DIY: Chalkboards

Fun new trend for weddings…Chalkboards. Whether you have a chalkboard theme or just want to use chalkboards as a fun detail, here are some ideas you can incorporate.
 use a chalkboard in your engagement photos (Save the date…, Future Mr. and Mrs.)

 chalkboard wedding and reception welcome sign to point your guests in the right direction

 small chalkboards can be used to label different areas of the reception (gift table, photobooth)

 large chalkboards can be used as menu boards; you can list courses or available finger foods (small boards can be used on the food table so guest know which finger food is which)

 chalkboards can be used to notify guests of their seat assignments as well as table numbers

 small boards (3.5x5 or smaller) with guests names and table numbers

 large boards can be used to list guests and their table assignments

 tables can be numbered using larger boards (5x7 or larger) on stands or smaller boards (4x6) integrated into the centerpieces

DIY: We took a few different shapes of mirrors and old paintings and turned them info chalk boards. Here are a few pics of the transformation!

This is the original mirror.  First we taped off the mirror portion to prime and paint the frame.  We used spray paint so that we could get into all the little tight spaces.

Once that was dry, we primed and painted the chalk surface.  We used chalk board spray paint from our local Home Depot.  The primer was one that the paint associate recommended.  The grey helped with coverage of the black chalk board paint.

This is the finished project!  We made a bunch of different shaped boards, hung them from shephards hooks down the ceremony aisle with a love poem written on them.  It was super cute! (and, it was a long aisle!)

Our friends at T&J Studio's took pics, so when they are done, we will put one up here for you!

Trends we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE...(and some we don't)

Today Stacey is telling us all about what she loves, hates and thinks we will be seeing for a while, when it comes to weddings. I'm going to post mine later this week. But, it's funny that we pretty much see eye to eye on most things! That's probably why we work so well together.

Ok, here is goes....

Wedding Trends I Love (by Stacey)

Photographers blogs: Good photographers get to know the bride and groom and can express their personalities through photographs. I like their blogs because I want to know their perspective and I am able to see the wedding day through someone else’s eyes.

Inspiration boards: This is essence of creativity and design. I love making these to help inspire brides to think “outside of the box”.

Creative Invitation Designs: Let’s face it, this is the first thing guests will see in regards to your wedding day so make a statement. I like the use of patterns and intricate designs.

Bold Color Schemes: Love, Love, Love. Black, eggplant, apple green, teal, hot pink (yes I said hot pink… done in the right way). Even a black and white wedding can make a statement if you distribute the colors in an exciting way.

Monochromatic flowers: What a great way to bring texture to your bouquets and centerpieces without sacrificing your color theme. It’s fun and adds excitement to your flowers.

DIY Projects: For years grandma was put in charge of making a few things to save some money, but today brides are more creative than ever. There are hundreds of DIY projects that make your wedding your own and its something that has come back and will stay.

Unusual Venues: This is something that can be difficult, but not impossible. It just takes effort in creativity. Mansions, museums, yachts, farm, vineyard, public gardens, private homes just to name a few. We once put a tent inside of a gym… yes, a gym.

Lighting: Want to transform your reception into a magazine wedding? Use lighting. I can’t encourage it enough!

Customized Ring Bearer Pillows: We do them! Why use the same kind of pillow that EVERYONE uses?? Be creative and customize your own pillow with your colors and embellishments.

80’s Songs: Not sure if this is a “trend”, but I love it anyway. I don’t know why, but everyone knows the lyrics and your guests can sing the night away on the dance floor.


Wedding Trend that are Out!

Choreographed First Dance: We’ve all seen it, whether in person or on YouTube watching bride and grooms break out into “It’s getting hot in here”. Yes they are fun, but it just won’t last.

Stargazer Lilies: There are so many other flowers that are much more trendy and up to date.

Pastels: Say good bye to light blue as “something blue” and say hello to navy blue. Rich gem colors like plum, amber, bronzes and coppers are the new thing.


Wedding Trends with a shelf life

Chocolate Brown and _____: I don’t think incorporating brown into your color scheme will ever go out of style. It’s dark enough to make bright colors pop and it brings on a style of its own.

Cocktail Hours: There is no better way to get your guests mingling than to serve them cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. So much of the wedding includes formality so this can be the time to let your guests get comfortable before the dancing begins.

Candy/Dessert Bars: Instead of personalizing a favor for each place setting, you can choose to personalize your own candy/dessert bar. These get more and more innovative and delicious so I don’t see this kind of bar phasing out.