Save-the-Dates

Most everyone knows that a "Save-the-Date" announcement lets your guests know the date and location of your big day. They're essential for destination weddings in order to give your guests extra time to schedule vacation time off, arrange for child care, and shop around for a competitive airfare if needed.

Below are some helpful information about Save-the-Dates:

WHEN TO ORDER:
Most paper products take four to six weeks to produce and print, so try to place your order about eight to ten months before your wedding.

WHEN TO SEND THEM:

You should mail them out just as soon as the final venue contract has been signed, or six to eight months before the wedding. If you are marrying on an extremely busy holiday weekend, consider sending them out even earlier, but never more than a year in advance.

WHO GETS THEM:

Only send a Save-the-Date to the people on your A list, meaning close friends and family who will definitely be on your final guest list. Once you send this announcement, they are officially invited. There's no taking it back.

WHAT TO INCLUDE:

Include the date and location. If you already know hotel optinos, flight information, information on the destination, your dress code, etc., feel free to also include that information.

You could create your own Save-the-Dates. Create a "message in a bottle." Roll up your invitation, tie them with a bit of raffia or twine and put them in a bottle with some sand, a few tiny seashells and attach a starfish.

If you are asking guests to travel to a luxury resort or country club, have golf balls engraved with your personal information. Cut out a tiny square of atroturf or fake grass and send each in a box with the golf ball on top.

There are so many creative options you could come up with to create your own Save-the-Dave cards. Whatever you decide, creating your own or buying them, make sure your guests know well in advance the date and location of your special day so they can make plans accordingly.

Hot Color Combinations

I know I talk a lot about color but color is one of the first things your guests will notice at your wedding. So, I wanted to share some of the research I have done on the hottest color combinations.

Right now some of the most popular combos is hot pink, tangerine and green. This color combo works well for spring, summer and fall weddings.

For destination weddings, the ocean will probably be the inspiration for many weddings. People often look to nature for inspiration. The ocean is vital to life and it is so soothing and calm.

Blue and shades of blue-green are very eco-friendly and will probably continue to be popular especially for destination weddings. Use your surroundings as your color palette. For beach weddings you have the beautiful blue-green of the ocean, light blue of the sky and a lovely sandy or linen shade of the sand beneath your feet.

Another beautiful and creative idea for wedding colors is to find your favorite color and make your wedding monochromatic.

Use soft hues of the same color. That way you don’t have to worry about the individual elements because your guests won’t notice when everything is the same color.

Monochromatic can be extremely beautiful especially if you had different textures and fabrics.

The photo above is a beautiful example of a monochromatic bridal bouquet.

Photo by One Lovely Day blog by Project Wedding.

Thanks for stopping by to read my blog. I hope it has given you new inspiration for your wedding day.

A Crown for your Forest or Woodland Themed Wedding

Visit Which Goose on Etsy to see her beautiful crowns.

A Forest or Woodland themed wedding

Woodland themed wedding, originally uploaded by luvmypups.

Do you love the outdoors and nature? A forest or woodland themed wedding might be just perfect for you.

This inspiration board is filled with all hand made items from creative artisans on Etsy.com. We love the artisans at Etsy.

From the top, going left to right...

1. Moss Ring Bearer Pillow - $20 - Created with preserved moss and faux “hens and chicks” succulents and hypericum berries. Tie your wedding bands with the natural jute twine.

2. Love Birds Houndstooth and Orange Pumpkin - $120.00 Adorable hand sawn birds can be used as a cake topper or displayed at your sweetheart table or anywhere you desire. He is dressed for the occasion in a black and white houndstooth fabric jacket and she has on a satin gown with a stunning silk burnt orange and poppy red hat.

3. Four Wedding Signs - $55 - Don't let your guests get lost. Help them find their way to your ceremony and reception. You can also get signs personalized with your names and wedding date.

4. Blue Hanging Ball Jar Votives - $29.00
I can just visualize these timeless jars hanging from a big oak tree over the ceremony or reception. These jars are at least 72 years old jars and are in vintage condition with minor scratches and scuffs.

5. Autumn Hand-tied Bouquet - $120.00
Want to keep your wedding bouquet forever? Then this beautiful bouquet is for you. It consists of life-like deep red roses, terra cotta colored mini-callas, safari sunset and hypericum berries. Stems are wrapped in matching ribbon and decorative fabric and secured with vintage inspired buttons. Sounds beautiful doesn't it?

6. Set of 125 Love Bird Place Cards - $125.00
Ok, I have to say I LOVE LOVE LOVE these! I love this entire shop. What a cool creation! I wish I had known about this shop when I got married last year. These paper love birds perch on the rims of champagne glasses. Help guests find their spot at the table with these eye-catching, imaginative place cards — they make for great conversation-starters. These are worth the money in my opinion!

7. Set of three Groomsmen Neckties - $108.00
Can you imagine how handsome your groomsmen will be in these silk ties? You can custom order in different colors and patterns. This tie has a large oak tree printed in green on a light blue.

8. Bird Boutonierre with Velvet Leaves - $22.99
This would look great on just the groom or all of the guys in the wedding party. This cute little bird is perched on a small flower with two nice velvet leaves and finished off with a whitish ivory ribbon. This item can also be customized.

I hope you enjoyed these items and hope you will keep these talented artisans in mind for your wedding needs. Feel free to share photos with me as well! Thanks for following.

Destination Wedding Gowns

Wow! I just came across these beautiful Maggie Sottero gowns. These are in her Destinations Collection. I just had to share these with you. Visit the link above to see the entire collection. But here are a few of my personal favorites that I picked out to share with you. I hope you find something you absolutely LOVE!

JD1214
One-piece, slim line gown with sweetheart neckline and corset closure. This style features pleating through the bodice cascading through the skirt. Shoulder straps enhance the sweetheart neckline while a bow placed beneath the plunging back adds a feminine flair to the detachable train.

AD1001
Pleated tulle and taffeta combine to create this extraordinary gown! Pleated tulle highlights the wrapped empire waistline, while sprinkles of crystals create a dazzling sparkle. A corset back and the pleated tulle detail at the hemline complete this great look.

SD5220
One-piece, slim A-line gown with one-shoulder neckline and corset closure. This Aria Chiffon gown features our signature asymmetrical wrap with a hint of sparkle. A detailed flower accent introduces a detachable shoulder strap that fastens across the back.

SD5211
One-piece, strapless, slim A-line gown with zipper over inner corset closure. This style features an embellished lace bodice with a ruched band and handmade flower accentuating the bustline. The Georgette Chiffon skirt features a fluted side drape and sheer illusion train.

Bridesmaids Jewelry

Your bridesmaids are there beside you all the way, and they’ve been with you since the beginning--your bridesmaids. They are special to you and they deserve bridesmaid gifts that express your thanks for their deep and enduring friendship.

We offer bridesmaids jewelry made of the finest materials. We only use real freshwater pearls and high quality gemstones in almost any color you could need. We can also take custom orders. Your bridesmaids gifts will arrive packaged in a lovely gift box ready for giving. No wrapping, no worries. We'll do all that for you.

The earrings above are pink opals. The materials are all sterling. We create our earwires by hand. The pink opals are 22mm x 10mm. The sterling silver has been oxidized in this particular pair but we can also create them with shiny sterling--no oxidization.
The earrings hang to a length of 2 1/4 inches.

These earrings are elongated smoky quartz. They are stunning and would be lovely if your bridesmaids are wearing brown or orange this fall. The smoky quartz briolettes are 28mm x 9mm (1 1/4"). These earrings hang to a length of 1 3/4 inches.

If you are interested in either of these or would like to see more, you can visit my Etsy.com shop or feel free to email me.

News

We are so excited to tell you that we will be featured in the February 2010 edition of Elite Wedding Collection magazine! The magazine is primarily focused towards destination weddings but also has lots of tips and information that can be used in any wedding.

In the February 2010 edition, you'll get great destination wedding ideas and helpful information to help you create a beautiful color palette for your special day. Look for the magazine on newsstands Valentine's Day 2010.