We are back!

I know I know. I have spend over 2 months away from the blog. And I bet some of you are wondering what happened. Nothing big. As many of you know I am also a wedding photographer. So summer is the busiest part of my year. And being in the middle of several projects and needed to take a break from the Artful Bride to get everything reorganized. But we are back!  Here is an inspiration board to get you back in the wedding day mood!

DIY Ideas Center Piece Website

I was recently given a hot tip on a new site with some really nice Do-It-Yourself centerpiece ideas. The site is Object Spendor.  And not only do they supply the list of everything you need, you can purchase the list right there on the site. This makes it so easy to determine how much you will spend & help you stick to your budget.

And they offer helpful tips on how to reuse these same items for another project. Which is a way cool, earth-friendly approach that many brides are looking for today.

Publish Post

Thanks! Lisa from Delicious Desserts for passing this along!

And for our other DIY projects idea posts visit:

DIY on Design Sponge

Martha Stewart Center Piece on A Budget

DIY Center Pieces on Rachael Ray

DIY Seating Place Cards

Just Perfect for a Tea Party : Sadie Olive

In recent postings I have explored some ideas about backyard wedding tips, and backyard wedding themes. And I was very much drawn in to the 'tea party theme'. And As you know I love all things artful.  So I went to my favorite source for artful items - etsy.com .  I normally explore through the handmade items. But in my search for 'tea party' items, I found an antique shop I just love!  Inspiration Vintage!

So I would like to introduce to you, the Sadie Olive Shop. Now Sadie Olive is run by Sarah Duckett, who is all things artful in my opinion. She is a photographer, designer & boutique owner.  She has a real passion for what she does. I pulled a few of my favorite 'tea party' themed items together to share.

Tarnish Teapot ($36),  Books Collection ($38), Vintage Craft Letters ($1.50), Service for Six ($145),  Watch Dial Necklace (currently sold),  Victorian Inspired Necklace ($75),  Chalk Board ($28), Crystal Phone ($40),  Translucent Bead Rosary ($78).

  Please visit her shop on etsy & if you love what you see, feel free to visit her boutique site and her photography site, Warm Whispers .

Happy Earth Week! Eco-friendly Wedding Sites

Happy Earth Week! This week I will be featuring different earth-friendly wedding ideas.  So to kick it off, I found 2 really great websites thats has a a list of green wedding items. First is Dream Green Weddings.  Inspired by their own wedding, Dream Green Weddings is dedicated to maintaining their own green business practices and using green suppliers  to help you with your wedding day. 

Among the many items that are available for purchase: Wedding Favors, Setting cards, gifts & beautiful invitations. Check out their site for current give-aways and eco-friendly ideas.

Second site (having a partnership with Dream Green Weddings to support this effort) is the Green Bride Guide.

This site offers organic flowers, peace silk wedding gowns, tree and seed favors and invitations. Are you planning a green wedding already? The Green Bride Guide also has pictures and stories from real weddings. Check it out to help with your wedding plans! (They have even begun to feature a directory to help you find vendors and accessories.)

Happy Earth Week Everyone!

Bridal Books

A great new book is out.... the Offbeat Bride written by Ariel Meadow Stallings a fellow bridal blogger.

Check out this book and other great buy combos on Amazon.com

Inspiration : Garden Theme Cake

This week's inspiration has been Garden Themed Weddings. And I came across some cool looking cakes on Martha Stewart Weddings!

Thanks Martha!

DIY Wedding Center Pieces via Rachael Ray

I was wandering around the internet today looking for some new DIY inspirations. And I found some great little ideas on the Rachael Ray website for simple little center pieces. Click the link below the mage for more instructions.

 Nature/Bird Wedding Theme

Fresh Squeezed

Bean There

Upside Down

Garden Themed Wedding: on Etsy.com

I admit to having been neglectful of the Artful Bride Blog lately. So to make it up to you have found 23 new Etsy finds for your Garden-themed wedding this week. Everything from decorations, invitations, dresses to necklaces and guest favors.

 Dahlia in the Wind Invitations ($325 for 50) by Vo Handmade / Drop of Juniper Clips ($20) by Which Goose / Vintage Two Ball Mason Lanterns ($18) by Whip On Wheels / Blue Vintage Bridesmaid Dress ($795) by Vintage Recreation Gowns / Garden Gate Locket ($64.50) by M Stevenson Design / Lovely Lavender Wreath ($50) by Blooming Couture /  Sylvia's Dress ($699) byYour Fairytale Wedding / Custom Wedding Direction Sign ($24) by Wooden Owl / Tree of Love Champagne ($48) by Day Dreem Designs /

Three Little Terrariums ($14.50) by Tortoise Loves Donkey / Oversized Postcards (6 for $9.75) at Anagram Press / Little Blue Birds Garter ($10) at Nutfield Weaver / 50 Circle of Love Bird Seed Favors ($99.95) at Nature's Favor / Turquoise and White Flower "sweet marie" ($37) by Rachelle D / Lulu's First Date Hair Comb ($22) by Little White Dresser /  Love Birds Garden Cake Topperv ($77) by Middleburg / Edible Butterflies (20 for $8.95) by Sugar Robot / Butterfly Place Setting Card (15 for $15) by Timeless Paper /

Mini Cactus/Succelent Place Holders (6 for $36) by April Hiler Designs / Gardner's Soap ($5) by Urban Eden / Hydrangea Flower Cluster Necklace ($1155) by Patrick Irla Jewelry / Victorian Inspired Delicate Linen Wrist Cuffs ($98) by Georgia Griego Fine Art

Inspiration Love

Why not use those symbols and colors all around you as inspiration for your wedding day? 

Heart carved into the rock at the ocean cliffs. 

Wedding Budget Worksheet

I just found an awesome downloadable worksheet that can help brides-to-be keep there budgets on track. Go to Real Simple to download your copy!

Inspiration Vintage Wedding

Image by Laura B Scott Photography

When Do I Book My Vendors? Pt3

A continuation on this weeks tip: Wedding Planning Timeline

Three Months 

* Finalize the flowers and the menu. (Season choices will help keep down the cost)

* Finalize your schedule. Make sure you know the timeline of your ceremony and reception.

* Now is a good time to send this timeline to your vendors. Giving them a preview of the schedule will allow them to suggest changes for a better flow.

* Make your list of all the people giving readings at the ceremony and speeches at the reception. 

* Print your programs and menus. (You can choose to make something simple on your home computer if this is not within your stationary budget.)

* Order or make your favors. This is where you can be creative. (See our latest DIY favors/placement cards art project)

* Have your second dress fitting. Purchase your undergarments. (Save the cut-off fabric from your dress! This can be used creatively as a wrap for your flowers or another decorative detail. IE a small bag.)

* Buy your rings! Doing this now will allow time for resizing.

Two Months

* Meet with your DJ/band. This is the time to review the playlist. Now remember, you cannot dictate every song that is played. But you can suggest nicely that the band or DJ pick up a few songs not in their normal playlist.

* Meet with your photographer. If you like, schedule a walk-thru and suggest locations for photographs.

* Touch base with all your vendors about the schedule. You can do this via a quick phone call, or schedule a lunch for them to all meet up at. 

* Submit your wedding announcement to the newspaper. (Check with the publication about the photograph used as some have strict rules about this)

* Send your invitations! Mailing your invitations now allows for guest to make travel arrangements if necessary.  Set your RSVP for roughly 3 weeks after the postmarked date.

* Enjoy your bachelorette party! Feel free to suggest this idea to your friends if they haven't mentioned it. They will want to celebrate your upcoming-big day too!

For other monthly planning tasks to help keep you on schedule:

 Sixteen to Nine Months

Eight Months

Seven to Six Months

Five to Four Months

Three Months

Two Months

Month Before

Week of Your Wedding

Wedding Inspiration of the Day: DIY Seating Place Cards

Spring is bloom! And the celebrate, here is a little bit of inspiration from Mother Nature!

This is a very easy DIY project! If you are not the crafty type - no worries! This is so easy!  You will only need to following supplies:

Hot Glue Gun (with glue sticks)

A pair of Paper Edging Scissors (approx. $2 ea)

12x12"  Scrapbooking paper ($.89 to $2 per sheet)

A few sheets of heavy weight printer paper 8.5x11"(I suggest buying an off-white or textured paper)

Fresh, dried or fake flowers (depending how far in advance you want to make these)

Roll on Tape  (roughly $3)

Box of Toothpicks (at any grocery store $.89)

Spanish Moss ($1.25 - $4 depending on quantity needed)

Small 2" flower pots (found on Ebay for $.99/ bulk also available)

A printer available for printing heavier weight papers

(Note most of these supplies can be purchased at www.createforless.com)

First Step: I designed a quick spread sheet using Microsoft Excel. Each column I made 2"Wx1.25"H.  I choose a font that I liked (or in your case matches you wedding theme/stationary.)  You can take the guest list information directly from your RSVP list so you know how many you will be making.  (Don't forget to select the option for 'Border-Type'  in your formatting palette so you have a cut-guide). Print on the heavy-weight  printer paper.  Ok so the hardest part is done!

Second Step: Use the edging scissors (available in all sorts of patterns), cut on the inside of your guide line. Then measure and cut the patterned paper (3"Wx 2.25"H). Use the roll-on tape to adhere the two pieces of paper together.

Third Step: Having your hot glue gun ready, use a small dab to glue the toothpick to the back of your paper. Rotate the toothpick in a circle so that the glue blob is all around the toothpick.

Fourth Step: Loosely stuff some of your spanish moss into your pot. If you are concerned about the moss staying in the pot, you can always place a little dab of hot glue into the sides of the pot near the bottom.

Fifth Step: Place your now dry card-on-toothpick into your pot.  And Whaalaah! you are done!

You can also choose to use live plants, succulents or fresh herbs instead of fake potted plants. And then your placement card becomes a favor to your guests as well!

If you have any questions about this DIY project or have ideas of your own you would like to share, please email me at ArtfulBride@gmail.com .

Time-Saving Tip: Wedding Vendors

Here is a little time-saving tip....

When it comes to booking your vendors, it is always a good idea to get as much general information & availability as you can. (whether it be via word-of-mouth, their website, email or a quick phone call.) This will help you determine who is in your price range and the services that are available through them. Once you have your selection narrowed down, choose 3 vendors from that category to meet face-to-face. (ie catering, music, stationary, cake, photography etc). This way the meetings will be about finding your favorite.  Who do you feel most comfortable with?  You will be dealing with your vendors, not just for one day, but during the weeks leading up to your event, and some vendors (ie video &  photography) after your big day for continued service.  So it is really important you feel comfortable with this person.

Happy hunting... I will continue to post more information on how to select your vendors, questions you should be asking them & general price range and service options throughout this blog.  I will also be interviewing established vendors for advice and tips to consider while planning.

When Do I Book My Vendors? Pt2

Seven to Six Months

* Begin to organize your wedding day timeline. For example, what time will the cake cutting be? (Don't forget to include when you expect your vendors to be on site.)

* This is the time you will want to select your invitation design & get your order out to the calligrapher.

* Mail out your Save-the-Dates.

* Meet with your officiant to map out the ceremony and organize all the official documents you will need. (This varies on the county and religion. A counseling session may also be required.)

* Book your florist.

* Time to get the girls together to shop for your bridesmaids gowns.

* Book your transportation for your day of. (limo or buses, classic cars, shuttles etc.)

* Book any additional necessities for your location. IE lighting components, portable toilets etc.

* Start Planning your honeymoon! You will find better deals available by booking airfare and hotels in advance.

Five to Four Months

* Check in on your wedding invitations. Request your samples & make any revisions necessary.

* Shop for your shoes and have your first dress fitt

ing. Don't forget to bring the shoes so the length of your gown can be determined.

* Time to order the cake! Test 3 different bakers. Be aware that some bakers require more of a lead time then others.

* Compile your song list to coordinate with the events of the day.

* Book your rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner plans.

* Find your hairdresser and makeup artist. Make a few appointments to try out a few on days when you have plans out. This will be a good test to see if the style lasts. And be sure to take a snapshot of the do & makeup for the wedding day.

* Plan out the goodies you will be including in your welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.

* Forward your guest list to your bridal shower planner.

For other monthly planning tasks to help keep you on schedule:

 Sixteen to Nine Months
Eight Months
Seven to Six Months
Five to Four Months

Three Months

Two Months

Month Before

Week of Your Wedding

How long should an engagement be?

The average couple in America is engaged for 16 months, according to ABC (Association of Bridal Consultants).  But whatever length of time you choose, the planning process is comprised of two major categories - the booking of vendors and the final coordination of the day & its details.  And there are pros and cons with a short engagement or a long one.

Long Engagement

The advantages of having a longer engagement (over a year) really only occur if you get a jump start on your planning. Having a longer engagement means you can basically have first pick of your favorite vendors, since many popular contractors are booked well in advance. And booking over a year in advance will also allow you to book the venues in the month that you and your fiance desire. Once your vendors are booked, you will have a nice stretch of time in the middle for non-wedding planning free time. You will also have more time to save for a few extras and custom details you may want to add.  That being said, you have more time to rethink your options and may end up spending more money to change previous decisions. 

Short Engagement

A short engagement also means a less time to plan.  The two parts, booking and organizing, become condensed into one timeframe. You will generally find yourself concentrated on the four different items that your guests will notice the most. This list includes, the wedding gown, food, entertainment and decorations. Many smaller customized details will be left out . (ie monogrammed hand towels - that honestly your guest won't remember anyway.) And since these extra details are generally left out, this will help save on your budget (or allow you to deligate that money to another area).  If you choose a shorter engagement, it is very important to write a detailed list of all the components that are most important to your wedding day. Start with the absolute must-haves and work your way down to the little extras. Be realistic on your timeframe & always overestimate the time it takes to have that task completed. IE Do you really have enough time to have a custom gown made? 

So whichever you & your fiance choose, remember to stick to your budget, be realistic on the time frame (by over estimating on both) Your engagement should be an exciting time and not a stressful one. So if finishing school exams collides with the wedding day then it may be best to push the date back. Or if you just can't wait to be married to your best friend - then go for it! And remember have fun!  

Inspiration in Blue and Yellow

When Do I Book My Vendors? Pt1

   I had the pleasure of a surprise visit this past weekend from some out-of-town friends.  And was delighted to hear that they have become engaged!  And being only engaged for a few days, they are truly at the beginning stage of their wedding day.  After chatting for some time, we came around to the topic of when should to book the vendors.  And then I thought - What a great topic for the blog!!  So many brides-to-be have no idea where to begin. This will after all be one of the biggest events you will ever plan. But not to worry! It's important to stay organized.  If you are not the 'organized type', do not fret! Thats why the Artful Bride is here!  Below is generally the order you should be prepared to book vendors and complete the tasks of planning. 

1.  Start with your budget! Decide how much is within your means.( For more info read here). Who is helping you with the bills? And by what means are they contributing? (financially, with their time and/or expertise)

2.  How much time do you have?  Do you want a short or long engagement? (Read more about the pros and cons to length of engagement here).

3.  How elaborate an event do you want? (guest number, attire style etc)

Ok so once the 3 big questions have been answered, you are ready to move on the the task of planning out your calendar. I am going to assume for all intents and purposes that you are planning with 16 months ahead of you. (Shorter engagements will obviously require condensing this time frame.)

Sixteen to Nine Months

* Start an inspiration binder! In hear you will place you tear outs of inspirations, whether it be color schemes, flowers, dress ideas, decorations, magazines and food.

* Work out the budget. Determine what you need, then what you want. Determine the amount of time it will take to achieve these details.

* Your guest list. This is a good time to write up a list with columns  that include name, contact info, rsvp, gift and anything else that is important.  And remember cutting down on your guest list will help you save the most money.

* Book your venue! This is when you will need to decide if your ceremony & reception will be in the same location.  Your schedule for the day needs to take into consideration the travel time between the locations. (remember if you are planning a city wedding to account for daily traffic.)

* This is also a great time to hire a planner.

* Choose your wedding party.

* Book your officiant

* Begin your research on photographers, bands, florists, and your caterer. (add these names to a vendor contact list once you begin to narrow them down)

* Throw your engagement party!

Eight Months

* Book your photographer & videographer.

* Book the entertainment

* Start meeting caterers if your location does not provide one. You will need to book this month or early next month. This is very important!

* Dress shopping! This way you have time for alterations & custom gown orders. (3 fittings is normal)

* Book hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. Choose 3 different hotels so guests have a choice of price point.

* Start your wedding website!  You can create your site for free using the Wedding Channel.

Ok so now you can begin your planning.  I will continue posting your monthly schedule information over a series this week so as not to overwhelm you. Links will be available below as they are posted.

Sixteen to Nine Months

Eight Months

Seven to Six Months

Five to Four Months

Three Months

Two Months

Month Before

Week of Your Wedding!

And Congrats again to Matt & Emily!!

Pretty in Pink

Pretty in Pink at the Hotel Del Coronado - Brittany & Jarrod's Wedding!

This destination wedding was like a pink fairytale. Everything was pink- the nail polish, pink ribbons, the bridesmaids gowns, the flowers, even the ties - love it!   They also picked just the right setting for their outdoor wedding- the Windsor Lawn at the famous Hotel Del on the island of Coronado- (only a bridge away from downtown San Diego.)   What better place to travel to from Arizona for perfect seaside weather for their guests to enjoy!

An abundant layer of pink rose petals really made this ceremony site rich with color as Brittany was escorted down the aisle.

 To help save on the budget, the bridesmaid created their own bouquets of pink roses and black lilies wrapped with 2" pink ribbons. To help and keep their guest cool - pink fold-out fans. (available at online stores such as SaveOnCrafts.com or for those crafty brides, you can DIY with instructions from Better Homes & Gardens).  And to signify their union, Brittany &  Jarrod chose a long standing traditional of the dove release. (Click here to read more about the meaning behind the tradition - Dove Release).

Brittany & Jarrod (affectionately known as Barbie & Ken by some of their friends) were so happy! Everything turned out beautifully. As special treats to their guest, they included a candy bar of pink.  And flip-flips were available for those with fancy shoes who wanted to bust some moves on the dance floor, or just wander to the beach for some sea air.

A yummy chocolate groom's cake and a sweet white cake with pink roses for the couple to share. With candle-light and a classic Hotel Del chandelier, soft pinks lights and plenty of guests on the dance floor- what a reception!

Ceremony & Reception were held at the Hotel Del Coronado / Wedding Coordination by Nahid of Wedding Elegance /  Photography by Laura B Scott Photography

Cake Inspirations

Graphic Cakes