Alice in Wonderland Inspiration Board

There are so many things I love about the different versions of  Alice in Wonderland: the Victorian aesthetic of the original book's engravings, the happy sweetness of the Disney version, and Tim Burton's lush imagery, the sense of wonder and whimsy without the sugary pastels. For decor, you could use either real or print cut-outs of clocks, antique books, skeleton key place cards, and trees hung with teaspoons and playing cards. Flowers bursting from teacups and teapots could serve as centerpieces. A dessert table of little cakes and heart shaped tarts begs for tags reading "Eat Me." Check out the deets below for more info on where to buy!

Mood: Magic and whimsy meet vintage garden party

Color Palette: Periwinkle blue, black, dark pink, brass, accented with shades of brown

The Deets, Credits, and Maybe Where to Buy Them:

Skeleton Key Place Cards by Raw Photo Design via Style Me Pretty, Lazaro Bridesmaid Dress, Tree Decor from allthebeautifulthings by Loreta, Drink Me Tags by Etsy Seller AnistaDesigns, Teacup Centerpiece from Events by Heather Ham, White Rabbit Thank You Card by Etsy Seller AnistaDesigns, Antique Book, Teacup, and Clock Centerpiece by Three Nails Photography via Green Wedding Shoes, Croquet Set by Jessica Feely via Love and Lavender, Alice in Wonderland Decor by Alicia of Bows and Arrows via Marry You Me, Eat Me Toppers by Etsy Seller AnistaDesigns, Alice in Wonderland Chair by Sarah Maren Photography via Style Me Pretty

A Marie Antoinette Inspired Board

For the most part, I try to create boards that would work for the budget bride. This is probably not one of them, *in painfully fake French accent* but we all deserve a little of ze fantasy in our lives, non? And what better historical figure than the controversial Marie Antoinette to inspire a wedding of delicious opulence and grandeur? It makes me want to eat petits fours in a bubble bath under a rococo chandelier, which I want to do all the time, but is alas, impractical. So on to the board!

Mood: A dreamy confection of a wedding a la Marie Antoinette

Color Palette: Cream, gold, powder blue, blush pink

Artifacts of Inspiration: Marie Antoinette, rococo, 18th century France, Versaille gardens, feathers, gilt, crystal chandeliers

The Deets, Credits, and Maybe Where to Buy Them:

Marie Antoinette Wedding Hair by Sergerius Bruce Photography, Dessert Table by Julie at Strawberry Milk Event Design Studio and photo by David Hartcorn via United with Love, "Antoinette" by Ian Stuart, Marie Antoinette opulent earrings by Etsy Seller laralewis, Cameo votives via Martha Stewart Weddings, Rococo Table Setting by Tab McCausland via The Wedding Chicks, Marie Antoinette Table by Aileen Tran, Feather and Crystal Rose Bouquet, "The Marie Antoinette Collection" by Peggy's Cupcakes via 5starweddingdirectory.com, Marie Antoinette Flower Girl by Like Flowers and Butterflies

A Little Something Extra:

I just discovered event stylist Aileen Tran of Karen Tran Florals and I'm swooning--wedding blogs use that word a lot, but it's appropriate here, swooning!--over her work. I had trouble choosing just one photo from her French Vintage Tabletop, so I included some a few more luscious images below. You can see more of her work at http://aileentran.com/blog/.

Inpiration Board #11: Hot Pink, Black, and Ivory for Shell

Shell gave me her color palette, a delightful mix of hot pink, black, and ivory, and described her upcoming wedding as formal, elegant, and fun. Although the very popular damask is an awesome option for black and ivory, I thought using it with a light touch and focusing more on a chandelier motif would keep the board from looking too modern and graphic. The curving lines of the black candelabras, centerpiece holders, and place card frames manage to be elegant without an overwhelming amount of prints. And how can you not have fun with hot pink?

Mood: Holly Golightly as a wedding planner for Marilyn Monroe

Color Palette: Hot pink, black, ivory

The Deets, Credits, and Maybe Where to Buy Them:

Pink and Black Wedding by Sunny Ravanbach via Luxe Event Rentals, THE Little Black Dress by Alfred Sung via Dessy, Martinez Valero "Brit" via WhiteThread.com, Hot Pink Lipstick Bride by Unity Weddings via Style Me Pretty, Ivory and Black Cake with Hot Pink Roses, Black Baroque Place Card Frame, Black and Ivory Damask Decor, Black Birdcage by Love Life Images via Elizabeth Anne Designs, Black and Hot Pink Invitation by Etsy Seller PaperPersuasions, Decadent Damask Favor Box by Etsy Seller JaclynPeters, Hot Pink and Black Bouquet by Bella Pictures via OneWed.com

Inspiration Board #10: A Cozy Fall in Ireland for Niamh

Niamh is seriously having one of my fantasy weddings: a fall gathering in West Cork, Ireland, parts of which look like this:

At a hotel with views like this:

*SIGH* I'm swooning with envy. Niamh loves lanterns and lighting, and had picked deep purple as one of her colors. She knew she wanted her wedding to feel like a warm, fall celebration, filled with a sense of family and friends oriented coziness. Here's what I came up with:

Niamh hails from Ireland if her awesome name didn't tip you off, and her husband-to-be is Canadian. She wanted to incorporate some elements that paid homage to their origins. I thought maple syrup favors were both perfect for fall and her fiance's Canadian heritage, while the backdrop and some place cards embossed with a golden claddagh could give a nod to their home countries without being over-the-top or cliched. I also love the idea of postcards from their hometowns, places they've visited or are honeymooning, and even where they're guests are from that could take the place of a guestbook. A variety of pies instead of cake contribute to a cozy, family feel, and depending on your caterer can be cheaper because they don't include cake-cutting fees. Apple cider and hot toddies evoke a fall mood better than plain coffee. Add different styles of lanterns, and some DIY fall candles and grapevine balls, and you have a magical autumn evening.

Mood: Autumn festival of lights with the people you love best.

Color Palette: Rich purple, golds, cranberry, touches of sage green

Photo credits above: West Cork, Ireland, Local View from the Dunmore House Hotel

The Deets, Credits, and Maybe Where to Buy Them:

Pie Table with Lanterns by Sarah Remington Photography via Style Me Pretty, Gold Lantern Decor, Hot Toddy Picture and Recipe, Postcard Guestbook via thebigmouthbride.com, Fall Table with Candles and Grapevine Balls via The Knot, Firefly Lightning Bug Lanterns With Moss by Etsy Seller braggingbags, Maple Syrup Favors from FavorStudio.com, Deep Purple Bridesmaid Dress from Dessy, Lantern Decorated Pews via Intimate Weddings, Purple Tie and Bout via The Knot, Fall Leaves Candles via WeddingbyColor, Burgundy, Eggplant, & Merlot Bouquet by The French Bouquet in Tulsa, Dreamy Church Wedding by One Love Photo via 100LayerCake

Inspiration Board #9: Art Nouveau Elegance

I bought my first Alphonse Mucha print in college and have been hooked ever since. I could probably do eight of these boards using different color palettes. Something about the pure, organic lines, the sexy, undulating curve, the effortless elegance of nature inspiring objects of art is so gorgeously realized in a wedding theme.

Mood: Ultimate elegance and whimsy at a high society affair.

Color Palette: dusty blue, bottle-glass green, antique rose, champagne

Artifacts of Inspiration: Alphonse Mucha, absinthe, turn of the century, the S curve

The Deets, Credits, and Maybe Where to Buy Them:

Bouquet by Brookelyn Photography via Green Wedding Shoes, Art Nouveau Invitation by Etsy Seller OldPaperAndPrints, Edwardian Jacket by Kilkenny Formal, Chiavari Chair and Cover by Melissa Jill Photography via BZEvents, Double Peacock Feather Necklace by Etsy Seller sparklyshoes, Jenny Packham "Fontaine" Dress via Wedding Inspirasi, Calla Lilies Centerpiece via The Dessy Group, Gold Birdcage by Heartistic Photo via Southern Weddings, Absinthe Favor by Lilia Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs, Art Nouveau Wedding Cake via Martha Stewart Weddings, Art Nouveau Staircase via Belle Maison Interior Design, Bridal Crown by Twigs and Honey

A Little Something Extra:

I also adore the dress below and had to post it! I heart Romantic Threads and am currently trying to figure out a party formal enough for me to show up in full Victorian steampunk regalia. You can find this little number on sale for $175 here.

Inspiration Board #8: Traditional Whimsy for Cristin

With a color palette of deep purple, silver, and powder blue, Cristin's wedding is a delightful mix of traditional and whimsical. While still maintaining the elegance of a more traditional fete, like her pretty centerpieces of tulips or roses submerged in cylinder vases of different heights, topped with floating candles, she added fun twists like groomsmen wearing chucks and no jackets, and paper lanterns that create a festive feel.

Mood: Traditional pretty with a wink and a hip wiggle

Color Palette: Deep purple, silver, accents of Tiffany blue

The Deets, Credits, and Maybe Where to Buy Them: Deep Purple Infinity Dress from Etsy seller Dalina, Purple, Silver, and Blue Invitation from Etsy Seller Beacon Lane, Cylinder Vases from scarletpetal.typepad.com, Spring Bouquet from brocadedesigns.typepad.com, Purple Ring Pillow via The Knot, Satin Flower Embellished Clutch from Etsy Seller Parisxox, Chuck Taylors and Argyle Socks courtesy libbyjames.wordpress.com, Amethyst and Silver Necklace from Etsy Seller ANORIGINALJEWELRY, Silver Favor Boxes courtesy The Finer Things, Groomsmen by Ryan Price Photography via Ruffledblog.com, Purple and Silver Lanterns via thelandlockedbride.com

Check out these uber cheap cylinder vases from The Dollar Tree online! http://www.dollartree.com/catalog/search.cmd?form_state=searchForm&keyword=cylinder+vases&x=0&y=0

Inspiration Board #7: Mediterranean Lanterns for Robin

Robin's venue, The Holly Farm, a Carmel getaway of lush gardens and rustic cottages, is so lovely I think it doesn't need much. Her clean color palette, kick-ass idea to use fresh herbs she picked from a farm instead of florals (budget-friendly AND green!), and a few personalized touches and voila! Magical wedding prettiness. I loved the idea of using plain wire racks, hung with loosely gathered herbal nosegays as a decoration piece, along with a clothesline of black and white photographs to add some casual charm. As Robin imagined an easygoing, laidback feel with perhaps a Mediterranean flavor, I thought lanterns would add  pretty touches of warmth without compromising her clutter-free, flowing aesthetic. Bonus: they're also relatively affordable!

Mood: Effortlessly classy garden party in a paradisaical Mediterranean garden

Color Palette: Black, white, shades of green

The Inspiration Deets, Credits, and Maybe Where to Buy Them:

Photo Clothesline from weddingaces.com,  Herb Wall from Todd Pellowe via greenweddingshoes.com, Priscilla of Boston Dress, Tree at the Holly Farm, Lantern Centerpieces from Wish Special Events, Cocktail, Black Benches from Art of Vision via stylemepretty.com, Sweet Herb Bouquet from dahlias-day.blogspot.com, Family Style Tables at The Holly Farm, Shades of Green Bridesmaid Dresses, Lantern Ideas from engagedandinspired.com

A Little Something Extra:

Lanterns from Ikea range from $3.99 to  $14.99. I can't count how many gorgeous and CHEAP lanterns I came across from wholesalers and lighting websites, even dollar stores or places like BigLots. Hanging from trees, used as centerpieces, or bordering staircases, aisles, or pathways, these babies are economical and super pretty. I love luminary bags, which are even cheaper, but if you want to really dress up a space without investing a ton in floral arrangements, I think lanterns are the way to go. It's also a no-fuss easy theme, especially for fall! I just had to share this sweet lantern invitation from Etsy seller EllasPaper:

Inspiration Board #6: Springtime Lovebird Sweetness for Summer

I'm so excited to share my first Inspiration Board by request! Summer is having a spring wedding at the gorgeous  Paradise Cove in Orlando, Florida. She told me her details: a color palette of watermelon pink, pale green, and soft yellow, gerbera daisies, and rustic touches of mason jars and milk bottle centerpieces. The venue is beautiful, and with her colors and theme, I saw all the vibrancy and fun of springtime by the lake. To keep things simple and rustic, I added a few lovebirds into the inspiration board. Sweet (budget-friendly!) decorations include fabric bunting, paper straws, rustic signs, and easy to DIY mason jar and sand candles. Summer, I just know your wedding is going to be incredibly sweet, lovely, and warm!

Mood: Easygoing charm lakeside--with a heavy dose of springtime fun.

Color Palette: Watermelon pink, pale green, soft yellow

Artifacts of Inspiration: Lovebirds, lakes, mason jars, daisies, sand, acoustic Jason Mraz

The Inspiration Deets, Credits, and Maybe Where to Buy Them:

Fabric Bunting only $18.00!, Birch Tree Forest Invitation Suite by Inviting Moments, Mason Jar Inspiration from Simplyperfectweddings.blogspot.com (a lot of excellent inspiration for different ways to use mason jars in your wedding decor), Bridesmaid Dress from the Dessy Group, Here Comes the Bride Sign from braggingbags on Etsy, Daisy Bouquet Courtesy of The Knot, Pretty Cookies via Ruffledblog.com, More awesome mason jar decorating ideas including the pink lemonade featured on this board from http://designdazzle.blogspot.com, Sweet Lovebird Cake Toppers from beckykazana on Etsy, The Lovely Paradise Cove in Orlando, Super sweet yet still manly tie from http://www.polkadotbride.com, Lovebirds sign from braggingbags on Etsy, Mason Jar Table Numbers from braggingbags on Etsy, Milk bottle and mason jar centerpieces via delish.com, Flip Flop Favor Basket with cheap deets from signatureeventstampa.blogspot.com

Stay tuned! I have lots, lots more coming with inspiration boards by request!

Inspiration Board #5: 1920s Southern Charm

If Nick Carraway from The Great Gatsby met a whimsical, easy-going gal, and they inexplicably had access to photoshop, I think this is what their inspiration might look like. I don't know if "Boardwalk Empire" started the trend or is just reflecting the interest, but the 1920s are back--and horsefeathers! Don't I think it's the bee's knees!

Although I wanted to capture a 1920s sensibility, I also didn't want the board to feel like a cos-play pamphlet, hence the glaring absence of fringed flapper dresses and the slightly more modern layered, black dress above. But if your bridesmaids are bold enough to rock some fringe, get on with your bad self! I also wanted it to be *gasp* a tad more affordable. I just love the sleekness of the 20s aesthetic, every dress an ode to the line and silhouette. Besides, how could I not love a decade of fashion that considered flat-chestedness ideal? And that delicious white number above? It's $195.00. Check out the deets for all the cheap goodness.

Mood: 1920s dinner party in the summer

Color Palette: Black, cream, soft pinks, brass

Artifacts of Inspiration: The Great Gatsby, southern mansions, Al Jolson, mint juleps, art deco, frills, "Boardwalk Empire"

The Inspiration Deets, Credits, and Maybe Where to Find Them:

The Acacia Mansion, Amazing Headband from Twigs and Honey (Pretty much any of these would have worked for this board. They are all incredible and I spent way too long sighing over them.), Little Black Flapper Dress from GutsyGirl on Etsy, Incredible DIY Chandelier tutorial from weddinghigh.blogspot.com,Phonograph with CD Capability, Nataya Ivory Dress from RomanticThreads.com, Vintage Groom Suit Guide from Ruffledblog.com, Pink Balloons by Amanda Wilcher via StyleMePretty.com, Black Ikea Framed Monogram, 1920s Music Cover Art, Rose Centerpieces (SO simple and pretty. Some clear glasses + Wholesale Garden Roses = cheap and pretty centerpieces.), Art Deco Lantern Necklace by kneehighsnpigtails on Etsy

A little more on cheap sweetness:

Aviva Events has some excellent ideas on using Ikea products for wedding decor. Score! That frame above is only $29.99.
That black flapper dress from GutsyGirl is only $21.00!
Art Deco Lantern Necklace from kneehighsnpigtails is only $20.00!

Inspiration Board #4: Amelie's Carnival Wedding

Apparently I'm on a movie kick, and what romantic adventure could I choose for a wedding board that's sweeter or more magical than "Amelie"? No, seriously. If you can think of one, I want to watch it and obsessively google about it. I think Amelie would swoon over a carnival themed wedding with French garden touches. Although I'm sure she'd love the idea of a ferris wheel and character actors, she's working with a cafe server salary and her fiance works in a porn shop--but that doesn't mean her wedding can't be kick-ass gorgeous. I imagined her wedding at a charming ranch house, decorated with antique, carnival-style parasols hung from the trees, a DIY photo booth, and tea tin centerpieces. Girl loves her cardigans and creme brulee, so I couldn't leave those out. Cute gnome cake toppers and DIY carnival ticket invitations add that sense of fun while luminary bags provide a (cheap!) romantic ambiance as the sun goes down.

Mood: Fabulous destiny plays out amidst carnival magic

Color Palette: Red, warm yellows, antique glass bottle green, cobalt blue touches

Artifacts of Inspiration: "Amelie", Toulouse Lautrec, Provence gardens, Yann Tiersen, county fair carnivals

The Inspiration Deets, Credits, and Maybe Where to Find Them:

Awesome DIY carnival invitations from Kelly Prizel, Gnome Cake Toppers from PhenomeGNOME, Creme Brulee, Parasol Decor Photo by Gabriel Ryan Photographers via Green Wedding Shoes, Poppy Bouquet via Yumsugar.com, First Kiss, LumaBase luminary bags with tutorial from http://wheatblossom.blogspot.com, DIY photo booth courtesy of Jagger Photography, Tea Tin Centerpieces from Ruffledblog, The Beautiful Flying Caballos Ranch, Supersweet Cardigan via Cameron Ingalls Photography

1940s Movie Star Marries Cowboy: "The Spoilers" Inspiration Board

I adore classic film, and there's a special place in my heart for Marlene Dietrich and John Wayne. Like burlap and lace, or complementary colors, there's something about the contrast between these types that makes the other shine. Polished femme fatale + rough-and-tumble Man (capital "M"!) + rustic setting = good times. Their 1942 movie "The Spoilers" captures that equation perfectly. So what if a 1940s screen siren married the cowboy of her dreams in the wilds of Alaska? She'd stamp that saloon setting with her own fabulous style without compromising its rustic charm. Because that's how Marlene rolls.

Mood: Swanky 40s soiree with a Wild West backdrop

Color Palette: Chocolate brown, brass, candlelight, and antique lace

Artifacts of Inspiration: Marlene Dietrich + John Wayne, saloons, filigree, leather, crystals, a soundtrack that runs from Bing Crosby to The Delmore Brothers

The Inspiration Deets, Credits, and Maybe Where to Find Them:

Chandelier from the Dana Powers Barn, John Wayne and Marlene Dietrich, Tablescape by Elizabeth Anne Designs, Faux Fur Wrap from Etsy seller SpaZooie, Vintage Style Suitcases, Brooch, The Long Branch Saloon and Farms (This place is awesome, btw, a mini Wild West town replica. You can even hire bartenders, character actors, and run a casino--without real money--for events.), Brown Lace Cocktail Dress, Candelabra

Vintage Spanish Inspiration Board

Originally, the fiance and I planned on getting married on a ranch in the San Luis Obispo area. I surfed the interwebz high seas, googling every variation of "San Luis Obispo/SLO county/every town surrounding ranch/barn/farm wedding/venue/events" to no avail. Too expensive, too remote, too small a capacity--and what? No hard alcohol?! Yet I was convinced I was going to make it work, and I have a bookmark folder full of mason jar pictures to prove it. Fast forward four months and we're looking at an old adobe in Santa Barbara. Que sera, sera! I heart vintage and now I've moved it from country sweet to SoCal spicy. On to the fiesta!

Vintage Spanish Inspiration Board

Mood: Sipping sangria while rummaging through your Spanish grandmother's hope chest

Color Palette: Sandy neutrals, ivory, washed-out terra cotta, dusty teal, blush pinks

Artifacts of Inspiration: Isabel Allende, succulents, California with a rolled "R", Spanish lace, Buena Vista Social Club (I know it's Cuban music. Just play along.), papeles picados

The Inspiration Deets, Credits, and Maybe Where to Find Them:

Papeles Picados, Horchata,Succulent Centerpieces, Churros y Chocolate, Lace Luminary Bags, Dulce Favors, Rose Hairpiece from Etsy, Pretty Tile, Succulent Bouquet, Mexican Doors, Muy Bonita Bridesmaid Dresses

Link Shout-outs:

The siempre fabuloso www.greenweddingshoes.com with an excellent tutorial on how to DIY papeles picados here.
I want to put this wedding in my pocket and and look at it when I'm sad. It's like the above inspiration board, but real life and cooler. Beautiful photos from globetrotterdiaries.com.
A muy excelente breadown of how to do "Amor by the Shore" on the cheap from Project Wedding here.
That kickass tile? You can find personalized ones for placecards at http://latinwed.blogspot.com/2009/11/tile-placecards.html.

Keeping it Casual: A Love Tree Inspired Wedding in Tahoe

One of my sisters is getting married this June in Tahoe. She is pure awesomeness and also hates wedding planning. The words "theme" and "details" incite a strange amalgam of emotions; comatose boredom spiced with mild panic. Sweet! This means that I have another reason to brainstorm and scour the interwebz for DIY crafts. In addition to responses of "meh" or "I like" that I receive when showing her my suggestions, she gave me some guidelines to work with. The venue: a restaurant in Tahoe with space for a beachside ceremony and patio reception. Add her dress, the bridesmaid dresses, that hydrangeas are her favorite flower, and a couple adjectives: casual, fun, relaxed. And just to show that inspiration can come from unexpected places, her wedding theme impetus came from her favorite t-shirt which resembles something like this:

The genuine article is dark brown with a green tree and says "LOVE" instead of "HUGGER" but you get the idea. The "love tree" has become her (pirated) trademark, appearing on everything from birthday cards to post-its about remembering to buy coffee. So what better place to begin? The love tree met bookmarks, had an awkward first date, but ran into each other again in photoshop. After some free trade coffee and the discovery of a shared passion for Jack Johnson, they became an item and spawned this inspiration board:

Mood: The best barbecue you ever went to masquerading as a wedding, Vacation

Color Palette: Woodsy browns, shades of green, and ivory touches to keep it breezy

Artifacts of Inspiration: Beloved t-shirt, Tahoe, Summertime, Acoustic rock playlist,

The Inspiration Deets and Maybe Where to Find Them:

Tahoe Pier, Dress, Tree Silhouette Table Numbers, Green Shoes, Bridesmaid Infinity Dress, Cookie Favor Bags, Wood Candle Holder (Actually a link to a great tutorial on how to make your own from Nuptial Nattering. Big ups!), Khaki Suit, Beach Chuppah, Hydrangea and Rose Bouquet, Tree Invitation, Beach Ceremony Chairs, Rustic Wood Cupcake Stand, DIY it or Buy it

Hello, Bridal Interwebz! A breakdown of what this blog is about.

I never thought I'd be that girl. Poring over wedding blogs, cooing through glossies, and bookmarking bookmarking bookmarking. Then I got engaged to this guy: 

Ok. I hear you. He looks overly pensive and mildly pissed off in this picture, but the appeal of that jawline is undeniable, as is the coolness of posing next to a wooden pirate man. And trust me, this guy is the greatest thing to hit planet earth...ever. Which is how, I'm sure, any lovely lady reading this feels about a guy to whom they've promised the remainder of their lives, commitment, fidelity, adoration--and thousands of dollars to celebrate it.

I always knew about the Wedding-Industrial Complex, understood in that vague way that overspending was out of control, that those other people put themselves into debt for one day that's merely a rite of passage. That the modern day wedding has blown up like me on a Christmas-time cupcake binge, all for an event that for someone of my socioeconomic position and cultural background is in essence, ceremonial. We live together, we share finances, we have a fur-baby. What changes because I have the good fortune to be allowed to make it legal?

Here's what happened: I discovered a few things that coalesced into the inspiration for this blog.

1) That handsome rogue up top has always wanted a big wedding. Me? I always figured I wouldn't care. Married in Vegas by an Elvis impersonator? How delightfully irreverent! Private elopement on a beach in Puerto Rico? Mmm, rum! Not for him. And though love is about many things, I think it's success relies heavily on compromise.

2) Those days when I spent my vast amounts of free time deciding how I can see all of my friends and family and party like an aging child actor have passed. Moments with people I love are preciously scarce and far too infrequent. They are dying off like an endangered species that isn't cute. So a wedding is as good an excuse as any to enjoy the company of people I love.

3) Wedding stuff is pretty. The Wedding-Industrial Complex is mucho dinero for a reason. It's freaking appealing. I like centerpieces. I really, really like making inspiration boards.

I never thought I'd be that girl. But I am.

Quick sidenote: I think weddings have become the industry monsters that they are today because most of us lack the time and resources to hold stylish fetes every other week with our friends. My (beloved) brother-in-law's (also beloved) mother once told me how in 1960's New Jersey, her and her friends would all take turns throwing parties every Saturday night. Nothing lavish, but hors d'oeuvres or dinner, lots of drinks, and dancing until dawn in the basement if need be. How awesome is that? How much does that inner small-town girl wish she could run into her girlfriends at the supermarket to chat about Saturday night's cocktail menu rather than catch up for seven minutes on your cell phone during lunch to vent about how the boss is a vicious troll, the dog puked on your papa-san (again!), why the f**k don't my pants fit, let's BBQ on the 4th of July, k? Perhaps I'm oversimplifying it or creating a world that didn't exist, but in any case, that desire to socialize, to entertain still beats strong within us, and finds an outlet when we plan a wedding.

So, what to do when you're principled and don't have wads of cash burning a smoking hole in your on-sale jeans pocket? How do we come up with a theme that encapsulates how we want to celebrate our love and commitment--and do so on the cheap? I've heard a lot that wedding planning is stressful, but I want fun! I want wedding planning adventure! I want bridal swashbuckling and DIY seating charts that ooze charm! So here's me trying. I hope it helps someone other than me, but if not, blogs are often about emotional exhibitionism, so if nothing else, here's to hoping for your amusement.

xoxo,
Katie the Weddingthirsty