Alternative Bride: Bouquets and Boutonnaires

Groomsmen Boutonnieres

I recently came across a fabulous shop whilst perusing Etsy the other day and was so in awe of the products, I just had to ask Tammi, the shop owner of JewelBeGorgeous if i could feature her on the blog... and I'm delighted to say she hopped on board and gave me a little interview about her shop, her inspiration and a few of her current listings:

The Princess Bride Bouquet

I started it all when my eldest daughter announced she was engaged. I thought I could save on wedding expenses by doing the wedding flowers myself. My daughter had seen a brooch bouquet in a wedding magazine and asked if I could make her one. I was definitely afraid at first, but reminded myself that I can be quite crafty and good with my hands once I start something.

Voila! I was so very pleased with my final product and I had such overwhelming response that I decided why not make these by request. I had such pleasure and enjoyment making the bouquets for the wedding and wanted to continue to make them for others. I also try to keep the cost down from others that are being sold. Weddings are costly enough and every bride deserves that one special touch without breaking the bank. I'm all about making happiness.

I am very picky about the type of florals I use and brooches as well. I get most of my brooches by shopping antique shops and occasional garage sales. It's surprising the beautiful pins that you can find at a garage sale. I use local floral and craft stores for the other supplies, but specialty supplies like berries, burlap, fabric, ribbon, etc is really dependent on the vision of the bride. I want to do my best to use all the details the bride gives me to make sure the bouquet becomes a fluid part of their story for the day!

Vintage Brooch Bouquet

Curiosity sufficiently piqued? Good - now go and buy lots and lots of boutonnieres, and then come back here and read my next post - its going to be a good'un I promise :)

Vanilla R.

Getting Groomed: Vintage Vests

Though it is perfectly acceptable to hire a full top hat and tail ensemble - and the choice for many a groom – it is becoming increasingly popular for Grooms to compile a more vintage and quirky outfit for the big day. Waistcoats or Vests are becoming a big hit and there is nowhere better to search for the perfect item than Etsy. One store you might like to visit is Stop The Clock…

Tara, the shopkeeper of Stop the Clock Vintage, runs her store in a town nestled in the foothills of Denver, Colorado.

“I specialize in vintage wares from the 1940s through the 1980s with a focus on outfitting modern families who have an affinity for eclectic vintage style.”

For groomsware, Tara currently has some beautiful Vests and jackets which are worth taking a look at. I particularly like this Corduroy number and am rather fond of this 1950’s piece too, complete with cute horse buttons! Oooh – and keep a beady eye out for her new range of Vintage Ties soon to be listed…

If you’d Like to see more of Stop The Clock on the web, you can find Tara here:
theSHOP , on PINTEREST and on TWITTER

Thanks for stopping by, and come back soon for more Groom related finds!

Vanilla R. x

Like a Kid in a Sweet Shop...

 

I just couldn't resist sharing this absolutely delightful retro wedding spread. I honestly think if i went to a wedding and saw this table in the corner, piled with candy and sugary treats, I'd just wee myself with excitement. Then I'd eat the entire lot.

 

To view even more fabulous photos of this couples' Retro Sweet Wedding, hop along to Katelyn James Blog - you'll be dribbling with envy I promise.

V x

Retro Chic: the Birdcage Veil

I just adore birdcage veils and think they’re perfect for Retro style weddings where a traditional long veil just doesn’t cut the mustard. For shorted wedding dresses I think they’re just the cutest accessory and very Jackie Kennedy. Here are my favourites from some of my fellow Etsy Sellers…

BeChicAccessories has one of my particular favourites: the polka dot birdcage veil – a bargain price of just £24 ($36) for this stylish design. This Birdcage veil is made of dotted tulle with embroidered organza lace atop for an informal and playful feel.

Justforkeeps supplies a great selection of wedding accessories, of which this quirky retro polka dot veil really takes the biscuit for an amazing £26 ($40). A layer of polka dot tulle is underneath a layer of french netting with a bow formed on top from the tulle, using a silver hair comb to fasten.

TheLittleWhiteDress covers all kinds of wedding apparel and has something for every budget. This veil is made of French netting and costs a little of £14 with current exchange rates, or $22 to our American friends. Pair up with their blossom hair comb as shown in the picture for a really striking effect.

And for those who would like to add a homemade accessory to their bridal attire, why not try Ericabstudios for a make-your-own kit at just £6 (that’s only $9!)

Finally, for European Brides, you can’t go wrong with Arterabridalveil for a beautiful handmade veils from just £23… also available to view here

Wedding Cake... top of the toppers

Wedding cakes can take a large portion (pun intended) of your Wedding Budget, often costing in the region of £400-500 for a 3 tiered design with decoration. And let’s be honest, though the ingredient cost doesn’t amount to much, the skill of the bakers and their smooth operation on your big day is where the main cost lies. Yes, an impressive wedding cake really can be memorable and a wonderful addition to your Wedding… but honestly, if you’re really working to a tight budget, making your own can be a much more cost effective solution.

So, I’ve taken a look at some budget decoration options in the way of Wedding Cake Toppers. Gone are the day of the traditional Bride & Groom atop the tower – there a literally hundreds of design choices for the modern couple to choose from and I’m happy to say that many are available at really great prices. Here are my favourites to buy on Etsy:

MissSarahCake is based in the UK and has some really quirky designs: These toppers are laser cut from 3mm acrylic and is approximately 15cm (6 inches) wide, perfect for fitting on a standard 20cm (8 inch) cake. Featuring lyrics from well known love songs, these will last for years with gentle handling so are a great keepsake. You can choose your phrase, acrylic colour and can even get a custom design just for you. Prices begin from £16.99 and work great on simple cakes for a cool contemporary look. My Favourite? What Liverpool girl wouldn’t appreciate a Beatles Quote: “Love, Love Me Do”

BrightBride is based in the Ukraine and sells handmade Wedding Cake Banners – I just adore this “Just Married” bunting design. Using a natural raw cotton, you can choose from the online range or get a design custom-made, and they simply sit atop your cake. I think these are perfect for a Vintage Styled Wedding or Outdoor Event. Prices begin at a little over £15 with the current exchange rate and no icing skills are required! – a snip!

Stickonbutterflies supplies stick on butterflies from their base in Australia. A unique way to make a homemade cake really impressive. With the price at just over £14 for 20 3D butterflies, a cake can be dramatically transformed for minimum cost. Great for springtime or summer weddings and a real talking point – who wouldn’t find these adorable?!

Print Your Own

If you're one of the unfortunate many at the moment and suffering a little in the current financial climate, struggling to scrimp and save for your upcoming nuptials, its time to start thinking like a money savvy Bride (or Groom) and look for ways to reduce your cost without sacrificing your ideal Wedding Day.

Well, there is one FANTASTIC way to start reducing costs and it begins a long time before you say "I Do": The Wedding Stationery

Save The Date cards and Wedding Announcements are becoming increasingly popular and often tie in with the following Invitation, Menu, Order of Service and any other Stationery Items you'll need along the way. And don't underestimate how valuable the stationery is is preparing your guests for the big day. If you hand out a poorly homemade card - painstakingly made with prit stik and glitter -  chances are it says more about your big day than just the date and location.

Not everybody can afford a fancy Stationery Package, Letterpress detailing and Monogrammed RSVP cards, printed onto the finest paper handmade by Tibetan monks. But the alternative doesn't have to be something which looks like it came from your local nursery during craft hour (unless your particularly talented in the craft department and can replicate 60+ homemade cards of excellent quality and appearance, in which case well done you).

Print Your Own stationery is the budget solution to personalised Wedding Stationery without the huge price tag. You take care of the printing, folding and mailing and you simply buy a customised digital template with all your personal details pre-loaded and ready to roll. Etsy has loads of stores which specialise in just this, of which mine is just a single straw in a very large haystack. Finding a design which suits you and your big day is the challenge, but well worth the hunt.

So I introduce you to VanillaRetro, my store, which designs with the retro bride in mind. Have a peek and if there are any designs which you like, get in touch and I'll be happy to help. Or if I'm not your style, there are loads of other Etsy stores which just might be.

Thanks for stopping by,
Vanilla R.