Now here's a color that is about as positive as they come. It's a fresh, clean, upbeat addition to just about any environment and what could be more ideal than say at a wedding. The theme itself is one that allows you to use your imagination in a far reaching approach to many items and options from favors to drinks, to even the cake. We tried to include a few of those above. The hot hot, SUPER hot peacock inspired wedding look fits right in this color range.
You can spice it up with many shades of yellow or cool it down with fabulous retro- trendy teal blue. Want something more conservative or say even high-brow - add impeccable shades of grey or browns. Did you ever think of Apple green as a base color? Better start now.... it sure can be. Most of all have fun and send us your pictures. We would love to see your apple green wedding.
Extravagance comes naturally to some brides, especially when budget is not a factor. Here are our top 5 most extravagant wedding themes that made our hearts go pitter-pat.
Extravagant Theme No. 1 :: Versailles Wedding Theme Designed by San Deigo florist Karan Tran, over 300 fresh peonies were used to create just one tabletop!
Extravagant Theme No. 2 :: Green With Envy Wildflower Linen's over-the-top garden wedding features a custom floral tent made of green orchids.
Extravagant Theme No. 3 :: Asian Art Weddings held at the St. Regis Hotel in San Francisco are always extravagant, but this particular wedding with a $500,000+ wedding budget takes the cake. Featured at Platinum Weddings.
Extravagant Theme No. 4 :: Modern Glitz This year at the Special Event conference, event designers presented their most extravagant themes and designs. This Modern Glitz wedding theme, may look like a minimalist's dream, but the rich fabrics and use of light make this wedding just the right amount of over-the-top-ness.
Extravagant Theme No. 5 :: Over The Horizon There is nothing like a warm summer afternoon and a wedding overlooking the beach. With the natural beauty of the outdoors selecting the right wedding decor to complement and not distract is crucial. We love this wedding ceremony design by Karen Tran.
The fashion world celebrates fashion magazines each year with the "Best of the Best." Here is a pictorial of most of the winners. Recognize any of them?
Just because you are on a budget, doesn't mean you have to give up on having a completely awesome theme for your wedding. For a mid-afternoon wedding consider a candy buffet. Mmmmm....candy! Set up a bar with all your favorites and choose the candy that fits your color scheme and personality. All you need are clear glass jars and a trip to your local candy stores and you'll have a plethora of choices, colors, tastes and varieties that will have your guests on a sugar rush in no time at all.
If your wedding is in the fall, consider caramel covered apples, candy corn and sweets in shades of orange and yellow. If you are planning a winter wedding, pick up candy canes, cinnamon sticks, and red and white candies. If your wedding is in the spring, take advantage of the pastel candies that come out around Easter. And if you are planning a summer shindig, add a sno-cone bar with flavored ice as a special treat that is as tasty as it is thirst quenching.
Above all, be creative and be sure to brush your teeth after such an indulgence. Sweet dreams.
If you love style, and goodness gracious we know you do, then you are absolutely going to love the website, Polyvore.com. Polyvore allows users like you and me, to upload style sets, showing how to create outfits and complete designer looks. Then it even tells you where you can go to create the look for yourself.
But don't take our word for it, visit Polyvore for yourself and search through thousands of style sets. And if this is something you really love, be sure reserve your copy of the 2009 Wedding Resource Guide, available January of 2009, where banquetevent.com will present the latest color and styles boards for the 2009 wedding season.
Planning a fall wedding can be an incredibly gratifying process. That same feeling you get from a crisp, cool fall day and the warmth you feel when you put on your wool coat and scarf and drink a cup of hot apple cider can easily be transferred to create the same good feelings for your fall wedding.
We've put together some of our favorite fall styles, flavors and colors and displayed them here for you. Can't you just taste the cider now?
A great favor idea for your fall wedding is to roast nuts like chestnuts, walnuts and hazelnuts. Check out a great recipe below. Also, incorporate foods and flavors unique to the season like apples, cinnamon, figs, nutmeg and other spices. Just the smell of these flavors will lift the spirits of your guests.
When it comes to style, go with gold accents. Not only does gold represent a regal sophistication, but it also complements most skin tones and adds color to your white gown without taking away from its simplicity. And no matter what palate you choose for the rest of your theme, gold will blend nicely.
Top: Wedding gown with gold accents by Amsale Bottom Left: Bridesmaid gown by Jim Hjelm Bottom Right: Photo source Project Wedding
When it comes to the rest of the details for your wedding, carry the theme throughout your design. A simple leaf motive can be used in many different ways and is also a cost-effective decoration. For your bridal bouquets, simply bring the theme together by using the same colors.
As much as it pains us to see summer come to end, we're still excited for all the beautiful colors and inspirations we find in Fall each year. Fall is an incredible time for a wedding. The season calls for rich colors and unique twists on design. To help you get your creative juices flowing, we've got some party planning tips to help you plan the wedding of the season!
The Theme: Since Halloween also falls in the Fall (no pun intended) choose a theme that is equally fun and light-hearted. We've chosen the theme of Fun & Games to present to you. Fun & Games allows you to veer slightly from the formal and traditional wedding design and be creative with your colors, fashions, favors and decorations.
The Dress: We are in love with the idea of wearing a t-length gown to your reception. By shortening up your hemline, you also add sass and pizazz to the evening's mood, which will allow everyone to feel relaxed and ready to have a fun time. You could even wear a long, more traditional gown for your ceremony, but change into a shorter gown for your reception when it's time let loose.
The Colors: Go with a color that pops like a deep orange, ruby red or golden yellow. These traditional Fall colors make a great backdrop for your wedding and make for a lively color pallate.
The Details: With any theme, it's always the small details that matter most. Give your groom some funky cufflinks that match the color of the wedding. In our inspiration board above, check out the orange lego cufflinks we found at Etsy to stay inline with our Fun & Games theme.
The Entertainment: A Fun & Games wedding theme screams party dance band, does it not? Hire a band with as much moves as you're groom-to-be thinks he has!
The Food: Fall brings new flavors and available ingredients that are not available throughout the rest of the year, so take advantage of them. We suggest adding seasonal fruits and vegetables as side dishes to your plates like sweet potatoes, figs, pumpkin spices, and apple stuffings. Talk with your caterer about jazzing up these seasonal flavors to create elegant and delicous appetizers and drinks like ricotta stuffed grilled figs with honey drizzled on top or a pumpkin spiced apple cider.
The Table: Go with bold linens to match your color scheme. Strong colored linens will help you make a statement without having to go overboard on large floral centerpieces. Also, just for "fun," pile the center of each table with party favor "games" like Chinese finger traps, mazes, pick-up-sticks, mini-puzzels and legos.
The Favors: Fall is all about candy! So have it everywhere for your guests to nibble on all night long.
The Extras: We always like the idea of having a traditional and elegant wedding cake, but to add a little "fun" to the reception, have a custom-made Groomscake designed in a unique shape that signifies your and your groom's personality.
Also be sure to add ambiance to the overall room design by bringing in professional lighting. By using red and orange lighting, your overall theme will be carried out even further.
This year in the 2009 Wedding Resource Guide presented by banquetevent.com and due out in late fall, all the upcoming 2009 wedding trends will be presented for you, and in full, radiant color. We can't give away everything in our blog just yet, but here is a taste of some of the inspirations you'll find in the Wedding Resource Guide.
We love when two unexpected color combinations come together and absolutely dazzle us. That is exactly more of what we expect to see in the upcoming 2009 wedding season. Say goodbye to sweet and mild pastels and hello to bold, vibrant colors.
Seen below, we've paired a bright aqua with a venetian red, and as you can see, the results are spectacular.
Top Left: Custom monogrammed table runner from LSeabol's etsy.com shop Top Right: Blue diamond and titanium ring from ShadeJewelry Bottom: Tiffany inspired wedding invitation from Alamodebride
If you are anything like us and you love drama, then you are sure to love these crystal wedding decorations from Cristalier. Cristalier sells decorative crystals in a variety of colors for you to add to just about anything to give it that extra flair. From Feng Shui to Shabby Chic, Tuscan to French Country, crystal prisms are setting the stage in wedding design. Even home trends have moved crystal beads from chandelier replacement crystals to hanging crystals in every room of the house. Their crystal beads, ornaments and prisms are perfect for arts & crafts, sun- catchers and even look great on a bobeche.
Cristalier also offers an inspiration design center on their website with hundreds of ideas and themes on how you can use their crystals in your wedding designs.
Our favorite way to use crystals is to create crystal wedding trees, as seen below. Depending on the color and atmosphere you can turn a simple branch into a dazzling display of romantic elegance.
One of our favorite places to shop around is Etsy.com. Etsy offers so many beautifully hand-crafted designs we could literally spend hours at a time just surfing around. Etsy is the perfect place to find those simple details for your wedding that will truly add a unique charm to your design and mood especially when it comes to bridal accessories.
We recently did a vast search for the handmade garters and boy did we find some beauties. From classic and traditional to couture and frisky, the garters are all unique and stylish.
Each of these below garters come from Designs By Peterene and she literally has hundreds to choose from. Most of her garters are made-to-order so customization is not a problem.
There are some things that we come across that just crack us up and this is definitely one of them. Meet zeralights, the creators of fiber optic fashion accessories. That's right, just like their website says, zeralights brings sparkle to fashion accessories.
Zeralights is the creative inspiration of Barbara Sears Nelson, a Colorado native who currently lives in Denver. After multitude attempts, the day finally dawned allowing her to market her own creations combining sparkle design with products made from Luminex fiber optic fabric.
Now, while the actual fashion accessories are a bit "out there" we do however like the options zeralights offers for events. Check out the below table and chair linens and wine glass accessory.
Don't you just hate it when you spend all that money at the nail salon for a beautiful manicure and then ten minutes out the door your nail polish cracks or scratches? It's a pet-peeve of ours so we went on the hunt for the strongest, longest lasting and most durable nail polish on the planet. And the winner is....NARS!
NARS claims that their nail polish contains an exclusive formula with technology designed to improve flexibility, durability, wear and gloss properties. This new longwearing formula provides a tough, durable chip-resistant finish and also has added UV protection to prevent polish discoloration. And you know what? They aren't lying.
NARS nail polish retails for $16 which we realize is much more expensive than the average bottle of polish, but for your wedding day, isn't the reassurance of a long-lasting manicure worth a few extra bucks?
No other color signifies a wedding more than white. Brides have been wearing white and ivory gowns for hundreds of years. The purity and simplicity of white creates an elegant and formal setting, making it an excellent option for a monochromatic color scheme.
You may think that an all-white wedding is boring or lifeless, but think again. Check out some of our favorite examples of white touches that symbolize grace and elegance.
Top Left:Leah C. Couture Millinery bridal hat Bottom Right: 10k White Gold Cultured Feshwater Pearl Drop Earrings, available at Overstock.com Top Right: bareMinerals Glimmer in Opal by Bare Escentuals available at Sephora Bottom Left: Oscar de la Renta bridal shoe, featured on Brides
Complete The Look Without The Help Of A Mini-Makeup Artist
Do you ever wish you could carry around a little makeup artist in your back pocket and pull her out whenever you need a fresh new, evening or everyday look? Well we may not have a little mini-makeup artist for you, but we may have the next best thing. Available now at Sephora.com are video tutorials to help you complete a look. Currently the videos focus on eye makeup. Some are outrageous, yes, but others present simple how-tos to make applying your own makeup a little more simple. Plus, they provide you with the products they used so you can start with the same tools the artists are using.
Not all brides choose to wear a diamond in their engagement ring. These days, other precious stones are finding their way into engagement ring settings. Find out what your gem of choice says about you...
Amethyst: According to the Bible, this stone means perfection. Roman women believed the amethyst was a symbol of faithfulness and sincerity and would guarantee their husbands' love.
Aquamarine: The aquamarine brings intelligence and courage to the wearer. It is said that the person who wears this stone can read others' minds.
Diamond: Matrimonial happiness will be yours with this popular wedding stone. It is also said to be a symbol of innocence. The bride who wears a diamond will have the courage needed to protect herself from evil spirits. According to ancient folklore, a husband would hold a diamond over his bride's head. If she were a faithful wife, she would turn towards him. If she turned away, it proved her guilty of infidelity. If she passed the test, she kept the prize of the diamond.
Emerald: The emerald promises a happy home and a successful relationship. During the rise of the Roman Empire, Cleopatra was known for wearing brilliant emeralds from her own mine.
Garnet: A large garnet was said to have provided light for Noah's Ark, according to ancient Rabbinic writings. The wearer of this stone is loyal, stable, and is a true friend. "Love will come with giving a garnet."
Ruby: The ruby is the sign of love. Legend says that if the ruby in a ring grows a lighter shade of red, then true love exists. But beware of a ruby that grows darker with age. It means the course of love is not running smoothly. The ruby is said to hold a warm flame and is considered "the sun's own gem."
Sapphire: The sapphire stands for truth and faithfulness. It is said to bring good health and fortune. Ancient Persians believed that the sky's blue color reflected a sapphire supporting the earth.
One question we get asked a lot is about dress code. This seems to be big issue among brides, especially in the Northwest, where casual attire is the new evening wear. It sounds like everyone could use a little advice on what to wear when attending a wedding, so we've gathered some basic rules of thumb to answer some of your questions.
1. Black-Tie "Black Tie" means the men should wear a tuxedo with a black bow or long tie and the women should wear a long formal gown. If you are a bride and would like to have your wedding be "Black Tie" remember that as a result your wedding must be very formal. It is most likely your wedding will be held in a ballroom or formal outdoor tent. You must also reciprocate the guests gesture to dress formally by providing a 3 to 5 course meal and open bar.
2. White-Tie Like "Black-Tie" all the same rules apply for "White-Tie" except the men done a white bow or long tie, with white vests and shirts, while the women wear long formal gowns.
3. Black-Tie Optional A "Black Tie Optional" or "Black Tie Invited" gives you the option of wearing a tuxedo or formal dress, but it should clue you into the formality of the event, meaning a dark suit and tie would be your other option. Women can wear cocktail, long dresses or dressy evening separates.
4. Creative Black Tie Creative Black Tie leaves room for trendy interpretations of formal wear. Men can go more modern with a tux -- maybe a black shirt, no tie. Women can wear long or short dresses or evening separates.
Sometimes, themed parties in the South call for dress codes like "Texas Black Tie" or other variations of Creative Black Tie. In that situation, you can have more fun with it, choosing a dressy look with a theme (for him, it could be a tux with boots and for her it could be a long dress paired with Southwestern style silver belt and jewelry).
5. Semi-Formal or Evening Attire Invited "Semi-Formal" or "Evening Attire Invited" means that tuxes are not required, nor are long dresses. An evening wedding (after 6 PM) would still dictate dark suits for men, and a cocktail dress for her. Daytime semi-formal events mean a suit for men and an appropriate short dress or dressy suit for women.
6. Cocktail Attire or Cocktail Reception "Cocktail Attire" means short, elegant dresses for women and dark suits for men. For women, wearing the classic "little black dress" is appropriate.
7. Dressy Casual or Casual "Dressy Casual" calls for dressed-up versions of casual looks. For men, it could be trousers and a sportcoat, for women a dressy pants look. Jeans, shorts, T-shirts and other casual looks are NEVER appropriate for Dressy Casual. Dressy Casual may be the right attire for a beach wedding.
"Casual" generally means anything goes and is really never appropriate for a wedding.
More General Questions...
Is it okay to wear black to a wedding? Yes, but only for evening weddings. Gone are the days where black is only reserved for funerals. Just try to avoid wearing black from head to toe. Pair your dress with a colorful or metallic pair of pumps or a brightly colored handbag and jewelry.
Is it okay to wear white to a wedding? No. White is reserved for the bride. But if you have a dress that is white in the background with a print in the forefront, that is acceptable.
Is it okay to ask your mother-in-law-to-be to wear a certain color and style? Yes. Typically, it is appropriate for the mother-of-the-bride to choose her dress first. Then once she has chosen a style and color, the bride should give her mother-in-law a description of the gown so she can coordinate, without matching identically.
Is it okay to show skin or cleavage at a wedding? Wear something feminine and appropriate, out of respect for your hosts. Clubwear, overtly sexy clothing (strapless, see-through, etc) doesn't belong at a wedding. If you have to ask if it's appropriate, it probably isn't.
Should men wear a tie to a wedding? Yes. Even if the attire specifies semi-formal, wearing a tie is respectful. It is always better to be overdressed, than underdressed.
What if an invitation doesn't say what to wear? Use your judgment. If the wedding is taking place during the daytime, a pastel colored dress or suit is most appropriate. If the wedding is occurring after 6 p.m. a little black dress is always appropriate. For men, a light colored suit for daytime and a dark suit and tie for evening is most appropriate.
A Final Tip for the bride...
If you are a bride that cares how people dress at your wedding, it is perfectly acceptable to add a line to the bottom of your wedding invitations with dress code instructions. If you have a wedding website, you could also include a "what to wear" section for your guests. In fact, most people like having a little heads-up on how they should dress, especially for daytime or outdoor weddings, which can be a bit ambiguous.
If you are still in search of inspiration for a unique wedding and color scheme look no further. Often for corporate or social events, a common theme is Fire & Ice, but we think this is also a great underlying theme for a wedding. You may never think to combine blues and silvers with deep reds, but actually, the color combination is quite dramatic and beautiful. If you don't like to pair the two colors together, you could also always plan an "ice" themed ceremony and move to a "fire" themed reception or vice versa. After all, Fire & Ice works perfectly for weddings because we all know there is ice on your finger and fire in your relationship.
Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing...
Top Left: Urns with ice and crystals featured in Brides Top Right: Lavish ice bucket from Lush Life Home, $54 Bottom Left: Faux ice cream cupcakes featured in Brides Middle Right: Platinum pear shaped brooch from Levieve Bottom Right: Preston Bailey martini glasses with Cosmo Bleu martini inside
Right: Silk Charmeuse Pintuck Dress available at Ann Taylor, $188 Middle Left: Christine Double V-Neck Dress available at Ann Taylor, $198 Middle Right: Maggy London Charmeuse-Empire-Waist Dress available at Macys, $158 Right: BCBGMAXAZRIA Satin Halter Tiered Dress available at Macys, $220
Top Left: Every Fire theme needs loads of candles to set the mood (Brides) Top Right: Fire Drill table decor, featured in Brides Bottom: Left: Deep red table decor featured in Brides Bottom Right: In Hindu traditions, couples fuel a fire throughout the reception to give thanks for their wedding. (Brides)
There is really only one time in your life when you have the excuse to really glam yourself up, and that is your wedding day. Most girls love playing dressing up with old fashioned accessories and over-the-top fashion jewelry when they are children, but even as adults, women secretly love to put on the ritz when it comes to wedding day fashion. Glamor never goes out of style and these days, wedding photography photo sessions are getting more and more creative. One trend we just love is the golden age of Hollywood, and adding simple touches to your wedding day accessories from this era adds sophistication and ultra feminine style.
Plus it's just plain old fun. Ask your photographer about scheduling part of your portrait session for these types of unique shots. Your photographer can later add touches and color enhancements to make it look like you just stepped off the red carpet in 1954.
If you are planning a destination wedding to Honolulu, Hawaii, we'd like to introduce you to a cosmetics company on the island that specializes in bridal makeup. Meet Malena Cosmetics. The Hawaiian translation for wedding is Maleana. Maleana Cosmetics was created in 2005 by Oahu based celebrity stylist Dorys Foltin to cater to the needs of local and visitor brides alike opting the islands to celebrate their special day. The beauty line’s aim is to aid in long lasting results and remain durable in hot, humid, and all other inhibiting weather conditions. Although Maleana was born for brides, the array of products are best for any beach dwelling babe. The collection has caught the attention of loads of Hawaii locals who live for the light mineral liquid foundation, bronzing powders, and sticky free, tasty lip glosses. Our favorite Maleana product is the Liquid Mineral Powder Foundation ($38.00). Advanced technology delivers all the benefits of mineral powders in an easy-to-use hypoallergenic liquid powder. The breakthrough formula is perfect for brides that love liquid foundation and who shy away from mineral powders. The velvety smooth fluid triples as a foundation, sunscreen and anti-ager.
Have you ever walked by a mannequin in a window display and noticed how well put together they look? From head to toe they exhibit pure style. Everything coordinates without looking too matchy-matchy and the accessories paired with the outfit add just the right amount of flair. But with online shopping, which has become more and more popular, it's hard to really picture how an outfit will come together. That's why we love Forever 21's "Find My Look" section on their website. They put together complete outfits in many different styles. All you have to to is click on the outfit you like and you'll be directed to a page that allows you to purchase each individual piece in one swoop. It takes some of the guesswork out of online shopping. Check out some of the ensembles they've put together below. We wish all online shopping were this easy.
{And remember, when it comes to your wedding planning, consider banquetevent.com as your ultimate wedding shopping spree. We have it all from gowns and accessories, to organic catering to venues to suit 20 to 800 guests. It's just a click away.}
Everyone wants to have that "I just threw this on and I look fabulous" look when they step outside this summer. The quickest and easiest way to do just that this season is to add a fashionable, light weight and colorful scarf around your neck. We've found some delightful and affordable scarves to fit your budget. These scarves can also double as an evening shawl when you take an evening stroll with your hunny. Check these out...
PRINTS
Top Left: Orange silk scarf from Forever 21, $7.80 Top Right: Lotus print scarf from Forever 21, $6.80 Bottom Left: Silk pattern scarf from Forever 21, $7.80 Bottom Right: Graphic floral print from Forever 21, $5.80
SOLIDS
Top Left: Solid Amanda scarf from Forever 21, $8.80 Top Middle: Ombre scarf from Forever 21, $7.80 Top Right: Pink fringe scarf from Forever 21, $6.80 Bottom Left: Filigree scarf from Urban Outfitters, $38 Bottom Right: Monica knit scarf from Forever 21, $9.80
WRAPS
Left and Middle: Print wraps from Anthropologie, $38-$94 Right: Oversized striped scarf from Urban Outfitters, $19.99
For those of you who can wake up in the morning and look like Miss America without having to even try, this post may not be for you. But, if you are like the rest of us and are always looking for the best kept beauty secrets, you'll love what we've discovered for you.
Looking beautiful on your wedding day doesn't mean you have spend hundreds of dollars to create your look. We found some amazing beauty buys and want to share them with you!
Up first, check out this incredible color palate from the Color Institute available at Ulta. Regularly this 47 piece collection is already available at a great value, but now it's yours for only $4.99!
Sometimes that beautiful bridal glow everyone talks about doesn't always come naturally. So what's a bride to do who wants to shine on her wedding day? Try Global Goddess South Pacific Shimmer, available for $32. See right.
Who doesn't want sparkling white teeth on their wedding day. Now comes a beauty tool that allows you to brighten your teeth and your smile with one dual product. Brighten your smile on the go with Enbrightenment, Tarte's dual wand tube that holds goji-berry-infused gloss on one end and minty BriteSmile tooth whitener on the other. While the once-a-day application of the whitener can take up to two weeks to lighten fully, the blue undertones of the gloss instantly give the appearance of whiter teeth. Retails for $26.
If you love to live green, then you'll be delighted to use products by Physicians Formula. Physicians Formula has gone green with their new Organic Wear collection. Everything from foundation to bronzer to blush is made only of pure organic ingredients that are just as good for you as they are for the environment. Plus, the line's cute compacts use 93% less plastic than most cases! The pressed powder seen right, retails for $13.95.
If you are going for the blushing bride look, try Tarte's Cheek Stain. Tarte's latest cheek stain combines their most popular shades into a swirling stick to give skin a natural-looking flush. And the moisturizing formula is infused with goji berry and acai fruit extract to protect skin naturally. The Blushing Bride Tint Retails for $28.
Last but not least, the key to the ultimate wedding day radiance is to de-stress weeks before the big day. The best way to pamper your tense muscles is to lay in a bath of scented bubbles. Our pick for the most indulgent bubble bath collection is from Victoria's Secret. Turn the tub into your own secret garden with Victoria's Secret's foaming bubble bath scented with bouquets of alluring blooms. The ultra-moisturizing formula leaves your skin soft and your mind revitalized. Retails for $8.50.
One trend that never seems to go out of style is animal print. From zebra stripes to leopard and giraffe spots, animal inspired clothing and accessories appear year after year in fashion magazines and runways. Dressing from head to toe in any animal print is obviously a fashion faux pas, but little well placed touches here and there are nothing short of magic.
Check out these hot finds we think you should be stowing away for your honeymoon.
Top Left: Zebra print sunglasses available at White House Black Market, Retails for $14.99 Top Right: Safari Trail Sunglasses available at White House Black Market, Retails for $14.99 Bottom Left: Arbez Zebra Flip-Flop available at White House Black Market, Retails for $38 Bottom Right: Lightweight Snake Slide available at White House Black Market, Retails for $28
Decorating your new home as newlyweds is an incredibly exciting process. You have the opportunity to start with a clean slate in design and have the freedom to be as innovative as you want. But sometimes, as a newlywed couple your funds may be limited. You may be purchasing your first starter home, condo or townhouse, renting an apartment or living in a friends basement. Whatever the case, you'll want to be creative in your design choices so that you can make the most of a small budget.
We have a solution to filling up empty walls without spending a lot of cash - and the results are nothing short of amazing.
Painting your walls is one of the least expensive methods of dressing up a room. And one way to add detail is through stenciling, murals or decals. We're not talking about the old fashion wall art either so stop picturing flowers and ribbons stenciled on your walls. New options in wall art are available to you in several styles including, mod, modern, traditional, classical, French provincial and more.
Here are some of our favorites!
It is what it is: a really really big tree stencil. And that's not all that exciting. Until you break out the paint and create a whole forest on your bedroom wall. And then it's the best thing ever! Easy to use and use again, let your creativity blossom! Retails for $125 at Urban Outfitters.
If you like your artwork to take up huge portions of your wall, but aren't interested in wall papering your space, try this easy to install and remove wall mural from Urban Outfitters. This nighttime city scene wall mural, as captured by Seattle photographer Aaron Morris, comes on heavy duty wet strength paper in 6 panels. Retails for $200.
Another option retailing for $140 is this stunning World Map Wall Mural. Also available at Urban Outfitters.
Another great way to dress up your wall is to paint it a bright base color and then add decals to the top. These little fellows are just like those old picture books where you could take decals and use them over and over again wherever you liked, only these are big and they go on your wall. Create a great design and leave it or change it every day. Retails for $38 and available at Urban Outfitters.
If you are renting a space and are not allowed to paint your walls, decals are a great way to add interest without changing the surface of the room. Check out this charming chandelier decal. You can create a great design by just sticking a few up and then leave it forever or change it every day. Retails for $48 and available at Urban Outfitters.
If you're really daring try these toilet decals to make your throne your very own. Choose Submarine, Crown, Stag, Heart or Plant designs. Retails for $18 and available at Urban Outfitters online store.
We think you'll love this new nail polish from Nicole by OPI. This innovative nail polish packaging makes painting your own nails so very easy. Rather than a typical polish bottle and separate brush, this "Nic Stick" works much like lip gloss because the paint and brush are all in one tube. All you do is shake, pump, and paint. So the next time you're in a hurry for a touch up, give the "Nic Stick" a try. Plus it comes in tons of great colors. Our favorite is "Date Night Red."
Pick yours up at your local Walmart or Target Stores.
Of all the colors we've discussed over the last week, yellow is by far the most trendy color for 2009. And it's easy to see why. For some reason, although yellow is considered to be a light color, those who wear it seem to stand out in a crowd. After all, yellow is the color of sunshine, so perhaps wearing it makes you like one big ray of light in a dark room. Whatever the reason, yellow is hot color for this upcoming year.
If you are drawn to the bright, bold hues of yellow, here is what color analyst Leatrice Eiseman of MoreAliveWithColor.com says about you: you tend to be very outgoing and always have a positive attitude. You're likely to be innovative and idealistic, which means you're probably very daring and a true trendsetter.
So if this sounds like you, yellow just may be the color of choice for your upcoming wedding. And if so, follow our guide to help you choose the right shade.
COLOR: YELLOW
Women with dark skin, hair and eyes look incredible in metallic yellow tones like gold and bronze. Because their skin and hair already have dramatic features, wearing colors in these rich shades won't make them look over-the-top because they can stand up against them. Remember, you need to wear your clothes, you're clothes should never wear you.
Women with very light to medium hair and dark eyes should gravitate toward the lighter more natural colors of yellow like lemon and buttercup. Your light hair and skin already shine so pairing it with similar light colors will add natural radiance. Women with darker hair should try even lighter shades like pineapple, butter or cream.
Lastly, women with red hair and rosy skin should try a warm shade of yellow with honey undertones like caramel. Most people can't pull off a color like honey or caramel because their features are too contradictory for the shade, but women with red hair are able to carry off the color without looking washed out.
Top Left: Yellow sunflower table setting from Brides Bottom Left: ball-shaped scabiosa yellow boutonnieres from Brides Right: Yellow Pom Poms from Martha Stewart Weddings Bottom Right: Kate Spade Wedding Invitation Bottom Center: Yellow florals in black and white vases from Brides
Top Left & Center: Tasha Skinny Headband with Enamel Flowers available at Nordstrom Top Right: Judith Ripka 'Fontaine' Ring available at Nordstrom Center: Kenneth Jay Lane Large Enamel Flower Ring available at Nordstrom Center Right: Tasha 'Cracked Glass' Mosaic Bangle available at Nordstrom Bottom Left: Via Spiga 'Kathy' Sandal available at Nordstrom Bottom Center: Stuart Weitzman 'Hotspots' Pump available at Nordstrom Bottom Right: BP. 'Fabulous' Pump available at Nordstrom
Top Left: Tuxedo from the Men's Wearhouse with yellow vest and tie Top Center: Joseph & Feiss Gold Satin Tie available at the Men's Wearhouse Top Right: Campia Moda Silk Tie available at the Men's Wearhouse Bottom Left: Buttercup yellow suit available at the Tux Shop Bottom Center: Citrine Gemstone Cufflinks available at Cufflinks.com Bottom Right: Yellow quilted cufflinks from Cufflinks.com
Talk about making a statement. There is a reason they use orange as the color for traffic cones. Orange is one of the most eye-catching colors you can choose for your wedding. It's bright hues make it an excellent color choice for a spring and summer wedding. Typically people who are drawn to the color orange are extroverts, and are as outgoing as they are personable, which is why orange-lovers typically have a million and one friends. They crave social environments and are typically charming, happy and magnetic people. Sound like you?
If you are drawn to the color orange, here's how to choose the right hue for your wedding.
COLOR: ORANGE
Those with rosy complexions and medium hair look amazing in lighter more pastel versions of orange like peach and apricot. These orange hues with undertones of pinks and reds usually bring out your already warm features.
For those with olive and pigments of yellow in your skin with dark hair and eyes should try stronger shades of orange like tangerine and mango. People with olive skintones tend to look washed out if they accent their accessories with pastel or muted tones. So, don't shy away from these strong, bold colors.
Women with very dark skin, hair and eyes should try oranges with yellow undertones like melon and carrot. Like women with olive skin, you too need a bold color to pop against your skin. The yellow tints in these types of orange shades will warm your features and add a sunkissed glow to your face.
Top Left: Orange flowered cake from BridesTop Center: Orange frosted cake from Brides Top Right: Fancy fruitcake from Brides Bottom Right: Caramel apples from Brides Bottom Center: Spiced cider from Brides Bottom Right: Chocolate and orange and fig cake from Brides
Top Left: Linens available through Aria Style Top Right: Bouquet by Ravenna Bloom Bottom Left: Table setting from Brides Bottom Center: Bridal bouquet from Brides Bottom Right: Orange and beaded calla lily bouquet from Wedding Style Magazine
Top Left: Favor ideas from Brides Top Right: Fruit on display from Brides Bottom Left: Orange chair cover from Brides Bottom Center: Orange lanterns from Brides Bottom Right: Orange boutonniere from Brides
If you love the color red, you also love drama. In fact, the more eyes are on you the more comfortable you feel in your own hot red shoes. Just think back to that song "Lady In Red" you danced to at your high school prom. Remember how everyone looked around to see who was wearing the featured color? Indeed, red draws attention. When it comes to your wedding, putting your bridesmaids in the color red will cause you to stand out even more in your white dress against the deep tones that surround you.
Red is a color that represents passion. Passion for life. Passion for romance. Passion for your fiance. It's no coincidence red is the color of love, which is also the reason the wide spectrum of red shades are often used in the most dramatic wedding themes. The color red demands that the person who chooses it must have enough personality and self-assurance to make it work. So if you are just the person to carry it off, here is how to choose the right shade of red for you.
COLOR: RED
Women with dark features, skin tones, eyes and hair usually gravitate to the darker red tones like claret and merlot, and for good reason. Women with dark skin, eyes and hair require bold colors to complement their deep features. Naturally, rich red shades melt into the body and make an already sultry woman even more seductive. VaVaVoom.
Women with olive or yellow skin pigments look incredible in more candy apple and berry reds. Muted tones will make you look washed out so choose a bright and sassy red shade to accentuate your already exotic features.
For women with more pink or rosy skin tones and light to medium hair should try a much lighter shade of red like coral or even pink. Midtone pastels work well with women with medium complexions and offer a natural and fresh style.
Left: Spaghetti strap, A-line from Bari Jay Style: 759 Top Center: Starlet taffeta from Bari Jay Style: 518 Top Right: Strapless, tea-length gown from Bari Jay Style: 756 Bottom Center: Halter, organza bodice from Bari Jay Style: 757 Bottom Right: Jolie satin, strapless, tea-length from Bari Jay Style: 501
Top Left: Calla Lilly claret bouquet from Wedding Style Magazine Bottom Left: Scarlet table setting from Brides Bottom Center: Red hypericum berries intensify the celosia’s vibrant red hue from Brides Top Right: Fireworks bouquet from Wedding Style Magazine Bottom Right: Red table accessories from Brides
Top Left: Paprika Gold linens from BBJ Linens Top Right: Composition wedding invitation from Elum available at Moxie Paper Goods Bottom Left: Table setting by Rented Elegance Bottom Right: Serve red kissed drinks, photo from Brides
Top Left: Dior Red Premiere Lipstick from Sephora Top Center: Calvin Klein red nail polish from Sephora Top Right: Kat Von D Painted Love Lipstick from Sephora Bottom Left: Martinez Valero 'Coca' Sandal available at Nordstrom Bottom Center: Martinez Valero 'Camila' Sandal available at Nordstrom Bottom Right: kate spade 'hera' pump available at Nordstrom Check back tomorrow for...
Feeling the blues? According to color analyst, Leatrice Eiseman of MoreAliveWithColor.com, those who love the shade of blue are typically gentle, loyal and discreet individuals. Much like a clear blue sky or the peaceful waves of the ocean, the color blue brings a sense of peace and tranquility to any setting, which makes blue an ideal shade for your wedding. Leatrice also says that people drawn to the color blue also form strong attachments. And what attachment is stronger than the vow of marriage?
Like the other colors we've already analyzed, blue also comes in many shades and tones. So if you choose to go blue, follow our guide to picking the right shade for you. (Hey, that rhymed).
COLOR: BLUE
For those of you with light hair and skin tones, light blue shades like sky blue or periwinkle are the right tones for you. This light shade of blue will make blue eyes look even bluer as they twinkle next to the soft and sweet color. This shade also pairs extremely well with crystals and rhinestone jewelry pieces.
Women with golden brown hair and hazel eyes look amazing in teal or peacock shades of blue. Plus this particular shade of blue pairs well with bright florals in complementary jewel tones like deep purple, magenta, royal blue, and chartreuse green.
Royal blue is an excellent color for women with varying skin tones. If you have bridesmaids who cover the gamut of skin complexions, royal blue is a great basic color that looks good on most women. Plus it's a great evening shade because it can stand out in against dark lighting.
Navy is a fantastic color for anyone who thinks black is their most complementary color. You may not want black as your wedding color, especially if you are planning a daytime wedding so navy offers the perfect alternative and looks especially good on women with light skin and raven hair.
Left: Acetate Jersey Gown from BCBG Top Center: Maggy London Cutaway Silk Dress from Nordstrom Top Right: Satin One-Shoulder Gown with Beading from Cache Bottom Center Left: Jim Hjelm Occasions Style: #JH5731 Bottom Center Right: Jim Hjelm Occasions Style: #JH5679 Bottom Right: Jim Hjelm Occasions gown Style: #JH5718
Top Left: Bouquet made of hydrangeas, tweedia, larkspur, thistle and dusty miller from Brides Top Right: Blue tablesetting from Brides Bottom Right: Grape hyacinth boutonniere from Brides Bottom Left: Blue glass vase from Brides Bottom Center Left: Blue Martini from Brides Bottom Center Right: Nautical cake from Brides Top Left: Turquoise vases from Plum Party Top Right: Napkins Bottom Left: Gumball Dispenser from Estilo Weddings Bottom Center Left: Magnolia mosaic hurricane lamp from Plum Party Bottom Right: Lanterns from Plum Party Bottom Center Right: Metal Boats from Estilo Weddings
Top Left: Glass coasters from Estilo Weddings Top Right: Starfish Glass Candle Holders/Dishes from Estilo Weddings Bottom: Chocolate truffles from Beau-Coup
If you are a fan of the color purple (and we're not talking about Oprah's Broadway musical) then you are most likely a true romantic. Purple is often associated with the royalty, and if you choose purple as your wedding day accent color, you're most likely also the type to dream about Prince Charming sweeping you off your feet. Leatrice Eiseman of MoreAliveWithColor.com says that purple is the color for dreamers because its slightly enigmatic and unconventional. It also represents a person's more secretive and seductive side. So if you like purple, you're probably also likely to play a little hard to get at times but you're alluring qualities keep your fiance pining for you all the more.
So if purple is your wedding color of choice, just what shade is right for you?
COLOR: PURPLE
For all you Snow White types with dark features and porcelain skin, we suggest deep purple tones in violet and grape, the more vibrant the better. These rich and bright shades will accent your features without making you look washed out.
If you have golden skin tones and always look like you've been sitting in the sun all day, we suggest shades of pastel colors like lavender and periwinkle. These colors will melt into your skin without taking away from your sun kissed glow.
Left: Maggy London Charmeuse Halter Dress at Nordstrom Top Middle: JS Boutique Mesh Babydoll Gown at Nordstrom Top Right: Maggy London Ruched Waist Halter Dress at Nordstrom Bottom Middle: Aidan Mattox Niteline Beaded Halter Dress at Nordstrom Bottom Right: Cachet Crinkle Taffeta Slipdress at Nordstrom
Above: Fondant cake with sugar-paste clematis, dark chocolate vine and sugar balls from Brides
Top Left: Bahamian Rhapsody boutonniere from Brides Top Right: Lavender sachet name place setting from Brides Bottom Left: Bouquet of anemones, ornamental cabbage, wax flowers and clematis leaves from Brides Bottom Right: Tulip centerpiece from Brides
Top Left: Gingham-veined vanda orchids pair with privet berries from Brides Top Right: Flowered monogram letter from Brides Bottom Left: Eco-friendly confetti from ecoparti.com Bottom Left Center: Crystal monogrammed cake topper from Beau-Coup.com Bottom Right Center: Personalized candles for favors at Beau-Coup.com Bottom Right: Purple candle holder from Plum Party
In a recent InStyle Magazine article, style experts dissected the wardrobe color choices of the stars. According to many stylists, color choices say alot about your personality and its important that you choose shades that accentuate your complexion. Your color choices couldn't be more vital than on your wedding day. All week we'll be giving you color guides to help you choose a color for your wedding that is right for you. After all, even though you'll be wearing white, the colors your bridesmaids wear and the flowers that will surround you will directly reflect on you. So think of your bridesmaids as accessories...the better they look, the better you'll look too.
Read our color guide to find out what colors will look best to compliment your style and what those colors say about you!
Color: GREEN According to InStyle Magazine, green is a color that represents generosity. Those who like the color green usually are caring and balanced people. After all, we are in the day of age where people are living "green" and caring for the planet and the future. But green comes in many, many shades, so what shade is right for your wedding? If you are a blond with fair skin, think light green shades. Consider a bright shade of green like lime or kiwi or candy apple green. Lime greens are often mixed with yellows so it makes the perfect accents for golden locked brides. Red heads should strongly consider green as their color accent, and the deeper the better. Find a tone in olive, emerald or forest green. Red hair needs a strong color to stand up to it and these dark shades of green offer the perfect accent so you won't feel washed out.
Those with darker skin complexions should try on pale or pastel greens in mint, sage or celadon. This lighter tones will provide a vivid contrast to your skin to create a dramatic effect.
Top Left: Flower girl by Winnie Couture Top Right: Shoes from JCrew Bottom Left: Table setting from Brides Bottom Middle: Green grass escort cards from Brides Bottom Right: Green olive leaf wedding invitations from flushdesigns.com
Get ready for the color forecast for 2008/2009. Banquetevent.com predicts you'll be seeing a lot more yellow in upcoming wedding design. With its many shades, yellow can reflect not just one, but many seasonal tones. Look for deep golds and amber in the Fall, bananas and lemons in the Spring, and buttercup and tinted creams in the Winter. Yellow can be paired with almost any other color as well for a two-toned design. Consider pairing yellow with chocolate or black, orange, red, lime green, or metallic silver or platinum. Yellow brightens any decor and is perfect for your shining moment.
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Now here's a color that is about as positive as they come. It's a fresh, clean, upbeat addition to just about any environment and what could be more ideal than say at a wedding. The theme itself is one that allows you to use your imagination in a far reaching approach to many items and options from favors to drinks, to even the cake. We tried to include a few of those above. The hot hot, SUPER hot peacock inspired wedding look fits right in this color range. 
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