Artisan Soap Shoppe

I feel like there has been a burst of wedding-related products that smell and look so delicious you could eat them…but if you did they would taste awful. The Le Viette products are a fab example of this. And another example definitely has to be Artisan Soap! Let me tell you a bit about the company and it’s fabulous creator.

The Artisan Soap Shoppe was created by soapmaker extraordinaire Sarah Bogle about ten years ago. She personally creates and cuts each and every single piece she produces. Talk about a labor of love (or…passion for soapmaking)! Even better is the fact that Sarah take a personal, detailed, and customized approach with each client, assessing her (or his) needs and producing something that is unique to that person. Whatever scent, shape, size, or color you desire, my guess is that Sarah can make it.

I received a little box of goodies from Sarah and Oh. My. I am in love! To start off, every piece was perfectly packaged. Along with the soaps themselves, Sarah included a fabulous written letter AND explanation of each sample! Talk about thorough. I can just imagine the service and perks her clients get! Included in my box of treats were soaps with names like Bluebonnet Fields, Outlaw, Rosemary Mint & Lavender, Cinnamon Hazelnut Java, Salt Rimmed Margarita (second favorite), Coconut Lemongrass, Mocha Java Latte, and (my absolute favorite), Fruity Sangria. Each bar or favor-sized sample smelled delicious and moisturized like none other. They were definitely a treat to receive and would make a tres luxe gift to give.

Here are a few favor ideas/examples, heart-shaped soaps and an ocean rain sea salt bar:

Because Sarah is so awesome, she is offering all WeddingFanatics a special BOGO 50% off SALE for all orders purchased before December 31st. All you have to do is mention “WeddingFanatic” upon checkout to receive the discount. These would make such good gifts for wedding guests or for the holidays.

We also have a special offer for all of you Dallas area readers! You can meet Sarah in person on October 26th at an area wedding show. See the picture below for more details.

To contact Sarah, check out the Artisan Soap Shoppe website (and blog), or give her a ring at (214) 941-9722. If you’re looking for classy, upscale favor or gift ideas, definitely check out the Artisan Soap Shoppe!

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Giant Cupcakes

I love cupcakes. Generally, I like most sweets. And since I seem to be posting about cakes a lot recently, here is one more for the archives. GIANT CUPCAKES!

These would make fabulous bridal shower cakes, either one for the whole party or one for each table. I imagine they might be a little difficult to serve given their size and shape…but oh well. They are just too cute to pass up.

from the fabulous Capital Cupcakes - organic cupcakes for all occasions

Side Note: These little cuties would also work well for baby showers and birthday parties, too!

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Fab Favor Idea

I saw this fabulous post about shower favors on Perfect Bound. I LOVE the teacup candles. There is just something so elegant about good old fashion, girlie teacups! The idea originally comes from the Martha Stewart wedding crew (I won’t lie - I love almost everything they come up with!).

For the DIY bride, this would make a perfect project for a Saturday afternoon. Start collecting tea cups and saucers from thrift stores and yard sales (NOT from Grandma’s cupboards and shelves…even though that’s where all the good ones are!). Practice making a few candles (that wax is HOT) before you produce the “real deals”.

Once the candles have been used, you can turn that tiny treasure into something else that is useful and functional. My favorite idea also comes from Martha and Emily (Eco-Chic Bride): using the cups and saucers as containers to store or display your jewelry!

Like Emily also suggests, whip out that green thumb and put a little plant in it. Or, simply use it for a small centerpiece container full of flowers and/or greenery.

And if you’re really adventurous, perhaps during a post-wedding craft session you could attempt a teacup chandelier! The image below is in fact a teacup chandelier that hangs in Petit Four Cakes in Dallas.

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Pose Prints!

Oh. My. Goodness. TOO CUTE!

Hello lovely readers! I have something fabulous for you!! Jennifer from PosePrints.com contacted me just today about the super cute invitations, announcements, and stationary they offer. What makes them so chic? You simply go to their site and design a cartoon you (or of you and your love), pick the background you like, and voila! Check out some examples below.

BUT THE BEST PART IS: From now until May 15th, you can get 10% your purchases with the discount code, “weddingfanatic”. FABULOUS! Check them out! And Happy Shopping.

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Showers & Parties: Timelines and Themes

Perhaps the two most important details of an event from the very beginning are the timeline and the theme. Let’s break it down:

A timeline is a breakdown of what happens and when. It keeps you on track and makes sure you’re not skipping important things! Without one, you may fall behind, forget small things (or even big things), or more simply, the event date might sneak up on you, finding you unprepared all together.

A theme is the source from which you draw inspiration for the entire event. Without one, you may find yourself bouncing around, liking different kinds of things that, on their own are brilliant, but together are kind of… well… unattractive. For instance, I love the preppy and nautical vibe apple green and navy blue striped ties and sail boat motifs give. I also love the formality of black tuxedos and top hats. But put them together and you have a hodgepodge of prep meets black tie *gasp*! So, whether it’s for a bridal shower (like this and the following “Love is in Bloom” posts) or for the wedding itself, do a little research, then pick a theme and stick to it!

Making It Happen - The Timeline: Get out your fabulous planner and look at the time between today and the day of the event. How much time do you have? Years? Months? Weeks? If the amount is clearly insufficient, consider rescheduling if time allows. If you’ve got more time than you know what to do with, allocate your time wisely, tackling any large tasks from the beginning. In my case, I had from March 11th to April 12, basically a month (and just a side note, plans have been in place for longer than a month!). My timeline for this event is as follows:

Wednesday, March 12: Make invitations
Monday, March 16: Distribute invitations
Wednesday, March 19: Order flowers for the arrangements
Saturday, April 5: RSVP Deadline for guests, review menu items and activities with the bride
Friday, April 11: Pick up flowers from florist
Saturday, April 12: The Shower (This day will have its very own schedule.)
And of course, the schedule I am following is a bit more detailed, but this should help with the general idea!

Making It Happen - The Theme: Emily and I tossed around some ideas. From vintage Valentine’s to a smorgasbord of pink, brown, and sugary delights. But as time progressed and with the anticipation of Spring in the air (and considering some of Emily’s favorite colors and flowers), it was decided that an event that was fresh and in bloom would work perfectly for the season! And thus, “Love is in Bloom” was born. What do we envision? Light, spring colors, sweet treats, and lots of fresh, lush flowers.

Check back in the following weeks for more tips and helpful hints about planning a fabulous bridal shower!

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Something for the Shower

Delicious!

Okay, so I haven’t actually tried it, but it looks like it would be yummy.

Check out this fabulous bridal shower drink over at Bridezilla.com. Chilled, fruity, and perfectly pink, this beverage would be simply divine for sipping while you’re living it up with your ladies.

Great one, Bridezilla!

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Mocktails

There are a number of reasons why you might want some nonalcoholic drinks at your wedding. Maybe you’ll have a lot of young ones, can’t afford a full-out bar, or perhaps you just don’t drink! But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with your beverages! Enter: Mocktails! These charming little drinks are colorful, tasty, and best of all, free of alcohol. Here we have some recipes from David Biggs’ book, “Mocktails”.

Cranberry Sparkler
Bright pink and tangy. What more could you ask for?

Crushed Ice
1 part cranberry juice
1 part fresh lemon juice
1 part club soda
Slice of lemon, to garnish

Fill a highball glass with crushed ice and pour the cranberry and lemon juices, and club soda over it. Stir gently. Garnish with a slice of lemon.

Cinderella
A wonderful yellow-orange drink, with a fabulous name.

Ice cubes
1 part tinned pineapple juice
1 part fresh lemon juice
1 part fresh orange juice
Dash of Grenadine
Club Soda
Slice of pineapple, to garnish

Place five or six ice cubes in a cocktail shaker and pour in the pineapple, lemon, and orange juices, and grenadine. Shake well and strain into a tall glass. Top up with club soda and garnish with a slice of pineapple.

Lime Cooler
Lime green and delicious.

Ice cubes
1tbsp lime juice
Tonic water
Slice of lime, to garnish

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes and pour over the lime juice. Top up with tonic water, stir gently, and garnish with a slice of lime.

Shirley Temple
You know this one. It’s a under 21 wedding guest classic.

Ice cubes
2 dashes of grenadine
Ginger ale
Slice of orange and maraschino cherry, to garnish

Fill a tall glass with ice cubes, splash in the grenadine, then top up with ginger ale. Garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry. If you find it too sweet, stir in a squeeze of fresh lime juice, too.

Blue Spark
Looking for dramatic? This one is for you.

Crushed ice
½ tsp blue food coloring
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
1 part lychee juice
3 parts fizzy lemonade
Slice of lemon to garnish

(For fizzy lemonade, pour the juice of one large lemon into a tall glass. Add 2 tsp superfine sugar and stir until it has dissolved. Top up with club soda and add a few ice cubes. Stir gently, and garnish with a slice of lemon before serving.)

Pour a scoop of crushed ice into a tall mixing glass or small jug. Add the food coloring, bitters, and lychee juice. Add the lemonade and stir gently so as not to lose the fizz. Strain into a large highball glass and garnish with a slice of lemon.

Enjoy!

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The After Party

Even though you may be prancing off with your new spouse to live happily ever after, all your guests have to look forward to is the upcoming work week. For the guests that want to linger, or those who just don’t want to throw in the towel, think about having an after party for them! After parties comes in more ways than just one. Here are a few ideas if you’re thinking about doing a little somethin’ somethin’ for your guests.

Late Night Lounge
So, dinner is finished and the toasts have been said. You have made your grand exit but your guests just can’t say goodbye! Creative a club vibe and let your late-night guests dance the night away. Mix it up by creating a completely different style than that of your wedding. Pump the music and let the drinks flow.

Coffee Bar
Maybe your reception will be coming to a close just in time for an evening pot of coffee. Or, perhaps, everyone will have partied so late that the morning will get there before they know it. Help your guests get back into the swing of things by creating a relaxed atmosphere and serving some coffee, tea, and some light snacks. Create the space from scratch, or talk the owner of a coffee shop near to your venue into opening up extra early.

Nighttime Picnic
Do you think your guests would like to just kick back, relax and chill out under the stars? For a less formal event when the weather is perfect and the sky is clear enough to see the stars, lay out some blankets and let your guests gaze. Serve a sweet drink or treat and have some sparklers available.

In the end, your wedding and reception are more than enough. These ideas can all be translated into reception themes as well. Hope these get your ideas flowing!

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Seeing Spots

Look at what the fabulous folks over at Manolo Brides has found!

We are totally seeing spots. We love the idea of using polka dot (and vintage) patterns for a casual summer wedding. If you think the dots are a little much, consider wearing something similar for the rehearsal and dinner instead of as bridesmaids’ dresses. Want to keep the polka dots on the bridesmaids? Consider something like a spotted sash, trim, or accessory.

If you’re absolutely positive that you, the bride, want to wear polka dots on your wedding day, and on your wedding dress (yet you want to stay with the traditional white), look for sheer fabrics with just a hint of polka dot. That way, you can achieve spottedness, without going overboard. Manolo recommends checking out Retro Kitty Kat for some more vintage clothing ideas, and assures you that finding spotted dresses is only a few clicks away! (Look at what we found from DollyDaggar!)

Or perhaps you want to stick to polka dots for post-wedding activities. Say goodbye to guests in this whimsical yet romantic top from Designer Exposure.

Or for your party of two, check out these fun unmentionables from Forever 21 and Elle Macpherson.

Wedding bands look nice on almost anyone, which is why finding the right one before your wedding planning is important. Danforth offers a wide variety of unique wedding bands and other wedding jewelry. They specialize in high quality diamond engagement rings and have a knack for marvelous anniversary jewelry that can make any jewelry fan squeal with joy.

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