Wedding Edition: Centerpieces

For the next few days, I'm going to be posting about wedding design. As a wedding coordinator, I have seen so many different styles, I cant keep track. Everything from $2000 wedding to a $25000 wedding! So I'm going to be posting inexpensive ideas for you brides to be.

Today I'm starting with centerpieces.

I cannot tell you how many receptions I've been to, where the bride gives up, thinking she doesnt have enough money for a substantial centerpiece. So she settles for a small mirror, tiny votives and petals. Very forgettable. This is where I come in. Instead of wasting money on favors or other forgettable details, use your money on the centerpieces. Seriously.

#1: Natural look: This is so easily done, because half of it is free. Spraypaint branches white ( if you dont want to buy beech colored ones ) and hang cheap dollar store votives from them. If you dont like the candles, you could hang photos from it. Also notice the runner, it ties it in nicely.

*update* oddly enough, I went to a wedding 3 days after posting this, and these were the centerpieces! ( dollar tree LED tealights, Epson Salt as the vase filler! )

#2. You say, well I want this look, Steph, but I dont have hundreds ( or thousands ) of dollars to spend on fresh roses or hydranges or peonies!

 My answer would be, buy carnations, because when are scrunched together, they look amazing. Or, be a trendy bride and make paper flowers. Yes you heard me right. These beauties are extremely cheap and easy to do. There are tutorials all over the internet. Check these out:

#3. The Tiered Look: I love this look, easy to do. Mix flowers or moss or twigs, different size vases, and before you know it, you have a full look.

And this is from a wedding I did:

#4. You dont HAVE to use vases:

For my reception ( which I still think is the best idea, ever..) we had the food AT the tables. No buffet line, no servers.
It consisted of Shrimp Cocktail, Fruit Kabobs poking out of a watermelon, high rollers ( those turkey/creamcheese wraps), and every table had a mini cake. So when it came time to cut the cake, we all cut cake together. It was awesome.
 Sorry i dont have pics! But here's some inspiration. I recommend having your local bakery price it out, otherwise, buy cake mix and decorate them on your own. If you dont want fondant ( which i hate ) you can decorate with ribbon or flowers or...?

I could go on and on and on about centerpieces.

Fall Porch Progress

Nate Berkus Rug

I snagged a code for HSN for $20 off your order. ( code is 319175 )
This 2x3 rug has been on my brain for a while, I've got the perfect spot. So thanks to the
code, Instead of $36, I got it for $16. I'll post pics when she arrives :)

three potato four shop

If you havent already, check out THREE POTATO FOUR's Store. They are so fantastic. Based out of Philly, but they do ship, even large items!

They're always getting new merch in. Enjoy!

Mini Bathroom Makeover

I love my house. I really do. But this bathroom has been a sore spot for 2 years. I havent done a thing to it til now. It's extremely small ( for a master ) and there is white tile EVERYWHERE. I dream of taking a sledge hammer to the countertops ( I will someday...)

$8 Paint ( BM Healing Aloe..colormatched in a quart )
$50 Light Fixture from Lowes ( Not really what I wanted but I was on a VERY tiny budget )
$19 Mirror from Lowes ( Clearance! )

It's no designer bathroom, but it's better than it was.

BEFORE : complete with hollywood lights and a huge hole behind the mirror that we didnt know existed. My husband had to build at the wall to hang our mirror. Such a pain.

After: