Wallpaper is a brilliant way to bring color and print to wedding decor. Here are three ways Martha Stewart suggests wallpaper can be incorporated:
1) Ceremony backdrop
2) Aisle runner
3) Chair back covers
I love how each black and white wallpaper print is unique but complements the other. Together, they make a striking impact for a wedding ceremony set up.
Martha Stewart Wallpaper Ceremony Decor
I am anxious to try some of the cool candies offered by a brand new online candy shop called Sugarfina. Their offerings are really original and would make for great favors at a wedding, shower, or other event. In honor of the latest addition to the National Zoo family, these chocolate licorice pandas would be particularly fun! Also fun is their cocktail party sampler which includes a tasting alcohol-inspired candies.
Chocolate Licorice Pandas from Sugarfina
Cocktail Hour Tasting from Sugarfina
Labor Day has come and gone. School is back in session and Fall is now upon us. This harvest, autumn-themed color palette from Perfect Palette is a beautiful inspiration for a Fall wedding. It reflects Fall without being overtly “autumnal.” Let the colors inspire you — you don’t necessarily need to incorporate the details like acorns and pumpkins.
harvest-themed color palette from Perfect Palette
More and more weddings that I am working on are having after-parties. Once the main reception ends, the party moves to another location to continue dancing (and, usually, drinking). The after-parties can last until the wee hours in the morning and sometimes guests may want a little “pick me up” in the morning after the festivities. I love this idea from a Real Wedding featured on Martha Stewart – especially the design and branding. The kit is just another way to let your guests know you are thinking of them.
after-party "pick me up" kit
I had the great honor of working with the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and his fiancee Karmen Bailey-Walker on their May wedding. The couple was married at the University of Maryland Chapel and hosted a reception at the Ballroom at the University of Maryland Conference Center. A daytime wedding, the cocktail-style reception allowed guests to mix and mingle in the Ballroom as well as enjoy the beautiful patio space. The color palette featured golds, creams, and touches of deep red. It was a beautiful day in honor of a beautiful couple! Congratulations Lt Governor and Karmen!
Photographer: David Hartcorn
Venue: Claudia Voicu at University of Maryland Conference Center
Flowers: Special Touch Floral
Cake: Cakes Plus
Tired of getting the same ‘ol gift for brides and grooms? Real Simple has a fun lineup of creative and unique wedding gifts to consider for the next friend or family member that gets married. I am particularly fond of the Golden Corn Salt and Pepper Shakers by Michael Aram.
Golden Corn Salt and Pepper Shakers by Michael Aram
Not all weddings have send-offs, sometimes brides and grooms choose to stay until the end of the party with their guests. Sometimes, however, we set up a triumphant goodbye — where all the guests can see off the bride and groom at the very end of the evening.
There are lots of ways to do a send off, but one way I think is very fun is to pass out ribbon wands to guests for them to wave as the bride and groom run past. I just saw this idea, though, which I also love. How adorable are these custom flags? They could be easily made at home using an iron-on process and you can get creative figuring out fun phrases to put on it.
Flags for guests via Southern Weddings
I had the privilege of working with Marisa and Dan on their wedding last year. They are an amazing couple, individually and together. I loved the sense of humor and style that they brought to the planning process. It resulted in a really beautiful, fun event.
The bride’s vision for the reception was a festive Mexican-influenced style. We focused on bright colors and the bride brought in personal touches to make the reception even more unique. Longview Gallery was a great backdrop for this intimate event and Chris Baltazar captured the day beautifully.
Congratulations, Marisa & Dan!
Venue: Longview Gallery
Caterer: Occasions
Photographer: Chris Baltazar
Florist: Sidra Forman
It was over 80 degrees in DC today. In April. Can you imagine what summer will be like?! It makes me think forward to all of the upcoming summer weddings with outdoor ceremonies. Hand fans are such a nice gesture for guests on those hot, sticky days. I love this simple but sweet DIY hand fan idea from Better Homes and Gardens.
paper fans via Better Homes and Gardens
I had the honor of working with a beautiful couple last year, Camilla and Richard, on their August wedding. The ceremony took place at St Catherine of Siena church in Great Falls and the reception followed at the Halcyon House in DC (which is sadly no longer booking weddings). The bride thought of every detail and brought beauty and creativity to each part of the day. One of the highlights was the a cappella group that performed at cocktail hour. They were amazing. The bride, a nearly professional baker herself, carefully selected desserts from local bakeries which made for a special treat for all of the guests. The bride and groom, who looked stunning that day, were such a wonderful pleasure to work with.
Congratulations, Camilla & Richard!
Venue: Halycon House
Caterer: Design Cuisine
Photographer: Peter Bang
Videographer: Blue Sky Films
Reception Music: Euphonism
DJ: Chris Laich
Hair/Make-up: Melissa Jones
Cake: Fluffy Thoughts
Desserts: Baked & Wired, Bakeshop
Lighting: John Farr
The Rex & Regina Blog shares both trendy and traditional ways to extend gracious hospitality through weddings, other social occasions, and at-home entertaining. Learn more about Rex & Regina.