Inspiration : Safari Reception

For this week's Safari Inspiration, I found a few outdoor ideas to help with planning this theme:

Images courtesy of Bride.net

Click for more ideas on Planning a Safari Themed Wedding.

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

Planning A Destination Wedding

Deciding to plan your wedding in a foreign location can be a really fun way to celebrate your special day. But where do you begin? Here are a few simple tips to help you get started.


Regulations
  OK I know this is starting off with the nitty-gritty.  But this is all something that will need to be considered when planning and budgeting for a destination wedding. So here goes, let's get this out of the way. Every state/country/island has their own requirements and licenses that are necessary to be legitimately married there. To check out some of the latest regulations at your destination of choice visit LoveTripper.com  And be sure to follow up to determine if there is additional red tape once you are back in your home state/country that will need to be taken care of. (ie blood work tests & additional costs/fees) 


Weather
  Make sure you check the seasonal weather in the month you are planning to be wed.  You don't want to spend months planning your event only to have to deal with weather issues like hurricanes or extraordinary heat/cold. 
  Check out the local events. Make sure it's not spring break season as flights and hotels will be more expensive. 


Visit the Location
  As romantic as a destination wedding sounds, its always a good idea to add to your budget a plan to visit the location ahead of time. You don't want to show up a few days before your wedding with 50 guests in tow only to find that the photo on the resort's website is outdated or your dreamy resort is partly under construction.
   It is also a good idea to consider using a local event coordinator. They will be able to refer you to local vendors with whom they have worked with before and know how to get special deals for you and your guests on food and hotel. If they are familiar with working with out of towners (which should be one of your requirements) then all the better. They should be familiar with local customs, and speak both english and the local language. 
   When visiting, plan to meet with as many vendors as possible. It's always a good idea to see them face-to-face. You will feel better knowing who they are ahead of your big day. 


Budget
  Decide how much you and your fiance will be spending on your wedding. Stick to your budget. If you are spending more in one area, know that you will need to spend less in another area. Destination weddings are a great way to help trim your guest list and keep the budget in check. Just don't forget to pad the amount and add room for incidentals (forgotten tooth brush etc). Don't forget to ask about additional fees the hotel may have (ie transportation fees and departure taxes.) Check out special deals for dining and consider using local markets for picnic lunches and local restaurants not on the resort. (also be aware of the safety of the area. Some locales although beautiful at the resort are not safe for travel beyond.)
   Whenever possible, always use a credit card when traveling international. Credit cards shop for the best currency rates and can help save you money. And speaking of money - having all your money cash leaves too many opportunities for theft to occur. Credit cards, if lost or stolen can be replaced. 


Your Stuff
   Don't forget when planning everything out, that you will have to bring it all with you. So consider shipping some items ahead of you or buying things local. Special linens and paper goods that are nicer then the standard stock white linens the hotel offers can be easily shipped back and forth.
  Very important items like your dress, shoes and jewelry should be in your carry-on, to be sure of it's arrival. Having to replace your dress three days before your wedding day will cause more stress then having to forego fancy table linens. 


Guest List
  When planning your guest list, try to keep it simple.  You can't assume that because your wedding is far away that your guests will not come. Choosing a really great location is enticing for many guests to want to go so don't be surprised if they all show up.  (Plan on at least 70 percent to be coming).


Save-the-Date
  Mailing out your Save-the-Date cards six months in advance is a great idea. This will give your guests a chance to plan ahead their vacation time,  search out good deals & begin to budget for the trip.  


Who Pays
  Typically guests should expect to pay for their own travel expenses. But to help out your guests, pricing out airfare and hotel should be researched ahead of time for them to give an idea of what they could be spending.  Many hotels will allow for special rates if there is a chance they can book a block of rooms out. Call ahead to see if any of the local hotels can give you and your guests a deal. (Can't get the deal if you don't ask.) It's also a good idea to search out 3 different price points for your guests to choose from.  Be sure to check on the transportation arrangements. (IE if the hotel offers pick ups at the airport to hotel.)
  Also consider hiring a travel consultant if you are concerned with the logistics and finding great rates. (especially if you have guests traveling from different parts of the world.)
  While the guests are paying for their own travel arrangements, it is expected for the bride & groom to pay for tab for food and beverages. Having your wedding at an all-inclusive resort can help with the cost. 


Rehearsal Dinner  Questions
  Now normally, your entire wedding party is invited to your rehearsal dinner, but do you have to invite everyone else? In a destination wedding situation, it is proper etiquette to invite all your guests since they have traveled far to see you. This will have to be included in your budget if planning this.  But in the end, if this is not realistic for your budget, simply just invite the wedding party and your closest family to the dinner. But extending and invitation for cocktails after the dinner is a great way to keep your guests included and show your appreciation for coming.

Showers & Gifts 
  Inviting guests to your shower and not your wedding is considered very poor etiquette. But the exception to the rule is the destination wedding. Just be sure that the person planning the event/shower politely informs your guests that the actual wedding is a very intimate affair and only a small number of people will be attending. 
  When planning your gift registration, be sure to leave out that information in your invitations. Instead assign a family member or someone in the bridal party to help spread the word. Also know that guests may not want to bring the glassware they bought all the way to another country and worry about how you will get it back.  Expect to receive gifts delivered to your home instead. 


Special Thanks
  Make sure to show your guests how much you appreciate them travelling and giving up vacation time to be at your wedding day. It's always a good idea to have a special party favor that they can cherish.  Also if everyone is staying at the same hotel, arranging a special gift basket at the front desk at check-in is a great way to start off their trip! Creating a themed welcome basket to have in their rooms for arrival including maps, coupons and  a list of local activities available will get things started off for an event they will never forget!


Have fun!
   Things may not all go exactly as planned. Things can happen. But staying positive and having a great energy will allow your guests to do the same. The wedding day is about you and your fiance and not the color of the flowers or the appetizer that wasn't quite what you ordered.  Just roll with it. You will be laughing about that on the plane ride home.

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!

Simple Elegance with Vintage Charm : Free People

I just received the latest Free People catalog in the mail today. Thought I would share some vintage inspired dresses with you.

Cassablanca Dress at Free People ($248)

Lacey Insets Dress at Free People ($148)

 Merrie Gossamer Slip ($88) at Free People

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