I remember the first time my parents let my friends and I go alone down to see the blossoms We were teenagers- got up early, drove south from Frederick, parked at Shady Grove, and took the metro into the city. It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning and the tidal basin was still quiet- the crowds had not yet arrived. I don't recall us ever appreciating silence more than we did that day. You could hear the water hitting the edges, and feel a cool morning breeze. By midday the sun was stronger, but it felt incredible- after such a long winter, we were finally ready for some sunshine!
Anyway- what a perfect nature scene to get inspiration for a wedding! Of course, it's been done before- but why not make it your own? I'm a power shopper, and always looking for a great deal- so I've dedicated this blog to be a source of affordable luxe and decor.
So you're using cherry blossoms as your inspiration, but not as interested in the asian decor? Try something different! Here are my finds:
Stationery-sets the tone- give your guests a sneak peak
This quantity of 50 set from Target.com retails fro $34.99- that's less than a dollar per invite! With this kit, you will print your own, so you can have some fun with your font choices. It's your wedding- so not just any font will do. Use a matching pink or red font to coordinate with the blossoms. Check out dafont.com for some fun free fonts to personalize and give your invites a fresh look.
Throw in the matching thank you notes ($12.99 for 50) and your stationery is set!
Too simple for you? add some pink or red backing to your invite for a more polished look. Check out paperandmore.com for some "Rose Pink" metallic text paper- to add a bit of shimmer- $19.99 for 100 sheets.
Little details- have a budget for favors? Why not end the night with a sweet treat:
Chocolate Cherry Truffles, like these from Indulgeinchocolate.com. They come in packages of 16 or 25, but a tiny box of 2 will be just enough for your guests.
To save $$, check out your local bakeries.
Here in Alexandria, Bittersweet makes amazing treats- send your guests on their way with a miniature version of their Black Forest Brownie Cupcake. Their description sums it up, "Fudgy chocolate brownie filled with tangy cool cherry and topped with a sweet cherry mousse and chocolate shavings - how could you not love this one?" In this case, just one mini cupcake is all they need!
As you may have guessed it from my company name- I LOVE ribbon and creating perfect pretty packages! My take is both pretty and functional. Having a plated meal? Let your favors double as escort cards- and cues to the waitstaff as to who ordered the beef,chicken, fish, etc!
I like these boxes from Invitations by Dawn ($22.95 for 25)
They are shipped flat, and are easy to assemble. Let's say you've got 3 plated choices. let your ribbon color dictate. For this event, I like the bark, blossom and white boxes- they are a nod to the branches and blossoms of our decor. We'll put two truffles in each box, and wrap with a complimentary ribbon. (bark will get blossom pink and white ribbon; blossom will get bark and white ribbon; white box will get bark and blossom pink ribbon). We will attach a gift tag/ escort card indicating where guests are sitting- and the color of their box will alert the waitstaff of their entree choice. Voila!
Hopefully this gave a glimpse for you, to be off and running with your own spring decor!
Outside the Box Moment-
Thinking you want the cherry blossoms- but with an even more natural color palette? Crate and Barrel has created the whimsy of the blossoms into a soothing olive green runner-Use crisp white linens. Guest tables could be a soft beige- and the sweetheart table/head table could be crisp white with this beautiful runner. oh the possibilities...
Enjoy!
Tiffany
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