There is nothing like taking what is old and making it new again. And one style that just never goes OUT of style is Art Deco. Take a look at our inspiration board below to see how Art Deco has evolved from then to now.


The new age of Art Deco offers the same sensual striking style it did in the early 1930's - with a softer air of sophistication. Christian Dior stepped up front for the new Spring 2009 line of Art Deco's romantic side. Feminine in every sense of the word and the head caps perfect the look. We just love these looks!

Labels: Boards

And where will be this weekend you ask? Get your tickets now for the 2009 Seattle Wedding Show. banquetevent.com will be there. Come find our booth and receive the 2009 Wedding Resource Guide ($14.95 value) absolutely FREE! That's right, we said free!

The Seattle Wedding Show is located at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center. Complete with fashion shows, hundreds of vendors, giveaways, gown sales and more, it is the place to be!!

Labels: Local Events

Labels: Local Events

Continuing our three part series on art deco inspired weddings, check out this blast from the past inspiration board celebrating art deco architecture, fashion and accessories. Art Deco was a popular international design movement from 1925 until 1939, affecting the decorative arts such as architecture, interior design, and industrial design, as well as the visual arts such as fashion, painting, the graphic arts and film. Its popularity peaked in Europe during the Roaring Twenties[2] and continued strongly in the United States through the 1930s.



If you are in love with the art deco period and want to get inspired all year long, click here to order a 2009 Art Deco yearly calendar. Choose from one of many fabulous art deco art collections. Here are a few samples below.

Labels: Boards

There is no doubt in our minds that you will love these fabulous invitations and custom stationary by Enfin, La Voila! These designs, plus many others are available in Enfin, La Voila's personal etsy store. You can also completely customize your masterpiece with the designer. From wedding invitations, to birthday celebrations and even christmas cards, Enfin, La Voila's cards and stationary are a true delight. Hope you enjoy!

Labels: Ideas

Candles and room diffusers are the final touch to personalizing your space. The bonus, well that's a little something called mood enhancement......or thoughts of other things. This is exactly what good candles and diffusers can bring into a specific environment of your choice.

Here are a few ideas from one of our favorite websites called Scents & Sprays.

1. Archipelago Monogram B They offer you exceptional value. In many lesser fragrances in candles and soaps and diffusers, it would not be uncommon to buy three or four - which would be necessary to keep the continued fragrance available in your space - that only ONE Archipelago product will give you. You can find these at Anthropologie in Seattle

2. Another Archipelago product exuding quality are their candles - one of the capturing fragrances is the White Sugar Mango Soy candle, shown here for $20.00

3. Archipelago diffuser - what would you say if we told you we iknow several people who have had these particular diffusers and they have lasted over a year and a half? It's true - all you need to do is change the reeds. Quality fragrance blends will do this for you. Available at http://www.archipelago-usa.com/

4. St Moritz Candle collections - these candles refer to their fragrance as Divine. They are absolutely correct. Again - the value in the candle is the quality of the wax and fragrance - and adding to this is the contemporary simplicity of great design.

5. If YOU are the gourmet candle connoisseur - this is the candles collection that is a MUST have - Voluspa Basic Black Votive set of 10. The difficulty is when you are not sure whether to keep them or heaven forbid - give this away as a gift. We know what we would do - Your turn! $48.00 (Available at Nordstrom)

6. There is no doubt nothing much more romantic than walking into a room with the scent and look of candle light. The atmosphere is transformed into that very special personal space you create just for that special moment. Now comes the reality of safety and cost. One can spend a fortune on candles and in this day and age - not the priority you want it to be..... the answer is flameless "wax" candles. These particular candles will give you hours and hours of "mood".... before you even have to even replace the battery. And to set the perfect scene - not to be interrupted - yes a remote is included. Two 6" flameless pillars WITH remote $28.00!. If you want a little variety - try Cypress-Limegrass, Ocean Waters or Pomegranate.

7. Once again we have to include the Voluspa, Vervaine Olive Leaf Reed Diffuser. This is a clean, vibrant fragrance... with the blend of lemon verbena, green olive leaves, pettigrain and cucumber - wow - the fragrance you just sniff and cannot stop wanting to get more!

8. Presented in a beautiful, hand-blown Italian crystal perfume bottle with glass stopper, and decorative tray, Agraria Mission Fig AirEssence™ is filled with a special formulation of Mission Fig fragrance oil. Available on-line at: http://www.beautyexclusive.com

9. Bellissimo cut crystal decanter and home ambiance fragrance reeds made with superior formulations and only the finest natural ingredients in unique combinations. These are available at Caesars online at: http://www.caesarsluxurycollection.com/item.asp?curr_item_id=204&cat_id=4

Labels: Gifts, Home

One style that never goes OUT of style is the art deco theme. Today we begin a three part series highlighting the styles, fashions and designs of the Art Deco period. With it's elegance and sophistication, an Art Deco themed wedding is just the right blend of old and new. Be sure to check back each Wednesday for more Art Deco inspirations.

Theme: The Golden Age
Colors: Gold, black, Green and Aqua

Labels: Boards

Louis Vuitton has just inked a new ad campaign with someone just about everyone knows - Madonna. She is seen here in one of the billboard/magazine layouts soon to be see soon in some of the world's key fashion avenues and magazines. Tell us what you think of the new campaign!

Labels: Beauty, Fashion, Trends

No one is better equipped to show us how to visualize the British fashion movement than Alexander McQueen. His name is synonymous with everything country so if you are looking for one of those great trends sweeping in next year - look no further than Alexander McQueen for inspiration.


Left side: Alexander McQueen shows once again his style for Britannia, with a full sweater dress.

Top Middle: Chanel defined the British Crown in this buckle pin.

Top Right: Alexander McQueen will be designing a capsule collection for Target under their new fashion initiative called Designer Collaborations. The collection has a muted color palette of black, white, gray and tan with accents of cobalt blue and bright pink similar to the colors on the outfit in the photo.

Middle Small photo: three evening gowns with the golden hews of royalty.

Middle Right: Alexander McQueen ankle high boots - $1264.00

Middle Bottom: Alexander McQueen was inspired in a recent trip to India and has similar collection pieces coming out in his couture line for Fall 2009.

Bottom Right: Chanel flag evening bag encrusted with crystals

Labels: Beauty, Fashion, Trends

Looking for that special gift for your special man this Christmas or as a pre-wedding gift? Consider the gift of shaving, particularly the fabulous products from The Art Of Shaving. The Art of Shaving has become the best-selling men’s brand at high-end department stores. The Art of Shaving was started in a kitchen. Today the company is a worldwide organization still nurtured by the founders' talent and passion. They have succeeded in creating a brand with a mission, one that promises to be a household name for generations to come.

Click here for the best options for holiday gifts for your man, but don't forget yourself either. Click here for a full collection of female shaving products.

Labels: Beauty, Gifts, Travel

This color inspired theme is certainly not for the shy. If you love color and all it's glory, but can't choose which shade is right for your wedding, why not choose them all?

Theme: Rainbow Connection
Colors: All the colors of the rainbow, of course!


Top Row: Bouquet by Ravenna Bloom; Place-setting from Pottery Barn; Image from JCrew; The Carolyn Invitation from Inky Livie
Second Row: Yellow candy bar from Project Wedding; Image from The Bridal Guide; Bloom box from Beau-Coup; Multi-colored lanterns from Plum Party
Third Row: Table-setting from Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade; Colorful cocktails by Sandra Lee; Whimsical cake from istock photo; Beach glass necklace from Anthropologie; Dress from Anthropologie
Bottom Row: Classic Cookbook from Philosophy; Candles from Pier 1 Imports; Rainbow pumps from Dereon

Labels: Boards

Looking for an excellent gift idea for your dear bridesmaids? Look no further. Check out Stelladot.com for utterly charming necklaces and bracelets that you can customize to match the unique personalities of your girlfriends. Available in gold and silver, you can mismatch charms, chains, and stones to create the perfect ensemble.

Our pick for the best gift is the bangle bracelet below, with the added initial, bff and heart charm. But be sure to check out the entire Stelladot website for more options.

Labels: Beauty, Fashion, Gifts

We think you'll love the charming accessories and treasures from Viv & Ingrid. From hoop earrings to necklaces to hair accessories, Viv & Ingrid's creations are just about the cutest things we've ever seen. Just check out their fantastic packaging. It's just as pretty as the jewelry itself. All of Viv & Ingrid's pieces would make excellent bridesmaids gifts and there is also a special section on their website for the bride.

Labels: Beauty, Fashion, Gifts

Today's Inspiration Board highlights the bold colors of fuchsia and teal. Look for these bright, rich, and bold colors to last throughout the Spring and Summer months of 2009. Here's to hoping they stick around even longer.

Theme: Pretty in Paisley
Color: Fuchsia, teal, silver

Click image below to enlarge.


Top Row: Mary L Couture Bias Cut Gown; Cake from Inticing Creations; Invitation from Wedding Paper Divas; Gown by Kevin Hall; Paisley cutout placemats from Plum Party
Second Row: Aqua Paisely Tie from Amazon.com; Henna painted hands from Brides; Gown from Lazaro featured at Brides; DaVinci wedding gown
Third Row: Magenta and Teal place card from Brides; Paisley plate courtesy of Chistine Adolph Designs; Peony bouquet from Simply Blooms
Bottom Row: Headband from Sugar Chic; Paisley Save The Date cards from Dear Emma; Burgandy Gothic Rose Love Me Knot Dress from Posh Petunia;

Labels: Boards

The Puget Sound's ultimate guide for planning any wedding your heart desires. Designed by today's brides for today's brides - so information is in an easy to read format. All new layouts this year with all color photos - and more reference information than ever before including the latest wedding trends for 2009. This book is your ultimate resource if you are planning a wedding, reception, or family event in or around Western Washington from Seattle to Everett to Tacoma and beyond. This is the ONLY book you'll ever refer to again! Get your free copy at the 2009 Seattle Wedding Show.

Preston Bailey's Inspirations is a sourcebook of ideas for creating the perfect ambiance for any major party or event. Preston Bailey has spent 23 years creating the decor for the most lavish of celebrity parties, weddings, and other high-profile events. This book is packed with gorgeous full-bleed and double-spread photographs of 10 such parties. They range from modern to romantic and the majority of arrangements pictured--Preston's amazing centerpieces, hanging arrangements, chair adornments, place settings, etc.--have never before been seen. Each chapter will focus on a specific inspirational element, such as a 6-foot pineapple made from sunflowers and palm leaves, a lawn made entirely of roses, and floating orchids and peonies in an indoor pool. Above all, Bailey encourages anyone planning a party to allow their creativity to blossom and have fun while designing their dream event.


Packed with advice and inspiration from three of Los Angeles' most popular party providers. "Fabulous Parties" reveals their professional secrets and enables you to create your own sensational celebration for any occasion. Drawing on many years of hands-on-experience as floral designers and caterers to Los Angeles' A-listers, Mark Held and Richard David of Mark's Garden and Peggy Dark of the Kitchen has adapted the principles of putting together a large, lavish event to a more intimate scale and lower budget. The harmonious relationship between food and flowers is clearly shown in beautiful, specially commissioned photographs, which showcase twenty themed events inspired by those created for their celebrity clients. All of the events included have a theme, decor, and menu. Choose from a Rustic Italian Party, a colorful Caribbean Dinner, a lavish New Year's Eve Celebration, an elegant Wine Tasting, or a glamorous Pink Ladies' Luncheon, plus many more. Useful practical instruction on how to achieve professional results at home is given in a section on Floristy Tips and Techniques. *Celebrity clients who enjoy parties created by Mark's Garden and The Kitchen include Oprah Winfrey, Cher, Diane Keaton, George Clooney, Teri Hatcher, Tommy Hilfiger, Donatella Versace, and many more.

Jane Packer is one of London’s most sought-after florists and also runs celebrated flower schools in London, New York, and Tokyo. In this irresistible book, Jane covers the same ground as in her four-week career course, here divided into three sections. Flowers to Give teaches all the techniques needed to make a variety of floral gifts. Flowers for the Home covers vase arrangements of all shapes and sizes. Flowers for Celebrations offers all the necessary know-how for party flowers, festive wreaths, table arrangements, and beautiful wedding flowers. Lovely photographs of the finished creations are accompanied by step-by-step photographs and easy-to-follow instructions. This book distils all Jane Packer’s expertise and style into one volume, and imparts the secrets of successful flower arranging to every reader, novice and expert alike. • More than 25 glorious step-by-step projects, with a wealth of other original ideas to make the perfect floral arrangement. • Professional tips and techniques for choosing, conditioning, and caring for beautiful flowers. • An essential source book for amateur and professional flower arrangers alike.

All of these books are available at Amazon.com. The 2009 Wedding Resource Guide will be available at amazon.com starting in January.

Labels: Gifts, How-Tos, Ideas