As I was trying to compose my blog post today I realized that I was having a total case of ADD or ultra multi-tasking or multiple personality disorder. So many good ideas crossed my path that I just decided that I needed to unlease them all on you at one time... I love ALL these ideas and could not decide on one, so I thought that they may also be inspirational for one of our engaged couples. If you are getting married this year, you may want to consider one of the following ideas...

A cotton candy machine for your guests!

Haybales instead of chairs!

Directional signs!

Lace wrapped cupcakes!

Large scale paper flowers!

Mismatching bouquets!

Hand painted pennant banners!

Thumb print guest books!

Sigh.... I love all these ideas. They are so romantic and fresh! Try one today!

Realistically speaking, a new year's eve party and a wedding reception aren't really that different when it comes to decor.  A set of colors, a theme, or a common element are decided, and the rest builds from there!  With new year's eve gearing up to start in about 24 hours, here are some last minute DIY decor ideas that could work whether you're getting hitched or just looking for that kiss at midnight:

1) Use etching materials (~$10) and simple champagne fleutes (~$1 ea) to etch your guests' monograms, and make their toasts truly a personal experience.

2) String large scale pieces of glitter, construction paper, or left over wrapping paper onto fishing line to create a truly glitterati-worthy garland.

3) Cut some branches from your dormant trees in your backyard, and use some spray adhesive and glitter to make them dazzle as sparkling centerpieces.

4) If you have flooring that provides for easy clean up, sprinkle fine glitter throughout the party area for a glowing floor.

5) Hang a giant sheet of white or black or silver paper, and provide sharpies of varying metalic colors with which your guests can write their resolutions! 

And here are some pics that I threw together that make me think of a new years eve wedding! 

Maybe it's because I'm already married.  Maybe it's because I'm feeling nastolgic for warmer weather.  Or maybe it's because they're so darn pretty, but lately I can't keep from day dreaming about wedding altars!  Indoors, outdoors, or somewhere in between - altars have come a long way in creativity and beauty!  Check out all these fun and totally "doable" altars.  Do you think any of these would work for your own wedding? 

Beautiful draped frabric...

Creative uplighting...

Monocromatic branches...

Woodland fantasy...

Gorgeous draped florals...

A beautiful structure...

Overarching branches and moss...

A decorated tree...

Asymetrical nature...

A lumineria-lit pathway...

These are all so romantic!  They make me want to get married again and again!  Which is your favorite?  Which could you recreate or reinvent to fit your own wedding?? 

Wedding Papery does NOT have to stop at the invitation alone.  Think of all the information that you have to relay to your guests...where to go, what to do, who to ask?  It can surmount in a multitude of signage and pamphets, so you might as well make them pretty.  Consider creating a cohesive look with a design element that repeats throughout your entire wedding from save the date to thank you card. 

Here is one example of how a bride worked with her stationery designer to implement her peacock idea throughout her wedding paper...

Each piece is individually beautiful, but together, these elements work to tell the story of this couple's magical day!  Whether you go with a certain theme or color, imagine how you could tell your story!  An invitation designer worth their salt will be able to work with you to create any sort of element that you need to fit your vision!

I have been so thrilled lately as I look around at weddings and see how couples have really gotten creative with materials new ways to decorate the alter, chairs, tables, anything!  One of the most versatile ideas that has come out recently is the rampant use of ribbons or other materials cut into strips.   Check out some of my favorite pics using ribbons and other materials as heavy duty decor...

 Check out all these wide strips of fabric or ribbon that pool at the bottom for a luxurious backdrop to this table setting! 

This couple went with strips of lace and film negatives!  How creative and beautiful at the same time!

Notice how these ribbons aren't all perfectly aligned or cut to length.  So freeflowing and whimsical!

What a pretty backdrop for a cake!  White is so timeless...

Trying to find a way to dress up those chair rentals?  Look at all these colorful ribbons cascading down the backs!  I love it!

Why tie a bouquet with one ribbon when you could have a dozen? 

Repetition is key here as these ribbons work together to create a colorful and creative canopy. 

What a pretty way to dress up an altar!  Such a stunning contrast with the bride's crisp white dress!

Ribbons were tied on to lanterns for this look.  I love how the couple seems to have gotten lost in the ribbons... So romantic! 

There isn't really a steadfast rule to this whole ribbon idea thing...I just think that more is more on the ribbon frontier.  Just remember - one ribbon is okay, but 100 ribbons are fantastic! Don't stop at ribbons either - rip strips of colorfully patterned fabric, lace, beads, anything!  Have fun!