By Kendra Scott, Associate Planner at Firefly Occasions Inc.

This weeks inspiration came from Raj Tents. This company makes the most amazing tents, linings and walls. What a way to completely transform your ballroom or create smaller lounge areas. This wedding is full of bright colours and intricate detailing. Definitely a wedding to remember!

Photos courtesy of:

http://www.inspirationwed.com – cake and cupcakes
http://www.kembacelebrations.com/community/blog/cultural-traditions/wedding-inspiration-indian-block-prints.php – save the date card
http://www.onewed.com/blog/savvy-scoop/2009/06/23/its-jaime-thing-spellbound-weddings-inspired-indian-culture – drinks
http://www.americanbridal.com/personalized-coffee-favors-dsws871.html – favors
http://www.rajtents.com – tents and furniture
http://www.wildflowerlinens.com – table linens and place setting

By Kendra Scott, Associate Planner at Firefly Occasions Inc.

This weeks inspiration came from a lovely gown by Vera Wang. This bridal gown is a strapless, full A-line gown with a pleated bodice, emphasis on the natural waist and a softly tucked hand painted skirt. It can be discribed as vivacious as well as uniqeuly flattering and could only be the work of Vera Wang. Available in Citrus Watercolor, Ivory or White. The opening price points range from $3,100 – $4,500.

I’ve used this one dress to create two completely different weddings. The first wedding has a beautiful simplicity to it. It feels clean but not boring. I call this wedding Citrus Breeze. The second wedding will take you into a whimsical, enchanted forest and is appropriately titled Fairy Dust.

Photos courtesy of:

Citrus Breeze
http://blushevents.blogspot.com/2008/04/happy-earth-day.html (Butterfly place setting, green and white flowers)
http://www.mnweddingminister.com/weddingblog/blog.html (Table setting with Limes in tall vases, place cards)
http://www.thepartydress.net/?p=2704 (Wedding Cake)
http://paperolive.blogspot.com/2009/08/hip-lemonade-coolers-summer-wedding.html (Citrus Drinks)
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/06/16/lemon-yellow-wedding-by-sillapere/ (Ceremony Set-up)
http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/33016/detailview.aspx?type=3&id=33016 (Bouquet)
http://www.declanphotography.com/gallery.php?gallery=1&tstart=3 (Flower Girl)

Fairy Dust
http://www.kissthegroom.com/?p=1827 (Fountain, path, forest set-up)
http://manolobrides.com/2009/10/26/kristen-and-todds-fairytale-affair/ (A fairy wedding Fairy flower girls )
http://www.yourweddingday.com/ywd/event-design/Fanciful-Garden.html (Table linens, table setting, cupcakes)
http://www.momentaldesigns.com (Stationary)

By Annette Hoegner, LA Division Manager, Firefly Occasions Inc.

Another trend becoming more popular with our eco-friendly brides is to use biodegradable plates, cups and utensils. It can be a great way to implement some great products like Verterra Dinnerware. I recently saw this product at a business fair and was really impressed. VerTerra, a new eco-friendly servingware line, features dishes, plates, bowls, and cups made entirely from fallen leaves and water—no plastics or chemicals. The pieces have a wood-grain look and are oven, refrigerator, and microwave friendly. They are sturdy enough to be hand washed and reused, but will naturally compost in under six weeks. If you would like to learn more about it you can visit http://www.verterra.com/.

Another type of product that can be used for your “green wedding” are utensils made of corn startch and sugar cane fiber. They are suitable for foods up to 200 degrees F. Unlike petroleum based plastics, these are made from annually renewable resources and depending on composting conditions can take up to 24 months to biodegrade in a composting system. A great source for these products is  www.worldcentric.org.

If these options are not as elegant as you would like for your wedding don’t despair. You can opt for reusable china, stemware, and silverware from local rental places. You can always feel good about using products that won’t end up in our local landfills.

By Kendra Scott, Associate Planner at Firefly Occasions Inc.

For this week’s inspiration board, I decided to use Taylor Swift’s music video for Love Story as my starting point. Here is a wedding with purity, romance and old elegance. This one is the fairy tale wedding of all little girls dreams. Think lots of ivory, lace, castles and horses.
 

Photos courtesy of:

Horse: http://npclub.wordpress.com/
Car photo’s: http://masterpieceweddings.blogspot.com/2009/03/victorian-amazing.html
Victorian Stationary: http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/03/12/wedding-invitations-by-wiley-valentine-ii-2/
Table Setting: http://www.yourweddingday.com/ywd/user2/Hollywood-Glamour.html
Castle: http://www.ehow.com/how_5026466_attend-tennessee-renaissance-festival.html
Taylor Swift: http://strawberrytartmusic.wordpress.com/2009/01/06/album-fearless-taylor-swift/
Ceremony set-up: Firefly Occasions Inc.

By Annette Hoegner, LA Division Manager, Firefly Occasions Inc.

Today’s eco-conscious brides are looking at alternatives to the traditional and expensive gowns that outlive their purpose in one day. They are buying dresses that can be worn again or that have already been worn once. You can find great dresses by high end designers at a consignment store in your area or at some awesome websites like www.encorebridal.com or www.preownedweddingdresses.com. Of course there is always ebay and Craig’s list for a really great deal.

Or if you prefer, there are some really great fabrics that can be used when having a gown or suit made like hemp, bamboo, tencel and peace silk ( which allow the silkworms a full life cycle). For couture in organic wool, soy silk and other eco-fabrics, try designers like Linda Loudermilk of www.lindaloudermilk.com or Wai-Chang at www.inhabitat.com .

Another awesome way to give back is to buy your dress from a charity such as the Making Memories Beast Cancer Foundation, which grants the last wishes of breast cancer patients. The foundation sells both new and used gowns (some are high end designers). Awareness of the environment has come a long way in a short time. How ever you decide to make a difference in your wedding should be applauded. Saving the environment is something that needs to become more of a priority for all.

By Kendra Scott, Associate Planner at Firefly Occasions Inc.

Consider incorporating a favourite activity into your big day.

You’ve heard it before but I’ll say it again, a great wedding should reflect the personalities of both the bride and the groom. Often though, the groom doesn’t seem all that interested in picking the colours or flowers does he? Try incorporating a favourite activity. Do you as a couple enjoy golf? Why not create a beautiful outdoor ceremony on your favourite or most picturesque golf course. Arrange a fun tournament for your guests to fill the time between ceremony and reception. Your Groom may even have time to hit a few balls with his groomsmen before the ceremony.

Maybe your both avid skiers, forget the summer wedding and plan an amazing winter wedding in the mountains. Make the celebrations last a whole weekend rather then just a day and plan group ski trips followed by an evening in the hot springs. Did you know that the Hot Springs can be rented out for groups up to 60?

Incorporating an activity that you love will help reduce the stress that comes with focusing on the formalities of a wedding. You want it to be a weekend that you both are looking forward to with excitement not nervous anticipation.

Photos Courtesy of:

Groomsmen in golf carts : http://eephotography.squarespace.com/blog/2009/9/20/carianne-aarons-wedding-ohio.html
Green bouqet: http://www.brendasweddingblog.com/blogs/tag/themes
Green table setting: http://entertaining.dinnerwarecenter.com/category/table-setting/
Place cards : http://thingsfestive.blogspot.com/2009/07/guide-to-wedding-stationery-which.html
Bridesmaids on golf cart: http://gatorbride.com/golf-carts-and-weddings/
Tree and aisle: http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2009/01/26/garden-wedding-ideas/
Chocolate golf balls: http://www.totallychocolate.com/CorpProducts.aspx?&detail=6788&menu=14

By Annette Hoegner, LA Divsion Manager, Firefly Occasions Inc.

Our eco-friendly brides are looking for any way that they can to do “their part” for the environment. One way that they can contribute is with their choice of invitation.

Wedding websites are great and serve their purpose for general information. However, wedding etiquette experts would agree that the personal touch of paper invitations is a must. With that being said here are some tips for different types of materials to look for when shopping for paper invitations.

If you are making your own invitations you will need to start with the paper. When shopping for paper, you will come across terms like “tree-free,” which means it is not virgin paper made from wood pulp (this is an ideal choice). Paper can also be “recycled” or made from scraps in the paper making process or from other recycled fibers like cotton. Preferred paper is 100 percent post consumer waste (PCW) recycled paper. You can also find paper that is embedded with seeds that can be planted in a pot and turned into sunflowers. When it comes to pre-made invitations there are many stationary companies that have stepped up to meet the needs of green consumers. They use chlorine free recycled materials, they also use vegetable-based inks such as those made with soy oil rather than those that are petroleum based. Some recycled invitations are colored with vegetables and herbs and then decorated with fern and pressed flowers.

All of these tips add extra value to your invitation and show people that you care. You can find an eco-friendly line of invitations at www.einvite.com.

The paper industry is in need of scrutiny. Natural forests have been replaced by tree farms for paper production. Mass amounts of energy go into turning those trees into paper.  Large amounts of water are required to bleach the paper. Toxins are released in paper bleaching. Unfortunately, vast amounts of paper still end up in landfills, creating methane, a greenhouse gas, as it breaks down. This is harmful to the environment and needs to be addressed.

By Kendra Scott, Associate Planner at Firefly Occasins Inc.

I think it’s really fun to take inspiration from pop culture and with the release of New Moon, the world is once again in Twilight mania. Here’s an inspiration board to show you how to take a theme and fuse it into your wedding. It’s important to remember especially with a theme like this, that you don’t want it to be cheesy, it’s not a child’s birthday party. When your guests arrive they should be able to feel it, not necessarily see it. There should be something in the mood and decor that is inspired by but not necessarily taken directly from the books/movies. I don’t want to see vampires, blood or fangs but there are definitely characteristics that can be used. If you do want something obvious, consider naming your tables after the novels: Twilight, Midnight Sun, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn etc. You could also chose to use music either from the movies or from Stephanie Myers list of songs that she felt went with specific scenes. As with any elaborate theme you want to keep the obvious connections to the smaller details.

Photos courtesy of:

http://media.photobucket.com/image/twilight%20inspired%20wedding/kdhart226/mlw%20inspiration%20pics/twilight/twilightbookWScopy.jpg – meadow wedding
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_LaayJVYtK58/Sdm4N4ONP7I/AAAAAAAAB-Q/jlHvLHnaWSk/s400/gothicchic.jpg – place setting and candle/chandelier
http://media.photobucket.com/image/bella%20and%20edward%20gazebo/patticakes/ljentries/gazebo.png – gazebo
http://www.daintree-ecolodge.com.au/media/image/large/daintree-ecolodge-high-res061-800.jpg – rainforest wedding

By Annette Hoegner, LA Division Manager, Firefly Occasions Inc.

A green wedding is a wise choice for many reasons. The biggest reason of course is to do your part in conserving our environment. There are many things that can be done to ensure you have a green wedding while still tailored to suit your dreams……

One easy way is to include eco-friendly favors like baby trees that can be replanted or seed packets with a label that matches the colors of your wedding.

Another great idea that I have been seeing more and more is finding a nice recycled card stock and printing something like “ In lieu of favors we have made a donation in your name to our favorite charity. Then take that money you would have spent on favors and donate it to a worthy cause.

By Annette Hoegner, LA Division Manager, Firefly Occasions Inc.

So you may not be a Go Green activist but you do care about the environment and want to take the small steps in making a big difference. You decide to start with your wedding. Not only will you be doing your part but you will be impacting all of the family and friends that will be there on your big day. The little things make a big difference so empting your wallet isn’t necessary, in fact you can spend the same or even less money on environment friendly ideas. As someone who is always looking for ways to improve my day to day living I have found some simple and easy ways to make your white wedding a Green one.

Find a Veriflorist in your area. They incorporate environmentally sustainable flowers, products, materials, and practices into all of their projects. Flowers are often an overlooked element of eco-friendly decor, and now they have made it easy for eco-conscious companies, event planners, individuals, and brides to go green in every color.

There are a few facilities popping up that are environmentally friendly throughout. One example in Orange County is The Environmental Nature Center. Facilities like these use biodegradable products and require all events that come through to abide by their rules. They provide affordable “green” products and services that can reduce environmental harm while ensuring joyous, memorable and stylish celebrations.

There are so many more easy ways to make your white wedding green and reduce your weddings carbon footprint. Tune in next week for some different tips.

Plan a winter wedding!
By Kendra Scott, Associate Planner at Firefly Occasions Inc.

For most of you the winter is too cold and too long. When I think of winter, I feel warmth. I think of a crackling wood fire place and hot chocolate. Little white twinkle lights on all the trees and outdoor skating rinks. For most people, that feeling lasts until New Years but wouldn’t it be nice to have a magical winter wedding to keep the feeling going until the end of January or February? Just imagine, outdoor ice skating with hot chocolate the night before and a horse drawn sleigh to pick you up after the ceremony. For those of us who live near the mountains, it’s the perfect time for your out of town guests to visit and experience world-class skiing and snowboarding, dog sledding, ice skating on lake Louise or a helicopter tour over the towering peaks and unrivaled beauty of the Rocky Mountains.

Photos courtesy of:
http://www.personkillian.combostonphotographersblog2008_12_01_archive.php
http://www.australiaentertains.com.au20090509a-winter-white-and-lavender-wedding-dessert-buffet
http://design-wedding-cakes-pictures.blogspot.com2008_10_01_archive.html.jpg
http://allureeventconsulting.blogspot.com2008_11_01_archive.html.jpg
http://www.nicholasofmyra-movie.comupdate
http://www.filesforfree.comsnow_fall_living_desktop.html.jpg
http://www.polyvore.compurple_weddingsetid=6621718 a.jpg httpdesign-wedding-cakes-pictures.blogspot.com2008_10_01_archive.html.jpg

By Kendra Scott, Associate Planner at Firefly Occasions Inc.

I just love this one! I saw a clip from Britney’s circus tour on T.V. this evening and set on a mission to find inspirational photo’s. This 1920’s circus theme is super cute and so unique. I’m not a fan of balloons at weddings, but the giant round balloons used in this inspiration board are perfect for the occasion. Let’s admit it, balloons and candy (when used
correctly!) are alot easier on the wallet then flowers.

Photos courtesy of:
http://culturebrat.comp=140
http://meandmyinsanity.blogspot.com200906more-wedding-fun-carnival-style.htm
http://wedding.blogdig.netarchivesarticlesAugust2009284_Must_Haves_for_the_Circus_Themed_Wedding.html
http://inbloomeventdesign.blogspot.com200907shayna-and-dans-circus-wedding.html
http://www.julianneaustin.com200906wedding-balloons.html
http://2daysintherain.blogspot.com200907circus-wedding.html

By Kendra Scott, Associate Planner at Firefly Occasions Inc.

Photos courtesy of:

http://www.strictlyweddings.com/blog/2009/08/linens-make-a-statement-set-the-tone/ (Wildflower Linen’s chair cover)
http://www.strictlyweddings.com/blog/2009/08/linens-make-a-statement-set-the-tone/ (Preston Bailey foral arches)
http://www.joycetan.net/index/projects/wedding/index.html (bridesmaids with umbrella’s)
http://www.swsmag.net/blog/2009/4/14/gia-graham-color-palette-mint-coral-and-ivory.html (melong sorbet)
http://delightbydesign.blogspot.com/2009/03/wedding-details-blush-pink.html (water jug and pink corbet)
http://www.weddingthings.com/product/purple-grapes-cupcake-wrappers/wine_theme_wedding_favors (cupcake)

By Kendra Scott, Associate Planner at Firefly Occasions Inc. 

Photos courtesy of:

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2008/02/28/dear-abby-14/ (bridesmaid dress) http://mymodernvintagewedding.blogspot.com/2009/05/shes-going-to-kill-me-over-dusty-roses.html  (roses)
http://www.creative-bride.com/EB1025PK-pink-wedding-favor-boxes.htm (favour box)
http://www.swsmag.net/storage/karentranromance.jpg  (lace overlay)
http://www.herecomestheguide.com/blog/detail/new-wedding-professionals-november-2008/ (Wildflower Linen’s chair coverand centerpeices)

Photos courtesy of:
http://www.bridalbuds.com/tag/wedding-inspiration-board/ (blue stationary) http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/07/02/navy-and-yellow-wedding-in-california-ii/ (place cards and white/blue stationary )
http://www.wedding-flowers-and-reception-ideas.com/blue-bridal-bouquet.html  (bouquet)
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/raim0007/gwss3307_summer2008/2008/06/ (lemonade) http://www.brendasweddingblog.com/blogs/tag/weddings (umbrella) http://community.theknot.com/cs/ks/blogs/wedding_style_file/archive/2009/03/03/wedding-centerpieces-fresh-lemons-and-rustic-pottery.aspx  (lemons in bowl)
http://www.myweddingreport.com/blog/?p=198 (blue m&m favors) http://www.projectwedding.com/blog/2009/08/17/here-comes-the-sun/ (bridesmaids)
http://www.wildflowerlinens.com (linens and table setting)