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

Inspiration Homemade

I read an interesting book recently that got me thinking about home and all the comforts that 'home' brings to mind. And what better way to make a place feel like home then some homemade cookies. 

I look forward to posting some new DIY projects and some other 'homey' inspired wedding ideas this week. Happy Monday!

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 .

Backyard Wedding Themes

Ok so you have decided you want to have a backyard wedding. What is your personal style? (and by 'your' I mean you and your fiance). Here are a few theme ideas to help get you started.

Barbecue

   This theme tends to be more laid back. Your guests will definitely look forward to this event for a more casual style.  Hiring an all-in-one caterer to handle the event will help make it run smoothly. Decorations ideas include tiki torches, edible treats and hot sauces, table clothes.  Food can include anything barbecued - even chili, & other picnic foods. Read here some helpful tips on planning your inexpensive bbq theme. 

Tea Party

   Having a tea party theme will give the feeling of a very intimate event. When decorating think: teapots, wildflowers, danty plates and pretty linens, soft colors, candles, lace, ribbons and handkerchiefs.   And of course tea & cookies & cupcakes! Serve sandwiches and other scrumptious finger foods. 

   Sites such as the Tea Pot Shoppe can help you find these items. And if you love the garage sale scene - you may be able to pick up a few great used items for a fraction of the cost. 

Nature

  This theme is an obvious one for an outdoor event. But making sure you have plenty of plants may add to your budget if you don't already have this available. On the plus side you can choose any colors you like. Using paper lanterns is a great way to light (although make sure you have enough so guests aren't tripping on their way in and out.) Other decorations include flower petals, flower vases, watering cans, and plantable seed party favors. 


Hawaiian Luau
  Similar to the bbq theme, this is a great way to have a casual celebration. Guests should wear flip-flops & shorts with hawaiian shirts and sundresses. Decorations include flower leis, tiki torches, orchids and tropical flowers, surf boards, sand & island music. This is a great way to bring the tropics to you, if you don't have the budget to plan a destination wedding.

Additional Backyard Ideas:

 Check out a few links I came across in my internet travels to help get you inspired:
Cate & Ben's Vintage Inspired Backyard Wedding
Southern Affair
Beyond the Backyard


As with all outdoor events, be prepared for a backup plan incase weather presents an issue. You may want to add tent rental into your budget as well as sunscreen, big spray and citronella candles. 

Backyard Wedding Tips

   A backyard wedding you say? Whether you are trying to save on your budget, looking for an earth-friendly place to have your wedding or just have a really great backyard (or a friend's that you can use), having a backyard wedding can be a more intimate place to hold your ceremony. So here are a few tips to help you out in your decision.


Consider the Space
   Your backyard may be a fantastic backdrop, out there are limitations to the number of guests you can have. May sure this plan is realistic for the space you have. There will need to be plenty of room for chairs and tables. And a spot for dancing, if you choose. Also consider how many bathrooms are available to accommodate everyone.


Equipment 
   Stuff. Yes you will need to consider all the stuff that you will need for your wedding. I'm not talking about the dress and cake. You will need to budget for rental of chairs and tables, linens and buffet tables and a sound system.  Factor in these costs before you start to plan. You will also need to consider electricity and accessibility to it. You may also need a generator. So after all these items are factored in - it may be cheaper to book someplace else that can provide all this.


Food and Drinks
   Handling food and drinks can often be a cost-saving. But many couples will find a day that goes much smoother if they hire a caterer to handle all the food preparation, service and clean up. 


Weather
   Your backyard may be filled with awesome flowers in the spring, but does it rain often that time of year? Weather is always a factor to consider when planning an outdoor event. Make sure you have a backup plan just in case Mother Nature has a different idea. (I have been to a few weddings when there was no Plan B. And finding a tent big enough in the 11th hour for 100 guests was impossible. - I was left standing in the rain with a kind guest holding an umbrella so I could get some good images.)  And I know it sounds funny - but be careful of the sun. You want to be sure that the sun isn't going to blind your wedding guests or you while you are saying your 'I do's'.  Offering your guests sunscreen and paper umbrellas are a great way to help protect your guests and add a little style at the same time.

Pets and Pests
  If you are planning a wedding at your home, it's important to consider your furry friends and what all this commotion will do to them. If they are people lovers and good with guests and the social scene, then having them at your party is up to you. If, however, they are not, it may be a good idea to make arrangements for a quieter place for them to hang for the day. Also if your four-legged friends are staying - don't forget to have someone feed & walk them at their usual time. This will help keep them on some type of schedule and lessen the chance for unwanted accidents or misbehavior. (You may also want to consider your neighbors pets. The last thing you want is your neighbors dog howling during your wedding vows. See 'Permission below'.)
  Be aware. Often outdoors equals bugs. Make sure you have considered this in your plans. You may want to have citronella candles and bug spray on hand if necessary.


Permission
   You should also check with your local government or complex association to make sure there won't be any issues with noise ordinances and parking. The last thing you want is the neighbors calling the cops on your party. Speaking of which,  it would be a great idea to let your neighbors know what you are planning.  You can even invite them over for a drink at the reception as a nice gesture.


Clean Up
  Yes, having a party at your house means that you or someone you designate will have to clean up the mess.  Often if you have rented your equipment, the service company will provide delivery/pick up (make sure you know that up front.) And caterers should also be in charge of cleaning up after their service. But don't forget all the little things that will need to be done once those big items are gone. Someone will need to be in charge of all the miscellaneous cleaning before (including lawn maintenance) and after the wedding. So unless you want to do it yourself or have a trusted friend, you may want to consider adding a cleaning service to your budget.


I love outdoor weddings!  Happy planning! Need some inspirations?Here are a few other articles to help:
Wedding Budget Worksheet
Garden Themed Wedding on Etsy.com
Inspiration: Garden Theme Cake
Real Wedding: Beth & Joe's DIY Wedding