BHLDN

   I know some of you may not share my enthusiasm for the opening of Anthropologie's new wedding shop store - but I just can't help myself! It is everything one loves about Anthro but now geared towards weddings! Check it out for yourself!

Tiered Tulip Gown $2400 / Agave peep-toes $350 / Feather Bolero $350 / Ghost Orchid Comb $230 / Tussled Necklace $400

Floral Art Work Dress $1800 / Valenciennes Dress $350 / Ribbon Silk Gown $1600

Feathered Petals Headband $100 /Festooned Shoe Clips $80 / Velvet Cocktail Hat $495 with Rosemund Boloer $150 / Bow-topped Slingbacks $310

Is it True???

Rumor is that has finally decided to listen to the pleas of it's faithful shoppers & is now going to begin selling wedding gowns!!!?? I heart Anthro since the first time I ever walked through their doors in Philadelphia. Rumor is their announcement will be made February 14th 2011! I will be sure to keep you all posted!!!

Sneak Peek available on 100layercake.com !!!

The 52 Colors of Weddings Project : Apple Green

Have you heard of the 365 project?  It seems to be the buzz around the web lately. Many photographers have started a motivational project for themselves to take a photo each day of the year. This is a great way to document your year. And although I am a photographer & love what I do,  I tend to take a lot of photographs in one day but not every day.  But I have been inspired by a fellow blogger, Brandi Girl to create a less ambitious version of this and apply it to the Artful Bride Blog. Let's call it the 52 Colors of Weddings.  Every week I will choose a new color to share with you. 

 52 Colors of Weddings : Week 1 - Apple Green!!

So I am going to start the week off by sharing some great Apple Green etsy.com finds:

Dyed Green Peacock Feather Clip ($25) by LovMely / Fabric Flower & Wheat Boutonniere ($12) by Pixel and Hank / Flora Verde silk-lined clutch bag ($85) by Red Ruby Rose / Spring in Bloom Poms ($9 set) by My Silly Bear / Tulle Pom Party Picks ($10/10) by Shortcake Party Picks / Satin Flowers ($6.50/12) by Milky Supplies.

Green & Polka Dot Flask ($18.50) by Kryan2Designs / Modern Initials Wedding Invitation ($4.50) by Paper and Pinafore / Apple Tart Green Orchid Hair Clip ($7) by Ms Formaldehyde / Hand Dyed Shawl Scarf ($15) at Nits Creations / Apple Ribbon & pearl Necklace ($25) by Carlena Designs / Custom Groomsman Ties ($108/4) by Toy Breaker / Begonia Candle Holder ($16) by LaBella Candela /

Reception Table Cards ($3.25) by A La Mode Bride.

Bridesmaid Gift Idea

You have chosen you best friends to play a special role in your wedding day as your bridesmaids. For all their dress consulting, flower choosing, enveloping licking and bridezilla melt down moment comforting. - and (wink wink) bachelorette party planning - you want to give them something special without completely breaking the budget. Every girl loves a new handbag! So I found a fantastic solution via Davie and Chiyo on etsy. They make lovely dupioni silk clutch bags that are customizable. And better yet - they offer a packages just for your wedding.

Since every bag doesn't need to look the same, there won't be any question as to whose bag is whose. I really love this idea. Want to get to know this designer better - check out their blog.

Don't have a budget yet? Here is more information on how to plan your budget and get a budget worksheet via realsimple.com. to get you started.

Recycled Bride Reveals 2011 Hottest Sustainable Wedding Trends

Recently I received an email from Recycled Bride with 2011's hottest sustainable wedding day trends. I thought I would copy and paste these ideas into this post to help get the creative juices flowing on how to craft them into your own plans.

1. Diamonds are no longer a girl's best friend: Inspired by the sapphire ring that Prince William gave to Kate Middleton, alternative gemstones are all the rage for engagements in 2011. Brides will express their individual style and avoid conflict diamonds, with rings made of colored stones like sapphire, emerald and rubies with diamond alternatives like moissonite and synthetic diamonds. Another alternative to staying eco-friendly is to buy and shop local.

See AB's past article on eco-wedding rings.

2. Chalkboard chic: Stylish slate signs will take the place of paper wedding programs, seating cards, and menus. Chalkboard signs can be made to look elegant and fancy or sweet and rustic, and can be created inexpensively at home using scavenged picture frames, chalkboard paint, and a little creativity. Reducing paper waste at your wedding never looked so stylish!

3. Weddings go local: Farmer's market menus and locally sourced favors and gifts are hip as can be this year. By doing their wedding shopping locally, couples minimize their carbon footprint, support their local economy, and delight guests with unique details they won't find elsewhere.

4. The "Staycation-moon": The popular staycation trend meets the honeymoon as couples skip the expense and carbon footprint associated with honeymoon travel in favor of romantic hometown adventures. Picture a week of museum visits, local theater and sporting events, park picnics, bucket-list adventures, and romantic dining -- no luggage required! Staycation not for you? Check out this mini blog post on green hotels.

5. Intimate weddings: Weddings with small guest lists create less waste, offer more warmth, and give couples tons of flexibility when choosing a location. Intimate wedding celebrations range from elegant multi-course dinners in hotel penthouses to backyard barbecues featuring local bands and brews.

A backyard wedding may not sound appealing to those of you who live in the city (or just don't have much of a backyard). But there are other options (maybe a friend outside the city?)  Check out a past articles on backyard wedding tips and backyard wedding themes to help get you inspired to think outside the box.

6. Cocktail wedding dresses: Short wedding dresses are all the rage, and just about every major bridal designer has debuted a knee-length collection for 2011. A cocktail-length dress can be worn again, and many are just as formal and elegant as a long gown. Look for tons of short and sweet styles for sale on Recycled Brideright now.  Dress makers on etsy also offer an array of different tea length dresses. Check out this past article on Vintage Inspired Dresses under $700.

7. Paperless Invitations: Electronic wedding communication is easier and prettier than ever, with companies like Glo offering stunning, interactive online save-the-dates, reply cards, invitations, and more. E-mail invites are less expensive than paper and help to reduce wedding waste. 

I have a hard time with this trend. I am a big fan of all things paper. And something about receiving an invitation via email just isn't the same as getting a pretty invitation in the mail. (Let's face it - who doesn't like opening something that isn't a bill from the mail)  So if you are like me, there are alternatives to the evite.  Check out this past article on invitation company, Foosie Designs.  (or go directly to her shop on etsy or website for more info. And please note she is currently having a sale on all wedding items right now on her site!! )

8. Greener Gifting: Registries have gone green, with tons of new options for brides and grooms who want to receive ethically-made gifts and support the sustainable economy. Two of our faves are the Green Bride Guide Shop and The Knot's Gift Registry 360, which lets couples create one centralized registry with products from any online retailer they choose. And green donation gifts, like Bluebell Giving Cards, will be popular as both wedding presents and guest favors. 

9. Face Forward: Long veils are sitting on the sidelines this year, as brides forgo them in favor of birdcage styles and unique hair accessories that can be worn again. Expect to see 2011's brides in headbands, vintage hair clips, flowers, and chic tiaras.

This is actually a continuing trend from 2010. Check out this past Artful Bride article including some lovely veil options on Wedding Veils & Hair Accessories from several shops. 

10. Flexitarian Feasts: Another trend inspired by Chelsea Clinton's veggie-conscious wedding is reducing the amount of meat on the menu. This year, more couples will offer vegetable- and grain-based meal options for their guests in an effort to save money and save the Earth.

11. Wedding Recycling: More brides, grooms, bridesmaids and guests than ever are shopping and selling on sites like RecycledBride.com. Smart users enjoy the financial, environmental, and social benefits of wedding recycling, and discover the joy of sharing, saving, and passing on treasured wedding items to other happy couples.

  

If you have more ideas on wedding trends for 2011, we would love to hear about it!  Send us an email artfulbride@gmail.com

Kicking off the New Year!! ( Better late then never!)

HI everyone!! I know I know it's been almost forever since I added anything new to the blog. I relocated across country in the fall, then the holidays & destination weddings. It was just too much to keep up with so I had to take a break from a few projects. But I am back & in full swing with some great new wedding ideas, projects & advice. I would love to begin new sections "Real Weddings" & "Real Engagements". So email me artfulbride@gmail.com for more info on submissions. And if you have bridal questions, advice, crafty projects or just info you want to share - send it in. I am always looking for new ideas to share with everyone.

Let the blogging begin!!

DIY Banners via My DIY Wedding Day

 I found this easy DIY project today on My DIY Wedding Day:

"  Tie a 12-inch piece of ribbon to the top of each letter so that it hangs secure and straight. Attach each of those ribbons to a super long rope between two trees or posts outdoors. Twist a string of large Christmas lights to the rope so that sparkles of light are in between some of your hanging letters.

   This serves as a great backdrop to both celebrate your day and to eliminate confusion when everyone's looking through their summer wedding photos -- they'll know exactly which ones were from your gorgeous outdoor reception! (Another way to use these without making them the focus of your decor: hang them at the entrance, where your welcome sign would be!"

  Sounds easy enough right?

   But with all the things you need to get done for your wedding day, you may feel overwhelmed and that you are running out of time to get it all done.  But you want your wedding day to feel more personal and filled with handmade items. Hmm ... Don't be afraid to depend on other artisans out there to get the job done.  Here are some etsy artists that may be the key to helping you get it all done right

Personalized Banner $15 at Earmark / Pom Poms set of 15 ($52.50) at My Silly Bear / Burlap Banner $10 at Funky Shique / Just Engaged Banner $25 at H Lea 100 / Chair Banners ($20) at Funky Shique / Be Mine ($17) at Bekah Jennings.

Old Hollywood finds on Etsy

Every Wednesday I post a selection of some favorite etsy.com finds. This week's selection is inspired by that classic old Hollywood feel.

Teardrop Earrings ($64) on Luxe Deluxe / Ivory Wedding Sash ($98) by Twisted Crystal / Mantilla Floor Length Veil ($225) by Rohm.

Birdcage Veil on He Knows My Name / Custom Lave Corset ($375) by Rohm / Bronwyn Dress Sash ($164) by Pish Poshes.

Victorian Beaded Purse ($80) on Miss Antebellum / Ivory Faux Fur ($40) by Alex Bridal / Rhinestone Headpiece  ($96) on Feather & Frills / Swarovski Pearl bracelet ($72) on Luxe Deluxe / Pearl Rhinestone Necklace ($100) on Tissage. 

Let's Eat Cake!

   Let's eat cake! And what pretty artful cakes they are! This seems to be the right kind of inspiration to get anyone through the mid-week slump. Cake artist, Maggie Austin from Maggie Austin Cakes, is located in Washington DC. And while she cannot ship these lovely creations, she does make wonderful little sugar cookies that she can.  You have to admire the details in the sugar flowers above.  Almost too pretty to eat - Almost!

For more cake inspirations:

Cake Inspirations via the Knot

Homemade Cake via the Kitchn

Graphic Cakes

Beach Cakes

Daily Inspiration: Cake

DIY Aisle Flowers

   Nothing but a simple DIY flower aisle vase to get the ideas flowing about how to save on your wedding day decorations.  This fabric cover flower vase by Ashley Meaders  is so simple to put together.

Supplies Needed:

Bygel IKEA container

Spray Mount

Fabric 

Twine and/or ribbon

Scissors

Flowers 

   1. Cut fabric 14"x19"

   2. Spray outside the container & rim

   3. Tightly wrap fabric against the container and smooth out air bubbles. Tuck the fabric 

       around the top of the container. Cut any excess fabric in the back making a smooth line.

   4. Add twine/ribbon around the back of the container.

   5. Add your flower arrangement.

For detailed instructions, visit the  original post from OnceWed.com 

Tuesday Fun!

Happy Tuesday Everyone!  The weeks have been flying by and I can't believe it's time for Fall already?! Back to school and back to daily grind from an extended weekend.

So what better way to start the week than with- Shoes!

Harriet Wilde 'Molly / Nina 'Electra' $93 / Naughty Monkey 'Emerald City' $70 / Benjamin Adams 'Charlize' $399 / Nina 'Ravine' $100 / 'Badgley Mischka 'Frank' $189 / Nina 'Neva' $100 / Nina 'Aldena' $90

DIY Bridal Bouquet

  One great way to save some money with your wedding day plans, is to make your own bouquets. Buying wholesale flowers, and of course flowers in season help. And if you have never made a floral arrangement in your life - I found a great blog post on etsy.com. Brookelynn Morris staff writer for Craftzine offers tips to help design your own arrangement with ease.

Materials Needed:

Flowers

Large clippers

Floral Scissors

28 gauge floral wire

Wire cutters

Floral tape

Rubber bands

3-4 yards of lace and ribbon

Decorative straight pins

   For those new to the art of floral arrangements, I recommend practicing these steps & playing around with your color palette ahead of time. You can usually find little deals at your local farmers market on in-season flowers. And just think, practicing only equals lovely little arrangements around your home.
   For the detailed step-by step process, please visit etsy's original post. 

  For more money saving wedding tips:
Cost of A Wedding

Budget Saving Tip: Bridal Gown
Budget Worksheet
Wedding Budget
Money Saving Tip: Alcohol

Three Great Pom-Pom DIY Ideas

   Lately it seems that DIY pom pom decorations are popping up all over the web. I remember making tissue paper flowers and pom poms when I was about 6 years old.  I never would have thought they would make such a great and less expensive way to decorate an event. But they add a very cheerful and festive vibe to the room. And the best thing is, they can be made into whatever color suites your theme.   That being said I thought I should share with you a couple of my favorite links to Do-It-Yourself Pompom projects.

   First up might be my favorite: Fabric Pom-Poms via the Once Wed Blog. This may run you a little more expensive then the tissue paper poms. To cut cost, think resusable items. If you have left over fabric you can use from previous projects - go for it. You can also shop the sale section at your local fabric store for deals.

This project is simple enough that anyone who knows how to use a glue gun can do it. To view the full instruction sheet, click here!

  Second is of course, the queenof do-it-yourself, Martha Stewart's Dahlia Pom-Poms.  This project is very easy that I think even the 6 year-old-me could handle this.

   Cutting the tips of the paper, gives it the feeling of dahlia petals.  So if this is your style or you are just looking to try an easy rainy afternoon project - click here for detailed directions!

   And lastly, the impending fall-winter wardrobe change over that will occur too soon - has inspired me to post this pom-pom creation via Ruffled Blog- the Pom Pom Bouquet!  This is a great alternative to using real flowers. And it may be just the thing to add to your fall or winter wedding.

  But as you can see, this project is not for the lazy Do-it-yourselfer. There are some supplies you will need to purchase in order to pull this off.   But the results would be so unique.  For instructions on this project, visit Ruffled's original posting.
  I'm even thinking that you could add a few vintage broach pieces to this bouquet for a little bling.

Etsy Shop, Lorelie Kay Design Vintage Broach mixed media, ($12)  

Purple Accessories on Etsy.com

   Planning a lavender or deep purple event? Check out some of these handmade accessory finds!

Purple Feather Flower Shoe Clips ($38) by Cloe & Maddie / Crochet Flower Clips / Convertible Infinity Wrap Dress ($98) by Erin Leah Heart / Rosettes Clip ($48) at Dame Chics / Aqua & Purple Earrings ($25) at Ocean Hue  / Resin Rose Ring.

Soft Cowl Dress ($98) at Linola / Silk Dupionni Belt ($88) at Percy Handmade / Lilac Swarovsky Crystal earrings (($25) at Jenuine Jewels / Dream Flower clip ($28) at Twisted Crystals /  Zen Invitation ($40 for 20) at Tucci Paper Company.

Berlin Freshwater Bracelet ($38) at The Peach Tree / Twisted Love Bird Invitation ($3.95) at Meantime Designs / Eliza Garter ($78) by LaBoheme / Purple Corsage Dress ($60) at Worldland / Winter Garden Purple Clutch ($70) at Angee W / Floral Art Locket ($31)

L.O.V.E. it! - Lemon Lace Studio

I came across this lovely number by recent fashion graduate- Paulea from Missouri.  This is the perfect dress for a more casual tea party wedding or as a second dress for your outdoor reception. -

($495)

To see more of Lemon Lace Studio's online shop - click here!


For more wedding dress inspirations:
Safari Wedding Dress inspirations
Inspiration: BCBG
Inspiration: Wedding Dress

Useful Information about Your Dress:
Questions to Ask Your Dressmaker!
Eco-friendly: Preowned Wedding Dresses

More Lovely Nordstrom Finds

   So after that lovely Tadashi Shoji Strapless number from the other day, I went back to Nordstrom's online shop in search of some bangles to match. I found the bangles and then some. Check out these fantastic accessories (most under $100). And of course I had to throw in that cute little cocktail number. (Maybe a second dress for the reception? hmm...) 

BCBG Maxazria Strapless Dress ($288) / Sequin Beaded Bow Necklace ($175) / Lauren Jones Ava Sandal ($105) Nadro Crystal Bangle ($48) /  Betsey Johnson Garter  ($18) / L Erickson Hair Comb ($28) / Nordstrom Circle Ring ($98) /  Nadri Cubic Zirconia Earrings ($38) / Tasha Birdcage Veil Clip ($52)

   I was visiting one of my new favorite blogs, Cherry Blossom Girl a few days ago and had to share her post on Maria Lucia Hohan's Atelier. These are some images from her showroom Her dresses are everything a girly girl wants and more. I think I want to move to Europe just so I can visit her boutique everyday.

Love Letters via Eat Drink Chic

I was exploring the wedding/art blog world and found these sweet little DIY Love Notes from Once Wed Blog via Eat Drink Chic Blog ... 

"This DIY includes styling and presentation ideas for ‘Message in a Bottle’ guest favors with a twist. Enclosed is a little scroll that not only contains a message to your guests but also some extra blank notepaper so that they can write a little message back to the bride and groom and drop it in a jar labeled “Love Letters” incorporated in the centerpiece design of each table..."

- Amy of Eat Drink Chic

I thought I would share this DIY project with my crafty wedding enthusiasts out there. For instructions: Click here! (This will redirect you to the original post on Once Wed)

For More Do-It-Yourself wedding & party projects: 

DIY Wedding Shoes

Center Piece Kits

Martha Stewart Big Bloom

Vintage on Etsy.com

   It's Wednesday! And that means it is time to share with you my weekly etsy.com finds. I love to support the handmade arts. But I have spent the last few weeks, during my blog break, cleaning out old boxes and looking through old art projects.  I even had a Yart Sale (yard + art = yart) to try and sell my old art to make room for new projects. All this got me thinking about the phrase "one man's junk is another man's treasure".  Nowadays we refer to this as recycle/ reusable items. So here we are - Vintage Finds from Etsy.com sellers for you. These vintage finds can all be used on your wedding day. From a pocket watch for your groom to a vintage chalk board for a sign; a white satin pocket book to a 1960's casual crocheted white summer dress each an item to add to your classic-vintage inspired wedding.

White Ball Clasp Clutch ($5) at Lea's Vintage / Time Flies brass packet watch ($35) at Ring Ring Ring /  Vintage 1950's Princess Jewelry Box ($46) at Mod Human / XL Vintage Frame Chalkboard ($116) at Blue Bell Bazaar / 3pc Bronze Heart Key Charms ($3.25) at DIY Closet .

Vintage White Lace Trim ($5.75) at Little Red Mercantile /   Fantasy Shoes ($250) Everlastinglifashion / Flower Girl Basket ($40) by Bragging Bags / Vintage 1960's Crochet Dress ($124) at 13 Bees / Embroidery hoop chalkboard ($35) at Bliss in a Tea Cup / 1980's Vintage Party Dress ($32) at Decade's.

Check out other etsy.com finds (even if just for inspiration) from past postings:

Garden Themed Wedding 

Rock and Roll Brides

Crafty Finds

Wedding White

Eco-Friendly Weddings

Sadie Olive Vintage Item Website