Materials

Pie Dough (pre-made or homemade)
Pie Filling (we went with Cherry, starting with this recipe then using the pre-made stuff instead)
Disposable Mini Pie Tins
Red and Pink String (or whatever color you want)
Bamboo Spoons from Green Feet
White Bakery Boxes (6″ found at Michaels)
Red cocktail napkins (or whatever color you want)
Pie Tags by Grapevine Invitations

Instructions

1. Make your mini pies. Leaving this part totally up to you! For cheaters even bigger than me, I spotted some cute mini pies at the grocery store over the weekend.

2. Using both colors of your string, wrap the pies like a package, tying your spoon onto the top and making a cute little bow.

3. Tuck your unfolded napkin inside your bakery box, then place the pie on top. You can either slide the tag right inside so that it’s a complete “look” when your guests open it OR you can use more string to tie up your bakery box threading your tag on to your string before you tie the knot.

Voila!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Pie Favors, Wedding Favors
Post categories: DIY Projects, Wedding Favors & Gifts

Jessie and Chris were married in her parents backyard ~ at the local polo fields in Cummings, Iowa. A little bit country (as in a big red barn) and beaucoups of charm!

Love, love, love the mixture of flowers in the bouquets and centerpieces!!

This table setting may be one of my all time favorites. I LOVE the gentle and warm color palette of the flowers mixed with the whimsy of the pickled okra!

From Maribeth’s blog …

There were many homespun elements. Tables named for seasonal vegetables, pickled beans & beets that Jessie and her mom canned, homemade strawberry and pepper jelly … all for guests who dined under a white tent on a perfect autumn night.

So, you see, elegance is defined in many ways ~ casual or classic, inside or out ~ it’s simply ALL in the details!

Wedding coordination and florals by Saley at DiVine Flowers. Congratulations, Jessie & Chris on a lovely, lovely wedding!

* * *

For more of Maribeth’s fantastic photography, be sure to take some time over on her website and look thru her portfolio … not just weddings … but inspirations and travel too. You’ll see the spirit behind her talents come alive!  We absolutely LOVE the vibrancy of her style!  Thanks so much, Maribeth and Red Ribbon Studio for being a part of SMP’s Little Black Book of Very Important Vendors!!

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Post tags: Apples, Barn, DiVine Flowers, Escort Cards, Iowa, Red Ribbon Studio, Wedding Favors
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Wedding Photography

McKenzie and Todd wanted a small intimate wedding and they had a budget of $20,000. {We’re not saying they had a low budget wedding. We’re saying they had a budget of $20,000.) They approached First Coast Weddings and Events to help them orchestrate their plans and made it clear that they didn’t want to exceed this figure.  Additionally, they are a very environmentally conscious couple and wanted their wedding to be as eco-friendly as possible.

Now … the point of the story is that sometimes it’s very difficult to stay within your set wedding budget … no matter what that number is (!) … and most couples planning their wedding can attest to that!  There are so many extras that become so tempting, but it CAN be done.

McKenzie and Todd were married in March 2008 at the Oldest House in America! Seriously … according to the St. Augustine Historical Society …

“The González-Alvarez House has been occupied since the 1600s with the present house dating to the early 1700s.”

from Danielle …

McKenzie and Todd met while attending Saint Johns College, a unique college that bases its curriculum on the works of the most influential minds throughout history. Here, they cultivated their love for history, anthropology, and one another. Their leisure time was spent biking and playing trivia. With college behind them and opportunities and new careers awaiting in Seattle, they wanted to plan this one last hoorah – full of their closest friends and family to bid them farewell.

When I first met with McKenzie and Todd, they were at the very beginning stages of their planning and had several guidelines set in stone.

1. The wedding would cost no more than $20,000. (note: this is where the staying within your set budget comes in!)

2. They wanted the wedding to be reflective of their personalities

3. The wedding needed to be intimate- 50 guests to be exact

4. They wanted it to be as low-key and green as possible, with respect to environmental and socially aware planning.

We chose the location of the ceremony for its strong history which was quite important to the couple. They wanted a space that felt warm and rich while still being able to not overwhelm their intimate ceremony. In keeping with their eco-consciousness, the guests and couple walked the three blocks to the ceremony at The Oldest House. They chose to have no attendants, rather they selected only their immediate family and closest friends to witness their vows. They each walked in solo as a string trio played the works of Bach and Mozart. In all my years of planning, I have never felt so engaged- just the two of them opening up their hearts to one another.

They wrote their own ceremony, with borrowed traditions from several cultures throughout time. Their very talented friends offered up their services to assist with the bread and honey ceremony, with one having a 250 year old starter for sourdough and another who owns a bee farm! We kept the decor simple, with a chuppah wrapped in a garland adorned with fresh locally-grown citrus fruits and a bouquet of hydrangeas. Adorning the entrance to the Oldest House were two topiaries adorned with mini citrus fruits.

Who says that no bridal party means no bridal party fashion? I loved that McKenzie’s mother and sisters all chose to wear dresses from a bridesmaid’s line. They were sophisticated selections that reflected each personality but definitely distinguished them as guests of honor!

In order to maximize the budget, we chose to hold the reception at the gorgeous Casa Monica Hotel’s Sultan’s Pool Deck. The space was discounted because it was a chilly off-season, but included space heaters. What I love most about this space is the stationary cabanas and amazing styling! It means that there is no worrying about tent, table, and lighting rentals. They also have an iPod dock that goes into their PA system, which we used for cocktail hour and background dinner music. Because the space is already highly-styled, there was little need to add more than a few hydrangeas and citrus fruits.

Guests were treated to a polaroid guest book and an extension of the bread and honey ceremony. Their friends made the cutest orange blossom honey escort cards. I thought that the most clever part about them was that the shade of green on the leaves denoted the guest’s dinner selection (fish/meat) which was a subtle way to help Casa Monica’s staff.

McKenzie and Todd announced early on that they were not the tiny dancers… not even close. Thus, they opted to skip dancing all together. Instead, they allocated those funds to a great menu and wine list. And, they employed the help of a friend that they had made over the last few years of trivia night. That’s right, they had a full-on trivia challenge! Designed to match their Dauphine letterpress invitations, these trivia menus were by far the most chic that I had ever seen! I loved that the guests were able to interact and have wonderful food and conversation.

At the end of the evening, we cut the cake. And oh what a cake it was! McKenzie and Todd worked with Sweet Weddings to create a lovely cake which had their college crest on top. Afterward, there was the crowning of the Trivia winners, a sparkler exit (followed by an impromptu dance off by their guests) and the couple was off to their honeymoon (biking all the way up the East Coast!)

In the end, we were able to stay within their budget by determining what was most important to the couple … the food, photography, and ambiance. And then, we found cost-conscious alternatives for the rest … the flowers and entertainment. Last, but certainly not least … they accepted help from their friends. We were able to achieve an intimate affair that was environmentally and socially aware, and completely reflective of the couple’s personality.

It would not have been possible without this amazing team: Coordinated by Danielle Bamba of First Coast Weddings and Events, Flowers by Riverside Event Design, Ceremony Venue – The Oldest House, Reception Venue and Catering – The Casa Monica Hotel, Photography by Leah Powell Photography, Cake – Sweet Weddings, Ceremony Music by Wehners Weddings Entertainment, Details by The Couple’s Talented Friends!

Thanks so much to Danielle for helping McKenzie and Todd achieve their dream wedding! Our congratulations to McKenzie and Todd!!

ps … the original post has been updated in response to our readers comments!

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Post tags: Budget Conscious, Casa Monica Hotel, Eco Friendly, First Coast Weddings & Events, Florida, Honey, Leah Powell Photography, Oranges, Riverside Event, St. Augustine, Sweet Weddings, The Oldest House, Wedding Favors, Wedding Trivia, Wehners Weddings Entertainment
Post categories: Budget Beautiful, Little Black Book Blog, Real Weddings, Wedding Planners & Designers

DIY Mini Backgammon Favour…(from the crafter). This entry was inspired by my love of board games.  Favourite thing ever; Friday nights with friends, board games, many bottles of wine, and even more laughs.

Materials

-Small wood box (bought at Dollarama, a Canadian doller store)
-Double sided tacky tape (bought at Michael’s)
-X-acto knife
-Cutting mat and ruler
-Ink jet printer
-Cardstock paper in 2 colours (Michael’s)
-Pen or Marker
-Buttons in 2 colours (Dollarama)
-Dice (Dollarama)

Instructions

-Cut first sheet of paper to fit the bottom of the box. 
-Using the contrasting paper, cut triangles for the backgammon board (this example the triangles were 1/2″ wide at the bottom)
-Attach the triangles, as shown, with double-sided tape
-Use a pen/marker, in a matching colour, to draw in the remaining triangles.
-Attach board to bottom of box using double-sided tape*
-Print out label for the outside and inside top of the box.* (this example I designed using Photoshop, but it could easily be done using a Word basd program, or you could use pre-made labels/stencils/stamps.)
-Cut out labels, and contrast, and attach using double-sided tape
-Using contrast paper, cut out small envelope, which will be used to store buttons.
-Score where envelope is to be folded. Fold, and secure with tape. (I chose to make the envelope so it would match my colour theme, but could also have used pre-made mini envelopes)
-Attach envelope to inside top of box with tape.

*To save time for mass production for an actual wedding favour, I would laser copy the original backgammon board as well as the top of box label, which would cut out many of the initial steps and save time.

* * *

I also love this idea for grooms gifts!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 26 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Wedding Favors
Post categories: DIY Projects, Wedding Favors & Gifts

As a little added treat, I thought we could end the day with one last project…the adorable, kraft boxes with bakery twine that Mary-Kevin made for her wedding favors. She filled hers with Taffy, but cookies, chocolates, anything really would fit the bill.

Materials

Kraft Boxes from US Box Company
Wax Paper
Scalloped Edge Paper Cutter like this one
Bakers Twine from Raffit
White Tags from Staples (string removed)
Custom Stamp by Stamp & Sign, reads “sweets from the {insert your new last name}”
Chocolate Brown Ink Pad from Paper-Source (or other office retailer)

Instructions

1. Using your scalloped scissors, cut the wax paper so that it fully lines the bottom interior of the boxes. Leave enough room to go up the back/front so that you can fold over the treats.

2. Place a handful of candy or other treat inside. Secure the box closed.

3. Stamp the tags using your custom stamp and chocolate ink. Allow ten minutes or so to dry.

3. Tie up the box like a present, using the baker’s twine, slipping the stamped tag on just before you tie the bow or knot.

Voila!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, favors, Twig & Thistle, Waterlily Pond, Wedding Favors
Post categories: DIY Projects

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Post tags: Navy and Lavender, Wedding Favors
Post categories: Featured, Wedding Favors & Gifts

How cute are these DIY Picnic Inspired Favor Bags…

Inspired by a quirky, red and white color palette, what a fun and totally relaxed approach to a wedding. Fill with a gourmet sandwich, a bag of potato chips and the best chocolate chip cookies on the planet…and voila! Lunch and favor can be scratched off the list!

Materials

Ink Jet Printer
Canvas or Cotton Lunch Bag
Iron-on Ink Jet Transfer Paper
Heavy Card stock
Glassine Bags
Cupcake Wrappers
Salt & Pepper Packets
Bamboo Utensils
Napkin or Moist Towelette
Bottled Water

Instructions

1. Begin by creating the art work for the bag. This could be from photos, clip art or even a custom design using your computers   creative software (Illustrator was used to create this particular design). Because the printed side of the transfer goes on the bag, you will need to flip the design so that it reads correctly. Print your design onto an 8.5″x11″ sheet of ink-jet transfer paper. To avoid the shiny edge that iron-on transfers tend to leave, cut them as close to the edge as possible.

2. A positioning template makes it easier to place the design in the same spot each time. Trim out a hole from a standard sheet of paper where you want the art to go and align the template to the top and sides of the bag. Once the art is positioned correctly, iron on your design following the instructions that come with the transfer paper.

3. To help make the bag stand up on it’s own, cut a piece of heavy card stock to the same dimensions of the bottom of the bag and place flat on the inside.

4. Fill the bag with picnic basics: Individually wrapped chocolate chip cookies, salt and pepper packets, bamboo utensils tied with baker’s twine, a bottle of water and a moist towelette for sticky fingers!

Supplies can be found here:

Canvas Lunch Bags – $4.49 at Bagworks
Glassine Bags – Wedclix – $2.97 for 25 at Wedclix.net
Cupcake Wrappers and Moist Towelette: Daiso
Bamboo Utensils – 8 placesettings for $10 at Branch (also sold in bulk)

Thank you SO much to Kathleen for this first DIY installment…we are so excited for all of those great projects that are on their way! And, lucky for us, Kathleen has launched a brand spanking new blog that will absolutely make you smile. Definitely check out Twig and Thistle!!

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Post tags: bagworks, branch, daiso, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, favors, hot chocolate, Kathleen, lunch bag favors, picinic inspired, Twig & Thistle, wedclix, Wedding Favors
Post categories: DIY Projects

Rich Chocolates makes candies that will make you jump for joy, swoon with delight, then fall over from pure exhaustion. They are that good. Think rich, buttery toffee (my own personal favorite), freshly popped caramel corn, chocolate covered animal crackers…yep, I said CHOCOLATE COVERED animal crackers.

These candies have serious charm. They are a mix of old school throwbacks and simple, rich chocolates with a few painted candies thrown in for style. If ever there was a perfect wedding favor, this would be it.

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Post tags: Candy, favors, Rich Chocolates, Wedding Favors
Post categories: Wedding Favors & Gifts

I mean, seriously. How great are those pencils? Perfect for a rustic, chic affair. Love the mini lanterns, which can serve as both decor and a great takeaway for your guests. Love the flowers in a bag (particularly the lavender). Love it all really. And, if packaging is everything…they have you covered!

Okay, so I know that today is all about favors, but after spending WAY too long on the Estilo Weddings site yesterday, I really just had to share a few more of my favorite non-favor picks, as well…

This shop has it all…from ring pillows to cupcake wrappers. From pashmina’s to gorgeous candle holders. And the best part? Their product line is really edited so that they only feature the really good stuff. Happy shopping!

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Post tags: Decor, Estilo Weddings, favors, Gifts, Wedding Favors
Post categories: The Blog, Wedding Details, Wedding Favors & Gifts

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | Comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Candy Buffet, Houston, Sweet Couture, Wedding Favors
Post categories: Featured

Materials

Heavy Card Stock
Labels
Muslin Bags
Thread / Sewing Machine
Corner Punch Tool
Cellophane Envelopes
Resealable Glue Strips
Individual Hot Coco Packets
Recipe for Homemade Marshmallows

Instructions:

1. Print pattern onto a card stock and trim to 3.75 x 3″ then round the right side corners with a corner punch tool.  (You could use any patterned paper for this project and just mount it to a card stock with spray mount.)

2. Print the smaller labels onto a card stock. I used a silver metallic to coordinate with our wedding colors. trim each one out using an x-acto knife and ruler. Then hole punch (only half) on either side for sewing.

3. Line up pieces of paper with the left edge of the muslin bag and sew with a coordinating thread color. I used my basic sewing machine to do the sewing and they turned out well.

4. For the note inside we printed a greeting onto the same silver card stock and rounded the edges with a corner punch tool.

5. The homemade snowflake marshmallows were made from a recipe found at marthastewart.com.

We packaged the marshmallows in cellophane envelopes with a re-sealable glue strip to maintain freshness. Add individual hot cocoa packets in similar colors to complete the gift!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 34 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: DIY Project Instructions, Englishteastore.com, marthastewart.com, papermart.com, Snowflakes, Wedding Favors
Post categories: Contests, DIY Projects, Wedding Favors & Gifts

As many of you know, we have a new baby in the Larson house. So, needless to say, I am up at the most random hours feeding her. Last night, while doing just that, I spent some time on A Charleston Bride’s website and got way too excited about some of the weddings that they are featuring in their gallery. You have to check them out if you get a minute! Melissa’s work has this rare combination of chic style and lovely approachability. Every wedding that she’s done is absolutely gorgeous!

I’m requesting images from some of the other weddings that Melissa has designed, so if there is one that you would love to see more of from her gallery, just let me know!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2008. | Permalink | 20 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: A Charleston Bride, Melissa Sweet, Outdoor Weddings, Richard Israel, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Favors, Welcome bags
Post categories: Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance