Hand-Painted Art

We just love these little hand-painted canvases on tiny easels and think they’re a gorgeous and very glamorous wedding favor. This is the type of wedding favor a guest is likely to display in their own home long after the ceremony is over. Those with artistic ability can create these, but even without the ability to paint, these can be made with scrapbook paper or templates.

(https://www.theknot.com/real-weddings/hand-painted-art-wedding-favors-photo)

Succulents

Tiny succulents sit in aluminum tins with beautiful thank you notes stuck inside each one. These are just adorable wedding favors that can be enjoyed long past the wedding day, and they’re sure to be loved by each guest. We think this is a clever and unique idea.

(https://www.etsy.com/listing/189747642/12-diy-succulent-favors-thank-you-tag?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_branded-weddings&utm_custom1=5bb72430-de2e-43bd-bc76-91c432978535&gclid=CL3u26OrhMoCFUc2gQodjpECww)

Apple Butter

Homemade or gourmet apple butter is a fantastic and unique favor; it’s just as delicious and useful as honey, but a little less overdone. We love this gift, as it has a very personal touch to it, but it’s also something the majority of guests will enjoy and use even after the ceremony.

(http://www.iherb.com/Walden-Farms-Apple-Butter-Fruit-Spread-12-oz-340-g/41664?CAWELAID=120224250000029555&gclid=CIPykrarhMoCFUc9gQodxCgHuQ)

Gourmet Chocolate Treats

Everyone loves chocolate or edible treats, so any type of gourmet chocolate would be a perfect wedding favor. We love these chocolate-covered pretzel rods and appreciate the fact that they can be covered in a variety of goodies, from sprinkles to candy pieces. Be sure to keep some sugar free treats on hand for those with diabetic issues or restrictive diets.

(https://www.etsy.com/listing/243685900/gourmet-chocolate-covered-pretzels-with?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_branded-paper_and_party_supplies&utm_custom1=5bb72430-de2e-43bd-bc76-91c432978535&gclid=CILe98SrhMoCFYU2gQodhakCTQ)

These are just a few ideas of unique, lovely and glamorous wedding favors, proving that not every wedding favor needs to be a pack of mints or a container of bubbles. Let us know which of these is your favorite in the comments section below!

The post Glamorous Wedding Favor Ideas appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Staying Away from Cliché Favors

One of the best ways to ensure that your wedding favors are thoroughly enjoyed is to choose favors that aren’t overdone. Rather than choosing the same types of favors all of your friends have chosen or the ones you see everywhere online, go for something rarely seen. For instance, mini boxes of chocolate truffles are very elegant, and much more rare than Jordan Almonds or assorted chocolates. Tiny bottles of premium champagne or wine are classier than tiny bottles of liquor, and not as common.

To Personalize or Not

One of the most popular trends right now is personalized wedding favors. While brides tend to adore personalized wedding favors, sometimes personalization can make favors difficult for guests to reuse in their own homes. A candleholder that says “Ben and Jessica – 2015” probably isn’t going to find its way to the top of the nightstand in Kelly and Mark’s bedroom. A great rule of thumb to keep in mind is that personalization works great for items that could be placed in a photo album or scrapbook or edible items while items meant to display in the home shouldn’t be personalized.

Edible Wedding Favors

Edible wedding favors are not only some of the most well-received favors, but can be incredibly elegant as well. Assorted chocolates, gourmet jams and honey, pastries and even chocolate bars can be extremely elegant if presented well. When choosing packaging, go for the “less is more” theory when it comes to colors and designs. Often times, the simplest packages are the most elegant. A black box of chocolates with gold foil fonts, a chocolate bar with gold foil and a muted wrapper; these are elegant and will be well received.

It’s easy to choose wedding favors that are both elegant and well-loved by guests if you follow the tips above. Most importantly, make sure your favors express your own personality and style, as it is your day and everything should center on you!

The post Choosing Truly Elegant Wedding Favors That Guests Will Love appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Read all about this inspiration shoot below. Do you think you’ll be using any of the details in your own wedding? Tell us in the comments below. And don’t forget to hit “Like” for your favorite pictures in the gallery!

This inspiration shoot started with a “Love is Brewing” theme and a fun palette of pink, red, teal, and aqua shades. LB Floral designed floral arrangements around vintage milk glass details, including an adorable little flower teacup and bouquet overflowing with roses and greenery. Knox Wedding Creative and Rellek Video Productions captured the day.

“Love is Brewing” tea bag favors and escort cards by Custom Love Gifts & Events paired well with matching tea inspired invitations by Star Noir Studio and mini wooden scoops in a mug of coffee beans with “Love is Brewing” tags. Bridal party favors included scented candles dressed in a teal and red vintage inspired fabric.

Rothchild Catering & Conference Center provided the perfect canvas to add sheer draping from floor to ceiling and pink tinted uplighting by Sequoyah Entertainment. Pink sugar flowers topped a 3-tiered wedding cake atop a modern cake stand from Sweet Beginnings by Elaine. The reception table was topped with pink linen with gold chargers and coordinated with gold chivari chairs, aqua sashes and gold-rimmed china from Event Rentals by Rothchild.

The would-be groom was dapper in a khaki tux with a teal tie from Savvi Formalwear and red rose boutonnière. The teal tie perfectly matched a ribbon detail on the bride’s bouquet. Southern Belle Beauty added with a loose luxe updo and a floral inspired hairpiece that perfectly complemented a gorgeous wedding gown from Wedding Wonderland. The dress made the bride look as if she was floating in tulle and ornate lace details. A coordinating necklace and bracelet set, each with three strands of pearls, was the perfect twist to a classic favorite. Everyone loves a costume change, and the short wedding dress with sweetheart neckline did not disappoint, especially when you throw in a pair of rose-inspired red heels.

VENDORS:

Photographer: Knox Wedding Creative
Equipment Rentals: Event Rentals by Rothchild
Event Venue: Rothchild Catering
Tuxedo and Men’s Attire: Savvi Formalwear
DJ: Sequoyah Entertainment
Hair Stylist: Southern Belle Beauty
Invitation Designer: Star Noir Studio
Cake Designer: Sweet Beginnings by Elaine
Dress Store: Wedding Wonderland
Favors and Gifts: Custom Love Gifts
Floral Designer: LB Floral

The post Love is Brewing – A Wedding Inspiration Shoot appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Wedding Signs

Use stencils or your own handwriting to create rustic but elegant signs for your wedding. You can make them to point guests in the right direction or add sentimental thoughts throughout the room for your wonderful day.

Birdseed Ornament Favors

Perfect for a spring or garden wedding, birdseed ornament favors are great little gems that your guests can hang in their trees to attract colorful birds. They’re made by mixing a cup of water with 3 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin, 3 tablespoons of corn syrup, 3⁄4 cups flour, and 4 cups of any birdseed. Simply heat the mixture until just before boiling and then pour into a baking pan. Once the mixture is cool, cut it with cookie cutters, poke a hole through the center or top and add tags!

Personalized Wedding Candles

Use tall jar candles for this idea, and print out whatever you’d like to add to the candle on the paper of your choice. It could be pictures, your song, or even your vows. Use spray adhesive to attach them, and then add whatever other embellishments you want using hot glue.

Table Décor

Hand-write your song on a canvas and use it to decorate side tables in your reception room. This can also be displayed in your home long after the ceremony is over.

Backdrop

Use string lights and curtains to create a breathtaking backdrop that will not only impress your guests, but will look magical in wedding photos.

These are just a few of the beautiful and elegant DIY projects available for weddings. Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.

The post 5 Elegant Wedding DIY Ideas appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Vintage and sentimental items are not automatically similar but it is undeniable that if they’re both present, they do work together pretty well. Especially when it comes to something very personal to the bride, like her wedding gown. At first it may seem that our bride’s wedding gown was intentionally designed to look a little bit old-fashioned but in fact it’s more of a sentimental choice, for a part of it actually came from the bride’s mom’s gown way back. The idea to have a part of your parent’s wedding in your own is something not every couple are given the opportunity to have, so it’s heartwarming when a bride and groom decides to incorporate their parent’s history into the start of their future.

What would you say, the overall story for this album?

A winter wonderland as I have called it. A smooth, relaxed day that brought two people together. A formal event done for all the right reasons with all the right touches. The ceremony was held at an elaborate cathedral in downtown Birmingham. The bride had a first look with her father who is a Reverend before he escorted her to the front steps of the church for the first look with her husband to be.
The couple chose to have all of their portraits taken beforehand expect for the family formals. The guests continued on to the reception held at an elegant venue in Homewood called Park Lane in the English Village. A smooth jazz band played to add just the right feel to the evening. Guests indulged in food, drinks, and good cheers and they celebrated the couple’s union.
At the completion of the night, the bride and groom departed through a rain of snow and drove into the night in a Bentley.

What inspired the wedding day outfits?

The wedding party colors just came from bride’s choice on what she was drawn towards when she was in the bridal shop. She admired the gold colors. As for her wedding dress, it holds more meaning. Thirty three years ago in January, her parents were married. Natalie wanted to wear or incorporate her mother’s dress in some way or fashion. They tried to recycle the fabric but was only successful in salvaging the sleeves which were french lace. Her sleeves were cut and created the lace bolero. She also wore her grandmother’s pearls as she was unable to attend the wedding.

What was your favorite part of the day?

Rev. Andrew Pearson led one of the most beautiful ceremonies I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing. Not going to lie, a tear came to my eye during his talk about love and what having a Christian marriage means. One of the things he mentioned that stands out more than any is “marriage is loving someone in their unlovelyness and brokenness”. I loved how he described what it means to actually love someone — loving someone for who they really are. Loving someone for worse, for poorer, and in sickness. I don’t think he could have described it better. Even when he mentioned “you love them, warts and all.“

Was there any Do it Yourself (DIY) projects? If so, can you describe them in detail?

The wedding favors were the only DIY items at the wedding. Her mother owns a jelly business where she specializes in datil pepper jelly. She made custom labeled mini jars as a thank you to the guest.

What were the highlights from the ceremony & reception?

The ceremony was held in a gorgeous cathedral church. The sanctuary simply took your breath away. The ceremony presented by the Reverend was a highlight in itself. As for the reception, again the decor and vibe blew you away. It was an elegant, formal reception. The lighting and vintage decor added just the right touch. It was catered by the owners of the venue Kathy G. and Company, and it was delicious. Dancing was a hit with the live jazz band who entertained the guest. It brought a very classy feel that fit the night just right.

Was there a theme for the ceremony and reception?

No theme. Just a formal, sophisticated ceremony and reception.

What part of the ceremonies do you think was the most memorable for the bride and groom? Guests?

I would say it all could be memorable. From the stunning cathedral the guest sat in listening to the special words as the Reverend joined these two as one to the wonderful tunes played by the jazz band. Since it took place in January and was cold, it was fitting for the guest to throw fake snow as they departed which I have never seen at a wedding I photographed. It wasn’t your standard wedding or over the top wedding either. The perfect fit and feel that joined two people together who you can tell really love each other. To them, this day wasn’t a show. It was a day to join their lives together with family and friends in a nice, classy way.

Vendors

Photographer:  Jewels Photography
Band:  Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame
Transportation:  Bentley Rental
Ceremony Location:  Cathedral Church of the Advent
Caterer:  Kathy G. & Company
Event Venue:  Park Lane

The post Vintage and Sentimental appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

The wedding gowns were provided by Clara Couture Bridal. One model was wearing a stunning designer mermaid gown, with an asymmetrical sweetheart neckline, and ruffled skirt; the other gown is from the new 2015 Pronovias collection, which showcases a beautiful low-cut semi-sheer back, with mother of pearl gemstone embroidery. The soft pink and the black sequins evening gowns were used create a contrast between the soft destination look, and the modern glamour style.

Vendors

Photographer:  L’Estelle Photography
Makeup Artist:  ACmakeup
Dress Store:  Clara Couture Bridal
Event Planner:  D’Love Affair Weddings & Events
Cake Designer:  Kitty Wong PastryShop
Floral Designer:  LeeJames Vintage Petals
Shoes:  Lords Shoes
Makeup Artist:  Tina Wu Make-Up Artist
Other Location:  Whytecliff Park
Invitation Designer:  Made In Print

The post Styled Shoot – Savagely Sweet appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

 Glitter Wedding Table Numbers

This is a super easy way to add glitter to your wedding. Simply coat numbers in glue and dip in glitter for sparkly wedding table numbers.

Glittery Bridesmaids Dresses

Bedeck your bridesmaids in beautiful glittery dresses that sparkle in the lights. There are so many beautiful sparkling dresses that will look fantastic at any wedding.

Glittery Wedding Cakes

Glitter isn’t just limited to the things you can look at, but you can “glitterize” the things you eat as well. There are many beautiful glittery wedding cake designs that you can choose from to ensure that your cake is a sparkly success.

The Invitations

You can start your wedding out on the right (gleaming) foot by sending out sparkling wedding invitations.

Glittery Centerpieces

Add some sparkle to your tables with glittering centerpieces like these. They will sparkle in the lights beautifully and add some glamour to your tables.

These are just a few great ideas for adding glitter to your wedding!

The post 8 Ways to Add Glitter to Your Wedding appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Hire a Great DJ

Your DJ can get the crowd up and moving and ensure they’re having a great time by taking requests, interacting with them and keeping things moving along. You will never be sorry for putting out that extra money to get a fantastic DJ.

Personalize Things

Provide your guests with personalized wedding favors that they’ll cherish for a long time after the ceremony. There are many, many different options for personalized wedding favors so it’s easy to find something that suits your personality and theme.

Pass Out Disposable Cameras

When guests come into the reception venue, have a “helper” hand them a disposable camera. They can use it to take fun pictures during the ceremony and then deposit the camera into a bin at the end. You can develop the pictures and find some real treasures.

Delicious Food

Whether it’s a laid-back barbecue or a more formal seated dinner, great food will win your guests hearts over easily. Try to accommodate all guests by having a range of items served including vegetarian choices and sugar-free desserts.

By seeing to these 4 simple things, you can make your wedding reception as special as possible and a lot of fun for your guests.

The post 4 Ways to Make Your Wedding Reception More Special appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Limit the Speeches

Make sure the wedding party knows that the wedding speeches should stay under about 2 minutes or so. This ensures that the speeches will be sweet but short, so your guests won’t get bored. Everyone knows that best man speeches are famous for being funny and sometimes edgy, but limiting the speeches will help make sure they stay classy.

Location, Location, Location

One of the most important tricks for ensuring that your wedding is elegant is making sure the location is elegant. Use a service like lavishlocations.com to make sure you have found the most beautiful and lavish location in your area. This will really set the tone for an elegant wedding.

If You Have Doubts about a Potential Guest, Don’t Invite Them

You will likely hear a lot of things from your family or friends about inviting certain people. “He’s family, so he should be invited,” or “They’ve been friends of the family for twenty years.” Well, it’s your wedding. If you have doubts about inviting someone or feel that they will not be on their best behavior, don’t invite them.

Choose Personalized Wedding Favors

It might take you a little more time to find something special for each guest at your wedding, but doing so will make it truly elegant. This is a thoughtful gesture that your guests will notice and appreciate.

By taking these things into account, you can really ensure that your wedding is beautiful, elegant and tasteful.

The post 4 Tricks for Making Your Wedding Super Elegant appeared first on Elegant Wedding.

Clothing

Ensembles in the 20’s were very glam for women, including the famous headbands which often included a feather or glittery beaded ornaments. Dresses were simple, but often included fringe or layers of ruffles. Brides who plan a flapper era wedding can choose dresses in varying shades of white, pale gold or muted pink. Men traditionally wore suspenders with slacks and collared shirts for a more laid back look, and tuxedos with tailcoats for more formal occasions.

Wedding Décor

Flapper era wedding décor is a lot of fun. Vases with long feathers amongst the flowers, black and white photographs, beaded chandeliers and Depression glass can all be used to make the occasion beautiful and authentic-feeling. Many brides have a temporary dance floor constructed by clearing an area and marking it with twinkling strings of lights.

Music

Flapper era weddings almost demand a two or three man band, or a piano player and lounge-style singer. Alternatively, you can select fantastic 20’s era songs to play for your wedding. With jazzy vocals and upbeat music, some of the most popular 20’s singers include Al Jolson, Gene Austin, Bessie Smith, Paul Whiteman and Ethel Waters. Spend some time researching and listening to the songs of the 1920’s to create a fabulous playlist of favorites.

Flapper Themed Wedding Favors

Wedding favors to suit the flapper era theme can be a lot of fun. Black and white are great colors for wedding favors, like the Black “Delivered with Love” Favor Boxes that can be filled with your favorite sweet treats or fun gifts. Other great wedding favor ideas include silver place card holders that will double as frames for guests, silver compact mirrors and anything glittery and glam.

A 1920’s wedding can be very beautiful and a lot of fun for the wedding party, guests and certainly the photographer. Use the tips above to create the perfect flapper era wedding.

The post Wedding Themes: Flapper Era Wedding appeared first on Elegant Wedding.