Wednesday, October 12, 2011

{Flower Inspiration} Kate Middleton’s Bouquet

“unpretentious, simple and natural”

Duchess Kate’s custom bouquet was absolutely stunning. According to the Official Royal Wedding Website, it is comprised of a shield-shaped wired bouquet of myrtle, lily-of-the-valley and hyacinth, the bouquet "draws on the traditions of flowers of significance for the Royal Family, the Middleton family and on the Language of Flowers," As a nod to her new husband, Middleton included 'sweet William' blooms. The stems from a myrtle planted by Queen Victoria in 1845 are traditionally used in all royal wedding bouquets.
 
The bouquet flowers and their significance are:
Lily-of-the-valley - Return of happiness
Sweet William - Gallantry
Hyacinth - Constancy of love
Ivy - Fidelity; marriage; wedded love; friendship; affection
Myrtle - the emblem of marriage; love
 
If you would like to have a wedding bouquet similar to Kate, check out this link to DIY tutorial of Kate's Bouquet and you can order the set from Fifty Flowers.

Monday, October 10, 2011

{Wedding Souvenirs} 8 Popular Inexpensive Wedding Souvenirs

Chocolate Favors

Inexpensive wedding souvenirs doesn’t mean that they have to look cheap. With these great ideas, no one will know how little you paid for each favor. Most can be found or made for under 100 pesos. Go visit wholesale stores along JM Basa Street and get some good ideas too. You’ll be surprised with you find there!


#1 Chocolate or Candy Favors
Tie some Hershey’s Kisses or Ferrero Rocher Chocolates in silver or gold netting or in your color motif and finish with a pretty ribbon. Wholesale stores will have cellophane and netting along with an array of inexpensive ribbon. Another idea is buying simple shot glasses or mini take-out boxes and fill them with candy.

Magnet Favor Boat Wheel - 'Our Course Is Set'
#2 Magnets
You can find nice magnets at stores that go along with your theme. For a beach wedding, you might have a starfish or sail boat. For a wedding during the holidays, you might have a snowman. Once you find the magnet you like, cover it with netting or plastic with a thank you card or tie a ribbon around it as is.

Soap Favor
#3 Soap
Soaps are a really nice item to offer as a favor. Many pressed soaps are so lovely that they look much more expensive than they are. Find them in a shape and design that matches your theme. Or, if you really want to get crafty and save money, make your own soap wedding favors. You can find soap-making supplies at some specialty stores. They have unique molds that will allow you to hand pour your soaps. Check out this wrapping tutorial of Paper Wrapped Soaps if you're planning to make your own soaps.

Candles
#4 Candles
Candles have been a popular gift to guests for many years. They may be of any size, shape, designs or scent. Many couples use votive candles and have them in decorative holders. There are also specialty candles such a wedding cake-shaped candles or tradition inspired candles. Nothing says romance like candlelight.


Personalized Forks
#5 Personalized Items
You can do a lot with photos. You can personalize mugs, mouse pads, pens, cards or stationery and other personal items (keychains, money clips, clocks, etc.) They can be personalized with the couple's names and usually the event date as well. This gives guests a nice item that is a distinct reminder of the event.


Picture Frame Photo
#6 Picture Frames
Many couples give picture frames as gifts. These frames may be placed in goodie bags. These frames are generally no larger than 4x6, but some couples opt for larger frames.


CD Favors
#7 Wedding Songs CD
You can also have your guests walk away with a CD of all your wedding songs.


Donation to a Charity
#8 In Lieu of Favors - Donate To Your Favorite Charity
Instead of including wedding souvenirs that will be forgotten a few minutes after the wedding, some couples look to do good and donate the money they would have spent on them to a charity of their choosing. It will cost you less to do a donation than to buy batches of wedding gifts for guests, ribbon, labels, etc. So do it your way and donate. No one will even miss that little souvenir and they’ll be glad they could be invited with a good cause.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

{Wedding Hairstyle} Twilight-Inspired Hairstyle

I came across these great and helpful series of how-to hairstyle videos by PRO Beauty Tools at the Bridal Guide so you can copy your favorite Twilight stars' look, from Bella's loose waves to Esme's sleek look. You can also do and wear this hairstyle if you're going attend a wedding here in Iloilo. There are also how-to videos for the guys too! Check them out below!

How to Get Bella's Waves and Curls

How to Get Edward's Textured Hairstyle

How to Get Alice's Smooth Sleek Hairstyle

How to Get Rosalie's Voluminous Smooth Waves

How to Get Eseme's Smooth Sleek Style


Friday, October 7, 2011

{Wedding Desserts] 10 Yummy Dessert Treats in a Dish

Blueberry Parfait

Choosing desserts for your wedding menu can be both fun and hard to pick with so many ideas out there. A trend I've been seeing for a while are desserts served in small jars or glasses. It's a perfect way to serve something amazing. Here's a few of my favorites below (and most link to the recipe) so you can make this ahead of time or give it to your caterer.
 
Blueberry Trifles with Mascarpone Whip

Caramel Budino and Salted Caramel Sauce

Cheesecake in a Jar

Coconut and Lime Macaroons

Individual Peanut Butter Pies

Layered dessert of Bavarian cream, flavored gelatin and candied fruit

Mini Doughnuts

Spiced Poached Pears with Warm Chocolate Sauce and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Vanilla Rice Pudding and Chocolate Panna Cotta