Guest Book Ideas

1. Readers? I think a vintage library card guest book is so creative! Etsy no longer has this available, but you could always DIY. Purchase the cards and pockets online and use a glue stick to adhere. Have people leave you messages and sign their pocket:

2. Enjoy hosting game nights? I think this is such a great idea. Not to mention that every time you play Jenga! you will be reminded of your special day. Grab some chalkboard paint and an inexpensive vase and you have a place for signed blocks!

 

3. This is another useful guest book idea that you can use and cherish forever. A guest book that can also keep you warm! It can be made in your wedding colors and hung to be written upon. Great for a rustic outdoor / barn wedding. 

 

 

4. Postcards may just be one of my favorite ideas yet. you could set up vintage postcards for guest to write you a short note or advice and then have a family member or a friend mail out a postcard every month or so. Or you could even store them in a box as a time capsule and open it up on your 1st (or 2nd, 5th, etc.) anniversary. I was recently at a wedding with postcards where they incorporated them into the centerpeices. Adorable!

5. Here is another creative guest book idea that you could frame on your wall. Puzzles come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colors so you could really make the puzzle as unique to you and your wedding as you would like. Check out Bella Puzzles for custom designs.

6. I love these little stones for guest to sign. Plus you could incorporate them into your home decor nicely. wine corks could be substituted for stones.

 

7. Want a fun way to incorporate a photobook without breaking the bank and have a hysterical guest book? Have guests take goofy photos and sign them. Plus you could set up a small chalkboard sign for guest to write notes or advice on that they can use in the photos as well.

 

8. Love to travel or having a destination wedding? Buy a globe and paint it white. use an old map (can make one look old by staining it with coffee or tea and cut out a monogram, word, etc. and have guests sign it.

 

9. Purchase old vintage keys online and ask that guests take a key, attach a tag and pin it to a board. Ask them to share their KEY to succes, happiness, or whatever works for you as a couple.

 

 

10. Whether fingerprints become leaves, balloons, or even sprinkles on a cupcake these are a cute way to let the ones you share your day with know that they have left an impression on your celebration.

 

xOxO - M

Throwing Shade: Tent your Event

The next time you are having a tented event think outside the box. Throwing shade never looked so good!

When thinking about tent size, consider guest count, venue and event. Does your catering team need a prep tent? Will you need space for rest rooms? DJ? Bar? Do you want several smaller tents for an outdoor pool, beach or garden party?

- Cocktail parties you’ll want 6-8 sq. ft. per person with seating for 50% of your guests.
- Sit down dinner using round tables for ten, about 12 sq. ft pp. with seating for 100%.
- Dance floors usually about 3sq. ft. pp.

 

xOxO - M

False Cake Tiers Money Saver

Looking for a way to have your cake and eat it too? Here is a cost effective way to affording the designer cake your dreams without going broke. They are called false tiers and consist of cake forms covered and decorated to look like the other tiers of cake. The trick is to ask that your bottom and top tiers be made of real cake. That way you will be able to cut the cake and save the top tier for your anniversary. For serving, order sheet cakes from the same bakery to be cut and distributed to guests. With the average wedding in 2012 costing over $28,000 (according to theknot.com) sometimes its nice to have a tip that will save you some coin.

xOxO - M

Event Venues: Black Ankle Vineyards Mt, Airy, MD

Happy Memorial Day! I hope you all are thoroughly enjoying your MDW and spending some quality time with the people you love. This afternoon I had the pleasure of visiting one my favorite places: Broken Ankle Vineyards of Mt. Airy, MD. After a lovely tasting ($8.00/person) we strolled around the rustic property snapping fun pictures. This is a great place to drop by on a lazy afternoon for a picnic, glass of wine and game of Scrabble. It is also a fantastic event venue option. Capacity limits max out at 100 individuals and rentals include the use of 24 indoor/outdoor tables, 100 chairs, stemware, several event spaces including patios and garden areas. Pricing is available on their website: www.blackankle.com. Just as lovely as the view, are the wines this mighty little vineyard produce. Modeled after the vineyards of Bordeaux  France, the character of Black Ankle's wines are sophisticated and yet refreshingly simple. I can not wait to visit again soon! Please enjoy some of our snap shots and consider Black Ankle for your upcoming event!

xOxO - M

Response Cards

Fun Wedding response cards are trending right now! Here are three ideas to get your wheels turning:

My personal favorite is the Newly WedLibs-style card. These are fun keepsakes for the couple and allow friends and family the ability to share in your celebration preparations! You can even put these cards on display at your reception for guests to laugh over.

xOxO - M

Keeping Your Spring Bouquets Hydrated

Everyone loves a perky bouquet on their wedding day. There is something, though, that people should keep in mind and make sure that their florist is taking into consideration... 

Many spring bouquets have a thirsty variety of flowers by nature. For instance the ever popular, relatively inexpensive yet gorgeous, hydrangea. According to Garden Crossing, the genus Hydrangea is derived from the Greek word hydro which means water and angeion which translates to vase  or vessel referring to their original classifications marsh or aquatic plants. Keep bouquets in water when not using them for pictures or the ceremony in order to keep them fresh... Little trick to keep you and your 'maids looking good! 

xOxO - M

Pictures and High Heels

Women love their heels. Especially for their wedding! There is nothing like feeling long and lean on the big day. There is something, though, that all women should keep in mind when purchasing those heels...

ALTERATIONS tend to be a surprisingly expensive cost in the planning process. The intention is to have your gown look as if it were made for YOU! "Bring your shoes to the fitting appointments" they tell you. With that being said, make sure that your wedding shoes are comfortable enough to wear from showtime until you say good-bye to your final guest.

Why? 

Take off those super high heels to break it down on the dance floor and your photographers (both the one your hire and amateurs in the crowd) are now taking pictures of you in a gown that now has completely different lines. Some people could care less. To them I say ROCK ON! If you don't care, I don't care.

But there is a Solution!

Pick heels that are just a bit more conservative  in the heel and  your dress does not have as far to fall. Photos tend to look better this way and your able to flaunt your ridiculously amazing dance moves without it looking like your tootsies have been at war.

xOxO - M

Save-The-Date

It's Spring, and for many female 20-30-somethings this means trying to figure out what dress to wear to the wedding this weekend. Indoor or Out? Heel conscious decision making at it's peak. Many of our amazing friends or family committing to be supportive partners to one another in life... I Love It!
It all started with the Save The Date we got in the mail four to six months ago. Need Ideas? Take a look:

Use the opportunity to showcase your personality as a couple...

xOxO - M