Posts from November, 2009
- Consider succulents as part of your centerpieces, or even as your bouquets
- Instead of birdseed, throw wedding confetti of organic lavender, rose and chamomile blossoms or buy this plantable wildflower confetti instead
- If you have the backyard space, grow your own, like this clever bride!
- Choose pesticide-free flowers or hire a local florist who can tell you what’s in season
- Better yet, hire a florist who also grows her own, like Dragonfly Farms in Healdsburg, Calif.
Golden Gates
November 22nd, 2009
There’s no bridge quite like the Golden Gate. I spotted the top photo at Burrito Justice and the bottom from Jordan at Oh Happy Day. I love Jordan’s creativity! Mini Golden Gate ornament inside of a box with a progressive dinner invite–so good! (Check out the story on Jordan’s invites and other holiday decor on a budget here.) I really love the deep reds and golds and baby blue–it all goes so well! Just another example of taking a landmark and puttin your own spin on it! Whether it’s the Empire State, the Sears Tower, a national park–if it’s special to you and your partner, incorporate it into your wedding and let it stand as landmark for your L-O-V-E. Or use the colors to inspire you! Go crazeee!
Map This Way
November 19th, 2009
Almost every bride I’ve worked with has given out Out of Towner (I like to call them “OOT”) welcome bags. You’ve seen them and received ‘em: upon check-in to your hotel/B&B, a couple has left for you an itinerary, snacks, bottled water (don’t get me started but short lesson: try giving away stainless steel bottles or BPA-free ones if you’re on a budget, or just suggest that they use their own or use the cups and glasses in their rooms), maybe some travel Advil packs (if they’re really thinking about their guests), gum, travel sunscreen, candy and some other treats native to the area (Ghiradelli chocolate, saltwater taffy) or special to the couple. Most people I know appreciate this effort. I know I do.
But how about instead of paper bags, cloth bags were used instead? Recyclable and reusable to boot. Starting with these totes by Maptote, one of my design faves. I’ve given away the Los Angeles and San Francisco versions, but now they’ve added Winetotes to the bunch! I can imagine these as bridal party gifts stuffed with the couple’s favorite wine, especially if the wedding is taking place in wine country or is wine-themed.
Go on… map it!
Spruce it Up: Grow Green
November 18th, 2009
via Once Wed
As much as you may want peonies at your fall wedding, or clementines in your centerpieces in late summer, sometimes it’s better to work with Mother Nature than to work against her. One of my dear co-workers got hitched recently, and when the bouquets arrive with one too many carnations, they ditched them and went a-huntin’ near the ceremony site. What did they unearth? Hydrangeas growing around the church’s perimeter.
More and more brides are considering going with the season when it comes to floral choices, and good on them. Just like the fruits and vegetables of the season–it’s best enjoyed, well, during the season! What’s better than a clementine in winter, or an heirloom tomato in late summer?
Here are some of my Spruce Tips:
If you need more proof that this can happen, look no further than Kristina Brock’s (of Lovely Morning) succulent wedding centerpieces. She planted these herself!
Before
After, at the wedding
With a little thoughtful planning, you’ll have a wedding that will be remembered for its offbeat beauty and style.
Cute as a (Yellow) Button
November 3rd, 2009I don’t know what the wedding universe is trying to tell me today, but for some reason, I kept seeing craspedias everywhere! And I’m so glad. Known as “billy buttons,” these little flowers add a vibrant dose of sunshine to your decor, the bouquets, the boutonnieres… it’s endless! They come in yellow, orange and white and are relatively inexpensive.
Spruce Tip: Keep these beauties post-wedding by drying them out a bit and placing a cluster in a cute vase. It’ll be a sweet reminder of your wedding day, too.
Via Once Wed from this adorable couple. Pictures by Angelica Glass.
And one more, to drive the point home, via Green Wedding Shoes:
