{A Lovely Roundup} Unique Escort Card Ideas

Escort cards are what tell your guests where they are to sit at your reception, but they can serve a much bigger purpose.  They can be a great place to tie in your wedding theme, decor, monogram, or color palette.  Gone are the sad little folded escort cards laid out on a plain table.  These escort cards put a more unique spin on seat assignments!

All photos from The Knot

It's in the Details: Chicken Wire

Since we have long ago established that I love all things rustic, vintage, flea-markety (yes, that is a real adjective!), and country chic, I'm always looking for ways to incorporate that type of stuff into wedding and home decor.  Enter, chicken wire...

Photo 2 via GoRustic, Photo 9 via designfabulous, remaining photos from Country Living

I love the look of chicken wire - the graphic pattern of it.  I think it could look really cool on a wedding stationery suite for a rustic farm or barn wedding, with little chicken wire touches in the decor.  You could have the flower girl basket and bathroom goodies baskets made out of chicken wire, and maybe the escort cards displayed on a chicken wire board like the one above.  Someone please use it in their wedding and then share the pictures with me!

It's in the Details: Feathers

I have this headband that has pheasant feathers on the side and it makes me feel fancy when I wear it.  (It also gives me a headache, but it hurts to be beautiful, right?)  I also love feather details incorporated into weddings.  Using feathers can easily be overdone, so this detail works best when incorporated sparingly.  A feather on your wedding invitation suite and then perhaps found at each place setting would be lovely.  Or feathers used in some of the florals and also in the bride's hairpiece is a nice combination.  However you do it, using feathers can add a bit of fun and fancy without taking yourself too seriously.  And depending on the type of feather (peacock, pheasant, guinea, etc.) you can incorporate your color palette as well.

Top Row:  Studio 28 Photo via Style Me Pretty, We Love Pictures via Love and Lavender, 

Ceci NY, Country Living

Middle Row:  B. Loved Photography via Brides, We Love Pictures via Love and Lavender, Peacock Pixys via Brides, Kristen Hogan via Love and Lavender

Bottom Row:  Cakes for Occasions via Brides, Janie Osborne via The Knot, We Love Pictures via Love and Lavender, Prema Photographic via Brides

I love love love that guinea feather garter!  What do you think about feathers used in wedding details?

It's in the Details: Cotton Florals

Ever since I saw this wedding shot by Jasmine Star, I have been in love with the idea of using cotton in florals and wedding decor.  I mean, it is chic, vintage but fresh, and unique.  And just so pretty!

{cotton bouquets}

Top:  Duck Duck Collective via 100 Layer Cake, Jasmine Star

Bottom:  Jupiter Images via White & Wander, whitebox weddings via Southern Weddings

{cotton boutonnieres}

Top: Heather Curiel via Style Me Pretty, Bella Grace Studios via Southern Weddings

Bottom:  Heather Curiel via Style Me Pretty, Jasmine Star

{cotton decor}

Top: Both images by Jasmine Star

Middle:  Juliette Elizabeth via Love and Lavender

Bottom:  Jasmine Star, Brandon Kidd, Jasmine Star

That cotton garland lining the aisle and decorating the alter is just brilliant, and I love that cake by My Sweet and Saucy.  I think mixing the cotton with other textures, like balsa wood or even succulents would look amazing.  

Anyone else love cotton florals or use it in your own wedding?  I'd love to hear more ideas or see photos.

Details, Details!

To make your wedding personal and "you" it is all about the details.  Whether you have a big budget or a limited one, you can always find ways to personalize the details, tie things together, and show that you put thought into each aspect of your wedding.  You can pick one element and use it throughout your wedding, like a personal monogram or symbol.  Or you can create the same feel with your color palette.

This wedding from Style Me Pretty illustrates my point.  Although it probably falls into the bigger budget side of the spectrum, you can do something similar with much less by paying attention to your details.

Notice the wood details, the use of greenery and succulents, the color palette tying grey throughout in the groom's suit, the paper goods, the chalkboard, the straws, and even the zebra!  The feel is rustic and chic, not too formal but not too casual.  Some amazing and talented professionals worked on this wedding but if you aren't lucky enough to have a budget that accomodates such professionals, you can do it yourself by thinking about the details and being consistent with your theme.

To see more of this gorgeous wedding, go here.  Photos by Steve Steinhardt.

Real Wedding by Red Ribbon Studio: Kaija & John

When I was planning my own wedding, I saw this wedding featured and I fell in love with it.  The laid back style, the great details, the wedding dress (and the tie, I was obsessed with finding that tie for my groom)...everything is perfect!  So I really wanted to share it for those of you who haven't seen it yet, and Red Ribbon Studios was gracious enough to let me.

This wedding is so laid back but elegant, fresh and chic, and fun; timeless inspiration for you brides out there!

Chanel Inspired Bridal Shower: The Details

Miss Type-A that I am, I am a sucker for details!  And the details from our Chanel Inspired Bridal Shower Shoot are AH-MAZ-ING!  Remember, this was a styled shoot, not a real bridal shower.  So it is meant to inspire only...

Invitation by Tilde Designs

Desserts by Jay's Catering

Cake by Sweet and Saucy

All florals by Heavenly Blooms

The shoot was planned by myself and Jaclyne from Heavenly Blooms.  The event planning and design was carried out by Jaclyne and In The Now Weddings.  It was shot by Jasmine Star, located at the Richard Nixon Library, and the furniture was provided by Luxe Event Rentals and Classic Party Rentals.

To see more of this shoot, see this week's previous posts, or the feature on Style Me Pretty.  And check back tomorrow for more!

Alphabet Details

There is something so simple yet so personal about incorporating your initials into your wedding day.  You can use them as your personal wedding "brand" by incorporating your initials into your invitation monogram, paper goods, and decor, or simply hang your initials from a nearby tree or in your DIY photo booth (which is what I did).  I bought craft letters from Paper Source, spray painted them, and hung them with ribbon that matched the ribbon on our programs and other elements.  You can cover them in fabric, flowers, or whatever you can think of.  Anthropologie has metal and fabric letters if you don't want to DIY and don't mind spending some money.

Credits:  Via Style Me Pretty, Meg Smith, Michael Norwood, Ellie Grover Photography, Martha Stewart Weddings

It's in the Details: Chalkboards, plus a DIY project!

I love the DIY feel and laid back vibe of chalkboards in weddings.  You can use them for so many different things, and can "dress them up" or keep them low key.  Here are some of my favorite uses:

To display seating assignments, in lieu of escort cards:

Left:  Sarah Yates Photography, Right:  Harper Smith Photography

As Escort Cards:

By Sean Walker Photography

Drink or Signature Cocktail Menu:

Left: Jenny Ebert, Right: Jennifer Roper Photography

For messages for your photo booth guestbook:

Top: Jen Fariello, Bottom:  Nichols Photography

To explain your photo booth:

Via Southern Weddings

For Menus or games:

Top:  Sarah K. Chen, Bottom:  Via Once Wed

For Various Wedding Signage:

Left:  W. Scott Chester Photography, Right: Heather Kincaid

Bride and Groom signage (for photos, thank you cards, etc.):

Top:  Shannon Nicole Smith, Right:  By Sarah Maren via 100 Layer Cake

To explain a tribute to a loved one (and I love this tribute idea):

Twin Lens Photography

As table numbers:

Via Snippet & Ink

The table number above is also a great DIY project.  Find candle holders that have a smooth surface.  Paint them with chalkboard paint (available at any craft store).  Once the paint dries, you can write the table number in chalk.  Put in a candle, and voila, DIY candle holders / table numbers.  LOVE this idea!

What are your favorite chalkboard uses?

It's in the Details: Mason Jars

Mason jars have become very popular in wedding decor lately.  But there are lots of ways to incorporate this vintage element into your wedding decor besides using them as containers for your floral arrangements (although they are great as containers!)  Here are some different ways I have found for you to use mason jars in decorating your wedding (or party, or home):

Top Row:  Drink jar by Sabine Scherer, jar with river rocks and candle by Kate Harrison, jar chandelier by Jamie Grenough via Style Me Pretty, hanging jars with florals by Jennifer Roper
Bottom Row:  Jar escort cards by Sean Walker, jelly jar drink by Ian Grant, lots of jars and candles via 100 Layer Cake, floating candle in jar by Jennifer Roper

I love the idea of using the jars as candle holders, either floating them in water or putting river rocks in the jar.  And how amazing is that mason jar chandelier!  I had to post another shot of it:

By Jamie Grenough, via Style Me Pretty

Connect the Dots

I'm loving polka dot details incorporated into the design and styling of weddings and events!  They're so fun and a little bit retro...

Top Row:  Photos 1 & 2 from Martha Stewart Weddings, invitation from Tilde Designs, ties from flickr via Something Old, Something New
Middle Row:  Place setting from Kelly Gao  and shoes by Delicious via Style Me Pretty, dress by Michelle Roth, room photo by Tim Walker for Vogue Italia via Oh Joy!
Bottom Row:  Lanterns from The Knot, envelopes and favor box from Martha Stewart Weddings, Ring Pillow made by Brookyn Bride via Thoughtful Day

You definitely want to stay away from being too literal - do NOT use dots in every element of your wedding.  Just pick a couple of details, like your stationery and ring pillow, or incorporate them in your decor, the groomsmen ties, and your shoes.  They are a fun way to lighten things up and add a bit of whimsy to your day.

Allow me to introduce . . . Tilde Designs!

What happens when two girls meet in law school, cram for countless exams, study for the bar exam, and become attorneys?  Practice law, you might say. . . and you would probably be correct in most cases.  But in the case of my best friend Kate and I, we also decided we wanted to channel our creative talents and skills (those acquired in our own wedding planning, NOT in law school) to start a wedding/event design and paper goods business.

Kate is an amazing paper goods designer.  She started dabbling in it for her own wedding and did everything but the calligraphy for my wedding (and did a fantastic job, I might add).  We had the best time collaborating over Save-the-Dates and invitations, menus, cupcake flags, and various other wedding signage.  Those elements we designed together were what made my wedding cohesive, thoughtful, and full of personal touches.

Kate and I thought it might be fun to put our design brains together and launch a little business.  Not to be deterred by distance (she lives in Chicago and I in L.A.), or day jobs (we both still have them), we formed a plan.  Over our bliss cakes and coffee brunch at M. Henry last fall, we made the decision to devote 2010 to launch our new baby . . . Tilde Designs.  Less than two months in, we have an etsy shop and this blog, and several new clients already.  We couldn't be more excited about what the future holds!

So please stop by our etsy shop for paper goods, a customized monogram, or an inspiration board designed for your event.  Check back often for new items or request any customized item you want.  If someone you know is getting married, throwing a wedding or baby shower, in need of personalized cards, having a baby, or just likes pretty paper goods, please send them our way!

xx
Kate & Chandra

Let them eat...cupcakes!

I know, I know, cupcakes in lieu of cake is no longer a revolutionary concept.  But, I still think it is a fantastic idea and fun way to show personality, especially if you LOVE cupcakes like I LOVE cupcakes!

My husband and I had a cupcake tower instead of a cake.  We had a favorite bakery for a couple of years (big shout out to Vanilla Bakeshop!)  and we were lucky enough to get to have that bakery do our cupcake tower and for our venue to waive our cake cutting fee and allow it.  Our guests went nuts over those cupcakes.  Plus we picked our favorite flavors and it was easier to feed to each other during our "cake cutting."  And it allowed us to make adorable signs that told guests what flavor of cupcakes were on which level and cute little flags with our monogram on them.

So for all of you brides out there who are considering cupcakes instead of a traditional cake, I say go for it. They make for yummy treats and great pictures!

Cupcakes and tower design by Vanilla Bakeshop, Signs and flags by Tilde Designs, bird cake toppers by Cotton Bird Designs, and photos by Jennifer Roper

It's in the Details: Vintage Keys

I like to tell myself I started the trend of antique keys that I'm starting to see on paper goods, in weddings, and even at Tiffany & Co.  While I know deep down that isn't true (obviously) I did think of the idea to use vintage keys in my wedding before I had ever seen anyone else using them, and my mother and I hunted for about 16 months for them.  We scoured flea markets, antique shops, estate sales, any place we could think of to find a key for each guest that would attend my wedding.  And they were a big hit.  Now, everyone that attended my wedding has a little piece of it at home with them, as my husband and I do, and I love that.  Here are some ways we used the keys in our own wedding:

Tied to our escort cards

Tied to our florals

In our ring photos

All photos by Jennifer Roper, Florals by Greenwich Floral Design, Calligraphy by Barbara Kua