top left column - if you click on the Instagram icon - you will then see your recent posts in that column. Select the post with the comments that you want to reply to and you’ll see it appear on the right side. I have a video that you can watch below showing you how easy this is.

By replying to comments this way, you can now reply to multiple comments at a time if you wish by hovering over the comment and clicking the arrow for each one that you want to reply to.

Typing replies to Instagram comments has never been easier, right?

Don't Miss Out - Grab Your Free Instagram Post Checklist

Let's start today and make each of your Instagram posts a smashing success in less than 5 minutes. Follow this checklist and then get ready to post and engage to grow.

Garden Wedding Inspiration from Rome, Italy - with a Lemon Yellow Theme

I'm so excited to share this Styled Shoot with you today. This garden wedding inspiration is filled with lemon yellow goodness and takes place outdoors in a lovely garden setting in Rome, Italy. Come join Jess Palatucci Photography as she inspires us to plan a wedding abroad in the gardens of Italy.

Are you ready to plan your Italian Garden Wedding?

Wedding Vendor Credits:
Event Planner / Design: Alessia Marrone Event & Wedding
Photographer:  Jess Palatucci Photography
Videographer: Stefanie Murphy Media
Invitations: Pretty Ink Press
Cake / Desserts: Valentina Ricci - Sweet & Things Aranova
Florist: Paola Rossi & Elisa Constantini
Dress: Stefania Nacci
Venue: Villa dei desideri
Hair / Makeup: Ilaria - Pop Academy of Rome Pop Makeup Academy
Jewelry: Antonella Giuli-an

The Biggest Difference Between Florists and Floral Designers

Did you know that florists and floral designers each have a different take on creating florals for events?

Maribel of EightTreeStreet Floral {a Wedding Business Club member} has been featured in the article entitled Behind the Blooms: 17 Florists & Flower Designers from New York to Sydney from Flowers Across Sydney. So, let's chat about the difference . . .

As explained in the article - each role - whether a florist or floral designer - they both provide flowers to customers. But, there is a difference between the two business roles. Floral designers are often based in a studio and focus on creating an aesthetic for weddings, events and corporate functions. While florists can provide flowers for events - they often work in a shopfront setting and create bouquets for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.

And, to expand further on this topic, here's an excerpt from the article:

Florists typically have a catalogue of bouquets they provide, while event designers are more flexible in what they offer. So we wanted to know, how much do people know before they come to you? Does it differ around the world? Do they usually have a Pinterest picture to show you with all the colours, flower types and sizes they want, or is there any creative wiggle room?

Here's what Maribel writes about her experience when meeting with brides:

Some of our clients have incredible Pinterest boards, others have just started the planning process, so we chat about their likes and dislikes and the emotion and theme behind their event. It helps to bring out ideas and learn about who they are and what they love.

If you're a floral designer, I'd love to hear your insight into this? How do your brides come to you when meeting for a consult?

Hot Wedding Trend: 13 Cactus Wedding Ideas

One of the hot wedding trends I’m loving is all things cactus {or cacti}. Whether you’re planning a fiesta themed bridal shower, a tropical destination wedding or a wedding during the summer months . . . you’re going to love these Cactus Wedding Ideas.

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I’ve even joined the cactus wedding trend myself and created a cactus confetti collection that features 4 cactus gift tags included with hot pink and green Festive Fetti confetti. It’s the perfect way to present gifts to your bridesmaids - tuck their gift in a box, add a little confetti, wrap the surprise and add a fun cactus gift tag. Or, you can add the confetti to a cactus piñata from Lulu Flora.

When it comes to incorporating cactus ideas into your wedding, you might consider one or more of these wedding ideas. See the examples below . . .

Which ones are your favorite? Please let me know in the comments.

1. adding mini cactus piñatas to place settings or centerpieces to hold the table number
2. designing a cactus themed wedding invitation suite
3. top your wedding cake or cupcake with an edible fondant cactus topper
4. creating centerpieces with the cactus in cute clay pots
5. presenting cupcakes with edible cactus on top
6. prefer to not diy? Consider a complete desert cactus wedding invitation suite
7. display a fun cactus printable for the gifts and cards table
8. keep the cactus memories forever with a cactus ring dish to hold your wedding rings
9. how about a bridal bouquet with cactus included?
10. adding a cactus garland as the backdrop behind the dessert table
11. of course, if you’re planning a cactus themed wedding, cactus thank you cards would be a must-have
12. gift your bridesmaids a cactus clutch bag for their makeup

9 Creative Ideas for Bar Cart Styling at Weddings {or Drinks Trolley Styling}

When it comes to styling for special events, a bar cart is certainly a popular choice for displaying the drinks. It’s also perfect for creating a beautiful presentation of the desserts or snacks. For those outside the US they are often called the Drink Trolley. As Carol of Lily and Lavender Events says, it’s a sweet and sophisticated name for the cart.

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Today, I’m sharing with you 9 Creative Ideas for Styling Bar Carts at Weddings {or even bridal showers, engagement parties . . . gatherings of all kinds}. There's even ideas for the different seasons too.

#1 Boho Chic

This Boho Chic Farm Wedding Cart helped display the stunning drip wedding cake. The cake {that’s topped with a golden pear and figs} is displayed on a vintage cake server and a gold bar cart.
— created by Sarah Sofia Productions

Wedding Bar Cart Inspiration from a Boho Chic Farm Wedding - created by Sarah Sofia Productions - click to see all 9 Creative Ideas Bar Cart Styling on www.BrendasWeddingBlog.com - the wedding planning guide for fresh ideas for creative weddings

#2 Summer Season

For a summer soiree, you will likely love this gold bar cart with the pineapple drinks and flamingo lights. It's a perfect choice for bridal showers or engagement parties in the backyard or even a bachelorette party.
— created by Sarah Sofia Productions

#3 Bar Cart turned Snack Station

This wooden bar cart that’s used for displaying snacks is super pretty with the pops of color and the paper doilies on the wall behind it. For the super pretty and economical wall decor, the variety pack of doilies from the Dollar Store was used to create the garland.
— created by Lori of Giggle Living

#4 Holiday Season

If your event is during the winter months - why not plan a gingerbread house decorating party and display the hot cocoa bar on a mirrored top bar cart?
— created by Sarah Sofia Productions

#5 Mimosa Station

This bridal shower brunch from the Creative DIY Wedding Ideas post features a Mimosa Station that’s served on a darling vintage serving cart.
— created by Carolina of Mint Event Designs

#6 Fall Season

Planning an event in the fall? Look at this gorgeous bar cart/drink station from which features a signature cocktail, Cinnamon Cider Cooler, in the carafe. You can also find the recipe on her site for the cocktail.
— created by Alyssa of Just a Little Sparkle

#7 Spring Season

You may remember this Shortcakes and Springtime bar cart from the Creative Wedding Ideas for Spring post which features sparkling lemonade and champagne. Sweet extras include the pretty fabric garland with a Lettered Banner and the swizzle sticks adorned with blueberries.
— created by Lori of Giggle Living

#8 Glamour Gold

Keep your styling light and airy with a Vintage Gold Drinks Trolley that includes the choice of sparkling water, Prosecco or a kiwi, pear and elderflower cocktail.
— created by Carol of Lily and Lavender Events

#9 Festive Fun

For a festive flair - you can place a large mirror behind the bar cart for added depth. Plus, it really makes the twinkling lights sparkle a bit more and provides a great place to drape a Bubbly Bar lettered banner.
— created by Lori of Giggle Living

When styling with bar carts, this is one investment that you will want to make as you can use it again and again at each party you host in the future. As Alyssa of Just a Little Sparkle says “They’re convenient, small and a great thing to style differently each time.” So, don’t forget, when creating your wedding registry, add a bar cart to your registry list and be ready for styling fun each time you entertain.

Shop Bar Carts Here . . .