Board #308: Tiffany Blue and Tangerine

Beau-Coup invited me to take part in their inspiration challenge - create a wedding look based around one of their (many) favors. I chose the mini teapot as my inspiration for this sweetly sophisticate orange and blue tea party. Though it could easily work as a bridal shower, I do love the idea of an intimate tea party wedding reception. Centerpieces and bouquets that incorporate both flowers and citrus fruits (all of the flowers here were done by Ariella Chezar), charming blue and cream details, and of course a darling little teapot for a favor.

Mood: sweet afternoon tea
Palette: tangerine, Tiffany blue, cream

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Top row from left: centerpiece by Ariella Chezar, Jenny Lee dress from Martha Stewart Weddings, photo by Myrtle & Marjoram
Row 2: cake and bouquet both from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 3: wish box from Martha Stewart Weddings, teapot favor from Beau-Coup, child's dress
Row 4: bouquet by Ariella Chezar, ring pillow from Martha Stewart Weddings, card by Carrot & Stick Press, teacups

The fun thing is that in this inspiration challenge for me, there's an opportunity for you to win a $75 gift card to Beau-Coup! All you have to do is hop over to Beau-Coup and browse around for your favorite favor. Then come back here and leave a comment not only mentioning which favor you chose, but what type of wedding it would inspire (venue, colors, mood, etc). You have until midnight on Monday, November 17 to enter, and I will announce the winner on Friday, November 21. I can't wait to hear your ideas!

Board #283: Budget Friendly #15, Tea Party

I sure do love the idea of a sweet afternoon tea party wedding reception. It's sweet, delightful, and a great way to save! This wedding board is one part Alice in Wonderland, one party vintage charm. Taking a cue from Alice in Wonderland, how about a game of croquet instead of dancing if the weather is agreeable? Because really...

Who says...dancing is a must?

Mood: playful charm
Palette: fuchsia, pale pink

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Top row from left: front lawn ceremony from The Knot, dress from Posh Girl Vintage, place setting from Martha Stewart Weddings, carnation centerpiece from Mi Mi Design
Row 2: tea sandwiches from Callahan Catering, playing card seating cards photo by Jennifer Causey, tea bag favors from Martha Stewart Weddings, croquet set from Oh How Charming!
Row 3: petits fours from Parisian Events, locket from Vintage Rehab, pink bunting from, carnation bouquet photo by Samm Blake
Row 4: RSVP slip from Stitch Rip Repeat, carnation boutonnieres, champagne photo from Martha Stewart Weddings, bubbles photo by Lisa Lefkowitz

The Paper: By skipping the RSVP cards, you'll not only save on printing costs but also on postage. Instead, do what Beth did, and include a pretty slip of paper directing your guests to RSVP by email or phone (she also made her own invitations, if you're feeling ambitious...). For theme-appropriate and budget friendly escort cards, mark playing cards with your guests' names, and pin them on a bulletin board.

The Fashion: Going vintage is a great way to save. This dress from Posh Girl Vintage is only $265. Vintageous and Unique Vintage are other good places to try online. There are also designers who can create a dress for you using a pre-existing wedding dress - if you want to give new life to your mother's wedding dress, maybe? Or, if you want something pre-owned, but not necessarily vintage, check out sites like Once Wed, Pre-Owned Wedding Dresses and Encore Bridal. Accesorize with a vintage locket for $98 and simple pearl earrings that you already own.

The Decor: You know those tissue paper pom poms that are so popular right now? Why not shrink that same pattern down and use them as napkin rings? Make bunting in a variety of fabrics and colors to hang around the reception site.

The Flowers: Carnations! I can't think of another flower that has been more unfairly maligned than the carnation. Maybe it's because of the tacky dyed ones? Or because they're cheap? But pick one color, and use a copious amount of blooms, and they will look beautiful instead of cheap. You can make pomanders from them, huge dramatic centerpieces, or a ruffly bouquet, all for around 50-cents per stem.

The Food: An afternoon tea is tucked neatly in between lunch and dinner, so you won't need as much food as you might for another type of reception. Dainty finger sandwiches and scones with jam and cream will look pretty on a tiered tea tray (which can do double-duty as a centerpiece), or you can go with a buffet. Petits fours are an appropriate, and cheaper, alternative to a formal wedding cake. If you want to offer a signature drink, why not substitute Prosecco for Champagne? It has a different taste, but is still delicious and bubbly, and significantly cheaper. And of course, you'll want to serve several types of tea.

Other Details: If the weather permits, set up a game of croquet or bocce ball (or both!) to entertain your guests. If you're staying indoors, how about decks of cards at each table for guests to play with? Instead of having your flower girl toss petals, fill a small vase with bubbles and tie a ribbon around it and let your flower girl blow bubbles down the aisle. For favors under $1, attach personalized tags to tea bags, and arrange them in a tray for your guests to take home.

Splurges: Why not splurge on a higher end croquet set? For $100 - a fraction of the money you're saving by not hiring a band or DJ - you can have a set that will live to play another game.

For Free: If your mother is anything like mine, you've heard her say it a million times - stand up straight and smile. No amount of makeup or expensive clothes can take the place of good posture and a happy face. And they're both free!

Real Wedding Inspiration: Brittany & Michael, Jennifer & Josh via The Bride's Cafe part one and two

PS - Check out this pretty photo via {frolic!}.

Board #11: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

If you could convince your honey to go with a tea party wedding, then congratulations for you! I can't imagine that would fly in my life, so I went with a bridal shower inspiration board instead. You know, the sort of tea party Hunter S. Thompson might attend? This is Alice's Adventures in Wonderland after all.



Tarts, tea, hats, croquet and a dress by Betsey Johnson, because she'd be there, too. I couldn't find any examples, but I would also make sure everything edible/drinkable had a tag on it that said "Eat Me" or "Drink Me."

Mood: zany, colorful
Palette: indiscriminate

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Top row from left: photo from Plum Party, white rabbit illustration, wedding hat, croquet set via Faye and Greer
Row 2: Betsey Johnson dress, Pink of Perfection linzer tarts, checkerboard floor from Brides, orchids from MS
Row 3: mismatched plates via Pretty Little Things, teapot from Alice's Tea Cup, card by Austin Press
Row 4: whimsical beach party, invitation by Bird and Banner, tea tin centerpieces from MS

If you like this, you should definitely have a look-see at this incredible birthday party photographed by Jessica Claire.

Update! Take a look at this gorgeous deck of cards by Green Chair Press. Possible invite or favor inspiration...