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DIY: Elegant and Rustic Wedding Decor

partysugar — Wed, 06 May 2009 07:50:38 -0700

A friend of mine recently got married at a San Francisco restaurant with 25 close guests in attendance. The ceremony was held in a private room, and afterward, everyone sat down at one big table for a three-course dinner.

Since the couple threw together the "elopement" on short notice, they recruited friends to help; a friend and I were asked to do the flowers. I was surprised by how cheaply we were able to fill the room with blooms. Since the restaurant has exposed brick walls and a rustic feel, we decided to go for the same look with the arrangements. To see my tips for achieving a similar scheme, read more.

Know the space. Get a feel for the room you'll be working in and talk to the restaurant about any decor (such as candles and tablecloths) they'll have on hand or any restrictions that may apply.
Become a jar collector. To echo the rustic modern vibe of the room, I rounded up mismatched glass jars from my cupboards and friends' kitchens. They're free of charge and oh-so-hip.
Go wholesale. Many cities have flower markets that are open to the public. If you can, find a wholesale card to get better prices; I borrowed one from an event coordinator at a local nonprofit. Even if you can't get a wholesalers' discount, you'll still be able to get better bulk deals than you would anywhere else.
Mix and match. Splurge on some pricier statement flowers to anchor the arrangements - we went with purple hydrangeas, white tulips, orchids, and dahlias. Then, fill them out with cheaper filler in complementary colors: try mums, alstromerias, and assorted greenery.
Light it up. Place votive candles in smaller jars and use them to surround the floral arrangements. This will give the flowers a grander appearance without actually needing more flowers.

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Come Party With Me: Wedding - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:28:31 -0700

The decor of your wedding is what sets the mood for the entire evening, so pay special attention to pretty details and eye catching accents. The color and theme - already seen in the invitation - should be reflected in everything from the tabletop to the ceiling. Elena's wedding will be decorated with an orange, pink, and wood color palette.

Start by covering the table with textured orange tablecloths. Slide pink napkins into wooden rings and place on top of wood chargers. Use the tines of a fork to neatly hold the placecards. Serve everything from beer to water in sleek wine glasses. Hang pink and orange lanterns in various sizes at different lengths from the ceiling. Multiple bloom pink and orange floral arrangements are chic and festive. Romantic lighting is essential to enhance the atmosphere, so light hundreds of white candles.

For more wedding ideas check out check out IDoSugar.

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Come Party With Me: Wedding - The Look

partysugar — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 07:55:19 -0700

So I know I already said that the food and drinks at a wedding are extremely important but the look (like invite) is what sets the entire mood and atmosphere of the event. How can you have magic or love in the air without a beautiful look? Bright colors are an excellent way to add an element of surprise as guests typically expect pastels and when paired with plain white linens the colors can really pop. Remember centerpieces don't always have to be floral: experiment with unconventional centerpieces such as shallow bowls filled with live fish, hollowed out tree trunks filled with fruit, or nests/wreaths overflowing with berries. Integrate elements of nature into the decor by using coral branches for a sunset beach or green moss to blanket bare soil of a potted centerpiece. Instead of having floral centerpieces wrap wedding favors in pretty paper and stack decoratively in the middle of the table. For the look of Julie's wedding (in black, white, and light blue with art deco accents), read more

My number one piece of advice to brides is to create a look that is original to you and your needs. You don't have to follow traditions, you can imagine a look that is unique to you and your groom to achieve the wedding of your dreams. With that said here are my suggestions for Julie:

Wrap vases in white silk and dangle various sized chiffon ribbons from chairs.
Use votives in different sizes and shapes and top the tablecloths with beaded runners.
Fill fountains or any bodies of water with rose petals, floating flowers, or little candles.

Add height by hanging things from the ceiling, glass crystals or chandeliers.
Top each table with a different floral arrangement relating to the overall color scheme.
Create angles by using square plates and rectangular napkins.
For a stunning art deco inspired display that can greet guests upon arrival to the dining room, hang crystals as garlands from a silver tree.

Chair covers are a must and black satin is chic and formal.
Mirrors add depth and balance.

Got an idea for how Julie should decorate her wedding? Tell her below!

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Find the Perfect Wedding Cake - Part 2

YumSugar — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 06:58:31 -0700

Once you have your cake design planned and your flavors picked out, it's now time to figure out different costs. Cakes are usually priced by the slice. Will the cake be large enough to feed your guests, or will you need to purchase another sheet cake to serve? Would it be cheaper for you to have a smaller cake and a larger sheet cake? Some even offer a fake cake (with real top tier) and a sheet cake in order to cut the costs. Also, what about the flavor/filling combos - you might love the fresh mixed berries, but if you're on a budget, replacing them with something else might be a good idea.

If you're going for floral decorations, make sure the baker is supplying them all, and if so, do you have a better connection that can get them at a better price? (Now's when I should also add, make sure the flowers you use are edible).

Don't overlook things like cake stands, cutters, toppers, either. Find out if they come with the cake (a cake always looks so much prettier on a cake stand), or if they require a deposit.

To read the last few tips, read more

Be sure to find out how busy the bakery is and how much time/attention they give to each cake. If they have a small staff and have several cakes needed for your wedding day, ask how they plan on pulling it off. Also, find out how far in advance the cake is prepared. The cake portion can be made up to a week in advance, but the icing shouldn't be more than a day or two.

One really important, and sometimes overlooked, fee is the delivery charge. Is there one? Does the place even deliver or will you have to pick it up (which to me, sounds like a recipe for disaster). Does a decorator accompany the cake delivery, or do they use a service. The ideal situation is one where a cake decorator accompanies the cake, this way if something slips during transportation, they'll be able to make any necessary repairs. Is it delivered whole or placed together on spot? Will the company travel to your location, or is it out of their delivery range? If they will, is it going to cost extra? Be sure to figure this stuff out, so that there are no "hidden" costs later.

Finally, have fun, be unique and be yourself - but don't skimp out, make sure it lives up to your expectations. As cake designer Edith Meyer (who created the two very different cakes shown here, and the one from yesterday) states, "Remember, it's the last thing your guests are going to remember from the reception, and it should be as special as the rest of your day."

Be sure to check out part one of how to find the perfect wedding cake!

Do you have any great tips on what to ask when choosing a cake designer? Or how about any great cake-tasting tales? Let us know below!

2-In-1 Votive Decoration/Favor

partysugar — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 13:11:19 -0700

If you are looking for a way to cut costs on your wedding think about using a favor that doubles as a decoration like these fabulous frosted beaded tea light holders. They come in a variety of colors and can add a touch of glowing light to a table. Place each one on the guests' plates and they will know that when the night is over they can blow the candle out and take the votive home. A useful favor that both you and your guests can enjoy. Or if you prefer to give out other favors arrange these candles around a vase filled with flowers on top of a mirror for a beautiful and simple yet stunning centerpiece. Can't afford tons of flowers for each table, create the same effect with the mirror and votives and scatter rose petals (which you can get day old from the florists) in between the votives.

Home Away From Home: The Madonna Inn

CasaSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:30:01 -0800

Looking for a kooky, kitschy hotel experience? Then check out San Luis Obispo's own Madonna Inn. This 51-year-old hotel is an absolutely unique experience for visitors, featuring an overwhelming pink color palette and rooms with themes including "Love Nest," "Caveman," and "Portugal."

If you're in the market for a unique wedding reception venue, the Madonna Inn can handle your reception. Fully equipped with a steak house, day spa, convention center, and bar, the Madonna Inn can supply all of your needs - especially if those needs involve gaping at the Swiss-Alps-meets-Old-West decor. One last piece of advice: don't forget to direct your male friends to the rocks and waterfall urinal if they need to take care of business - it's apparently a tourist must-see.

Take the full tour.

Come Party With Me: Engagement Party - The Look

partysugar — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 05:59:13 -0700

One reason to choose a long engagement after your man pops the big question is so you can have an engagement party. This week I'm planning one for julieulie and her fiancé Scott who recently got engaged, but aren't getting married until Memorial Day 2008. I thought it would be fabulously fun and original to throw a dessert party instead of a typical dinner or cocktail party. Desserts as meals are an up and coming trend, and more and more restaurants that are devoted to only desserts are showing up all over the place.

Julie & Scott's close friends and family have received their invitations to the fiesta that will start on a Saturday night at 8:30. The menu will consist of a dazzling array of divine desserts including brownie cupcakes, strawberry shortcakes, and a cheese and fruit plate. The champagne will flow like water as the invitees toast Julie and Scott's eternal love. I've painted a pretty picture of this party, but what about the decor? To see my romantic, chic, and elegant ideas, read more

A bride that knows what she wants, Julie has already selected the colors of her wedding (light blue, white, and black), so I will use these to guide me in my decorating scheme. No worries if you have yet to decide the colors of your wedding, a simple color scheme of white, black and a bold or metallic accent color will work wonderfully. Likewise, there should be no pressure to stay with these colors if you suddenly change your mind and opt for different colors.

First find the location of the party. Will it be held in the intimate living room at the bride's parents' house or the large, modern kitchen at the groom's aunt's ranch? Walk around the space and envision a party there. Where can guests sit and chat? Where should the buffet be set up? Are there tables/counters for the champagne buckets and flutes? These are the types of questions you should be thinking when you envision your fete.
To adorn the dessert buffet, begin with a long flat table that will be your canvas to create a beautiful presentation of candies, cakes, fruits, and cheeses. Place upside down cardboard boxes and large pots on the table. With an over-sized satin tablecloth, or piece of light blue fabric, cover both the table and boxes/pots pressing the fabric down the sides of the boxes/pots. The look you will achieve is one with various heights and dimensions. Now the platters of brownies can be placed on a square box and the strawberry shortcakes in martini glasses can rest at a different height on a circular pedestal.

Fill small clear bowls with the couples favorite grocery store candies: white m&m's, silver chocolate kisses, blue jelly beans.
Large clear vases in diverse shapes, a few oval, a few square, maybe one triangular, will create a stunning background when filled with water and one simple long stemmed flower such as a white orchid or gardenias. Place the flowers on each end of the buffet tables and on windowsills, banquets, or small coffee tables.

Don't forget small white plates, white napkins, and silver spoons for the dessert table.
Black accents in the form of satin ribbons, velvet pillows, and mesh runners will add a touch of mysterious sophistication.
A glowing and warm atmosphere is necessary and to achieve, so light as many candles, votives, tapers, pillars, and the like as possible. Keep the look uniform with all white candles and black votives and candelabra.

White or light blue tiny Christmas lights can be wrapped around the windows, the rim of the room, or any pillars and columns that enhance the architecture.

Got a decoration idea perfect for Julie's party? Please share it with us below. Tomorrow I'll talk about the appropriate music for an engagement party. Equally important to the look of the engagement party is the correct behavior. If you are attending, hosting, or planning an engagement in the near future, I highly recommend reading DearSugar's tips for proper engagement party etiquette.

Fabulous Favor Idea: Color-Coded Candy

partysugar — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:00:35 -0700

Last night I went to a fashion party at Carrots with FabSugar, and I came across the cutest favor idea: color-coded candy! The boutique always decorates in orange and they carried the theme over to create a gorgeously delectable candy spread. I plan on re-creating the idea for an upcoming party. You can, too! To learn how, read more.

Start by collecting an assortment of clear, glass vases in different sizes and shapes. Cheap vases can be found at Michaels and Ikea.
Pick out a bunch of candy in the same color. For example, if red is the color for your bridal shower get skittles, red M&Ms, red starbursts, red malt balls, Hot Tamales, red licorice, etc. Heading to a local candy shop is a great way to get inspired or check out the Halloween aisle of your favorite drugstore.
Fill the vases with the candy, one sweet per vase.
Arrange the vases on a large table. Place some on stacks of magazines or turned-over bowls to add depth to the display.
Stack empty white Chinese takeout containers nearby.
Invite guests to take home a container of candy!

Wouldn't a color-coded candy display be fabulous fun at a baby shower or wedding?!

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Come Party With Me: Bachelorette - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 09:15:00 -0700

When browsing the party supply store for bachelorette party decorations, I came across nothing but tacky, raunchy, over the top accessories. However with a little ingenuity, an elegant and sophisticated look can be created at your bachelorette party. A purple, gray, and snake print theme is fabulous fun.

Place a gray placemat on a side table and have guests leave their presents there. Set the snacks and pecker cookies on snake print serving plates. Chill the Champagne in a faux snakeskin wine cooler and line flutes next to the cooler. Dim the lights and put candles in purple glass votives. Drape gray feather boas over the beds and dressers and arrange purple flowers in glass vases.

Purchase festive paper cocktail napkins with a bachelorette trivia game print. To keep the snake theme going with the party favors, give each guest a lip venom lip gloss. For more wedding ideas, check out IDoSugar.

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Come Party With Me: Engagement Party - The Look

partysugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 07:28:31 -0700

My gal pal Elena has already chosen burnt orange and fuchsia with wood or bamboo accents to be the colors of her wedding. These colors were in the invite to her engagement party, so naturally I will include the colors in the decor of the soirée. Start by covering the tables with a white tablecloth. This will act as a background and make the colors pop. Cover the table with a wooden runner. Serve the food in rattan serving bowls and on wooden platters. Stack orange appetizer plates near the hors d'oeurves so guests can help themselves.

Splurge on festive napkins that say the couple's names - after the party, give the extra to the couple as an engagement gift. For an elegant look pour the champagne and drinks in simple flutes. Light candles in clear votives to create a glowing, seductive atmosphere. Arrange pink and orange flowers in luscious bouquets and place around the event space. Tie pink satin ribbon onto chairs or banisters for a pretty finishing touch.

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