Floral Inspirations to Spring For!

Choosing your floral arrangements can be a little overwhelming, but sometimes all it takes is the right mix of color or textures to get you inspired.   Here are a few designs to put some spring in your step when working on your wedding to-do list. 1.  Ombre Floral Centerpiece - Green Wedding Shoes Blog

http://greenweddingshoes.com/diy-ombre-floral-centerpiece/

2: Keep It Simple - French Wedding - Style Me Pretty

http://www.stylemepretty.com/2014/03/27/french-wedding-in-the-countryside-of-bergerac/

3.  Stunningly Budget Friendly - Astilbe The Wedding Flower

http://onefabday.com/astilbe/

4. Pretty In Peach - Want That Wedding http://www.wantthatwedding.co.uk/2012/12/17/pretty-in-peach-wedding-inspiration/

4. Spring Inspired Succulent Bouquet - Aileen Tran Events

http://aileentran.com/blog/2011/01/24/bouquets-part-duex/

5. A Bouquet that Pops!

http://perfectweddingcollections.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/spring-wedding-ideas.html

Style Trend~ Watercolor

We always keep an eye out for the latest trends and new decor/theme ideas for couples to tap into.  Watercolor is a refreshing trend that can be used cohesively throughout your event or just as an accent on details like the table numbers, menu cards & signage.  Visit our pinterest board for some of the ideas that caught our eye!

You can view the rest of our Pinterest boards here

What is your take on this emerging trend? Leave us a comment here or submit a link to your Pinterest board if you are all about watercolor!

~Happy Planning~

Invitations: Set The Tone

Finding an invitation that matches your overall theme and vision for your event is sort of like finding your dress, ( when you know, you know.)  Invitations give your guests the information they need in order to make plans to attend & guests will also be getting a sneak peak about what to expect at the event.  Save The Dates can tie in with your overall theme & stationery or you can think outside the box with the style to really have fun with it.  Here are a few styles that could set the tone for your big day! 1. This elegant design ties in any chalkboard elements you may be using and could easily fit in with a DIY/Rustic wedding or and elgant affair.  Very versatile & fun!

A Chalkboard Marriage Wedding Invitations from: Minted

2. Lighthearted

Pink Primrose Wedding Invitations from: Minted

3. Turning the expected into the unexpected!

Vintage Typography Poster Save the Date Cards from: Minted

4. Elegant

French Vintage Wedding Invitations from: Minted

5. So Ombre!

Ombre Stripes Save the Date Cards from: Minted

6.  Wedding Gram meets glam, just add a metallic envelope and done!

WeddingGram Wedding Invitations from: Minted

7. Seedpack Invites  will match with your garden or eco themed event

Seed Packet Wedding Invitations from: Minted

8. Who doesn't love Tiffany Blue? Bookbinder Wedding Invitations from: Minted

9. Proud to Serve Air Force Salute Wedding Invitations from: Minted

10. Keep it simple, all we need is love Picnic Basket Wedding Invitations from: Minted

Whether you have custom invitations made, use a retail company or DIY your stationary we know that the options are endless!  If you need assistance with invitations, wording, rsvp tracking & more we are here to help.

Where did you fall in love with your invitations? Leave us a comment here to gush about your stationary crush! ___________________________________________________ *The 530 Bride is an affiliate member of Minted.com*

Free DIY Resources

Tackling a do-it-yourself wedding project is a great way to add a personal touch to your event while impressing guests with unique ideas and creativity. Though many DIY projects can save money and are fun to create with bridesmaids, they can also be time consuming. Fortunately many wedding websites offer free resources for visiting brides—in the form of print templates and speedy projects —that bring the fun back to crafting your special day!

Here are a few of our recent finds online that we'd like to share with our 530 brides.

Please make sure to follow any copyright or use instructions on the following websites. 

We would love to see your finished creations and feel free to share the resources you have found along your  journey!

~Happy Planning~

Free Custom Monograms.

A Whole Collection of Adorable Mason Jar Designs.

DIY Fringe Cake Topper.

Free Guestbook Fingerprint Tree Print.

Free Printable Table Numbers.

Free Chevron Patterned Print for Invitations, Save the Dates and Inserts Cards.

Real Wedding at Yuba City Fairgrounds

When planning a large wedding couples might not think of the local fairgrounds, but considering the ample indoor space, parking, and on-site kitchen you may want to keep the fairgrounds in mind.  Besides, we haven't seen the Yuba City Fairgrounds look this cool in well, ever.  Our team assisted WeDo Designs with setting up for this 600+ wedding, and we heard it was quite the party!  Table settings, linens, decor, florals, glassware & flatware provided by WeDo Designs.  Congratulations to Navi & Raj  Kalkat![gallery columns="1" orderby="rand"]

For information about events & rentals at the fair grounds click here.

Display Your Wedding Keepsakes with A Shadow Box

Wedding Photography captures your big day, but what about physically preserving some of your most sentimental wedding items?  Shadowboxes are a great way to put some of your most cherished items on display.

If you plan to use your bouquet or other fresh flowers in your shadow box, check with your florist to see if they offer preservation services.

A DIY Shadowbox could be a great project to keep your creative juices flowing after the wedding, and help reduce some after wedding blues that some brides experience.  Consider making a set of shadow boxes to include your milestones as a couple, (honeymoon, family vacations, first home, birth of a child etc.) Shadow Boxes don't have to be large, you can mix and match the sizes and styles.

Happy Planning!

The Topper

Wedding Cakes have transformed from a fancy dessert to the focal point of the evening, (besides THE dress!) If you have seen shows like Cake Boss, or Cake Wars you know the design ideas are endless.  A cake topper is the finishing touch, accenting the cake design and even show a little flair of your personalities.  Here are a few different spins on the cake topper, which one fits your personality? 1. Traditional or Personalized "Wedding Couple" toppers Photos Courtesy of www.weddingstar.com

2. Floral - Fresh Flowers, Icing Floral Designs Photos Courtesy of www.marthastewartweddings.com

3. Paper Cake Toppers Photos Courtesy of www.eventsbychloe.com, and www.papermoss.com

4. Monogram Topper Photos Courtesy of www.weddingcuts.com and www.roxyheartvintage.com

5. Love Bird Topper Photo Courtesy of weddingwallpaper.net and bridalwave.tv

Happy Planning!

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Applewhite!

Christine and Nick recently exchanged vows at the Arroyo Room on April 21st, 2012.  Here are some snapshots to enjoy while they are relaxing on their honeymoon in Puerto Rico.  Christine & Nick were featured as an engaged couple, and you can read about their engagement here.

Professional Photos coming soon! ____________________________________________________________ Venue The Arroyo Room Caterer Excaliber Catering Aisle Decor Flowers By Rachelle Manzanita Trees WeDo Designs Linens All Star Rents DJ Runaway DJ Wedding Cake Lovely Layers Cakery Wedding Dress Alterations  Milenas Tailoring Custom Designs Photo Booth Chico Photo & Video Planning Assistance The 530 Bride

Mark Your Calendars ~ 2012 Winter Bridal Shows

It's that time again, so mark your calendars with these important dates! You don't want to miss out on your local bridal shows because this is where you will meet professional & talented vendors who specialize in weddings.  By walking through a bridal show, you will see exhibitor booths for caterers, photographers, wedding planners, DJ's, wedding venues & more.  Taste samples of wedding cake and entrees like tri-tip & chicken. You will have the opportunity to save money with exclusive bridal show offers, and enter contests to win some sweet prizes. Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, bring a bag to hold all of your bridal show goodies & if possible have address labels printed to save you the trouble of handwriting your name and address on all of the contest entry forms!

2012 Winter Bridal Shows

Chico Bridal Showcase Sunday, January 8th, 2012 12:00 AM - 4:00 PM Silver Dollar Fairgrounds Chico, CA http://www.weddingsnorthvalley.com/show.html?show.id=1447

The Bridal Guide Wedding Show Sunday, January 15, 2012 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Simpson University Event Center Redding, CA http://northstatebridalguide.com/bridalshows.html

Yuba Sutter Bridal Show Sunday, January 29th, 2012 Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds Yuba City, CA 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM http://www.ysbridalshow.com/Winter_Bridal_Show.htm

Winter Wonderland Bridal Show Sunday, January 29th, 2012 The Beda Place Meadow Vista, CA 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM http://www.thebedaplace.com/

Wedding Extravaganza Sunday, February 19th, 2012 Holiday Inn Redding, CA 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM http://www.theweddingextravaganza.com/

DIY Resources on the Web

If projects like embossing, or making your own ceremony programs really gets you excited then check out a few of these great resources for all things DIY! Here we will give you the run down of where to find helpful step-by-step instructions. 1. A cozy winter DIY Wedding Favor created by NotMartha.org gives you the instant warm & fuzzy feeling which would be perfect for a winter wedding!

2.  Message in a Bottle Favors  by Beau-Coup - Set the tone of your tropical or beach theme wedding with these mini bottles!

3. Burlap Coffee Bean Favors by RuffledBlog.com - Write a personalized thank you note, and let the aroma of the coffee beans do the rest!

4.This DIY Rustic Cake Stand gives an instant sense of the outdoors found on OnceWed.com

5.  Rice Crispy Heart Favors by MyOwnLabels.Com

6. DIY Moss Letters by PolkaDotBride.com

7. Fabric Flower for Hair Pins, Sashes and Bridal Shower Favors found on ProjectWedding.com 8.  Save the Date Magnets by Project Wedding, Simple and Adorable!

9. DIY Table Numbers in a Bottle by SavvyCityFarmer.com 

10. DIY Hanging Ornaments "Let It Snow" project featured on UnderTheTableAndDreaming.com

To find step-by-step instructions for the projects above follow these links: 1. Ginger Bread Mug Favors (http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2009/12/18/a-gingerbread-house-that-perches-on-the-rim-of-your-mug/) 2. Message In A Bottle Favors (http://www.beau-coup.com/message-in-a-bottle-idea.htm) 3.  Burlap Coffee Bean Favors (http://ruffledblog.com/diy-coffee-bag-favors/) 4.  Rustic Chic Cake Stand (http://www.oncewed.com/514/diy-wedding/decorations/rustic-wedding-cake-stand/) 5.  Rice Crispy Hearts (http://www.myownlabels.com/blog/1-wedding-favors/) 6.  DIY Moss Letter (http://www.polkadotbride.com/2010/02/diy-moss-letters-project/) 7.  Fabric Flower (http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/diy-gorgeous-chiffon-and-tulle-flowers/8) 8. Heart-Felt Save The Dates (http://www.projectwedding.com/wedding-ideas/save-the-date-magnets) 9. DIY Table Numbers (http://www.savvycityfarmer.com/2010/01/take-number-please.html) 10. DIY Hanging Ornaments (http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2010/11/vintage-glitter-snowball-ornaments-by.html)

Have a project that you want to share? Contact us at features@the530bride.com

Style Trend: Manzanita Branches & Wishing Trees

Wishing trees have become a popular feature of event decor for baby showers and weddings.  Have you ever wondered where the tradition of wishing trees came from?  Some say that it is a Dutch tradition, but we have seen many styles of wishing trees from various cultures for many different reasons aside from weddings. For example, we found that as part of a Lam Tsuen tradition, Wish-makers write their wishes on red paper "josses," which are offerings dedicated to Chinese deities. No matter where the tradition comes from, it is a beautiful sight to see a tree filled with thoughts and well-wishes dedicated to your new life as husband and wife!  With so many fun ways to decorate and make it your own, a wishing tree can be a great focal point for your event. A word of advice is to leave instructions for your guests, so that they know that you would like them to write on the cards and hang it on the tree.

Whether you are using manzanita branches, or a living tree you should be able to find relatively inexpensive ways to decorate it.  Although if you plan to use crystals, you may want to opt to rent the strings of crystals rather than buying them yourself (they can get pricey!)

We found these photos inspiring!

Manzanita Branches can be painted to match your decor, and you can use them as centerpieces as well.

Many Decor & Event Staging vendors will have wishing trees available to rent, but if you would like to make one yourself here is what you will need.  Most of the materials can be found at your local craft store, or for large amounts of manzanita branches check out this website: Blooms and Branches.  They also have moss, curly willow, votive candles, vases, birch branches & centerpiece kits.

- Large manzanita branch or several small branches, which can be painted to match your decor.  If you are having a more      natural style theme, you won't need to paint the branches because they are a nice deep red color on their own. - Paint for the branches - Glitter, if you would like the tree to really shine! - Strands of Crystals, (or create your own with fishing wire & crystals or beads.) - Add flowers or greenery depending on your theme. - Vase, try to find a sturdy vase with a wide base so that it is less likely to tip over.

Okay now you have created your own wishing tree!

For some great aisle decor ideas, check out this great website Koyal Wholesale.  They have some couture designs for walking down the aisle!

Sources:

Lam Tsuen Tradition ( http://www.com.cuhk.edu.hk/varsity/0003/culture2.htm) www.herecomesthebride.com www.theoaks.com www.cupidsarrow.com