Pay attention to the small things...

Like a cute, fun manicure! Lately on Pinterest and in magazines, I've seen a lot of fun glitter manicures! You don't have to spend a ton of money at the nail salon, just go to a beauty supply store and get glitter nail polish to paint over clear nail polish on the tips of your nails! What a fun excuse to get the girls together! Make it a mini spa day, complete with facials and cucumber-infused water. Have fun, ladies!

Monogramming

Looking for a gift idea for the bridal party? Go the monogram path. You can monogram just about anything- towels, robes, hair brushes, Tervis tumblers, bracelets and so many other things. Monogramming gifts is personal, and something that a lot of people are into these days. 

Monogrammed brushes from this Etsy shop.

Monogrammed hangers can be dressed up with a pretty bow and will look lovely in photos of you and your bridesmaids getting ready before the "I do's". 

Have fun with it!

Rustic seating chart

Don't mess around with a hundred (or so) place tags for your reception. Save your hands and the money, and use an old window instead. This old pane window is pretty and gives a rustic feel to an outdoor wedding. Go to antique shops and garage sales to find an old window, or go explore in your grandparent's garage. My grandparents have tons of old windows like the one above (Not sure where they got them!), so I plan on taking advantage of my resources and I might even use one to decorate.

Be creative! Use mirrors, chalkboards, and maybe frames with just the glass in them for your chart. Have fun with it, and use paint pens in the colors you chose for your wedding. Enjoy!

Simple centerpieces

I love the rustic look of using pitchers as vases. Rustic and useful.
Mix and match seasonal flowers and have fun with different shapes and sizes of pitchers. Perfect for Spring or early Summer.

Monogram moss letter

As I was Pinteresting today, I came across a cute, simple DIY. Two twenty one has wonderful DIY projects. Today a  monogram moss letter was her feature, one she did herself, of course. What a cute project to do...perfect for a newlywed's front door! 

Go to her website for simple step-by-step directions. Wouldn't this be pretty on the front of a church door for a spring wedding, or hanging somewhere on the way to a reception site?

Plan ahead for your registry

Once people find out you're engaged, you'll want to go ahead and start on your registry. People will be so excited for you and will start asking immediately where you're registered. Be a planner and be able to direct them to your registry so you don't have to think of something random, or try to politely decline. No matter how much you politely decline, you'll still receive gifts- so wouldn't it be great to get something that you know you want and will use? Real Simple has a lovely checklist available here.

Plan to include extra place settings, linens, and things like coffee mugs and towels for when you have guests. Oh, you think ten towels sounds like a lot? Just wait until family decides to pop in and stay for a few days... you'll need them! Remember- people want to stock your household, and are excited to do it! Register for gifts of all price ranges so family and friends with all kinds of budgets can buy off your registry.

Have fun on your registry day or days, and remember to think outside the box.

Having a buffet-style reception?

These containers for water, tea, and lemonade are too cute, and make for a nice start for entertainment purposes after the honeymoon is over! You can find these at Steinmart, Homegoods, and probably restaurant supply stores. They're so pretty and your guests can serve themselves. These are also perfect for bridal luncheons and holiday parties. Jars like these come in all kinds of different shapes and sizes, be creative!