Stylish Events

Images from Classic Bride

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 8/23/09-8/29/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Classic Bride

This blog is always on my must read list, but this week I was blown away by the blogs new design – which you also need to see. It’s beautiful! This week I loved the Treehouse Wedding, DIY Clutch, and Fall Bridesmaid Dresses.

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: The Bride’s Café – Snap Station

This idea is brilliant and another option for couple’s who need budget-friendly photography options. Consider hiring a photographer for the ceremony and setting up a DIY snap station at the reception for fun pictures.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: Savvy Scoop – Minimize Family Drama

A professional photographer gives his advice on how to minimize family drama during post ceremony pictures. A must read if you have family members who don’t get along very well.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: Green Wedding Shoes – Leah and Chris

This wedding caught my eye as soon as it appeared on my computer screen. The bride looks gorgeous in her asymmetrical gown with her hair loosely pulled into a side bun. I love the bouquets, the DIY touches, and the simple centerpieces.

The Best Budget-Friendly Idea of the Week: Hip Hostess – 10 Good Cheap Liquors

Are you having an at home wedding or able to provide your own alcohol? If so, this is a good list of 10 cheap liquors that taste good.

1 Comment | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: budget friendly wedding ideas, DIY projects, Real Weddings, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #

Image from The Inspired Bride

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 7/26/09-8/1/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: The Inspired Bride

This blog should not be overlooked by the engaged couple. Maddy, the woman behind the blog, does an excellent job of putting together inspiration boards and incorporating posts for the bride on a budget. I love her style and find inspiration from this blog on a regular basis. I especially love her color cards. The posts I adored this past week were: Inspiration Board: Madly in Love and Inspired Conversations: Courtney Kardos of Piper Riley Designs.  

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: 100 Layer Cake – Ruffly Belt

Learn how to make a fabulous accessory for your wedding day with this DIY project.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: Elizabeth Anne Designs – Contract Signing Tips

Abby wrote a helpful article packed with contract signing tips. Take a minute (it won’t take you long, it’s a short article) to read this article before signing your contracts.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: Snippet & Ink – Hayley and Joshua

Anyone who loves looking at real wedding pictures will love this one. The bride made 80 pink and white poms to decorate the ceremony venue with the help of friends and family and a good friend did her hair which looked incredibly romantic. I love that the bride had a local seamstress make her dress, because she couldn’t afford her dream designer dress. You would never know that this bride was on budget by looking at her wedding. Thanks for the inspiration!

The Best Budget-Friendly Idea of the Week: Oh So Beautiful Paper – Trimming the Budget without Sacrificing the First Impression

Maddy from The Inspired Bride wrote this guest post which is extremely helpful for brides who want to have pretty invitations without spending a fortune.

4 Comments | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: budget friendly wedding ideas, DIY projects, Real Weddings, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #

Image from Once Wed

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 6/28/09-7/4/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Once Wed

I have a list of my top five favorite wedding blogs that I always get inspiration from – whether it be for my own wedding or my blog – and this is one of the top five. It’s an amazing resource for brides on a budget, because there are regular DIY posts and inexpensive wedding ideas that can be easily replicated. This week I fell in love with Jason and Betsy’s Wedding, Pernel and Aaron’s Wedding, and the DIY Lighted Paper Pennant Garland.

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: Weddingbee – Organza Embellishments

You need to see these easy to make and incredibly budget-friendly organza embellishments that can be used in reception décor or wedding day attire. Need bridesmaid’s gifts? This could be it.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: From “I will” to “I do” – A Shower Gift from the Groom

I like the notion of the groom giving his bride a gift for the wedding shower. Take a look at this post to get some great ideas.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: The Southern Weddings Daily Blog – Stevie and Blake

I had a really hard time picking out the most stunning really wedding of the week this week, because there were so many to choose from. But this wedding won my heart with the gorgeous bouquets, delightful candy bar, and the amazing photography (Sarah Maren Photography).

1 Comment | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: budget friendly wedding ideas, DIY wedding projects, real wedding, stylish wedding, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #

Potted plants make cute centerpieces, they last longer than floral arrangements, and they usually cost less money. Also, they can do double duty by serving as wedding favors. If you’re having a garden themed wedding reception, this idea would fit right in.

Image from Martha Stewart Weddings

No Comments | In: Tip of the Day, Wedding Reception | tags: budget friendly wedding ideas, centerpieces, potted plant centerpiece. | #

If you want to save money and have beautiful centerpieces, consider using your favors for centerpieces. Want to see some examples? No one does it better than Martha…Here are five favor centerpieces from Martha Stewart Weddings:

Images from Martha Stewart Weddings

No Comments | In: Tip of the Day, Wedding Reception | tags: budget friendly wedding ideas, favor centerpieces, wedding reception centerpieces. | #

Image from Style Me Pretty

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 6/7/09-6/13/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Always a Blogsmaid

This week I loved the two weddings they posted: Dario and Aisyah and Kali and Nick and the Rain-spiration board – so cute!

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: Once Wed – Birdcage Wedding Veil

If you don’t have your hair accessories planned out yet, take a look at this absolutely adorable veil.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: The Wedding Lens – Which Flowers are in Season for a Wedding

Read this post to see what flowers will be in season when you wed. Go green and save money on your floral budget by using flowers that are in season.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: little white book – Brigitte and Michael

I love everything about this wedding – from the wedding cake to the beautiful photography by Casey Templeton.

The Best Budget-Friendly Idea of the Week: Style Me Pretty – DIY Pearl Necklace

Make this fabulous pearl necklace for your wedding day and save on your jewelry.

3 Comments | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: budget friendly wedding ideas, DIY wedding projects, real wedding, stylish weddings, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards, wedding flowers. | #

Copyright © 2009 Leffand Studio

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 5/31/09-6/6/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Intimate Weddings Blog

Every week I follow over 200 wedding, event planning, and craft blogs to make sure I feature amazing bloggers who deserve recognition. This week I’m happy to say that the most inspiring blog of the past week was the Intimate Weddings Blog! Christina posted an adorable wedding, DIY centerpieces made out of egg cartons, and an article, Economy Perfect Excuse for a Small Wedding.

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: Once Wed – Bridesmaid Headbands

This headband with feathers and sparkle would really impress your bridesmaids!

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: Weddzilla Blog – Top 10 Romantic Destination Wedding Locations

Would you ever consider getting married in a cave? Check out this post to find out why you might.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: 100 Layer Cake – Marisa and John

So, I know every week I tell you that you have to take a minute to check out the real wedding of the week, but this wedding is truly beautiful. You have to read the story that accompanies the photographs of how this couple planned a surprise wedding in one week! It’s incredibly romantic.

The Best Budget-Friendly Idea of the Week: iDiY – For the Love of Free Labels

Here are some beautiful pink and green labels – for free!

No Comments | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: budget friendly wedding, budget friendly wedding ideas, DIY wedding projects, real wedding, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #

Copyright © 2009 Leffand Studio

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 5/24/09-5/30/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Green Wedding Shoes

Seriously, I almost squeal every time I realize that Jen has a new post on her fabulous blog, because her real weddings, engagement sessions, and inspiration boards are just that good. This week she posted Holly and Gilbert’s Wedding (I love the simplicity), a Summer Pastel inspiration board, and A Perfect Country Wedding (the photography is amazing). Every bride should have this blog on their RSS feeds!

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: THATONEGIRL…Get’s Married – “I Do Letters”

This is an adorable prop for engagement pictures, and they look easy to make.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: From “I Will” to “I Do” – Planning Your Wedding Timeline

Read this article to get tips on planning your wedding timeline which is completely necessary to have and will help you reduce your level of stress on the big day.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: Style Me Pretty – Youn and Nathan Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV

This wedding is incredible! The photography is beautiful thanks to Ken Luallen. The bride did not put her bridesmaids into ugly dresses to make herself look better; the dresses are adorable (I would actually buy one to wear). The flowers, décor, favors…everything is pretty.

 The Best Budget-Friendly Idea of the Week: The Bride’s Guide – Centerpiece Budgeting Tips

Read this article if you want a few tips on how to decrease the cost of your centerpieces. Have fabulous centerpieces while staying on budget!

1 Comment | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: budget friendly wedding, budget friendly wedding ideas, DIY wedding projects, real wedding, stylish wedding, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #

These giant paper flowers were easy to make and fun decorations for my outdoor barbeque this past weekend. They would also be cute decor for a bridal shower, baby shower, or casual dinner party.

Step 1: Download and print the template from Martha Stewart onto cardstock.

Step 2: Cut out 7 petals from the template. (In the directions on Martha Stewart’s website, they direct you to cut out one petal and trace it onto the cardstock. However, I just printed the seven petals directly onto the cardstock which reduced the amount of time.)

Step 3: Take a pencil and curl each petal around the pencil in different directions.

Step 4: After cutting slits in the bottom of the petals, hot glue the bottom of each petal together as shown above.

Step 5: Overlap the first two petals and hot glue them together. Add a third petal to create the first layer of petals.

Step 6: Glue the remaining four petals around the outside of the middle three petals.

Step 7: Make the center of the flower by cutting out two circles, one six inches and one four inches. (I didn’t measure the circles. I just eyeballed it.)

Step 8: Cut slits all the way around the six inch circle and cut eight slits into the four inch circle. Use your fingers to bend some of the pieces inward.

Step 9: Glue the four inch circle onto the middle of the six inch circle.

Step 10: Glue the attached circles into the middle of your flower. Now you have a beautiful, budget-friendly floral decoration.

You can attach a stem to the flower if you want to place them in a vase. I used them without stems by attaching ribbon with my hot glue gun to the back and hanging them in different areas of the outdoor entertaining space.

Related Posts:

101 DIY Projects and Ideas

DIY Mini Laundry Calendar

Pearl Wedding Wreath

2 Comments | In: Budget Friendly Ideas, DIY Wedding Projects, Entertaining | tags: budget friendly wedding ideas, DIY centerpieces, DIY paper flower, DIY wedding projects. | #

Copyright © 2009 Leffand Studio

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 5/10/09-5/16/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Snippet & Ink: Daily Wedding Inspiration

This week on this fantastic blog, there were multiple inspiration boards (which is one of my favorite things about wedding planning): Red French Poppies, Gingham in the Garden, Navy and Peach, and Billy Buttons. Also, an adorable real wedding, Gena and Russell, was posted at the end of the week. If you haven’t checked out this blog which looks more like a wedding magazine (because the pictures are amazing), then you absolutely need to click here.

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: So You’re Engayged – Birdhouse Table Cards

This is a really cute way to display seating cards.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: A Practical Wedding – What Happens if You Can’t Afford a Wedding Photographer

If you can’t afford a wedding photographer and are on a tight budget, read this post. It’s helpful and informative. (Tip: Read the comments, too. Many of the readers left great advice.)

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: Always a Blogsmaid – Irene and Marty

This winter wedding is gorgeous. I love the bride’s attire, the wedding cake, and the bridesmaids’ dresses. Take a peek. Keep in mind that this wedding was photographed by the talented Karen Wise. She’s one of the best in the business as you can tell because the pictures are stunning.

The Best Budget-Friendly Idea of the Week: Weddingbee – Invite Suite

Mrs. Green Tea is incredibly generous. She has given all readers access to templates to an adorable invite suite. If you’re looking for inexpensive invitations that look like they cost an arm and a leg, check out this great budget-friendly invitation suite.

No Comments | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: budget friendly wedding, budget friendly wedding ideas, DIY wedding projects, real wedding, real wedding pictures, stylish wedding, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #

Copyright © 2009 Leffand Studio

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 5/3/09-5/9/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Green Wedding Shoes

I’m always looking forward to see what this talented blogger is going to post next. This week I completely swooned over Addicted to Anemones, Bay and Greg’s Rustic Wedding, and Devon and Joe’s Untraditional Wedding. Check out this blog for beautiful pictures and daily inspiration.

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: Vintage Glam Weddings – DIY Boutonnieres

These boutonnieres are just plain adorable and seem easy to make.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: The Austin Wedding Blog – Most Popular Wedding Trends for 2009

Do you want to know the most popular wedding trends for 2009? Take a peek at this article.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: Style Me Pretty – Jessica and Kevin Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV

If you want to see a girly wedding with lots of charm, this is a must see wedding. The aisle décor and scattered pink rose petals set a romantic theme for the ceremony. The peony centerpieces made me gasp, literally.

The Best Budget-Friendly Idea of the Week: Trendsetting Wedding – Hollywood Glam Freebie

Do you want glamorous table numbers for free? This generous blogger is sharing these table numbers with all of her readers! Enjoy.

2 Comments | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: 2009 wedding trends, budget friendly wedding, budget friendly wedding ideas, DIY wedding projects, real wedding, real wedding pictures, spring wedding, stylish wedding, stylish weddings, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #

Copyright © 2009 Leffand Studio

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 4/26/09-5/2/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Lucky Me

This blog inspires me on a regular basis. This week I’m in love with the Blush inspiration board, the non-matching bridal outfit pictures, the Cincinnati Budget Challenge board, and the real wedding of Manuela and Eric. The groom’s bowtie and bride’s bouquet are fantastic.

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: Intimate Weddings Blog – Easy DIY Wedding Programs

These programs look easy to make, are adorable, and seem like a lot of fun for guests. If you haven’t finalized plans for your wedding day programs, check out this great idea.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: EcoSalon: The Green Gathering – 20 Online Resources for Planning an Eco Wedding

This site is all about going green without sacrificing style. It’s not a wedding blog, but they have information for the eco-conscious bride! Check out this post to find online resources for planning a fabulous eco-friendly wedding.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: Green Wedding Shoes – Heather and Grayson

This beautiful couple wed at Crestmore Manor in Riverside, CA. The first picture in this post captures the feel of this wedding – fun! The bridesmaids wore dresses from Urban Outfitters and the bride made teal sashes to match them. The table settings are really pretty but what makes this wedding really adorable is the couple left on their bike.  

The Best Budget-Friendly Idea of the Week: Once Wed – Paper Flower Wreath

Looking for a way to decorate the doors leading into the ceremony or reception? Check out this paper flower wreath that costs next to nothing and is accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions.

1 Comment | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: budget friendly wedding, budget friendly wedding ideas, DIY wedding projects, eco-chic wedding, Eco-Friendly Wedding, enviornmentally friendly wedding, green wedding, real wedding pictures, stylish events, stylish wedding, stylish weddings, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #

Copyright © 2009 Leffand Studio

Here are the wedding blog awards for the week of 4/19/09-4/25/09:

The Most Inspiring Blog of the Week: Style Me Pretty

This is not the first (and it won’t be the last) time this wedding blog has won the most inspiring blog of the week. The real weddings are ridiculously amazing and this week isn’t any different: Julia and Mike’s Connecticut Wedding Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV, Part V, and Part VI; Darcy and Matt Part I, Part II, Part III, and Part IV. I absolutely love the DIY project posted this week, DIY favor boxes and the silhouette wedding cake.

The Most Creative DIY Project of the Week: With This Ring – Favor Boxes

These favors boxes are adorable, easy-to-make and budget-friendly. Check them out.

The Most Useful Post/Article of the Week: Weddzilla Blog – How to Pick Your Fist Dance Song

I just stumbled across this blog and found A LOT of advice packed wedding planning articles. Read this article if you haven’t chosen your first dance song. This article has suggestions for the traditionalist couple, the jesters, the hipsters, the hopeless romantics, the rebels, the shrinking violets, and the smooth operators. Basically, it includes song options for every type of couple.

The Most Stunning Real Wedding of the Week: The Southern Weddings Daily Blog – Leanie and Neil

Wow! This intimate and romantic wedding took place in a town in South Africa. I love the bride’s dress, bouquet, clutch and the beautiful centerpieces.  

The Best Budget-Friendly Idea of the Week: Hostess with the Mostess – Bling, Bling Tabletop…Bargain Style

This tabletop design is budget-friendly and perfect for a dinner or engagement party.

2 Comments | In: Wedding Blog Awards | tags: budget friendly wedding, budget friendly wedding ideas, dinner party, DIY wedding projects, engagement party, first wedding song, real wedding, stylish events, stylish wedding, stylish weddings, wedding blog, Wedding Blog Awards. | #