Bridal Shower Inspiration

I am currently planning a bridal shower for a friend's daughter and found great inspiration in this "Alice in Wonderlandia" theme I found over at Lollipops Events and Designs . They have such incredible ideas you should check out their site!

You could use this theme for baby, weddings, birthdays, etc...so many things you can do with this! I love the stacked teacups topped with flowers. The moss balls sitting in containers look very elegant. Or you could use topiaries. On the backs of the chairs, they tied aprons. Very creative!

The color scheme is bright and fanciful and draws your attention right in. Though it is in an outdoor setting, you could easily bring it indoors and make it just as fun! Wouldn't it be great to set a festive table using your china or pick up different pieces of china from a second hand store and make it a bit like the "mad hatter"!

Send out bright and colorful invitations add some refreshments and glass jars filled with candy to match and contrast with the table colors and your party is destined to succeed! Stay tuned as next week I will post pictures of the invitations, decor, and food that I use for the bridal shower I am planning inspired by these photos created by the girls at Lollipops Events and Designs !

Playing House...for Real!

You know how when you were young you had fun playing house? If you are ready to tie the knot and set up house for real, here are a few tips to consider to make the transition from I to we much smoother!

Here's your list of "to do" before you say "I do":

*Bank accounts?

You will need to decide where you will bank and you will need to order checks and debit cards with both of your names if you plan to join your finances.

*Phone

Will you have a home phone or just use your cell phones? What about getting on the same cell phone plan? This may save you money by combining cell phone use. More and more couples are only using their cells as their main home phone.

*Hook up Utilities

Contact your local city department to make arrangements for water and garbage, and recycling pick up. Then have your gas and electricity hooked up. Decide if you will put it in one name or both on the bill.

*Health and Home Insurance Policies

Are you both covered by your current employers? Do you want to switch plans or health providers? What about life insurance? Good to talk this over before you get married.

Don't forget home owner's or renter's insurance.

These are things to discuss and take care of before you head off on the honeymoon. Then you can enjoy your wedding more knowing that you can return to home sweet home and be ready to "play house" for real!

Create A Cute Wedding Gift Thank You

Couldn't resist sharing this cute thank you for the wedding gift! The couple had a picture taken of them holding giant lollipops. The caption reads, "Thank you for making our wedding so sweet." Their names are on the bottom of the postcard size card.

Their thank you is handwritten on the back. Very important that you hand write a thank you for your wedding gifts! Cute and no envelope needed. You could easily design something like this using your own creative spin! Short and "sweet" and to the point.

Setting Up Home Sweet Home!

Most couples when they wed don't have a whole lot of money to spend on home decor. My sister in law is great at coming up with inexpensive ideas that makes her home decor pop with great taste!

Hang a "family" display. Find frames that you like and put vinyl lettering on the back so that it spells out family. (There are so many options as far as vinyl lettering out there!) Attach ribbon with hot glue to the back of each frame. Find some type of wrought iron pole or even a long tree branch (left au natural or spray it white for added home decor appeal) that you can tie each frame to.

What a beautiful wall display! You can use two different fonts like pictured here, make it shabby chic, country, or modern. Whatever your style! Shake it up with your own creativity!

You could also add all types of family photos, wedding photos, make a family tree of sorts to this wall. You are sure to get lots of great comments on your creativity and guests will love looking at all your photos.

Another thought: there are some great sayings that just hit home with each of us (oops no pun intended). How about hanging a sign that reminds you that your wedding can last forever if you really want it to! Hang a sign that says "families are forever". This was a purchased sign but you can use vinyl lettering or other creative ways to hang this sweet reminder in your home!