A purple and red wedding: Colorful yet classy
When planning your wedding decor, some color combinations are beautiful but expected – peach and cream, light blue and yellow, silver and lavender. However, there is one pairing that is both regal and fun, classy yet colorful – red and purple.
This unexpected coupling is actually an ideal match, as long as you select the right shades. Opt for a deep bluish purple and a red that has cool undertones – the two hues will balance each other perfectly and create a dynamic decor that will leave your guests speechless.
Because both tones are so bold, use the colors as your accents. Select white linens and dishware, but fill the space with purple and red wedding decorations, such as deep violet-colored blossoms tied with red ribbon and place cards that feature an ivory background with colorful lettering.
The color scheme can extend to your wedding favors as well. Red tea light holders are an elegant and beautiful gift to thank your loved ones for attending your nuptials. Include a purple candle with the holder – it's an easy way to create favors that embody your wedding decor
Why you’ll want to pay for your own wedding
While planning your wedding can be fun, couples often stress about one component – the money. And though it would be nice if a wealthy, long-lost relative showed up to foot the bill, there are actually a few advantages to paying for the ceremony yourself.
Using your own funds for the celebration means that you will be able to determine the guest list, and you won't have to extend the dreaded courtesy invites.
"When it's your money, and your money alone, your in-laws don't get to invite 150 of their nearest and dearest – or not-so-near and dear," Glamour.com reports. While picking up the tab may feel overwhelming, not having to make small talk with your parents' coworkers (at your own wedding) is priceless.
Additionally, you will get to make the final decision on everything from catering to wedding decorations – no matter what. While relatives are quick to offer their input, your opinion is the only one that will be counted when the money is coming out of your pocket.
Finally, paying for your own wedding will fill you with pride and the confidence to deal with future financial situations.
"It's great knowing that you and your new hubby are the sole reasons all of your guests are enjoying themselves," the news outlet reports. "Plus, it'll make all the major future expenses you'll have together less scary to tackle."
A wide variety of cake toppers
When planning a wedding, it seems that no detail is left unconsidered. However, there is one item that is often overlooked – the cake topper. While some couples may think that there is simply one option – a miniature bride and groom – you can get creative when choosing an item to sit atop your main confection.
Those who want a simple design can opt for a heart-shaped cake topper. This tiny wedding decoration is sweet and charming without appearing kitschy or saccharine. You can also use items shaped like letters of the alphabet – select two toppers (the first letter of your name and the first letter of your partner's name) for a look that's romantic yet modern.
Other couples, however, may want a cake topper that is a bit more spirited. In this case, pairs are only limited by their own creativity. Instead of a bride and groom standing side by side, look for a piece that depicts the couple engaging in a fun activity, such as playing a sport or driving in a car.
You can also choose a cake topper that matches your wedding's motif. Those getting married on a beach may want a piece that contains seashells, while couples getting married in an outdoor ceremony in the fall may prefer an autumnal-themed topper.
Use unconventional items in your wedding celebration
Sometimes couples want to incorporate some unexpected elements into their wedding to create a memorable experience. But instead of selecting quirky wedding decorations that may overpower the elegance of your big day, opt for items that will subtly add a fresh feel to your nuptials.
Instead of a traditional guest book, place a stack of vinyl records on a table near the entrance and ask loved ones to sign the discs with silver markers. After the wedding is over, slip each record into a clear sleeve and create a scrapbook-like album to display the well-wishes.
Couples who are throwing a smaller wedding may want to forgo traditional place cards and opt for a more modern alternative – photographs. Print pictures of each attendee and write their assigned table number in the corner of the photo. Guests will enjoy seeing their faces lined up before the reception, and will be impressed by your creativity and attention to detail.
Unique wedding favors are the easiest way to make a lasting impression on your loved ones. Send guests home with fun gifts, such as gel candles shaped like cocktails, and they will be sure to remember your ceremony for years to come.
Fresh twists on ring bearer pillows
Though couples often rely on wedding decorations and table settings to create an unforgettable atmosphere, sometimes the most subtle accessories can inspire a truly memorable ceremony.
While ring bearers traditionally carry the wedding rings on pillows, there are several unconventional items that will put a fun spin on the ring bearer's walk down the aisle.
A vintage teacup is an elegant and charming container for your wedding bands. This is an especially good option for those with younger ring bearers – cups are easy to hold on to, and the deep bowl will safely hold the bling as the youngster makes his way to the altar.
You may also want to consider your ceremony's theme upon selecting an item for the ring bearer. If you're having an outdoor wedding, use a natural object. An ornamental birds nest is both rustic and beautiful. Those who are getting married on the beach, however, may prefer a large sea shell to temporarily house their wedding rings.
But the sweetest option may be the most obvious. Ask your ring bearer to carry your rings in small, velvet ring boxes. The presentation is both simple and elegant, and exchanging the bands will be reminiscent of your proposal.
Plan a music-inspired wedding
When planning a wedding, couples can draw inspiration from a variety of sources. And while most people rely on images to create a great wedding theme, some may prefer a more abstract idea, such as music. Creating a wedding motif around a particular genre of music can be fun and memorable.
During the planning process, think about the best way to present your favorite songs. If you adore dance floor anthems, hire a DJ to play the hottest hits. If you and your partner are obsessed with a particular act, such as The Beatles or Michael Jackson, search for a fun cover band. Those who prefer sweet but obscure folk melodies may want to compile a playlist on an iPod and hook up the device to some speakers.
Whether you dig classic tunes from the '50s or hair band jams from the '80s, planning your wedding around the music is easy, just be ready to embrace the era in which your favorite hits were popular. Themed wedding favors and decorations can draw further attention to the tunes you love.
However, be careful not to get too kitschy. You don't have to turn your wedding into a sock hop or Studio 54. Remember to balance your themed wedding decorations with traditional adornments, such as floral arrangements, candles and elegant linens.
The dangers of a save-the-date postcard
Before you choose your wedding decorations or select the wedding favors, there is an important task to be completed – mailing the save-the-date cards. And while couples are often looking for unique ways to ask their friends to reserve the day, there is one option pairs may want to avoid – postcards.
Though the idea of sending out save-the-date postcards seems fresh and charming, it can actually be a hassle for the recipients.
"Post offices do a lot of stamping to mail after you've already affixed your stamp," writes a contributor on Glamour.com. "Since all of our friends' wedding info went in the same space as these many stamps, a lot of the essential wedding details were blocked out!"
However, you can still send out postcards to notify loved ones of your upcoming vows. Instead of asking your friends to piece together the details of your wedding through inky stamps, mail your save-the-date cards in envelopes.
Those who insist on using envelope-less postcards should be especially careful about where they write their message.
"Keep all text and photos below your stamp and above the last pre-printed line for the recipient's address on the postcard," the analyst advises.
A fairytale wedding can be fanciful, not feminine
Many brides have been dreaming about their wedding day since they were little, when they read stories about Prince Charming sweeping the fair maiden off her feet. And while some may write this off as a childhood fantasy, gals planning their wedding can use the beautiful stories as inspiration for their big day.
While some grooms may scoff at the idea of a fairy tale wedding, thinking that the theme would be too feminine, a storybook theme doesn't have to be overtly girlie. With the right wedding decorations, it can be very romantic and sweet.
Steer clear of a princess motif and instead concentrate on the whimsy of fairy tales. Fill the space with large, light-colored blossoms and sheer fabrics in neutral tones, such as cream – these will help to create an atmosphere that is enchanting, not saccharine.
Candles are the simplest way to make any space feel like a fairy tale. Display the wax tapers in bronze candelabras – the rich metal will balance the feminine wedding decorations.
Send guests home with theme wedding favors. Chocolates are a sweet treat for any ceremony, but the gifts will be particularly memorable when packaged in a favor box that looks like an elegant carriage!
A perfect wedding for college sweethearts
While many couples meet in a variety of ways – at the office, on a blind date, through dating websites – some pairs fall in love in college. For those lucky lovebirds who first laid eyes on one another while studying at a university, a college-themed wedding is the perfect way to say "I do."
But before you breakout the beer kegs and funnels, keep in mind that this is still a romantic celebration. Your wedding shouldn't become a frat party – simply use your alma mater as inspiration for your nuptials.
When selecting wedding decorations, stick with your college's colors. After spending four years at the institution with your sweetie, chances are you've come to love the combination, and they will be the perfect tones for your big day.
Instead of assigning a number to each table at the reception, why not use popular campus landmarks to separate the groups? Guests will be delighted to see tables that boast personalized themes, such as the famous football stadium or a memorable freshman dormitory.
To keep the theme from feeling campy, incorporate traditional wedding decorations as well. Candles and floral arrangements are classic pieces that will add romance to any decor.
Let your favorite cuisine inspire your wedding
While some couples share a love of film and others a passion for sports, certain pairs are joined by a their fondness for a specific type of food. Whether you regularly enjoy sushi together or frequently search for the best Italian food, a culinary connection can be an important bond.
If you and your partner obsess about delicious dishes, why not incorporate your love of food into your wedding reception? The concept may provide guests with a mouthwatering menu, and it can help you create a cohesive and personalized theme.
After selecting your favorite type of cuisine, pick wedding decorations that match the meals. While Moroccan food many inspire a room of rich jewel tones, southwestern dishes may require a warmer palette of oranges and turquoise.
Look for wedding favors that fit with the theme – if French food is your favorite, send guests home with Eiffel tower-shaped trinkets. If you prefer cuisine from the East, select wedding favors that boast bamboo of cherry blossom detailing.
Since the food is the focus of the theme, place a detailed menu at each guest's seat. Describe the dishes in delicious detail – loved ones will appreciate the extra information and are sure to be excited about each item on the list. Our taste buds are tingling already!
