Wallpaper Wedding Decor

Martha Stewart Weddings is a top place to go for inspiration and ideas for weddings and events. All you artsy, crafty, DIYers out there - you know whats up. The Winter 2012 edition shared a lot of great tips and ideas, one of which I thought was really cool. Using wallpaper for your decor. How cool is that? Especially, when there are so many different types out there to choose from. Hope these bring you some inspiration!



{Using wallpaper for your runner, backdrop and chair covers can add a touch of style}

 

 {Create envelopes with ease}

{Use graphic patterns for table decor}{Choose a pattern & style you can work with}

{Create decorative favors or items you want to include in the decor}
{Pick a pattern & style that matches your theme and create a photo area for your guests}

Download & Print

Need some inspiration for invitations? Check out the free templates Download and Print offers on their site. Not so bad for free!

Rustic with Vintage Flair

I came across this wedding and I was really taken back by how beautiful and soft all the decor looked. From the flowers to the vintage plates, this event had vintage flair and feminine touches. How can you resist the natural earthy theme and comfort styled feel? I can't!

Loving Lace & Ruffles

I am not a huge fan of David's Bridal because they mostly carry traditional wedding gowns but I did come across some gorgeous lace dresses that made me smile. The store is good for their prices which helps out a bunch as well.

I happen to love lace and when its added to garments, it really gives a nice, antique feel to the overall style. Even if the gown is modern, adding lace takes it to a whole new level. Its all in the details. Ruffles are always nice if its done right. Personally, I don't like when the dress swallows the bride, which you see a lot. You should always wear the dress so don't let it wear you. Here are the ones on the top of my list.

{click on image to view larger}

Wedding Day Hair Styles

Here are some beautiful ways to do your hair on the big day. Not only are they all easy to do, but they look effortless and natural. These would be perfect for a woodland themed event or a rustic vintage wedding with some boho flair. Right up my alley!

Twigs & Honey

This shop is so awesome I had to share some of my favorites from their 2011 Collection before the new year hits. All their products are made beautifully and are the perfect addition to any wedding day outfit. Twigs and Honey rules!

BHLDN Moodboards

BHLDN recently had a contest and all you had to do was create a moodboard to enter. Eventually, they would randomly pick someone who would win what they included in their board. How rad is that? They just announced the winner and let me tell you, she is one lucky girl! I did, however, want to share the three moodboards I created on the BHLDN website. I think they are quite cool :)

Bride & Maid of Honor
What a beautiful pair these two make. Keeping with the vintage bohemian feel, everything is nature inspired with neutral tones and sweet hints of color.

Rustic Woodland Themed Wedding Decor
I love the faint calm colors of natures neutrals with a pop of color. Adding textured objects and vintage elements bring a nice theme to the event without being too much.

A Vintage Celebration
A small gathering with vintage flair and neutral tones.

Classic Black & White Weddings

There are tons of people out there that dream of a classic black and white wedding. Sure, it can be beautiful, but that is if it's done right. Every designer has their own opinion of what looks good and what doesn't so this is clearly my own. I try to inspire people with unique ideas and push them to customize their personal spaces and events so it represents them. Hopfeully resulting in great design.

We all know Kim Kardashian recently got married. Her wedding was a huge event that cost way more than I will make in 3 lifetimes. I guess since she had endless funds you would expect her big day to look spectacular. I think it was the opposite. First of all, there was nothing done that was special or unique. Second, there was way too much of everything. Totally overdesigned. Third, from the photos I saw it looked kind of boring.

Those are three things a wedding should not be. And what ever happened to the romance and intimacy of sharing your vows with the one you love? Obviously, that wasn't on Kim's mind. Here are a few elements of her day that surely didn't inspire me.

Colors
Even though this was a black and white wedding, I feel the black overpowered the white immensely. It makes everything look so dark and masculine. The seating area looked like an event for a mens magazine more than a wedding. The ivory bouquets just fade away and its too bad because they were one of the very few elements that were actually pretty.

Overdone Elements
I'm not a big fan of big and tall centerpieces but as long as people can see each other and talk its not the worst it can be. Unfortunately, what was done here just added to the abundance of overapplied design. How many chandeliers can you have before the whole place looks gaudy and old fashioned? Less than what Kim had for sure. These were over the top and unessasary. None of it looked classic at all.



Stuffy Atmosphere & Bad Design
The tables had so much stuff on them I wouldn't be surprised if the guests felt a little claustrophic. The first thing I noticed about the photo below was the table card. It looks like clip art and somewhat cheesy. Again, that unique artsy design element was nowhere to be found. On paper elements such as invites, seating cards, etc...is where your creativity can soar. But I guess if you're not creative or have a good designer doing the work, it just won't be successful.



Cake Design
And then we get to the wedding cake. Granted, you don't have to have one. My fiance and I are having cupcakes instead because they are more our style. Plus, a little more fun. However, you should want your cake to match the style of the event which Kim did do. Unfortunately, this was a disaster as well.

Personally, I don't like when people think they are king and queen status. This cake was friggin huge. But at least it could've looked somewhat beautiful if it was all white. Those two black sections just ruin the whole thing. A better way to incorporate the black is to use it for the ornate details which was actually quite gorgeous. It would of made them stand out more without being so overdone.

























So, to sum it all up: Never have too much of something. Regardless of what you think or like, it will look overdone. Just because you love a certain pattern or color doesn't mean you should see it everywhere. Why suffocate your guests with an overabundance of one element when you can incorporate numerous ideas into your design. It will only reflect your creativity. Also, remember that classic means clean lines and smart design. You can have a luxury feel at your event without going overboard and looking gaudy and old fashioned. And you can certianly have a classic feel without it being black and white.

Be smart and do your research! Here are a few classic weddings that were done right. A little inspiration to leave you with :)

One Beautiful Engagement Party

I saw a photo of Blake Shelton and Miranda's wedding the other day on TV and really loved her dress. It got me interested to look for more photos of their big day which really made me happy. Their wedding was natural, rustic and expressed who they really are. Exactly what a wedding should be. I also came across photos of their engagement party which I had to share. I really fell in love with the design and feel of everything. It was done so well.







The party was held at Front Porch Farms in Nashville which is such a beautiful place. All the flowers looked as if they were handpicked from the garden and I love the addition of found objects and vintage finds. So nostalgic and pretty. One of my favorite elements was the tablecloths. They were so adorable! Patchwork quilts led the way for guests to sit and relax.

The outside was just as gorgeous while keeping with the rustic, earthy theme. I can imagine all their guests being so comfy and having a great time.

NY Venues for a DIY Wedding - Long Island

When I researched venues for my wedding next spring I knew three things: it had to be unique, authentic and whimsy. Don't forget affordable! Since I was the bride, the wedding planner and the designer, the venue had to give me the freedom to do what I wanted. I pretty much needed a blank slate to present my awesomeness.

After a few months I narrowed the list down to four places and visited each one. Some of them twice to be sure. After receiving all the details and checking out the venues my fiance and I made a decision. We actually chose the venue we originally wanted before looking at the others. A vineyard out east lured us in but upon learning the fees, permits and rules, we opted for our current choice. Even though we ended up where we started, I am happy I researched and considered other places. It's one of the fun elements of planning a wedding.

So now I can share some of those places with you. If you live in New York or would like to get married here, these venues are definitely worth checking out. Let the sharing begin!

Brecknock Hall
This historic mansion is absolutely gorgeous. The home of David Floyd, grandson of WIlliam Floyd, was built between 1851-1857 and makes a perfect choice for a romantic and elegant wedding. The mansion is secluded and private and surrounded by nature. Located in Greenport by the water, the 19th century Italian cobblestone building reflects class, beauty and vintage style.



There is only one wedding booked at a time so the whole weekend is dedicated to you. There is no rush to get everything out right away. For $7,000 you get to use the whole mansion which accommodates up to 450 guests. There is a bridal suite to die for and a groom suite your fiance and his best men will love. All you have to do is hire the caterers and add the touches of design. You can have your ceremony outside and feature the reception inside and I can guarantee your guests will be in awe. You can contact Diane Radigan for more information at diane@brecknockhall.com



Hallockville Farm Museum
If you want a rustic, vintage wedding, than this is your place. Located in Riverhead, the museum grounds are quite beautiful with a vast 500 acres of farm land and several historic buildings to explore. This natural setting is perfect for nature lovers who appreciate the simple things in life. You have the option to set up tents or rent the Naugles Barn on site. Rental fees for the museum grounds only range from $2200 to $3300.





The 1500 square foot barn was built in 1938 and has been restored to hold events. Talk about authenticity! The barn has electricity, a small space for caterers but no heating or cooling. So if you choose this venue I recommend its during a nice cool month. Prices vary from $2800 to $4000 depending on the amount of guests you have and there are a few permits you will need as well. Make sure to get all information before considering this venue.







Martha Clara Vineyard
This was the venue that we were going to pick but decided on another place. However, this is a beautiful space to have a wedding. I recommend spring into fall so you can appreciate the peach orchard and lush vineyard. They allow the horses to roam as well in the nice weather so that's a bonus!

The restored potato barn is huge! I love the rustic feel. The bathrooms are newly updated, there is a cute nautical themed bridal suite as well as a space for the groom and his guys on the second floor. You can have the ceremony outside up to 250 people on the Merlot field for an extra $250 or ask to use the bridal gazebo.







Tents are also an option out on the Chardonnay field for $2000 to $5000 which includes electric. Prices range from $4000 to $6000 from May 1 to October 31st and $3000 to $4000 from November 1 to April 30th. You will need permits and licenses from each company providing food and also to serve liquor. A wine purchase is required for the event as well.



Nassau County Museum of Art
If you want a night wedding surrounded by art why not pick a museum? The rental site includes meadows, formal gardens, outdoor sculptures and a trellis all within the former 19th century Fricke Estate mansion. The 145 acre property located in Roslyn Harbor this venue will help you put together a grand evening wedding you will never forget. Contact Frances Diesu at 516) 484-9338, ext. 15 or fdiesu@nassaumuseum.org for more information and rates.







The Hedges Inn
Located in East Hampton, this cozy inn is a perfect setting for an intimate affair. Friends and family can even stay over making it even easier for your guests that are traveling to the event. Offering 12 luxurious rooms, 400 year old gardens and trees and a relaxing setting that create a calm and romantic environment for your special day. It would also be nice for an engagement dinner. Just expect it to be a little pricier than other venues.





Other venues to check out!

Bailey Arboretum - Lattingtown


Long Island Vineyards

Brenner's Farm - East Setauket


Happy planning!