Truly Unique Guestbook Idea October 30, 2008

I found this idea via A Practical Wedding, and as a writer/editor, I just may HAVE to use it (with a ribbon board, of course!).

Emmy & Kirk had a DIY-heavy wedding with a few of their closest and most dear friends and relatives (something we’re also hoping to achieve).

And, in leiu of the traditional guest book or signed photo frame, they hauled a typewriter to the reception site. And left sheets of paper around for the guests to hand-type their own message of well wishes to the bride and groom.

What an absolutely lovely idea!

Make a Decision, Already! Wedding Venue Battle October 29, 2008

We are stuck… between a rock and a hard place.

We’ve got 2 potential venues, both have some great benefits, both have some downfalls. Both would be perfect for our wedding, I just can’t decide!

Adventures in Pocket Folders October 25, 2008

I didn’t think I’d be a pocket folder kinda bride. I always pictured something simple, letterpress, maybe some ribbon to hold it all together. I imagined something basic, understated and far from the overly-organized bride-type.

Hmmm, well, how can I explain the stash of pocketfolder I have in the basement now? And what about the different stocks of paper, cut down and tucked into my “test” pocket folder, to determine the perfect shapes and sizes for my new masterplan?

And, what about the ribbon that I specifically chose because it would offset the sand metallic color that I’d fallen in love with (after a sweet bee hooked me up with her leftovers, and I simply HAD to order more)?

Sigh. I am officially a pocket folder bride. And I am THRILLED and so very excited to get my soon-to-be-amazing invitations off to my guests and “wow” them with my super-organized, she-thought-of-everything-and-aren’t-these-the-most-beautiful-invitations-ever suite.

Who ever thought this bit of info from Cards and Pockets would get me all a-twitter?!

Image from simply posy

Father + Daughter on the Wedding Day October 24, 2008

Oh, this pick from Stinkerpant’s blog makes me tear up.

I’m the girl who gets all emotional when I hear daddy/daughter songs.

The look of surprise on her dad’s face mixed with her pose just makes me sentimental.

So, mushy factor is high today, thanks Stinkerpants!

MAC Holiday is Back! October 23, 2008

I love MAC holiday collections. Most years, I get at least 1 palette, brush set or lip set. Last year, I got the pigments (thanks R — that was a great Christmas gift), this year, I think I’ll be getting Fascinating Ruby: Smokey Eyes. It’s sweet and smokey and I really need to work on my smoky-eye abilities. Option 2 is Devoted Poppy: Classic Eyes. I love the sweet, delicate colors, followed by the pop of deep luscious brown to line the peepers.

What makes the palette doubly awesome this year, is that I can buy it when I get my wedding makeup trial done. What does that mean?! It means — when you have makeup applied at MAC, it’s free, as long as you spend $40 or more. So… jackpot.

Double bonus: When you save 6 old packages (empty shadows, glosses, eye liner stubs) and bring them in to MAC stores, you get a free gloss. My winter makeup refresh will be complete!

My absolute favorite part of this new holiday collection? They look like Sweet Secrets — from the 1980s!

Playing With My Food October 22, 2008

I’m currently toying with the direction I want to go with our menu. Do we go for something “zesty” like paella? Or more like comfort food (think fried chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits)? What about the basic picnic food (fruit salad, potato salad, baked beans, burgers)?

How’s this for a sample menu (rolling around my head, nothing definite)?

Parmesan Crisps
Seasoned Almonds
Assorted Olives
Chevre with fig
Chicken Skewers
Green beans with balsamic
Wild rice stuffed tomatoes
Spinach and strawberry salad
Crudites served in a baguette slice with dipping sauces (thanks for the idea, Martha!)
Cupcakes!

I know it errs on the side of savory, but we could work with our caterer, we could create some of the items in advance, and it’d be a nice change from the traditional fare. Thoughts?

Mix Up The Centerpieces October 21, 2008

Who says that centerpieces have to be the same?

I’m loving this look, it’s quirky, fun, budget-friendly, eco-friendly (especially if your flowers are organic and locally grown) and visually cool.

I really hope I can save enough random glass jars in time for our wedding, so I’ve enlisted the help of a friend, cousin and my sisters to see if we can gather enough for centerpieces.

How cute would it be to fill these babies with whatever the farmer’s market has on our wedding day?!

Adventures in Inspiration Boards October 16, 2008

I heart Polyvore. I create SO many inspiration boards… many of which will never see the light of day. But, it’s a great site to play around with colors, ideas and even for crazy over-the-top boards that I would NEVER consider… but can create for funsies.

Here’s our reception inspiration… to those of you who will be in attendance… “shh… keep it hush, hush.”

Green and Ivory Wedding by kenziegirl

Ribbons, Buttons and Fashion… Oh MY! October 16, 2008

rosemille.com

I love a good craft shop — I enjoy Michael’s and Joann, but I don’t LOVE them. I honestly seek out those stores that inspire me and leave me awe-struck and amazed, full of tactile, beautiful pieces that make me want to CREATE.

I’m thinking and hoping that I’ve found one such place in Stillwater, MN — look at this photo and tell me that this very image doesn’t inspire you!

I am so, so, SO excited to visit Rose Mille. Here’s the backstory: The store opened in San Jose, CA (one of my 5 favorite U.S. cities!) as a millinery and fine craft shop (along with other fineries). The Calif. shop closed, to be reopened in Stillwater, Minn. in 2002.

The shop is broken down into creative(!!!), gifts, style and decor.

I am so excited to get in there and play with the ribbons, buttons and other millinery pieces. I may have to splurge on some beautiful vintage items (perhaps a brooch?!) and I’m hoping against hope that there are so many lovely items that I actually have to CHOOSE between some gorgeous pieces.

I recently took a sewing class in St. Paul on Saturday and wow… I need to dash out to Rose Mille for some creative brainstorming and beauty-gathering.

How Much Space Do Your Guests Need? October 15, 2008

The ultimate question I keep running into is:

How much space do I need per guest?

Some venues suggest vast amounts of space, others suggest that you can fit many people into a tiny space.

I’ve been scouring the web for information on how many people we can fit into our space (or, how much space is needed per guest).

Wholesale Table Linens recommends 10-14 square feet per person.

Grand Rental Station recommends 8 square feet per person for banquet style seating and 12 square feet for round tables seating 6, 8 or 12 people (however, tables of 10 only require 10 square feet per person… why!?).

Party Rental Ltd. and Classic Party Rentals suggest that 20 square feet per person would be sufficient for a reception, but I have to wonder if that includes dance space. CPR also recommends 12 square feet for cocktail parties.

Party Time Rental suggests 8 square feet per person for “some seated,” 10 square feet for banquet style tables and 12 square feet per person for round tables.

Finally, Apartment Therapy recommends the following:

“But Basil, what does it all mean?”

It means that, wherever your venue, the type of seating you choose can and does effect the number of guests you can include.

Looks like this girl is going to buy some graph paper tomorrow to map out our venue!