Wedding Season is upon us and with it comes current trends, themes, styles, and best of all details! Of course, we have Pinterest to thank for many that we see, but when it comes to creating something memorable, personal, and intentional, that’s when I tip my hat.  A bride could look at wedding planning as a really overwhelming task. But, what I advise my Dairing Brides to do, is to find certain moments along the way that we can take those details and really go above and beyond!

Today I wanted to share with you six different inspiration boards from weddings I have been a part of; all the way from designs, to planning , and of course the execution of the day!

The details that are featured were from Brides who wanted something that reflected their love and style perfectly and I know that future brides will surely be inspired by them, too.

1. Custom Invitation Suites & Wedding Day Paper Goods

Creating that initial first impression is key in setting the tone for your wedding! That is why many of my Brides choose to create a custom invitation suite with corresponding pieces that compliment the day, colors, and style!

Images Left to Right and Clockwise: Jenn Hopkins Photography, Brooke Images Photography, Ashley Steeby Photography.

If you don’t have a custom invitation designer locally – the amazing and creative minds at Paperless Post can help! Check out the wedding invitations that they have for you to choose

Wedding Invitations!

2. Spoiling the ‘maids!

From getting ready in matching rompers, yoga pants & chambray shirts, to personalized bouquet stems, there is nothing you wouldn’t do to spoil your Bridesmaids! Two of my brides chose to gift their girls with something to wear on the day, how adorable are these matching cardi’s in the wedding day colors & I love how unique the geo hair pieces were for the gal’s updos!

3. the hour between

Sometimes Cocktail Hour is often forgotten about, mainly because the Bride and Groom are not present. That is no longer true at our ‘dairing events’! The Cocktail Hour has become just as important as the actual reception, with making sure guests are comfortable, they are entertained, wined, & dined! Simply by creating a custom bar with either signature drinks or a beer flight station, lounge furniture for guests to sit and mingle, and even incorporating a farm-to-table experience with the appetizers! This is also a great place to showcase the locale the couple chose to get married, treats, foods, and beverages created locally and only available in that city or state!

Images Left to Right and Clockwise: Justin DeMutiis Photography, Brooke Images Photography, Jenn Hopkins Photography

4. Let them eat cake…and desserts!

Make way for dessert displays! Gone are the days of the large, elaborate wedding cakes. These days, couples are opting for a smaller cake, to keep the tradition of ‘cutting the cake’, and incorporating a variety of different bite size desserts to satisfy their guests’ sweet tooth! Recently we had a ‘build your own ice cream sundae’ bar and it was a hit!

Images Left to Right and Clockwise: Ivey Pictures, Ashley Steeby Photography, Brooke Images, Finny Hill Photography, Ashley Steeby Photography 

5. Darling Details

You really cannot go wrong with incorporating these little details in your day. Creating a unique place setting with a touch of greenery and menu card, to a simple ‘bellyband’, it makes your guests feel like you took the extra time to make each space special. Couples who choose to adorn their chairs with florals and ribbons seriously have my heart, not only does it look lovely, but it let’s guests know that those are for the Bride & Groom and no one else sits there! Then of course sweet table number, they are more than a printed card nowadays, the beauties featured are a combination of a mirror and vinyl sticker!  Last, give your guests something they are actually going to use like these pashmina’s. I promise, favors are no longer salt & pepper shakers or wine openers!

6. Custom Day-of Signage

I have saved the best for last, of course! And that is, custom day-of signage. Chalk signs, kraft paper signs, no matter the material, they are absolutely lovely. Brides can use them for their ceremony seating, show guests the direction of events, the meal choices at the buffet, and even the table number!