Peter, Peter...

Y'all, autumn is crazy for me! I've been slacking on these blogs, I know! But I'm back... at least for the moment!

Not only is fall an insane busy time for most of us in the wedding industry but it also happens to be my very favorite time of year. The chilly weather (although we've had quite the Indian summer here this year...hello 90 degree weather. What?), the changing leaves, sweaters, scarves, mulled cider...my list goes on and on.

One item on that list of "loves" is pumpkins. Big fat ones, little cute ones, orange ones, white ones...it doesn't matter. I think they're adorable. And for my October brides, I love the idea of incorporating these gourds into your big day.

Now, I'm not suggesting jack-o-lanterns...at least not in the classic sense. Cut pretty designs out, paint them, glitter them, bejewel them. The possibilities are endless! Remember that it's all in the details. Scatter a few lit up pumpkins throughout your event. Down the aisle, on your cocktail tables, lining the back of your escort card table, etc. etc.

Where to find these pumpkins? Make a day of it and go pumpkin picking with your wedding party. I'll be checking out Arata Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay with a few of my besties this Sunday. Photo ops abound! I'm thinking it'll be a really fun memory maker for you & those closest to you. Right?

Pumpkins can be a whimsical, cute and fun touch to your wedding. But if you don't want to go that far with the fall theme then maybe consider a dessert bar with autumnal touches. Mini pumpkin pies, apple tarts and bourbon bread pudding. Yum, right?

As always, have fun with it. Happy Fall, y'all!

What's More Fun Than A DYI Involving Beer? Nothing, That's What.

Today's inpiration is comes from my little brain's inability to shut off at 2am. One of my family members recently became engaged and I, of course, have been itching to get some wedding planning done regardless of the fact that they decided to postpone their big day. If ya'll didn't know...weddings can be expensive for those of us with good taste (it must run in the family!). That and these two have such big hearts that they don't want their parents to have to pay out of their retirements for their dream wedding. Anywho, just because it's postponed a bit doesn't stop me from brainstorming.

A few items that I took into consideration:

• The bride wants her girls in black dresses...so they can wear them again. What a sweetie! Got to love a considerate bride!
• The bride & groom aren't frilly. There will be no pink, no glitter, no feathers.
• Their main focus is for their guests to have the time of their life, for their families to have time enough to get to know each other and for there to be an open bar.
• They aren't "ballroom" people so the possible venues have all had a rustic feel to them. For example, Holman Ranch is a contender.
• They are both foodies & drinkies. And yes, I just coined "drinkies". You're welcome, Websters.

With all of that in mind I put together the following ideas...

• Rustic Wooden Family Style Tables with Mahogany "Bistro" Chairs & Glass Etched Chargers
• Floral Arrangements in Old Beer Bottles in Various Glass Colors (Clear, Brown & Green)
• Cost Effective Flowers (No Peonies Here!) in White/Cream Palette To Include Baby's Breath, Mums and Freesia (To give off that a-mazing scent...I'm a big believer in just a touch of fragrant flowers. It's a memory maker.)

Favorite part of this design? The beer bottles. And since they've postponed the wedding a bit it means they'll have plenty of time to drink all that beer. Pretty sure their friends won't mind helping with that wedding project!

Hometown Shout-Out

I love the idea of having a "shout out" to your roots. Some of you may not know that I spent my formative years in Mississippi which makes me a huge fan of Southern weddings. But no matter where you're from or what your heritage is, I think it's important to give a nod to it. Whether you're from Kansas and wear sparkly red shoes under your dress or from Vermont and give maple syrup as favors, it's a cute and thoughtful touch to your big day.

"But The Carpet Is Hideous!"

Sad but true fact? Most all venues have hideous carpet. I don’t know what the deal is and who gets to choose the carpet but…it’s usually someone who has no real interior design background. Shocking, right?

Luckily, there is a bright spot amidst all the terribly outdated color combos. Once your tables & dance floor are down, you’re barely going to be able to see the maroon paisley design on the carpet. Promise. Just focus on the walls and the lighting. The carpet is the least of your worries. Flourescent lighting is a much bigger foe. However, even that can be solved. If the location fits your specifications and you like the staff, book it! Those are two of the most important factors of your venue choice. A little ugly carpet shouldn't stop you from having the wedding of your dreams at an otherwise perfect venue!