The 411: Chevron Style

Chevron is one of those words that you may only know if you are already knee deep in wedding.  The long story is that the chevron design appeared as early as approximately 1800 BC in archaeological recovery of  designs on pottery and rock carvings in the modern day country of Greece (source).  The short version is that chevron is a popular pattern utilized in stationary and decor for today's weddings.  If you have fallen in love with this design as much as I have, here are a few ideas of how to incorporate this fun print into your big day. Enjoy!

#1. Stationary.  Simple and pretty, using chevron for your invitations sets a great tone for what guests can expect at your chic wedding.  Continue the theme with menu cards and programs with this pretty design.

 

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#2. Decor.  The easiest way to incorporate a print into your wedding is in the decor.  Napkins, utensils and linens are a fun, cheap way to tie in your colors and theme.

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#3. Attire.  The decor isn't the only area that can indulge in this print.  Dress up your wedding party with items that they will definitely use again and again.  And don't get left out, here's a sassy rehearsal dinner dress for the bride!

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Favors Your Guests Will Love (And Actually Take Home)

Favors are a tricky area of wedding planning.  There are not required but have become so mainstream that many couples feel obligated to gift their gifts with something extra... you know, in addition to a lovely ceremony, (free) cocktail hour/ dinner/ dancing, etc.  Because favors are just that, something above and beyond what is expected. 

Now favors are popping up at lots of pre-wedding events too which actually makes more sense to me.  My preference for favors if couples want to give them is to choose either edible items or make a charity donation.  However there are always exceptions to the rule.  I have found a few great ideas for favors outside of my typical guidelines.  Never feel pressured to buy favors, but if you are so inclined, are a few more suggestions.  Enjoy!  

#1. Wedding cake flavored vodka airplane bottles.  While this is not the perfect favor for every guest list, if your nearest and dearest love cocktails, they will love this fun idea.  Pearl Vodka's wedding cake flavor is not just for the wedding though, this would be a great add on to any pre-wedding festivity; engagement party, bridal shower or bachelorette party.

#2. Instagram magnets.  Talk about personal and useful!  Using the instagram app you can make magnets of your favorite photos!  I like this idea much better than save the date magnets which looked dated after the actual wedding has passed.  You can use engagement photos (extra points for holding 'thank you' signs) or any photos that go with your specific theme. 

#3. Personalized lollipops.  No, not lollipops with your beautiful faces on them.  This fabulous idea from I Do Crafts is to use your engagement photos to create the illusion that you and your love are holding a lollipop for each of your guests!  Confused?  Check out this post with a full explanation or just look at the adorable finished product below.  This is taking the edible favor an awesome step farther and I think your guests will really appreciate your creativity and attention to detail.

Attire, Alcohol & A Face Full Of Cake

As we are in the exact middle of summer, I'm sure that many of you have been at least one wedding this year.  All the attention at wedding is first on the couple, then their families and the wedding party.  But that doesn't excuse everyone else from being aware of their attire and actions.  Yes, there is a good chance that many guests will be in professional photos and you want to make a good impression.  Here is a quick list of do's and don'ts applicable for everyone involved:

1. Make sure that your clothes fit. No, really.  It is distracting and these photos are forever.  Attire, accessories and overall appearance are very important.  Obviously the bride's dress should not be too low and the groom's pant hem should not be too long- you should look your absolute best on your wedding day.  For guests, the same rules apply.  Men make sure your suit fits, coordinates AND is appropriate for the wedding.  Ladies, if you are wearing a short dress, make sure you have enough fabric to bend over, a few inches make all the difference.  If you are wear a long dress, practice walking & dancing so you don't trip.  And please take care of your tan lines ahead of time.  And lastly, know your jumping limits.

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2. Guests are part of the scenery, be on your best behavior.  Most guests are not aware of how many photos they will be in.  Touch up your makeup & make all attire adjustments in the bathroom.  Keep your club dance moves at home if you don't want them to be captured forever.  Don't drink your face off at the reception, that is why the professional photographer does not attend the afterparty.  These sound like basic rules but I have seen some of these party fouls for myself, it does happen.

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3. Again, these photos are forever. A little bit of cake on your nose is cute, a face full of smushed fondant is not.  Playfully reaching for the tossing bouquet is cute, leaping like a maniac is not.  Dressing up for the wedding is expected, attention-seeking attire is not (I'm looking at you, Princess Beatrice).  And lastly, picking your nose is never a 'do'.

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The air up there. In a plaid mini-skirt. Source

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Cutting The Cake, Literally

I'm very clear that I am a practical person and that often bleeds into everything I do. I really love finding how to get the most bank for my buck and especially in this economy, I want to provide many cost effective options for my clients as well. So, this revelation kind of made me jump for joy- the idea of renting huge elaborate FAUX wedding cakes for display then having your caterer cut your cost effective cake in the kitchen for serving.

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I know! All the elaborate glamour and intricate detailed design that each bride desires without the $7 (or more!) per slice cost!  For the couples who do want some real cake to cut into, you can always have the bottom layer be real cake and the rest be faux cake.  This article goes more into depth of the faux cake options, pro's, and con's.  My advice would be to look at your budget and determine as a couple what aspects of the wedding are most important to both of you.  If displaying a huge, real cake is not one of the priorities, faux cakes are a great option both financially and style-wise.  I've found a few pictures of faux cakes to display the awesomeness.  Enjoy!

 

The beginnings of a DIY faux cake. Source

Personalization Station: Silverware

I am pretty thrilled at any and all small details that make a huge impact at a wedding.  I particularly love the unexpected-yet-practical which is exactly what I discovered on Etsy's BeachHouseLiving shop.  This vendor specializes in vintage silverware that is hand stamped to be personalized for any occasion, but obviously the wedding items sparked my interest the most.  These gorgeous forks and spoons fit into an elegant theme and make great gifts for the couple.  There are plenty of options for the stamping including using the silverware as cake toppers and table numbers.  Not to mention that this is wedding decor that can be saved as family heirlooms for future generations to treasure (I love that idea)!  Please look around this lovely vendor shop for more ideas & inspiration (all photos are from the BHL shop).  Enjoy!