Yellow is a happy color for a very happy day!

With Spring making it's way into our lives early, yellow is the perfect way to get the drab feeling of Winter out of your wedding color pallet. Yellow can be paired with grey, teal, or navy to mix themes up a bit. You're sure to have a happy day when you use such a happy color. Have a lemonade stand at your reception...who doesn't love a glass of freshly squeezed lemonade on a warm day?

Sources: 

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/231265/50-great-wedding-cakes/@center/272419/youre-engaged#/107231


http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/picture/220015


http://styleunveiled.com/wedding-inspiration/yellow-wedding-inspiration-portland-wedding-paragon-restaura.html


http://www.weddingchicks.com/2011/04/11/hoffman-photography-modern-yellow-wedding/


http://blog.brancoprata.com/2011/09/06/real-wedding-angela-e-manuel/


http://ritzybee.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/04/details-we-are-loving.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+typepad%2FZlhs+%28%7Britzy+bee+blog%7D%29

When life gives you lemons...

Make lemonade! What a cute idea for a reception!

Epsom Salt Luminaries - DIY

While browsing Pinterest(again... surprise!), I came across a very simple, VERY cheap project. Epsom salt luminaries are so pretty and can be made in any color. Perfect for any season, mason jars covered in this versatile mineral can be used for center pieces, quick gifts, and for home decor. Crafts by Amanda gives step-by-step instructions on how to assemble these pretty little jars. I would love to make these using old Starbucks frap glass bottles. Go to the dollar store and get funky shaped vases and bowls to experiment with. Goodwill is a great place to look for old mason jars and simple glass vases.

Picture using these jars for a nighttime beach wedding. How pretty.

Wedding Pomander

Pinterest led me to an easy DIY decoration: wedding pomanders. Wedding pomanders can be used to decorate the venue or for the flower girl to carry down the aisle. Traditionally, pomanders are made of flowers, but who's to say you can't make it out of pretty scrapbook paper so it will last forever? Here is a great step by step guide to making your own pomander. This guide has pictures to follow, and easy instructions. Customize by using your wedding colors and different kinds of scrapbook paper. This would be a fun activity for the bride to do with her bridesmaids! Enjoy!

Cut back your budget with little things!

Generally, wedding dresses are floor length or longer. Who wants to spend hundreds of dollars on a pair of shoes to wear on your big day that may not bee seen, and even worse, probably hurt so bad you wish you'd never bought them in the first place?! I sure don't! Here's an alternative: TOMS. TOMS has a gigantic selection of colors and sizes to choose from, and they are super comfy. The shoes range in price from $40 and up. Another perk? For every pair of shoes you purchase, TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in need. How awesome is that? I have a pair, and they are the most comfortable shoes I own. Be daring and buy a pair of bright pink of blue to wear on the big day! Make a statement, and don't break the bank in the process. Go for a pair of shoes you know you'll end up wearing again.

Color of the year: Tangerine!

Pantone's color of the year for 2012 is "Tangerine Tango."

“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”

What a fun color! Tangerine can be downplayed, or it can be the center of attention. Work off the theme of tangerines, and serve tangerine martinis and have tangerine flavored cupcakes. How yummy! 

Avoid last minute blunders.

The bride and her bridesmaids are always giddy about what they're wearing. They make trip after trip to try on their dresses and make sure alterations have been done properly, and that colors match. Women pay close attention to every detail, so that the big day will go on hopefully without any mishaps.

Wouldn't it be awful if some details weren't paid attention to so closely? The Knot has a few comical blunders to read on their webpage. Make sure you don't end up like the folks in one of those stories. Put someone in charge to go over special last minute details, like checking the groomsmen's tuxedos to make sure pieces aren't missing, or that the best man doesn't have two left shoes  Make checklists for everyone in your wedding party to make sure they have the essentials.

Here's an idea: put the maid of honor in charge of getting a day-of survival kit in order. The survival kit can include things like toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, gum, deodorant, lip gloss/chap stick, make-up remover, Tylenol, a mini first-aid kit, and a few protein filled snacks (because believe it or not, people may get busy enough that they'll forget to eat!). Customize the survival kit to weather and location. Include sunscreen if the venue is outdoors for those who are fair-skinned, and  allergy medication if you're having a wedding in the Spring (that pollen can make someone's day bad in a matter of seconds). Someone will appreciate the though put into the idea, and the goodies in the kit will come in handy for sure.

DIY centerpieces that are easy and cheap!

Isn't this adorable?! Super easy too. You can make this using supplies you probably have laying around. Chelsea over at two twenty one gives a step-by-step tutorial and lists all the supplies you might need. You can make these in all different shapes and sizes, and change out the peas for other pretty accents, like cranberries, or kumquats. Placing strands of pearls (which you can get at craft stores) would be a nice touch for a bridal luncheon.

If used for a wedding reception, keep a handful to decorate your home with during different seasons. Scout the secondhand shops like Goodwill and Salvation Army. Estate and garage sales will have some promising finds in lou of vases and candle holders too. What a fun, potentially cheap idea!

Lowcountry Venue

Savannah is home to beautiful winding rivers, mysterious Spanish moss, and exquisite overhanging oaks. There are beautiful stories behind most of our landmarks in Savannah, and the natural beauty that surrounds us is overwhelming. Bethesda home and school for boys is home to a cute little chapel- Whitefield Chapel- and is close to the water. The grounds are beautiful, and the road leading to the main area is framed by hundreds of Oaks. Many brides here in Savannah opt to have their ceremony in Whitfield Chapel and travel to a second location for the reception to dance the night away.

Whitfield Chapel
Savannah's own Paula Deen was married here! The chapel allows light to flow in through the expansive windows, which makes for great pictures. Take pictures by the water after the ceremony with your other half afterward!

The cost of an average wedding & ideas on how to have a lavish wedding without the lavish price tag!

While browsing through Pinterest, I came upon a very interesting diagram. The average cost of a wedding in the United States will shock you! When you look at everything on the same page like the diagram below, it really puts cost into perspective. Thank goodness DIY is so popular and weddings are only as expensive as you want them to be. How much do you plan on spending? Does your budget match the average costs?

Here's an idea: instead of having a sit down dinner for your guests, have a wine, cheese, and cracker reception. It's potentially cheaper than a dinner could be- depending on your budget- and the idea is that your guests aren't at the reception to fill themselves up,  but they're there to celebrate the union of two very special people and their families. Choose three to five different cheeses and pair them with different wines. Wine and beer would be the only choices for alcoholic beverages, but that would be enough. This is especially wonderful if you live near a specialty food store and could potentially get a good deal for cheeses in bulk! Have a light desert and that makes for a lovely late afternoon reception. 

Green with Envy

Top left: Table setting
Top middle left: Elegant cake with flowers
Top middle right: Sweet, simple bouquet 
Top right: Cupcakes
Bottom left: Birdcage
Bottom middle: Lush reception decor
Bottom right: Bridesmaids dresses

Bridesmaids in a fuss?

There are some cases in which bridesmaids cause a fuss about one aspect of your wedding that they think they can control: what they're wearing. There are so many options available in an array of beautiful colors, but ultimately there will always be one person who will be unhappy with the choice in attire you choose.

Here is an idea: Pick the color or combination of colors and materials that you want your girls to choose from. Decide between long and short dresses, and let your girls pick the style! You'll alleviate some stress this way, and the girls can let their personalities shine through in the dress of their choice.  A happy wedding party is easy to achieve this way, and a happy wedding party equals a happy wedding day! 

Everyone loves S'mores!

Well, at least I do! Edible favors are a practical idea, because they will most likely not go to waste, and everyone loves a good treat.  There are creative ways to package s'more ingredients.  Twig &Thistle has a cute idea on their blog, and Merry Brides has adorable ideas too. Be creative and use different types of chocolate. Stick with the classic Hershey bar, or go with something with a little zing, such as a raspberry chocolate bar, or hazelnut... yummy! 

Giving S'more favors out would be ideal for an outdoor wedding, it adds to the outdoorsy feel and brings back childhood memories. If there's anything guests will love, it is the simplicity of childhood memories-seeing the smile on their faces will be so worth it. The plus? If your guests forget their gifts, you'll have treats left over to enjoy for a while!

Out of town guests?

No problem! Savannah has plenty of activities to keep guests busy. Savannah is known for it's lush historic charm, and the hospitality this fine city has to offer, but did you know that this charming city has a dark side too? Savannah is one of the most haunted cities, known for its juicy stories behind some of its' hauntings. Places like Bonaventure cemetery and The Pirates House offer a first hand look into the past. Your guests could even go on a haunted pub crawl, and learn some quirky facts about Savannah's history!!

Not interested in a walking tour? Here is an alternative that would be better served in a vehicle.

Sounds quirky, huh? It would be fun - your guests can tour the city by trolley during day and get a completely different view of the city by night.