These days couples are looking just about anywhere for neat and innovative décor ideas. Although some couples opt for a more traditional or contemporary theme, many couples are choosing to go with a “playful” approach when decorating. 

A trend I am currently loving are all the DIY signs, displays and chalkboards creatively spelling out the bride and groom's names, information or locations. These are not only fun to create with your future spouse, but can look really neat after they are completed. Although many brides have a specific idea on how they want to decorate their designated area, these signs, displays and chalkboards can fit in with just about any theme.

Having a rustic, flirty, partially outdoor wedding? How about beautifully written fonts on multiple sized arrows leading guests toward designated locations. These are fun and easy to create, not to mention easy to follow!

Maybe you have a tight budget and don’t want to print up menu cards? Or you want to tell all your guests something else specific - spell it out in chalk! Chalkboards are a great way to not only save a little money, but add a bit of personality to your wedding.

However you choose to decorate your wedding, these fun and creative signs and displays will surely be a topic of discussion! Materials to complete your creations can be found in a variety of places: craft stores, specialty shops, and even antique stores! Don’t forget to get your future spouse or a few of your girlfriends to join in on the fun!

Best,
Hilary

Is your wedding at a location that doesn't allow any kind of material to be tossed, and perhaps no bubbles, either? Then consider ribbon wands as a fun alternative. Your exit pictures will have the look of flying streamers without the mess.

Guests each receive a ribbon wand, and wave the ribbons as you make your departure from the ceremony or reception. The ribbons can be coordinated with your wedding colors, and personalized with your names, date, or other phrase. You can purchase them pre-made, or easily go the DIY route.

We found a few resources for both purchasing them pre-made as well as creating your own:

Pre-made in white, no options: Wilton Ribbon Wands
Customized, color & imprint: My Wedding Favors Ribbon Wands
Custom printed ribbons, for DIY use: Print MY Ribbon
DIY Instructions: Polka Dot Bride Blog (it's an Australian site, so be advised that the measurements are in metric)

{These are just a few quick examples; there are many more sources on the web. Search for "Ribbon Wands" and see what catches your fancy.}

Cheers!
Heather

For our 1 Year Anniversary Celebration last week (photos coming soon!), I re-decorated the windows at L'Evento, with great success. Many compliments were received for the fun and lovely tissue paper pom-poms, so I decided to share the instructions for these simple decorations. They are easily adapted to different situations and styles - changes in color, size and end-cut can create a totally different effect. Prepare to experiment a little with the number of layers needed if you are working with a paper size other than indicated in the instructions.

(Instructions and images from Martha Stewart Weddings.)

How to make the hanging pom-poms
You'll need tissue paper and 24-gauge white cloth-covered floral wire.

1. Stack eight 20-by-30-inch sheets of tissue. Make 1 1/2-inch wide accordion folds, creasing with each fold.
2. Fold and 18-inch piece of floral wire in half, and slip over the center of folded tissue; twist. With scissors, trim ends of tissue into rounded or pointy shapes.
3. Separate layer, pulling away from center one at a time.
4. Tie a length of monofilament (fishing line) to floral wire for hanging.