Country Chic Wedding Dresses

I must admit, I've never been much of a country girl, but I have begun to embrace the look and feel of a country style wedding. I love the combination of elegance and rustic simplicity that a properly designed country wedding can have.  Not to mention that it can be so much kinder to a budget.

If you are a bride planning a country wedding of your very own, you want your dress to reflect the style and theme of your wedding, just as that theme reflects your fun-loving, down to earth personality. Here are some great dresses for a country chic bride -to-be.

And just think how wonderful they will look with your favorite pair of cowboy boots!

 Waking Up By Peter Langner Spring 2013 Collection

This dress is fantastic.  The exaggerated flowers in the bodice pop and the sash adds just a pinch of color to accentuate the summertime feel.  The cap sleeves add a nice touch for the bride that doesn't want a strapless gown.

Galina Beaded Lace Trumpet Gown from David's Bridal

Lace and cowboy boots...yes please. The horizontal lines in the lace may not be flattering on every body type, but this dress is the ultimate sweet touch to a country chic celebration.

White Collection by Vera Wang

Looking for something full?  This is the dress.  Vera Wang created for David's Bridal, this designer dress at the perfect price offers a full, flowing ball gown without overdoing the accents.  The simple raised flowers along the neckline are just the right touch.

 Narelle by Elizabeth Fillmore Spring 2013 Collection

This dress reminds me of a woodland princess fairytale I heard when I was a child.  The low back and spaghetti straps, with the floral touches along the neckline and the waist and the graceful fall of the skirt combines all of the elements needed for that summer evening under the stars.  

 Armour sans Anguish  made with reclaimed material.

Now this is a little touch of homespun amazing.  The alternating shades of whites, the lace, the tulle, and the simplistic design gives this gown a character all its own.  It is the perfect combination of unkempt and elegant.

Of course, there are hundreds more.  For more country wedding ideas and details, check out the other posts, or visit me on Pinterest, Etsy, or Facebook.

#weddingdress #country #gowns

Boys Birthday Party Cakes

 When it comes to a boys birthday party, it takes planning and a dash of imagination and creativity. Girls are different. Little girls are happy to have a pink glitter party or a simple sleep over with their friends, but little boys have different interests. Let's face it a blue sparkle party won't be exactly what they have in mind to celebrate.

We have put together some fantastic cake ideas for boys parties. Some can be made at home. There are others you may need to consult your local cake specialist for. 

Here are some of our favorites. 

 The monster cake. I love the cake pop eye balls. This one is simple and versatile. It can be made in any shape and the frosting can be done in any color. Great for the younger boys.  

This one is a little harder.  You will need skills with a pastry bag. 

But the result is adorable and the kids will love it. 

By far my favorite. LEGO CAKE!  Just awesome. 

 

Here's for that boy that loves construction vehicles. 

Super easy and looks like you put in a lot of work. 

 Don't want the hassle of cutting and serving cake to 20 six year-olds?  

Try some of these adorable cupcake ideas that can all be done at home 

with just a little know how and an extra few minutes of prep time. 

Feeling fancy or having a themed party?  

Visit your local cake artist for something so amazing you will feel guilty just cutting it. 

Like one of these beauties. 

You would be amazed what someone with practice can make out of fondant. If you can think it, a professional can create it. You can find all of these and many more boys birthday party ideas on our Pinterest boards. 

Thanks for reading! 

#boysbirthdayparty #cakes #cupcakes #fondant

10 Ways to Save on your Wedding

Every bride has a vision for her wedding day. But we quickly discover that the wedding we want and the wedding we can afford are two very different events. 

With this in mind, we have compiled a list of ways to save on your big day.

1.  Consider renting a dress or buying used.  Lets face it, our daughters will more than likely another want to wear our out od date wedding dresses when it comes time for them to say I Do so why make that the reason to spend the extra doe?  There are tons of websites to find fabulous gowns for less.  

2. Instagram pictures.  Photographers are expensive and while pictures are important, everyone is already taking them anyway.  Why not have everyone contribute to your wedding album with their point of view.  You may be surprised how talented some of your friends and family are with a camera in hand.

3.  Borrow linens.  Many venues will have linens they use when hosting events of their own.  It never hurts to ask if they are available and if they can be included in the price.  They may be plain white, but you can always add a runner for half the cost.  

4.  Buy local first.  Look around rural areas and ask friends and neighbors for vendors that may provide services you need.  Maybe they know a good seamstress that only does jobs on the side, or a culinary student that can do the catering for a fraction of the cost as a major restaurant.  

5.  Don't splurge on expensive new jewelry to wear on your wedding day.  Make these items your something borrowed.  Your mother , grandmother, aunt, or even sister may have a stunning necklace or earrings to give you that glam flare on your big day and they will be happy to lend it for such an occasion.

6.  Believe it or not, you don't need $400 shoes on your wedding day.  You probably won't be wearing them the whole time anyway.  So strive for comfort.  You can find comfortable white, cream and off white satin shoes at Payless any time of year, and for the bride who wants a splash of color, they die them to match just about anything.  

7.  Hire a planner.  I know what you are thinking, hiring a planner is spending even more money, right? Wrong.  A planners job is to help you make the right decisions for your budget and to negotiate with your vendors to get you the best possible price.  They have more than likely worked with vendors in the area before and know who is worth the extra dollar and who may be ripping you off.  They are worth it.

8.  Opt for a wine and beer bar rather than a premium bar.  The cost is less per person and it still gives your guests choices without making it a cash bar or breaking your budget.

9.  Check Etsy for some great and inexpensive gift ideas for your bridal party.  There are some very thoughtful, handmade items just for your lovely ladies that are a great alternative to spending $40 per girl.  (Especially if you have a large bridal party.)

10.  Don't get caught up in small details.  Consider the elements that will enrich the experience the most and don't worry about adding smaller less significant items to table settings, center pieces and the decor.  While these items may be cute and fit your theme, is it really important to have three different votive holders on your tables?  The little things are not what will be remembered when all is said and done, and the cost of them adds up quickly. Keep it simple and elegant.