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Friday, March 5, 2010
We Think You'll Love...
We don't just think...we KNOW you'll love this new online magazine called Nesting Newbies. Nesting Newbies presents women just like yourself, with great ideas on entertaining, home decor, cooking and more. It is a fabulous find and a great source for inspiration and motivation.
Don't just take our word for it though, take a look at these fabulous tablescapes featured in their latest issue.
There is something about living in Seattle this time of year that makes us Seattleites ready for change. Perhaps it's the short, dark days or the constant gray skies, but living in Seattle from January to March can be rather depressing. But in truth, so far 2010 is off to a strange start here in Seattle. January lent itself to being one of the warmest and mildest winter months in Seattle's history. We even saw a good stretch of sunny weather, while our West Coast neighbors to the south experienced days of rain on end. Today's inspiration board is in honor of our recent days of "pretty nice" weather. We like pairing a bright, bold color like yellow with a mild and understated color like gray because it reminds of the party cloudy skies with a chance of sunbreaks that we often hear forecasted on the morning news. Plus it reminds us that spring, our long lost friend, is just around the corner.
Theme: Partly Cloudy with a Chance of Sunbreaks Colors: Yellow and Metallic Gray
Sometimes you just know when you are in the presence of greatness. That is exactly how we feel when we look at these amazing images from a bridal shower planned by event planner Erin Borges. This purple perfect bridal shower was held at the Lalla Grill at Del Monte Shopping Center in Monterey, CA. We'll be featuring more images from this spectacular event this week.
A 5 course organic purple themed menu (listed below) was created for the 17 attending guests. NONE of the food was dyed purple. It was all created in it's organic purple state.
Here is one of the handiest little web tools around. It comes to you fromDeGraeve.com. Steve DeGraeve's company has been around 10 years now and has some useful and fun items. This is so simple - you will love it. We are using a couple of our previous posts to demonstrate the results. You only need a good url address with a "jpg" photo as part of it. Now copy and paste that url to the link on the DeGraeve.com site and it will provide you with the color family in the photo you linked. This is great for all of the accessorizing you will be doing, as well as your full color pallet. You will see all of the associated colors in the photo. Print it or download it to your phone - and have your favorites with you all the time. Be sure and look throughout our entire blog (archives) and all - for several color options you might like. Also go to Banquet Event Resource's Wedding website to gather more information and photo options. Have fun!
Drama, drama and more drama. That is what today's inspiration board is all about. Whenever you select a deep and lovely shade like a dark red or burgundy, you must have the flair and gumption to pull it off. Burgundy is a beautiful color for your winter wedding because of the emotions it evokes. It's romantic, dramatic, and down right irresistible just like that handsome groom of yours. So if drama and romance are practically synonymous with your name, here's a board we know you'll love.
Theme: What's All The Drama About? Colors: Deep burgundy and black
There is a reason why purple is the color of royalty. In all its various shades, purple just looks majestic. And when its paired with a simple shade of gray or platinum, an already regal color becomes the perfect pairing for your wedding. We suggest going with a shade of violet, a hot color trend for 2010. There are a ton of flower options for your bouquet (as seen in the bottom right example) and adding fun details in purple shades can add the extra special charm to your wedding that will keep your guests in awe.
For the 2010 Spring Bride, we bring you the most feminine of base color trends for 2010 called Future Nude, or as the color chips from Pantone lists it "Silver Peony". That name alone conjurs up some incredibly delicate, yet brilliant huges. This is one of those trends that just about any woman is going to look exceptional in - because it rubs on the soft side of pink which is great for all women.
We wanted to inspire you with the softness and elegance this color defines, so who better than Azzaro's Gardenia strapless wool dress to attend the wedding in. If you are so inspired you might want to step up to the elegance and timelessness of Dior. What would Dior be without the possibility of a new wedding band style literally dripping with diamonds. This is a very sophisticated ring style that leans back to the 1970s, when they were first seen in costume jewelry pieces as a ring charm.
We found a wonderful example of softened makeup styling from one of our favorite blogs, Vogue France. Wedding gowns selections in this hue are plentiful right now - so here is to great finds and great shopping!
Remember back in the early 90's when hypercolor t-shirts were all the rage? Well today's wedding board is partially inspired by that popular trend (in a much classier fashion of course). Since our homebase is located in Seattle, WA, we think color is just the remedy we need for the drab days of fall and winter. And by the looks of this color inspiration board, we know you'll agree.
Theme: Hypercolor Colors: Deep purples, blues and magenta
Red carpet events are always a great place to check out the latest fashion hits (and a few misses). Sunday night was the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, which is always good for some mouth-dropping fashion dos and don'ts. This year, we noticed a popular color trend on the red carpet. Or should we say, "no-color" trend? Check out some of the samples of the most popular colors on the red carpet: Black and White, Silver & Gold. Could this be a sign of fashion heading back toward the most basic of colors? We think so.
We think you'll love these completely unique floral bouquets available through Deco Fleur. Deco Fleur specializes in dried floral arrangements. These bouquets are designed with the holidays in mind, and are generally used as table centerpieces. But as unique as they are, we think they are also a great addition to a fall or winter wedding. All the contents in the bouquet are natural, and the best part is you can use them over and over again. Now that is what we call living green!
Every once in a while we hear how a bride and groom are having trouble choosing a color scheme for their wedding. To tell you the truth, this always perplexes us. Everywhere we look we find inspiration. In particular, we find endless sources of inspiration in the beautiful surroundings created by nature. Below are some of natures finest performances, as photographed by Ryan Chesla in Costa Rica. Sometimes its so blatant it is almost as if mother nature herself is saying "Hey You! What about this?" Today we've created a board celebrating the wonder and beauty that we so often take for granted. Just look how the colors blend and radiate off of each other. Can anything be more beautiful?
Theme: Natures Guide Colors: You name it, mother nature has created it
The greatest part about a tented wedding is the endless possibility for wedding themes. Often times, when you select a venue, it will have its own unique personality and it can be difficult to merge your style with the decor and colors of your reception or ceremony site. By having a tent wedding, you can basically start from scratch with theme and colors and you are not confounded by the structure and style of an existing space.
If you have a specific theme and color palette in mind for your wedding, but can't seem to find the right space to fit your vision, talk with your local tent rental company of the types of tents available to you. You will be surprised to discover all the options available to you, from open spaces to fully enclosed formal tents, the possibilities are endless.
Here are a few of our most favorite "tent wedding" finds. We hope you enjoy!
Every now and again, we go on the hunt for the best wedding and lifestyle blogs. We've conveniently added some of our favorites in our "Good Reads" section. Here are a few recent additions we think you need to check out...
1. Lotus Haus -The complete lifestyle blog for all things girlie! From weddings to fashion to home decor inspirational ideas, this blog has it all.
2. Coco & Kelley - You'll fall in love with the ideas and color boards created by blogger Cassandra LaValle. Based out of Seattle, Cassandra calls herself "obsessed with style, presentation and design."
3. Poppytalk - If you are the do-it-yourself kind of bride, then you'll love the ideas and creativity of Poppytalk.
4. Karen Tran - If you love all things pretty, then you will absolutely fall for the ideas and design expertise presented by Karen Tran. Based in San Diego, Karen presents floral centerpieces that truly wow and inspire. We dare you not to fall in love.
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.
Banquet & Event Resource, Inc.
(B&E) has a 17 year history in providing Western Washington's
best resource guides, websites and tradeshows. Visit our wedding planning website today for the most comprehensive wedding resources available today on the web for the Seattle area and beyond.
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