Floral Alternatives...Paper Bouquets & Decor, DUH!

Let's suppose you aren't a huge fan of flowers, since they will end up dead and withered away within a few days...aaaaand spending a couple thousand dollars on said flowers is totally NOT in your budget.
I now propose an eco-and-pocketbook-friendly alternative, and if you're a true DIY'er you won't mind the time involved in creating this wondrous project...PAPER BOUQUETS! (OR BROOCH BOUQUETS, whichever you prefer). I will be posting a tutorial on creating the latter within the next few days so stay tuned folks.
(Brooch bouquet)

Now, you have to admit that paper flowers are darn cute. This is also not to mention the fantastic effect they will have on your pocketbook. Most paper bouquets are constructed from pages out of old books, newspaper, magazine clippings, or you can find some fancy stock/scrapbooking paper from your local craft store. Use any pattern you want to create a nice addition to your wedding decor. Bold contrasts are my personal favorite.

And honestly, they don't lack any bit of "elegance" or "fancy" or whatever you want to call it. It's a handmade project, which in my opinion, will not only last longer, but create better memories during the creation process as well. And the absolute best part is, you're not limited to one type of flower.
For the Kusudama tutorial, click here.

For the Ocasiocasa tutorial, click here.

For the Dahlia tutorial, click here. 

There's also a bazillion different varieties of roses and other florals that you can make as well. Round roses, spray garden roses, etc.

Have fun with this project, and happy flower making!

XOXO-Christina

Mini Obsession: POLKA DOTS!

Lately I've found myself drawn to all things polka dots...don't ask why. Perhaps I was deprived of them as a child? Possibly. The whimsical nature of polka dotted items add instant "fun" factor to any event. Mix and add different colors, and perhaps some gingham and floral patterns, and you've got yourself a fun soiree. Check out some of my love's below and the reason for my new-found addiction.

Hope you enjoyed all the loveliness. Have a safe and happy new years all!

-Christina

Guest Book Alternative: Custom Skateboard Deck

Freakin awesome!! A refinished skateboard deck that has a picture of the couple (secured with resin), and room for their fam and friends to leave words of wisdom and ♥. In my opinion, this beats those boring old traditional guest books. HANDS DOWN. What a cool way to leave a memory of your special day hanging in your house. Let me know if you need some DIY instructions.

xoxo, Christina

Monogram Etiquette

Monogram etiquette isn't common knowledge for most folks, hence the reason for this post. So how do I go about explaining the proper etiquette without boring you to tears. Hmmmmm, here goes: in short definition, monograms are those cute, calligraphy-looking letters you see hanging on bathroom towels in fancy houses (oh, and at weddings too). Who am I kidding, you know what a monogram is, right?? Exhibit a:
Ok, so on to the next (and more complicated) question…do you know the proper way to create your own monogram? In what order should your initials be displayed? Who's name comes first? Which is the bigger letter? Let's face it, how many people really take the time to research the appropriate way to display your monogram...I therefore, am putting together this very short, very simple list of rules to follow.

• A general rule of thumb, and most importantly...the brides name always comes first! Duh, because we are more beautiful and special...heh, I kid, I kid.
• If using initials only, the order is: the brides first initial, groom's last name, the grooms first initial

That's it. Pretty simple right? I'm glad we got that established. Now on to the fun part: the ways to utilize your monogram are ENDLESS. Use on wine bottle tags, stationary, cake toppers, napkins, aisle runners, favors, signs, chair ties, decor, signs, drink stirrers, flags, etc, etc, etc! A wedding monogram is kind of a big deal, almost in the same category as the cake, rings and officiant...ok, not quite. But close.

P.S. In case you didn't know, Envy Events will design your own personalized monogram for a flat rate of $50. Unlimited revisions included. Pass it on. Also, check out our post on custom monogrammed stamps from Zazzle.com.

DIY Project: Making Your Cupcakes Cute

If you are like me, you browse through countless wedding blogs whenever humanly possible. I love seeing all the lovely little details of DIY weddings and stare longingly, wondering how to share them with you all. Today I wanted to try those cute little cupcake signs that have been seen on Style Me Pretty. Here's an inspiration picture.

How cute are these?? But they are $9 for a set of 12, and that could add up really fast, especially if you have a large guest list. For example, if your guest list is 150, you would need 13 sets of 12, which comes out to (carry the 3, subtract the 1) $113. But enough blabbling, on to your DIY instructions...

Supplies needed (can be found in any craft supply store):

• Big scalloped-edge hole-puncher (2 inch)
• Slightly smaller circle hole puncher (1.5 inch)
• “Woodsies” wooden sticks (5.75 inch)
• Glue sticks & hot glue gun
• Cute construction or scrap-booking paper
• Letter stickers

Here is a closer look at the hole-puncher's:

Start by cutting out a few of each of the circles, playing around with the patterns and colors from the card stock you have. Then, hot-glue the circle onto the stick (or use Zots if you don't want to use a messy glue gun). If you don't want to leave the stick exposed on the back, glue the matching color onto the back.

 

Next, apply some sticker letters, or quotes to the circles. Mix it up by using different sayings such as:
Your monogram or initials,We Do, I Do,Love,Kiss,Sweet,Just Wed,In Love,Happy,Mrs, Mr, ...etc

 

All in all, these will turn out so cute!! Not to mention, they are sooooo ridiculously easy to make! This DIY trend has been popping up everywhere, and I love the idea of cupcakes instead of a traditional cake, or in addition to a traditional cake. There's many uses for these: think drink stirrers, attached to favor bags, "toss me" bags, at the bar or dessert table....the list goes on and on!

{Courtesy of Miss Petit Four of Weddingbee}

Custom Stamps for the New Mr. & Mrs.

SALE ALERT! These stamps were wayyyy toooooo cuuuuute to not share! How cumbersome and annoying is it to hand-address all of your thank-you cards, (future baby shower invites, perhaps?) and etc. etc. etc? I found these stamps while snooping around on PaperSource, and was excited to learn that you DON'T have to design your own monogram. The lovely folks at PaperSource provide you with pages and pages of pre-made designs, and all you have to do is fill in your info. As a crafty person, I love this website, not only because it is a DIY'ers online bible of paper choices, but the selection here is hard to beat anywhere else. It doesn't matter what your style is, you can find stationary to match here.


On a side note, stamps add a touch of class to snail mail, in my opinion, ten-times better than mailing labels. At $20-$30 each, a little pricey, but I think it's a nice investment. Can you think of a better way to introduce the new Mr. and Mrs. on an envelope? Thought so. Ok, maybe I get a little too excited about not-so-important minute details, but I'm purchasing one of these for myself, so I thought I'd share with y'all as well. 

Not-So-Ordinary Boutonnieres

This gallery by TheKnot.com was so intriguing and inspirational, at the very least. A personal touch, even in the smallest of details, allows your guests to get a feel for your love, your relationship, and your individual personalities. A personal touch adds charm to any event, and your guests will appreciate it without a doubt. This gallery captures several ideas, some you may cringe at, others are "jaw-droppingly" gorgeous. Depending on your own sense of style, of course. 

Simply put, a boutonniere doesn't necessarily have to be a flower. Anything that is unique is special, even if only to the couple. Whether it's pom-pom's, paper flowers, mini Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle figurines, or a plastic Pac-Man....It's your day so use your imagination and let the creative juices flow!

Etsy.com = Online ADDICTION!

Whether you're looking for a monogrammed chair tie or a cake topper that different than the typical b & g figurines...etsy.com will likely have what you heart most desires! Etsy is a site where talented crafters and artsy folks alike post and sell their handmade, UNIQUE items. This can be especially helpful if you're not quite the skilled project master or just simply don't have the time to take on any DIY projects. There is soooo much to be said about having an item that is not mass-produced...knowing that you are in possession of a "one of a kind makes" it more intriguing and special. So check it out, you'll be glad you did - promise!

Blurb: Fun DIY Project

I've landed a goldmine. Recently while scouring the wedding blog universe, I noticed mention of a site where you can design your own coffee table wedding album. Blurb.com is an online book manufacturing company where you can download free software to create your beautiful, sophisticated masterpiece. Prices start at $12.95 and you have the option of premium, heavy-stock linen paper. You can also add a custom dust cover or instead choose the imagewrap feature -where the image is printed directly on the hardcover front and back.

These albums offer a fun alternative to traditional guest sign-in books or better yet, unique party favors. Place one on each table -detailing your love story and life together leading up to your marriage, and your guests will surely appreciate! What a great way for distant relatives or new acquaintances to get to know the bride or groom!

Personalized Favors

Hi everyone-

Just wanted to let you all know, in case you didn't already know, Envy Events offers a complete line of personalized favors, bridal party gifts, & wedding day accessories. We have many styles for you to choose from - dramatic, romantic, contemporary - you name it. FYI: This isn't a service that we offer to just anyone. Because we take such a customized approach to the process, we usually only extend our services to our current clients.

Here's how it works by default: we get together and help you to become familiar with the many options & products available to you. Then, you get to make the decision on (as the ultimate decision maker!) what works best with the overall theme and budget (always mindful of the bottom line- especially with the economy the way that it is).

The perks to placing an order with us is that you always have someone who is knowledgable and ready to answer (*or find answers to) all of your questions regarding shipment time, font selection, color options, pricing, & quantities needed.

Here's a small display of some of our most requested items. Remember, everything can be ordered blank -or- personalized with your name(s) or monogram (at much less the cost than what similiar companies are offering).