Rehearsal Centerpieces

At my rehearsal dinner, my crafty mother-in-law put together these super cute snowglobes inside of a glass ornament. I had never seen this before, but it was adorable and a huge hit! I came across this in the blog world today and wanted to share so that others might be able to create something just as unique!

DIY instructions for making your own snow globe from Well Worn:

You will need:

All can be found at a craft or haberdashery store.

*A jar of your choice (with a lid)

*Figurines or jewelery

*Anti-rust sealant for metal pieces

*Clear-drying epoxy

*Distilled water

*Dash of glycerin

*Large silver or white glitter (smaller versions will float at the top)

Steps:

1. Use clear-drying epoxy to adhere your piece to the inside of the lid. Let dry per instructions.

2. After the epoxy dries completely, fill your jar with distilled or boiled water (at room temperature, of course).

3. Add just a dash of glycerin so the “snow” falls slowly.

4. Add as much glitter as you like. If you don’t like the look of glitter, you can usually find faux snow at craft and haberdashery stores.

5. Screw your lid on tightly and enjoy your snow globe!

Winter Loveliness

It's a shame that during the majority of wedding planning, I could find NO inspiration or pictures from winter weddings... when I NEEDED it. Now that my wedding has come & gone, and winter is passing us by, the winter ideas are all over the blogs! Of course it makes sense that as winter is here, we put it on the blogs... it just would have been nice if it I'd had all these lovely pictures and blogs when I was needing help planning.

Regardless, check out these from Green Wedding Shoes!

Another Lovely Winter Wedding

I am still waiting to receive the rest of my pictures from my photographer.. in the mean time, I am obsessing over other winter wedding pictures to hold me over. Check out a few lovely ones below.

seen here first

Virginia Winter Wonderland

SO excited!! My soon to be hubby told me that, even though we can't take a full honeymoon immediately following the wedding, he did plan a few days for us at The Homestead.

It was reviewed by Southern Living as a Winter Wonderland. I can't wait to spend a few days here with my husband!!!

Bridesmaids Hairstyle - DIY

Brides.com has 5 DIY Winter Wedding Hairstyles that are great! There's one I am particularly fond of -- I just passed it along to my bridesmaids in case they are inspired, or love it as much as I do!

HOW TO DO IT For an oh-so-now ponytail that's pulled to one side, begin with a blowout, using mousse and a holding spray on damp hair. Tease hair at the crown to create volume, then smooth the rest with a brush and twist into an off-center ponytail. Instead of an elastic, use a line of bobby pins on the underside of the twist, starting at the top and ending at the nape-you'll need at least 20. Side bangs add a flirty softness. Swarovski crystal hairpins, Regina B,reginab.com.
PRODUCT PICK Don't dream of teasing your tresses without first app lying John Frieda Collection Luxurious Volume Lavish Lift Root Booster. This serum thickens and protects, thanks to fixative polymers and a shot of silicone. $6.50.

found here

{Winter Ideas} 5 Tips for Winter Wedding

Whether The Weatherman Calls For Snow Or Not, Work That Winter Romance Look With These Cool New Ideas.

1) Cover up in style
Cover-up with the fashion statement of the year: a satin trench coat. You’ll look positively divine and you can wear the coat again and again after the big day.

2) Give a warm thank-you
Solve both the problem of thanking your bridesmaids and keeping them toasty by supplying each with a cashmere stole chosen to coordinate with their dresses and the wedding décor.

3) The new take on frosted hair
Here’s a tip stolen from the latest fashion runways: have your hairdresser sprinkle a little loose sparkle eye shadow through your hair. Finer than glitter, the shadow will give your hair the barest hint of shimmer – just perfect for an icy, winter wonderland look.

4) Get practical with a twist
Get some boots made for walkin’ all the way up the aisle. Whether you’re prone to python stilettos or love the comfort (and the romantic look) of flat knee-high boots in white velvet or suede, boots are a sensible winterwear notion with a whole lot of glamour potential.

5) Better than a bouquet
Nothing makes a more charming winter accessory than a muff in sequin or pearl trimmed velvet or in fur (faux or the real thing). Have one made for each bridesmaid in your wedding color, too, then have your florist do up fresh floral arrangements that can be pinned to the muffs. You’ll literally have guests gasping in awe.

all tips found on Get Married

{Inspiration} Winter Wonderland

Inspiration from Anthropologie's Winter 2009 catalog... enjoy

seen first here

{Winter Ideas} Cocktail Hour

Spruce up the cocktail hour with flavors of the season like peppermint, butterscotch, and cranberry. Try a peppermint-infused martini garnished with mini candy canes for a decidedly December wedding. Or try a cranberry cosmopolitan garnished with tiny dried cranberries. For a drink that's sophisticated yet unique, serve pear champagne cocktails garnished with frozen pear wedges or mint sprigs.

Also, a winter cocktail hour calls for warm, comforting drinks. You really can't go wrong with hot chocolate and warm apple cider, but it's your wedding -- why not take every opportunity (drinks included) to add an element of surprise?

What's Hot Now: Serve up white hot chocolate in small espresso cups and eggnog in small punch glasses for your guests as they arrive. At the bar, offer saketinis (Japanese rice wine and sweet-flavored vodka) in glasses rimmed with sugar crystals.

When you're selecting your cocktail hour hors d'oeuvres, choose flavors that mesh well with your signature drink. You might love mini quesadillas, but sipping a peppermint martini at the same time could leave an odd aftertaste.

Like your cocktails, opt for savory winter bites infused with seasonal foods and flavors, such as rosemary, almond, and warm cheeses. Try a menu of mini shortbread tarts, cheddar herb rolls, and white chocolate pretzels. Or go for spinach-cheese phyllo triangles, sausage-stuffed mushrooms, and crackers topped with a walnut-date spread. Talk to your caterer about making sure the hors d'oeuvres match the libations, and let seasonal ingredients be your guide.

advice from The Knot.

Winter Wonderland

I received this update in my email today and I thought it was fitting -- I've mentioned most of these reasons before, but it's nice to have a reminder as to why being a winter bride is a positive!

This past weekend has given us a glimpse in to the chilly weather that is soon to be upon us. Winter is looming, and for most it marks the end of the'wedding season' and the beginning of the holidayseason. While the cold is a major deterrent for a winter wedding, there are quite a few wonderful benefits that Eventurous wants you to know about if you are thinking this may be the time of year for your wedding!

The winter season, above all else, offers you options! With the wedding season past, you are much more likely to snag the venue of your dreams. Rentals are usually less slammed in the winter time so you have much more buying power and you may be able to work a deal with the chapel, rehearsal dinner space, or reception venue. Its always easier to plan your wedding when others are willing and able to work with your budget. Another great benefit of a winter wedding is that many of your guests can

likely attend. Lets be honest, everyone is constantly busy throughout the summer. Your guests social agenda is likely much less overwhelming in the winter time and more of your loved ones will likely be able to be with you on your special day.

Another fantastic benefit of a winter wonderland wedding is that decor is already started for you. Chapels are always overflowing with flowers and rental spaces are often set up for the holiday season. You can save quite a bit of money with some of the decor already in place for your wedding. When working with a budget, this can be a great way stay on track with your spending.

Winter Shrug - Savvy!

Last night, while casually browsing the mall, I happened upon something I was not expected --- a cute faux fur shrug! It is a classy faux spiral fur coat featuring 3/4 bell-shaped sleeves and a cropped swing style. It is both winter savvy & a budget savvy steal from Forever 21!

Winter Encouragement

After having discussions with several people over the last few weeks, I was getting sorta bummed about the fact that being a winter bride, I will not be able to take any photos of my fiance and I frolicking about in an open field on a warm, summer afternoon. So, I went online and looked for inspiration of things that I loved about the uniqueness of winter weddings, and I came across the perfect pick-me-up photos. I hope you enjoy as much as I do!

Below is the cutest pic of a winter bride and her bridesmaids on a snow filled, winter day. I love the contrast of their dresses with the white snow on the ground, and I love how the bride looks like an angel descending on the snow.

I just think this is a super cute photo of the groom & bride...
I LOVE this idea! I have been on the search for months for the perfect cashmere socks for my Fiance and the guys.... this just fuels my energy to keep looking for them!
I love the kiss with the snow falling, and the crowd in the background. So cute and so perfectly captured with the diffused lighting of a winter day.
Love this photo because it's almost exactly like what my guys will be wearing -- groomsmen in black suits with purple/plum (bow)ties with ivory calla lilies, and the groom in a black suit with a white (ivory) tie.
All photos first seen here.

Handmuffs instead of bouquets?

OK, tell me all, what do you think about bridesmaids carrying handmuffs instead of bouquets? Might be a fun and unique alternative for a winter wedding, yes?

Winter Cape

Every winter bride needs a winter cape! Check out this lovely one by Spazooie on Etsy. I think it's super cute and adds a lovely feel to winter nuptials.

Inspiration Board

I love these inspiration boards! I think a mix of these 3 boards, of course infused with our own unique style is exactly what we're going for!

Each of these inspiration boards seen first here!

How I Ended Up As A Winter Bride

I never wanted to be a winter bride... it kind of just happened. Even before I was engaged, all I ever dreamed of was a southern outdoor wedding on the front steps of a beautiful plantation house, surrounded by the columns containing so much history. Or maybe in a backyard overlooking a river. Or under a huge oak tree. Do you see the theme? Those would all be Outdoors. I NEVER ever considered Winter as the season for my wedding. I don't even like Winter. I dislike cold weather. I dislike snow. That said, when P and I sat down to discuss what was most important to us in our wedding, it didn't revolve around the season... it was about being with the people that we love and having them share in our joy. There was that.. then there was the fact that when I started looking at cost for my dream weddings above, I quickly realized that it was not realistic for me on my budget. I am far too practical to be willing to spend an enormous amount of money on ONE day... even if it is going to be the best day of my life. Also, I am really too risk averse to plan an outdoor wedding -- what if it rains? Sure I could have a back up plan, but would I be disappointed? I didn't initially go immediately to thoughts of a winter wedding, but I did start considering indoor venues. When I contacted my hotel of choice to find out about venue rental pricing, the event coordinator asked me if I'd ever considered a winter wedding. I said not really, but after he told me how much less expensive the venue rental and food would be, as well as hotel rooms for guests, I said I would consider it. I then did some more research to all the perks of being a winter bride (a separate blog will come on this), discussed it with P, and figured being a winter bride would give me something to actually LIKE about winter!! Now that I'm a winter bride, I wonder why I never realized how amazing winter weddings are before now...