I used to have something against baskets. I always envisioned them as something just … “not my style”. BUT! I must say, I’ve recently fallen in love with them. Especially in home decor.

Here is a nice example from Apartment Therapy ~

So, of course, as with many other fabulous home decor items, they can too easily be applied to weddings! Here are some ideas for you, if you wish to include baskets in your big day!

The Usual

Flower Girl Baskets – This one is pretty obvious. In fact, it’s pretty much the first thing I think of when I hear “wedding” and “basket” in the same sentences. They come in just about any shape, size, and style. If you’re going to go with a basket for your little lady (or ladies), just make sure you coordinate the size of girl and size of basket – you don’t want a tiny person tripping down the aisle with an over sized basket! Here is a super sweet example from Yande Bridal (as seen on Etsy). Too precious!

Welcome Baskets – These little treats are a great way to welcome guests to your wedding destination! And hey, you don’t have to be having a “destination wedding” to use them. Say you grew up in Kansas City and that’s where your wedding is. You’re not really from out of town, but that doesn’t mean some of your guests aren’t. They might really enjoy a few local treats and some additional info on the city or town your wedding is in – things like places to see and visit, good spots to eat, etc. Plus, who doesn’t like a few goodies when they arrive in a new place? Here is an awesome basketfull of fabulousness from Kate Parker Weddings.

Ceremony Program or Card Holder – This is one we see quite often. Baskets are a great for holding things…obviously. That’s why they were created, after all! And, because they come in so many different looks (and can often be found in many nooks and crannies in houses and churches and banquet halls), they are a perfect, last second addition to any wedding program or gift table. Here is a snazzy shot from the marvelous Erica May Photography!

The Not-So-Usual

Bridesmaids Bouquets – I don’t think many brides envision their ladies walking down the aisle before them armed in baskets full of flowers. But think how sweet they could be for a garden or outdoor wedding. Once they arrive at the alter, have the girls drop off each basket in a predetermined spot then move to their assigned spot. I like this arrangement from FTD of all places! Order baskets that are just a bit different from each other to mix things up and stay out of the too-matched trap.

Get Away Vehicles – This idea is just too cute for words. While I wouldn’t recommend strapping a basket full of flowers to your limo, if a bike is your transportation of choice, tie one up! I love this photo from terry_hug.

Centerpieces – Lots of centerpieces are gussied up with glass and candles…maybe some pin lighting here and there. But, if baskets are your style (or you have some from a ceremony held earlier in the day [see above and below]), placing them atop your reception tables might be all you need for reception decor. How beautiful is this lovely arrangement from Prescott Wedding Florist?

Aisle Decorations – Here is another spot just waiting to be filled with flowery baskets – your aisle! Pair with lanterns of different shapes and sizes and voila – you have a charming, lit path for you to stroll down to meet your significant other. I LOVE this sweet and very natural basket form Country Living.

Favor Holder – This one might fit under “the usual” category, but, with unique favors, I think it’s placed right where it should be. While baskets a great for holding and helping to hand out bubbles or flower petals for a grand getaway, why not house your favors or little reception extras in some good sized baskets. For weddings in nippy weather, where your guest might enjoy an additional cover up, place some soft scarves (or light blankets tied with ribbon) into a basket in a high traffic area with a sign that instructs guests to take and use. I adore this shot from Jo Gartin.

Do you have any other fabulous wedding basket ideas? Please do share with us!

Image credits:

1. jennifer dery photography; 2-3. perry hagopian; 4-5. B. Loved Photography; 6.invitesonline.co.nz; 7.tanya tribble

Image credits:

1-mark lund; 2-flo weddings photography; 3-jennifer lindberg; 4-tracy williams; 5-julie mikos.

p>Hello all! This is my first post! I originally had my wedding planned for January 2009, but with work, and uncoperative vendors, I had to change the date to July 25, 2009. So now I am in the midst of a dilema. I originally wanted charcoal grey dresses for my bridesmaids, with accents of green, cream and white. I think it will be a color scheme that I will not regret in the future! So is charcoal grey too deep of a color for a summer wedding? I was thinking of adding some purple accents here and there just to punch it up a bit. Your thoughts?

I adore pumpkins – tiny and massive, whole or hallow, I love them all! And since autumn has recently begun and I’m seeing pumpkins EVERYWHERE, why not share these marvelous ideas with you!?

So where can you tie in pumpkins on your big day?! Here are just a few ideas.

Centerpieces :: There are so many things you can do with pumpkins, just on the top of your tables! Bring in large pumpkins and surround them with flowers. Carve them up a bit and fill with flowers or candles. Or, try incorporating mini pumpkins into arrangements or making arrangements completely from mini pumpkins (put them in a rustic basket and leave a few scattered around the table).

From Better Homes and Gardens’ 9 Fabulous Fall Centerpieces

Line the aisle :: Group pumpkins on the aisle-side of pews or rows of chairs. Pair with over-sized lanterns filled with candles or floral arrangements. Carve them up and let them glow to meet you as you walk down the aisle!

This pictures is from Fall Bio, a page on which you can find a lot of other fall-themed wedding ideas.

Monograms :: Carve (or have someone else do it for you) your monogram into the side of your pumpkins! Place them below and around the alter, on your reception tables, line the isle with them … put them everywhere (beware of overkill)!

Of course, these are from Martha Stewart’s Translucent Pumpkins . Oh I do love the things she and her staff come up with!

Place Card Holders :: Cut a tiny slit in the top of mini pumpkins and place them on the escort card table and/or use them as place card holders on the actual tables. Or, try sticking a wire in each one, stretched out to hold the little name cards!

These little pretties are from Ranasalame’s Flickr account. Love them!

On the Altar :: If your ceremony site allows flowers or other bits on the alter, consider placing a few pumpkins up there, along with any other memorial, decorative, or traditional floral arrangements.

If you’re looking for some more pumpkin ideas, check out these fabulous places!:

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Also! Don’t forget to check out this week’s GIVEAWAY from NameBirdie.com.

Lastly ~ Interested in blogging with the WeddingFanatic team? Shoot us an email to weddingfanatic{at}gmail{dot}com and we’ll send you some more info!

Sorry for my absence the last two days! I haven’t been feeling too swell. BUT! Today I’m back with something fabulous! Another GIVEAWAY!!! This time the little something special is from Le Viette – a new super cute “treat”. Let me share a bit more with you (and before you leave, make sure you check out the bottom of the post for the giveaway details).

Le Viette carries a line of desserts… with a twist. They are actually towels folded and molded to look like scrumptious desserts! To die for! There is a collection that resembles Swiss Rolls, check out the picture below.

But wait, there is more! How about the Mousse, “Celebrations”, “Elegance” collections, and not to mention the Desserts!!

Here is a little something more about the company:

The word “Viette” from Le Viette is derived from the French word, Serviette, meaning “towel”. Le Viette presents to you towels exquisitely designed to resemble real desserts. Each Le Viette product is made with 100% cotton towels, ensuring its highest quality and softness. Individually prepared by hand with carefully selected materials, Le Viette invites you to indulge in our dessert towels as a décor, gift, and of course, a towel.

And a few more pieces of eye “candy” for you:

GIVEAWAY details: Just leave a comment naming/listing your favorite dessert(s) (wedding or other). We’ll randomly pick a number at the end of next week (Friday). Le Veitte is providing us with a “Chocolate French Toast” to give away – delicious! Best wishes!

To see all of their products or to read their blog, just check out LeViette.com!

Years ago I saw a episode of Martha Stewart where her guest was a women that made, yes made, all of her flowers…out of paper! She would make a few here and there when she had some time and saved them up. By the time the wedding day rolled around, she had completed all that she needed!

There is no reason, if you so desire, that you couldn’t do the very same thing! Or perhaps you like the idea but do not wish to deck out your entire day in paper flowers – simply apply where you feel necessary!

Looking into paper flowers? Start with the Paper Source. I simply adore the store, but in the paper flower department, they are a great resource. Check them out!

A long, long, time ago, aisle runners had a tall order to fill. They were placed on the aisle to keep evil spirits from coming up through the ground and getting to the bride and groom. Since then, superstitions like this aren’t really believed by many soon-to-be-marrieds, but the ceremony accessory is still alive and kicking!

So, is an aisle runner right for you? They have their pros and cons:

And for your viewing pleasure, a little number from Event Bella Designs.

Sorry for posting so late in the day! I hope you enjoy. I LOVE this color combination and I think I always will! This color scheme also works well for bridal shower (and baby showers)!

Vida Wedding Dress by Monique Lhuillier, Frill Collar Tunic from Forever 21, Rodarte Pleat Chiffon Dress from Browns Fashion, Light Pink Ombre Beaded Dress and Light Pink Side Sash Dress from Debenhams, Ballet Pink Stretch Linen ‘Mikka’ Shift Dress from Bluefly,Sunset LA Pumps in Green from Raffaello Network, Green Patent Buckle Mary Jane Heel Pump from Ami Club Wear, Kiwi Green Satin ‘Wrap’ Ballet Flats from Bluefly, Topiary Banner from Martha Stewart, Mens’ Suits from Jaeger, Four Tiered Wedding Cake from Enchanted Wedding Cakes, Apple Green Flower Girl Dress from Pink Process, White Lilac, Green-and-White Parrot Tulip, and Ranunculus Arrangement from Better Homes and Gardens, Dandelion Dream Wedding Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas, Silver Glass Charger from Zara Home, Polished Iron Chair from Design Within Reach, Shades of Pink Rose, Lily, and Carnation Arrangement from TeleFlora, Glittra Set of Three Scented Candles from IKEA, Peonie, Fritillaria, Hyacinth, and Sweet Pea Arrangement from Belle Fleur for Vivre.