Pumpkins!

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.

The image is from Chicago Bride, though she seems to feel strongly about NOT using fall-ish items for fall weddings, but if that’s what you want - go for it. After all, the whole point of this post is “pumpkins”…and it’s kind of hard to not think of fall when I think of pumpkins. (But as a side note, we agree - just because your wedding is during the fall season does NOT mean you have to use oranges, browns, yellows and creams as your colors. There doesn’t need to be a single leaf, pumpkin, or a piece of wheat anywhere on your big day!)

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

Toasts and Tables :
Favor Ideas
Living the Swell Life

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All Dressed Up : Where to Start

So many fabulous things out there to dream about and search for and try on and purchase! But where to begin? Let’s think about it logically.

Vera Wang

Often, The Gown determines just about everything else. If you REALLY want to tie the day together, you’ll consider the event space (ceremony and reception locations) when deciding on the style of your dress, not just your body type and personal preferences. But after you have found The One, what’s next?

Grace Footwear

We’d start with shoes. They will be needed for alterations and may or may not be seen under your dress, so they are important to consider (especially if being seen). Also, they will determine if you’re two or three inches taller than normal and how much pain you’ll be in at the end of the night (only half kidding!). Details in your shoes (and of course, your dress) may be things you’d like to reflect in your other accessories.

Altered Bride

On to the veil! Now you know how simple or intricate your dress and shoes are, so look into finding a veil that compliments them! Generally, the more simple the dress, the more wiggle room you have for a fancy veil. Long, short? Classic, chic? Blusher or no blusher? Knowing what it is paired with will narrow down your choices.

Kenneth Jay Lane, Photo by Michael David Adams via Brides.com

So now you have the big ticket items (between the above you’ll want to find undergarments - don’t forget about those!). Time for the little things! With the overall look, what kind of jewelry would look best? Lots or little? Intricate or simple? Not every bride needs earrings, a necklace, and a bracelet! If your gown has a fancy neckline, consider skipping a necklace altogether! Sometimes less truly is more.

From the oh-so-fabulous Chlorine!

And don’t forget about the baubles and doodads like a clutch to in which to keep all of your must-have wedding day items!

What was (or has been) your favorite thing to look for/shop for/try on/purchase for your wedding day ensemble? What else would you consider essential to any bride’s wedding day look?

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Knitts

I have seen SO many cute knitted wedding tidbits out there, I just had to post about them!

Here is a delicate knitted shawl that would be perfect for a winter wedding! So much texture and so visually appealing - I love it (and want it)! By Toby Hanna.

Look at these beautiful pieces by Nanda Handcrafted: Fields of Gold Cowl, which can be worn in a number of fashionable ways as a scarf or shawl, and the Ice and Roses Neckwear piece. Fields of Gold would be marvelous for a late fall wedding and Ice and Roses would look fabulous for a winter wedding (and a lot of winter holiday events).

Here is a clutch I wanted to buy for myself when I was visiting family in St. Louis a while back. I found it at The Posh Fox, and it’s made my Suzanne Marie (please contact me if you would like to reach her)!

Want more knitted wedding stuff? Check out CastOff.info for The Knitted Wedding - a group of individuals attempting to knit an entire wedding. Can they do it? I believe so!

Here are some good ideas for DIY knit and crochet wedding projects.

Want some more knitting resources? Here are a few sites and blogs:
Chic Knits
Vintage Knitting
Knitter Natter
Good To Be Girl
CraftZine.com’s Knitting Archives

Want more ways to incorporate knitted bits into your wedding day? Try knitted:
-stuffed animals for your youngest guest
-sweet cardigan(s) for your flower girl(s)
-pillow for your ring bearer
-cuffs for your and your bridesmaids’ bouquets
-hats for some fabulous pictures for a winter wedding
-scarfs for guests, placed by the exit of your ceremony site (with a note asking them to bundle up before the leave for the reception!)

Unless you’re going all out, just use one or two knitted (or crocheted…we don’t discriminate!) elements for a warm, fuzzy feel!

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Those Bridesmaids’ Dresses

I saw this post not too long ago on Style Me Pretty, and I absolutely LOVE Jenny Yoo’s new stuff.

I particularly like this dress because it is one of those dresses your bridesmaids could possibly wear again.

Add a little jacket or shawl, cute heels or funky flats, and you’ve got a whole new look. Holiday party, anyone?

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK OUT OUR WEDDING FAVOR GIVEAWAY!

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Pearls!

I recently had a birthday (yay) and it turned out to be the birthday of pearls (double yay). I received some fabulously pretty pieces from my significant other and beautiful ring from my parents. I adore them all! The reason I bring up pearls, though, is because they make SUCH wonderful wedding jewelry. They are elegant, classy, classic, delicate, you name it. And, with all of the creative minds out there, they have been and can be used in more contemporary ways, too.

Here is something similar to my current pearl obsession:

But! Whenever I see pearls, I think of this scene from The Tenth Kingdom (that one really long made-for-TV movie that came out years ago). This clip is a little long and the “ring part” is at the end. I do hope you enjoy. How precious!

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The Perfect Polish

I love nail polish! I have since I was …. well, for as long as I can remember. My grandma used to pull out her huge bucket of polish and do my digits when I would come over, and thus begun my love (turned obsession in middle school) of pretty colors on my nails!

Most of brides these days pay attention to the color on their nails when it comes to the walk down the aisle. I’m still loving the neutral, natural, nude shades, but I’m quickly falling for the darker tones as autumn quickly approaches. Here are a few of my faves from the OPI collections.

Neutrals, Naturals, and Nudes

Tickle My France-y

Fiji Weejee Fawn

Malaysian Mist

Girlie

Argenteeny Pinkini

Not So Bora-Bora-ing Pink

Italian Love Affair

Fall Fabulousness

Romeo & Joliet

Lincoln Park After Dark

Mauve-lous Memories

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Big Flowers, Big Statement

Flowers can add a lot to a wedding event, that’s for sure. But not every couple can afford to go crazy with their flower budget. That being said, if you’re trying to pinch a few pennies in the floral department, think about using some of the flowers below. You don’t need much of each to put together a fabulous arrangement.

Calla Lilies

From the Flower Arrangement Advisor

Sun Flowers

From Australia Entertains

Gladiolus

From Something To Say

Hydrangea

From Sarah Meyer Walsh

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Bubble Hem

I love these! Though I call them “pumpkin skirts” or “pumpkin dresses”, I’m pretty sure the proper term is a dress or skirt with a “bubble hem”. They are fun and flirty, but not too “out there”. You can tie them into many themes (and by themes I mean wedding “vibe” or the overall feel you’re going with)! Go wild!

Charles Nolan

Ulla Maija

And perhaps a little something for the bridesmaids or rehearsal dinner:

Vera Wang

Neiman Marcus

*GOOD DEAL!* Forever 21

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Favorite Updos

Loosely pinned up, with a flower tucked in just so. Formal but not fussy.

Photo by Matthew Jordan Smith

Fresh and breezy, perfect for a beach bash or late afternoon soirée.

Photo by Daniela Stallinger

A bouffant style ‘do with a few loose curls on the side,

Photo by Kevin Cremens

A low bun is perfect for keeping the hair out of your face. It’s girly yet formal.

Photo by Kevin Cremens

Probably my favorite style right now! Classic, elegant. With bangs framing the face and a sparky accessory or a headband, you just can’t go wrong! A veil can be attached near the top of the head (before the “puff” begins) for a retro look or closer to the neck (this placement would be best for a veil that won’t be going over your face) for a more modern look.

Photo by Peter Buckingham

Photos from Brides…I’m obsessed! SUCH great examples.

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Light Pink & Apple Green

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.

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