Inspiration Board: Crisp Spring Blues

Today I was feeling the blues, but in a fresh country chic kind of way. It just feels so crisp and the perfect compliment to a Spring day. I was inspired by this simple and stunning tulip bouquet with the sweet striped ribbon. Some charming print fans help tame the heat and make cute programs too. Burlap and lace are musts for any rustic chic wedding. I love these quick chair covers and dainty lace detailing on the vases. Both are easy DIY ideas. You all know how I love a bow tied groom. This one looks so dapper with his patterned tie and flower boutonniere. And of course I have fallen in love with yet another J. Crew gown. This beauty is so modern and elegant and perfection paired with these killer heals.

[ Credits ]

Top: Love and Lavender, Ellen Silverman, Once Wed, Green Wedding Shoes, Piperlime

Bottom: Once Wed, Green Wedding Shoes, Once Wed, J. Crew

Real Wedding: Ariane and Ethan

There is something so lovely about a DIY backyard wedding. Today's is chock full of sweet rustic charm and darling details. The bride, Ariane, summed up planning a small budget wedding perfectly: "Even though our budget was small, I knew I had to pay attention to the details to make the event seem bigger than it was." This is exactly what you should do when planning a budget wedding. Even the smallest of details have a big impact on the overall look and on your guests.

From the lovely Ariane:
Ethan's Aunt and Uncle own a beautiful home in Swampscott, Massachusetts and offered to host the wedding in their backyard as soon as they heard about the engagement. We couldn't resist, since it is such a gorgeous space and the free price fit into our very small budget. Ethan and I had talked a lot about how we wanted the wedding day to go. We were uncomfortable with spending lots of money on just one day and we knew we could make it special in our own way without a large budget.  I'm a fairly crafty person and with the help of our talented friends and family, we were able to pull off the perfect vintage, backyard wedding on a tiny budget. The wedding day turned out to be more beautiful than I had imagined.

Our wedding was completely DIY.  My mom and I found Martha Stewart printable invitations at Michael's on sale - 100 invitations, envelopes, RSVP cards and envelopes for $20.00.  I designed the invitations and hand stamped a design on each one.  I also designed, the menus, programs, and save the date cards myself.  I made 100 tissue paper pom decorations thanks to a Martha Stewart craft idea, hand painted the table numbers, and hand stamped the tags on the mason jars we used for glasses.  Even though our budget was small, I knew I had to pay attention to the details to make the event seem bigger than it was.  The last thing I wanted was to make the day seem cheap.  Little details make your event special and memorable for everyone.  The rest of the decorations were things we found at yard sales or already owned.  Making everything myself got stressful at times and we jokingly called the wedding our "huge mistake."

It truly was a family affair.  Ethan's brother is a chef and cooked most of the food we served which revolved around a backyard cookout theme.  Ethan's mom baked all of our pies and desserts including gluten free and vegan options for our friends with food allergies.  We bought flowers at the whole sale flower show in Boston and my friend Rebecca made the flower arrangements using blue mason jars we bought at a vintage store.  My mom is an artist and quilter and hand sewed our chuppah, which meant so much to us since the chuppah represents the home the couple is building together.  

We had a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony and a not so traditional reception.  Our immediate families gathered around the chuppah with us as we said our vows.  It was such a joyous occasion and everyone was radiating love.   Our fantastic photographer, Lauren Piper, captured all of the wonderful moments of that day.  She really caught the mood and the vintage feel of the wedding.  We had all of our closest family and friends with us to celebrate as we became husband and wife.  It was a perfect day.  I think it was so special because we had all worked so hard to make it happen - I know I put in plenty of blood, sweat and tears into the day.

Photographer | Lauren Piper
Bouquets | Roses and Thistle
Gown | J. Crew
Earrings and Shoes | J. Crew
Belt | Little White Dresser
Bridesmaid Dress | Anthropologie
Make Up | Daniela Shappee
Groom/Groomsmen Suits | J. Crew
Cake Topper | Baumbirdy
Stamp | Paperwink
Chuppah | Mother of the Bride
Ketubah | Gallery Judaica

Steal Worthy Idea

Here is great way to hit two birds with one stone. You will probably need escort cards to tell people where to go, and you will also probably serve bread. Why not combine the two as a delicious and chic place setting? These loaf name cards are easy to DIY and make a simple and sweet addition to the table. Everyone knows where they are sitting and get a yummy surprise awaiting them too!

[ Once Wed ]

Trend We Love

A hot new trend I've been noticing this year is moss! Just in time for spring, it is the perfect way to add in some earthy tones to your overall look. There are so many ways to incorporate moss like with this sweet and chic ring bearer pillow. Give your bouquet a boost of texture with some moss orbs. Or create easy DIY centerpieces with moss covered table numbers. Anyway you work it in, it adds an inexpensive and natural element to your wedding.

[ Every Last Detail ]

[ Para ti Novia ]

[ 100 Layer Cake ]

DIY WEEK: Stationary and Downloads

Today is the last day of DIY Week and I thought we'd go out with a bang! Not only is this post full of the best DIY stationary around, but it includes 14+ FREE Downloads! That's right, 14 amazing and free downloadable stationary ready for you to print!

But first up, some super sweet DIY stationary ideas I love! My favorite and the most ingenious idea is the DIY calligraphy! Seriously, brides, this is so easy and looks amazing!
[remember, those with Free Downloads are marked with **]

1. Grey Likes Weddings | Save the Date *video tutorial

2. Ruffled | Doily Envelopes

3. Tulle and Feathers | Handkerchief Invitation

4. Weddings and Cookies | DIY Calligraphy

5. Once Wed | Rehearsal Fiesta Invite

6. The Sweetest Occasion | Kraft Paper and Twine Save the Date

7. Love, the Yes Girls | Doily Save the Date

And now onto the free stuff! Here are some adorable and chic downloadable details!

1. iDIY | Vintage Printable Labels**

2. The Bride's Guide | Announcement Flag**

3. iDIY | Vintage Labels**

4. Blush Printables | Cupcake Stickers**

5. Ruffled | Alphabet Bunting**

DIY stationary is by far the easiest and cheapest of all the DIYs, especially if the downloads are free! Enjoy these gorgeous beauties and the money you'll be saving!

1. The Wedding Chicks | Bunting Save the Date**

2. Love & Lavender | Lace Invitation**

3. Ruffled | Glam Night Out**

4. La Belle Bride | Vintage Bird Invitation**

5. Flights of Fancy | Pre-Wedding Fiesta**

6. Valley & Co. | Bridesmaid Card**

7. Glamour and Grace | Simply Bloom Invitation**

8. Ruffled | Save the Date**

9. Valley & Co. | Best Man Card**

Which ones do you love? I hope you all will take advantage of some of the gorgeous freebies!

_____________________

Well, DIY Week has come to a close. I hope you have enjoyed all the great projects and found some inspiration! Next week we will be back to the usual awesome Etsy Finds and Real Weddings you will love!

DIY WEEK: Food and Favors

I hope you all have been enjoying DIY Week for far! Today we are finally getting to the good stuff: food and favors! DIYing food for your wedding might need a little more skill than some other DIYs out there, but these are still pretty simple and definitely worth the effort!

[A little guide for the DIYs: Those marked with ** come with downloadable content!]

1. My Sweet and Saucy | Ruffle Cake *video tutorial

2. Our Best Bites | Pie in a Jar

3. Bridal Buzz | Sweetie Pies **

4. Bubble and Sweet | Ribbon Candy

5. Blush Ink | Chocolate Spoons

6. Austin Wedding Blog | Marshmallow Fondant

7. Wedding Chicks | Strawberry Jam

DIY favors are one of my favorite DIY touches. It is personal and sweet and lets guest know that you really care and took time to give them something special! Here are some of the cutest and unique favors I've seen!

1. Grey Likes Weddings | Tea Envelopes

2. Style Me Pretty | Ice Cream in a Jar**

3. Elizabeth Anne Designs | S'more Love

4. Style Me Pretty | Sugar Packets

5. Style Me Pretty | Coasters

6. Style Me Pretty | Lemon Drop Favors

7. Style Me Pretty | Apple Roasting Favors**

So which ones are your favorites? What DIYs will you be doing for your wedding?

Be sure to check back tomorrow for the last day of DIY Week! I'm going to overload you with the best DIY stationary and TONS of free downloads!

DIY WEEK: Details!

Weddings are all about the details, and some of the best details are DIYs! For DIY Week today, I've pulled together my favorite quick and easy DIYs that are sure to make a chic difference to any wedding!

1. Ruffled | Lace Seating Chart

2. Alchemy | Tie Rack Seating Chart

3. Ruffled | String Chandelier

4. Emmaline Bride | Pom Escort Cards

5. Luna & Chloe | Wood Table Numbers

6. Ruffled | Doily Chandelier

7. Luna & Chloe | Votive Holder

8. Ruffled | Recycled Glass Chandelier

Creative seating charts and chandeliers have definitely been taking over the wedding world! I'm loving these easy DIYs that create such a chic atmosphere!

1. Style Me Pretty | Candy Poppers

2. The City Cradle | Shake for a Kiss

3. Truly Smitten | Felt Garland

4. Carter and Cook | Yard Covered Chargers

5. The City Cradle | Chalkboard Flags

6. Ruffled | Ring Bearer Bowl

7. Style Me Pretty | Ribbon Wand

Even the smallest details like these cute chalkboard flags or ribbon wands for your guests to wave will make such a sweet difference to you day!

______________________________

So what do you think? What details are you loving?

Be sure to check back tomorrow for awesome food and favor DIYs!!

DIY WEEK: Flowers and For the Cake

Day two of DIY Week is all about flowers and cake! Brides have been getting so creative with making their own flowers and bouquets. I've seen everything from using fabric and paper, to creating bouquets out of brooches and knobs. Here are some of my all time favorites!

1. La Belle Bride | Felt Heart Bouquet

2. 100 Layer Cake | Fabric Flowers

3. The Inspired Bride | Sewing Pattern Flower

4. 100 Layer Cake | Knob Bouquet

5. Green Wedding Shoes | Paper Flowers

6. Santa Barbara Wedding Style | Fabric Boutonnieres

7. Fancy Pants Weddings | Brooch Bouquet

8. Wedding Chicks | Music Paper Flowers

There are so many easy and affordable ways to dress up you wedding cake. From adorable toppers to amazing dessert displays, here are some of the best way to keep your cake looking fab!

1. Eat Drink Pretty | Cake Stand

2. The City Cradle | Crocheted Cake Hearts

3. Ruffled | Polaroid Cake Topper

4. Austin Wedding Blog | Wedding Cake Chandelier

5. Project Wedding | Macaron Tower

6. Amy Atlas | Grocery Store Dessert Table

7. Ruffled | Thread Heart Cake Topper

Are you ready to take on your wedding day flowers? How about some sweet cake toppers? 

Don't forget to come back tomorrow for more great DIY's! We will be overloading you with 

the best DIY decor ideas!

DIY WEEK: For the Bride and Guests

DIY Week is here!! If you haven't heard, this week is DIY Week at Glamour and Grace, a whole week dedicated to the very best in DIYs from around the wedding blogosphere! To start off the week, I thought we'd begin with amazing DIYs for the bride, her maids, and her guests.

[A little guide for the DIYs: Those marked with ** come with downloadable content!]

1. Style Me Pretty | Flower Bracelet

2. Ruffled | Vintage Lace Headband

3. Green Wedding Shoes | Pretty Shoes

4. Once Wed | Birdcage Veil

An easy and personal DIY to do is adding something special to your own look. Whether that be a fresh flower bracelet, a glam headband, some ruffled shoes, or a sweet birdcage veil, all are easy, chic, and cheap!

1. The Bride's Guide | Out of Town Guest Box**

2. Inspire the Bride | Bridesmaid Guide**

3. 100 Layer Cake | Bridesmaid Gift

4. Elizabeth Anne Designs | Bridesmaid Tote

5. Ruffled | Transparent Soap Gifts

Give your gals and your guests something they'll love! Let your ladies feel the love with a cute personalized tote filled with a sweet locket, some aromatic soap, and a wedding guide to keep them on track. A chic and simple out of town box will help your guests feel at home and excited for your big day.

__________________________

So what do you think? Which ones are your faves? Have you got what it takes to create a stunning bridal look and happy maids? With how simple all these DIYs are, I know you do! Be sure to check back tomorrow for all the best ideas for cakes and DIY flowers, you won't want to miss it!

Trend We Love

Brides are being more and more creative when it comes to the bouquet. No more flowers, brides want unique, inexpensive, DIY options. I am a huge fan of the vintage brooch bouquet, but these knobs are too fabulous! How fun and adorable are these vintage drawer pull bouquets?? They look fabulous just wrapped in some beautiful fabric, or even with a little dusty miller leaves for added texture. All in all, I am so in with this unique and chic trend!

[ 100 Layer Cake ]

[ Style Me Pretty ]

[ Postcards and Pretties ]

Etsy Find of the Week: e.m.papers

The DIY movement is growing every day in the wedding world. One of the best savers to the DIY bride are printable invitations. I am in love with these chic and modern designs by e.m.papers! With complete wedding suites right at your finger tips, there's not much else you will need when planning out your paper goods. These designs are simple, elegant, and easy to use, and are sure to please any bride taking on the invite challenge!

Oh, and P.S, this little beauty is for free. That's right FREE!

How cute is this tandem bike??

You can pick it up right here!

Kelsey and Erik: The Wedding

Ok folks, now for the good stuff! From the amazing getting ready shots, you can already tell this wedding is going to be fabulous! I won't keep you in suspense any longer!

Here is the amazingness and some insights and tips from Kelsey, the bride:
While planning our wedding- Erik and I always wanted to keep in focus what the day was all about for us- First of all the serious commitment taking place between us, and secondly the many important people in our lives who were making the trip to be a part of that celebration of our love. We had a very small budget but really wanted to still pay attention to details, and make the whole day specific and special to us. 

The wedding itself took place at the Bethesda School for Boys- it was exactly what we were hoping to find- something old, southern and simple. We wanted the whole wedding to have a similar feel- a mix of the old south and European charm. I had all of the bridesmaids choose whatever cream colored dress they thought would fit this idea, and bought silk rust colored ribbon online for them to tie together the look. We ordered brown suspenders and rust colored ties for all of the guys in our wedding party and had them wear whatever grey pants they wanted. It ended up being just what we had envisioned- and the fact that everyone wasn’t perfectly matching added to the charm.

I would definitely encourage DIY brides to learn to delegate tasks to friends you trust. The thousands of things to take care of before the big day REALLY add up! One of the most beautiful things about our whole wedding ended up being everyone’s generosity in helping us make it happen. A close friends parents offered their house for the reception. So many wonderful friends and parents cooked like mad in the few days right before the wedding- with the produce and recipies we provided. Susie Brown made the delicious lemon and raspberry wedding cakes all from scratch. Other friends and coworkers brought fresh breads and cheeses and helped man the drink station we had set up that offered wine, a friends homemade beer and mint juleps served in mason jars (just about as old south as it gets!). To supplement the tables we rented, we also bought a few old quilts for people to lounge around on. One of the things everyone ended up being most grateful for were the straw hand fans we ordered in bulk online (they were life savers in the August heat). We made all of the programs and invitations ourselves and had them printed.

I wanted to be classic but comfortable on in my dress- I found one by J Crew in a magazine that I absolutely fell in love with! I ended up finding it on eBay- not in my size- but much closer to my budget. My friend Alyssa Couturier-Herndon was so generous and did an AMAZING job of altering it to fit me and adding details to make it more personal (We took the train off of a vintage dress and she reattached it with some taupe ribbon). I bought the flowers wholesale and the night before the wedding I had each bridesmaid put together her own bouquet. We also used them to fashion boutonnières for the men, a flower crown for the flower girl and filled old jars with buds to scatter around the reception site.

Favorite Moments: Having that many of the dearest people to us in one place, and watching them celebrate with us was the most beautiful thing, especially to have the unconditional love and support of our families. Our dear friends Peter and Angela and my siblings wrote and sang us songs at the reception, which was so touching. Everyone dancing into the night in the unbearably humid heat on a small wooden platform with the paper lanterns above us was such a triumphant feeling. Ultimately though nothing will ever beat the moment I saw Erik’s face when I walked into the chapel on my fathers arm, and the complete joy there was to finally be married to the love of my life.

Advice for anyone getting married- plan it together! Then it really is a celebration of both of you. I kept notebook filled with all our thoughts, contacts and wedding ideas- it was a lifesaver to have it all in one place. Ultimately- decide what things are most important to you, and know that you may have to shrug off some details that just don't pan out, but when it comes down to that day- just try and soak it up as much as you can!

Photography | Jessica Keener

Ceremony | Bethesda School for Boys

Dress | J Crew

Make Up | Mary Clarke from See Jane

Hair | Amanda Rose Gilbert from Project Rose