Are do-it-yourself (DIY) wedding projects on your to-do list? If you are like most brides (including me) you have grandiose plans for DIY invitations, decor, etc.
Now there’s a great local resource! In addition to amazing floral design, Rhonda Patton Weddings also empowers DIY brides (via her blog) with a wedding decor “how-to” guide. These tips will help you create fab on your own.
Word to the wise - start these projects way early as most brides realize towards the end that they don’t have any time to spare and many wonderful ideas never make it to the big day. Be realistic. If you can’t do it all (which you should never attempt) hire a Nashville wedding professional like Rhonda Patton Weddings to make your sweet dreams come true!
Rhonda Patton Weddings - Candy Bar DIY
Why are brides craving “candy bars/buffets” at their reception? I thought this trend was slowly moving passed Nashville brides. But, I have several brides this year who are incorporating candy bars at their reception. The candy bar will be a substitute for wedding favors and is probably a less expensive alternative. Last year, I witnessed the love of candy from both kids and adults. They can add fun and a splash of color to your wedding. However, if presented poorly, candy bars can be “cheesy”. Remember, it’s all in the presentation.
Here’s the “scoop” on candy bars:
COLOR PALETTE
1. The candy should represent the wedding/reception color palette. Non-wrapped candies work best.
(This candy buffet is a classic. The layered M&M’s make a great focal point.What makes this bar elegant is the black and white color palette.)
VASE SIZE
2. Use large, wide mouth glass containers so the candy is easy to scoop. Use vases that vary in height and shape. Staggering heights make the bar look unique.
(This bar is beautiful; a nice conglomerate of pinks and chocolates and a little bit of bling can go a long way.The wide mouth glass goblet makes scooping easy and the staggered height makes this bar one of a kind.Don’t forget to personalize your bar.A picture of the bride and groom, custom labels for the containers and bags makes a candy station to remember.)
3. Don’t use the containers with the glass suction tops. They are hard to remove and often get broken. I recommend not having tops at all.
(This candy bar is bitter sweet.Thumbs up - varied textured candies and the multiple shades of green.Thumbs down - lack of decorative elements to fight the overpowering white linen.I recommend raising the back containers by use of risers or phone books placed under the linens.Also, I would do away with the container lids as they make it difficult for guest to sample the candy.I would use satin linens or a colored organza to soften the blow of white linens.)
SCOOPS
4. Don’t forget the scoops. Ice cream scoops work well for jelly beans, M&M’s or other small candies but small candy scoops will certainly do the trick.
5. Have one scoop per container.
6. As an option, neatly label your container, either on the container or beside the container. Your guest like to know what they are sampling.
(This bold bar has all the elements from a jewel tone color palette, staggering heights, wide mouth containers to photo labels.The photo labels are attached with colorful grosgrain ribbon.An easy DIY for any bride!)
7. Using a round table works well because your guest can mingle around the table.
(This bar is colorful although a little cluttered.The round table leaves plenty of wiggle room.The colors are a nice representation of the wedding color palette.Green satin linens with pink ribbon draped in between the containers with colorful napkins all make great decorative elements.The sprouting twizzlers are a nice twist.)
8. Don’t forget the carry away pails or small baggies for the candy.
TABLE DECOR
9. Decorate your table with other elements (IE., organza fabric, crystals, flowers, a picture of the bride and groom, etc) If the area will be dim, place Christmas lights under the organza fabric for romantic shimmer.
CANDY SELECTION
10. Make sure you have a sensible amount of candy on the table. Too much candy will clutter the table and too little candy will make the table look bare.
11. Search the candy aisle for the perfect candy. Look for interesting shapes, textures, flavors, etc.
(Oversize champagne glasses are a nice addition for this layered effect.Layered jelly beans sure makes this bar look yummy.)
12. Search the Internet for nostalgic candies.
(If looking for a neat sample station with a pop, try gourmet popcorn in glass containers.From caramel to cheddar cheese this one is sure to please.)
13. Appoint someone to manage the bar, either your planner or a family member can keep the bar neat and stocked with candy.
14. Have your photographer take pictures of the bar before your guest begin to sample.
Love the look but don’t have the time/creativity? Contact me and get fab without the fuss.
This week, I was a lucky enough to be invited to an Open House hosted by Classic Party Rentals. Ashley (of Classic Party) joined the ABG family a few months ago, contributes regularly to our message board and shares great website finds every so often. (Thanks Ash!)
Fast forward…a few weeks ago, she informed me that Classic had received some great new inventory and invited me to their open house to check it out for myself.
(Some items from their new line)
So, I was expecting to see some of these great items but nothing, and I mean nothing, could have prepared me for the party that was in store.
Classic partnered with some of Nashville’s top wedding professionals to ensure their guests had a great time. There were more wedding/event caterers showcasing their tasty treats at this party than ANY bridal show I’ve ever attended. From banana pudding and carrot cake shooters to spinach dip and raspberry brownies (funny how I always come back to dessert), my palette was happy, happy.
Now that I think about it, all 5 senses were tantalized - Classic Party Rental, Fabu and A Delightful Day worked together to make sure the visuals were eye popping, the caterers - including Monell’s, A Catered Affair and Chef’s Market - appealed to the taste/smell, Wedding Musicians Chamber provided a sweet trio while an incredible band jammed all night long! And touch? The super soft suede loveseats!!
Speaking of the loveseats…If you don’t read anything else - know that Classic Party is one amazingly unique company. They have a wonderful assortment of inventory that ranges from classic and rustic to modern and funky. Anything you can imagine, they rent (probably). Their new modern collection, which is ultra-modern, has my name written all over it. (Beth - this line would be great for your modern minimalist wedding.)
I’ll let the pics speak for themselves. First check out their new line of wedding rental items. Then, see some of my amateur party pics, featuring their line. Keep in mind that this is a warehouse! They converted their warehouse into party space - unbelievable - they added a clear tent, draped the entire area and changed the ambiance from industrial to Hollywood Glam.
(1 - Hollywood, red-carpet entrance, 2 - Comfortable lounge (suede loveseats) enjoyed by A Magical Affair and Selah Style), 3 - Covered, leather ottomans, 4 - Warehouse draped in black/white with leather daybeds, 5 - More elaborate red draping, 6 - Tented area, draped and fitted with plasma tvs and more.)
Oh - here’s the best part. I surveyed a few wedding planners who attended the event and they LOVE Classic! Word on the street is that no rental company compares in terms of service and price. One planner told me that she trusts Classic 100% to deliver as promised, which saves her and her bride lots of stress. Another planner told me that she requested quotes from several other rental companies and found Classic most affordable.
So there you have it…amazing rental items…super service…without paying a huge premium.
I haven’t worked with Classic but they have lots of fans. If you’ve worked with them, let me know about your experience.
In the meantime, whether you are planning your engagement party, rehearsal dinner or wedding reception - these fabulous finds will turn any space into the soirée of a lifetime. Contact Classic to learn more.
Love the candy bar? What about a beverage bar or beverages as your wedding favor? Kat of Selah Style is using Jones Soda for an upcoming wedding. Jones allows you to brand your beverage, which I love!
Here’s another happenin’ drink. Check out these super chic Metromint drinks, made of mint, water and tons of style. Both Jones and Metromint come in a range of colors sure to match your wedding color palette.
A couple of weeks ago, I met with Rhonda of Rhonda Patton Weddings (event floral designer). She is simply amazing and is super creative. When we met, we discussed some neat elements for weddings and one thing most people overlook - the kids!
Now, I know that some of you are having adult only weddings which is totally cool and something I considered at one point. But, my hubby and I have way too many nieces, cousins and god kids to have excluded kids. So, we made sure we included them in our big day.
Here are some of the ways we incorporated or entertained kids…
5 flowergirls + 1 ring bearer + 1 bell ringer + 1 bible bearer = a whole lot of cute kids
I wrote a poem and mailed it to each flowergirl asking them to be in our wedding. They felt sooo special getting mail (you remember that feeling) and a special invitation to be in our wedding. I printed my poem on hot pink and green adorable paper. Click here to view/reuse my flowergirl letter.
A few folks thought we were crazy for including so many kids in our wedding ceremony. We thought they would be adorable and they were. Now, I will say that the kids in our circle are amazingly well behaved so I knew they would not pose a problem. Plus, we didn’t have any kids in our ceremony under the age of 5 (which was a big help!).
Honestly, if we could do it all again, I would probably have a kid-only ceremony as they were the EASIEST aspect to coordinate. The kids are simple - little girls’ dresses don’t need altering, their weight doesn’t fluctuate as much as adults (they don’t diet for special occasions) and they usually don’t care about their hair because they are accustomed to not really having much say so anyway:). The boys were even easier!
The wedding reception
We had the kids sit with their parents but we did provide each with custom M&Ms, a custom wedding coloring book (with our names) and crayons.
The neatest part of the reception, loved by parents and kids, was their favor. We invited all of the kids in the wedding party to have their photo sketched by a professional caricaturist. We hired a guy through The Nose (spent like $350 but money well spent). They had great customer service. In fact, the week before our event, our hired caricaturist was sick or something and wasnt going to be able to make it. The owner of The Nose contacted me, offered a refund or another artist. We went with another artist, who showed up on time, dressed appropriately and drew the most fun pics! He asked each kid what they wanted to be when they grew up and drew them in their chosen profession (similar to the one attached by Marlee, one of the artists). What a neat touch!
The kids loved their pictures and framed them for years to come. John and I were drawn too (which was a great memento but it took 20 minutes of our time at the reception, keeping us from our guests). After our wedding party kids were sketched, we invited other kids at the reception to have their pics drawn too.
After sharing my story with Rhonda, she shared a kids table that she recently created for a bride. Again, as an event floral designer, she does more than just flowers.
Here’s the scoop from Rhonda…
My bride wanted to honor her daughter and daughter’s friends by having a special table for the tweens (ages 8-12). The bride’s daughter’s favorite color was purple therefore the bride specifically requested the table to be purple.
Rhonda’s recipe for the purple passion inspired table:
Purple Linens
Mini Candy Bar which also served as the centerpiece. Sweet treats such as (M&Ms, Skittles, Bubble Gum, Hershey Kisses, Jolly Ranchers, Nerds and Pop & Rocks)
Purple polka-dot take away pails
For brain teasers, we added soduku, cross word puzzles, seek n finds, with girly-girl ink pens, journals, coloring books and crayons
For some night fun, we added glow in the dark bracelets and necklaces
For safety, we used battery operated candles
Not only did the tweens adore this table but the adult guest absolutely thought the idea was brilliant because it kept the tweens entertained the entire night. Even the guest were dabbling into the candy bar. This is a great way to recognize the kids/youth at your wedding.
It was a huge success and the tweens had a blast filing their candy pails. And most of all… these things can be purchased inexpensively and the dollar tree, Walmart, etc.
Contact Rhonda Patton Weddings for DIY wedding ideas or help with your wedding decor/flowers.
Rhonda Patton Weddings is our newest Nashville wedding vendor. She is an event floral designer, which means that she works with you or your planner to make any space beautiful. Her floral designs are amazing but her creativity extends beyond flowers. I always love my chats with her because she is oh-so creative and has a knack for creating glam on a budget. So whether your budget is $10K or $80K, she can get you an amazing look for less.
New ABG Baby!
Lindsey, an ABG reader and amazing wedding planner / owner of A Bride Idea, is now a mommy! She and hubby welcomed a healthy baby boy in February. Congratulations!
Whether you are planning a bridal shower or a bridal luncheon, here are some neat party ideas that should give you a start.
Here is a bridal shower article I found on Weddings with Reese’s blog. Corinne provides some party planning tips and I’ve added additional comments throughout so hopefully the post won’t seem too schizophrenic.
From Weddings with Reese…
As a bride, I thought one of the greatest parts of the wedding process was the showers! They were a great break from the planning process, and were a chance to see the people you cared about but hadn’t had time to see in the past months!
I am willing to bet that if you are getting married, probably some of your friends are heading in the same I direction, and you may be planning a shower for one of them! Here are some fun ideas for different types of showers.
1. Color themed shower - Let’s go with black and white for an example.
Invites~ On the invitations you can make up a little poem to let everyone know that they should wear black and white.
“Jenny and Chris are tying the knot, Come join us for a shower at 6 on the dot. The theme of the party is black and white, So come dressed in those colors to shower her that night!”
Decor~ Wrap silverware in black napkins and tie them with a white ribbon. Print black and white pictures of the bride and groom and place them around in black and white frames. Wrap gifts in the colors. Provide favors that also reflect the theme.
A “color” themed shower makes for some great pictures!
Ashley adds: Save time by hiring a Nashville wedding planner to pull together the details then save money/time by buying a “party in a box” (see above) from Social Couture. These boxed decorations are great for the “creatively challenged but fab-seeking bride” like me. While pricey, they serve as great inspiration. Buy one set and then just add additional components from places like Target, Walmart, etc.. I just love this black and white boxed set.
Ashley adds…Designs in Paper created these great invitations for bridal clients. Notice the black and white theme plus a hint of a third color. They can create a custom design for any color / theme you choose.
2. Couples’ Cookout shower- Admit it, most grooms do not want to go to any sort of shower that involves tea sandwiches, petit fours, and giggling women! But they do like to see all of the gifts that come along with all of that. So, make a guy friendly shower.
Invites- Make it clear on the invitation that it is a shower for both the bride and the groom.
Decor- Casual! Red and white checked tablecloths, wildflower bouquet for centerpieces.
Food/Drink- Hamburgers and hot dogs, pasta salad, typical cook-out food. If the group is one that drinks alcohol, provide beer and wine, and maybe a mixed cocktail or punch.
Ashley adds…I also found these great etch-it cups. I like them because it makes it easy to identify cup owners and have fun while doing it:).
There really is a lot of room for creativity for showers. Some brides may want the traditional, girls only, tea party type shower, and that is wonderful. But some may want to do something outside of the box! Be sure to ask the bride her opinion, in a subtle way, about the type of shin-dig she imagines, and then go from there. It’s all about showering your friends with love and good wishes, and not to mention fun!
Ashley Adds More Party Ideas:
Hostess with the Mostess is my absolute favorite site for party planning!!!! You can get tons of ideas from the Jennifer (the author) and she also includes where you can buy the items and drink suggestions to accompany each look. Feel free to DIY or hire a Nashville wedding planner for your event. Here are my favorite party ideas from her site. Visit her site for more ideas.
While Jennifer used the bed theme for a kid’s party, I recently attended an event at Nashville’s Events 1418 where they used the bed theme too. Unfortunately, I lost the picture:) but the point is, you can use the whole bed thingy for any party and it’s guaranteed to add a “wow factor”.
Pink loves brown and I love them both! This is a great color combo that’s feminine and modern without being too princess like.
Lime and plum are hot, hot, hot! Gotta love how these color contrasts pop.
I love this orange and chocolate bridal party theme. Perhaps it’s because I love orange (fave color) or maybe it’s because the chocolate reminds me of…chocolate brownies…yum. Anyway, this table decor includes the blumeboxes that Weddings With Reese featured several months ago.
This bridal party theme is perfect for every diamond diva. So, why not celebrate getting the ring with a bridal party focused on bling!
Here’s more chocolate and orange, this time from Social Couture.
I’m still sleepy but woke up to share my “Fab Friday Finds”…
This Friday, I am focusing on my finds from Perfect Wedding Guide, Nashville bridal show. Now, I will admit that there were great vendors that I probably didn’t get a chance to see because I had my own booth and wasn’t able to walk around as much as I normally do. So, if I missed you - sorry in advance.
New Finds:
1) Pretty Piece of Cake - Leanne of Wonderful Graffiti literally pulled me out my booth to taste their cupcakes. I thought, “Leanne, do you know how many cupcakes I’ve tasted? It’s what I do - bridal shows.” Before I knew it, I was at a pretty non-descript booth and she was pointing at them. So, I picked up the full-sized cupcake (which is rare for bridal shows) and tasted. It was amazing. It was lemon filled with blueberry. I’ll admit, I am not a big fan of palette surprises but when those real blueberries gushed, I was pleasantly surprised. The cake was moist and tasty and oh-so flavorful. There was no way to be pretty eating this cake. Prepare for blueberry teeth but a happy stomach.
2) Lavish Event Planning - Tara makes these lifesize letters that can be used to spell a word (maybe your wedding theme) or monograms. I’m all about wedding day personalization and these letters do the trick. Tara also does a custom painted dance floor. (see floor in the pic below)
3) Chef Penelope - I was only able to leave my booth for like 5 minutes and did a quick scan around the show for fabulousness and food b/c I was hungry. This was the only table that still had food when I did my rounds and lucky for me, it was good food:). Meatballs that left an interesting taste that made me curious. I asked the guy what it was and I think he said plum or something. But, I am a simple girl so he probably said something French and I was like “ok, whatever”. It had a good taste so I was sold.
4) Cakes by Shara - I have raved about Shara before but at the show, she introduced a new offering for the Nashville brides with a modest budget or any bride seeking a great looking cake at half the cost. Anyway, I’ll tell ya more about her “Rent-a-Cake” in my blog next week.
5) Savannah Tea Company - now, I am not a girlie-girl - I prefer Victoria Secret to Crabtree and Evelyn. BUT, I do have an appreciate for neat people/places/things. So, when I met these wonderful ladies (they were toooo sweet), I wanted to spread the word to girlie-girls everywhere.
They offer a neat tea room near downtown on 8th Ave South, that can host your bridal luncheons, small parties, etc. They have an awesome menu and they even do cakes.
Faves from the show that I already know and love…
1) Sherrell’s Floral Design - I’m really not sure when Tonya of Sherell’s is going to get a website one day, but I promise you - her work is incredible. For now, you can reach her at 615-289-5211.
2) Maples Wedding Cakes - funny story - so Jay comes by at beginning of the show and says that he has an orange cake that I would love at his booth. Honestly, at 20 minutes before show open, he could have said “I have a million dollars for you at my booth” and I would not have really heard what he said. I was going nuts (which is why I am NOT a wedding planner). So, at the end of the show, as I am passing his booth to take my stuff to my car, I see the orange cake and stop in my tracks. As I stand to admire the orange cake, Jay says “I’m still here” and I turn around and he is seated on the bench (worn out!). I didnt even know he was sitting there:). So, I tell him I love the cake and he says “I thought you would”. Then, I remember his comment from 5 hours before…the orange cake!
So, I run to Corrine (Weddings by Reese) and ask if she has a camera, which she does. (She’s a wedding planner, of course she’s always prepared.) She takes a pic of the cake and sends it to me that night. So, ladies - I hustled to get the picture for you - because that’s what I do! Believe me, the cake was even more feroush in person. (Feroush - meaning ferocious, hot, fab - coined by Christian of Project Runway. I can’t get enough of him!)
Anyway, I think it’s amazing that Jay could “read” my style and know exactly which cake I would love, based on my website, booth, etc. Bet he’s “in tune” with his clients. Ladies, this guy is kind of a big deal.
3) Weddings with Reese - She had a booth that could have been my booth’s twin. We really do think a like, probably why I like her so much. She had a beverage bar - with lemonade and coffee and she did the whole flavored syrup thing. Loved it! She incorporates neat details into her events so she always comes with a surprise.
4) A Magical Affair - loved the paper dress and other neat touches!
5) A Delightful Day - loved the black and white table covering and the gorgeous floral arrangement.
