One of the biggest trends of 2010, not just in weddings, is going green. Everywhere you look there is an eco-friendly alternative and with stores such as Earthfare, Greenwise and Whole Foods, these alternatives are very available.

We found these eco-friendly centerpiece tips from greatgreenweddings.com.

If you are looking for a vessel for the center of your table to hold sea shells or colorful rocks, consider vases made from recycled glass or a bamboo bowl, due to renewable tendencies. VivaTerra. has a centerpiece item that is cast from real twigs, and created in recycled metal . The design of twisting branches ingeniously intertwine with the stems of flowers you insert into their base to create an instant floral arrangement.

Recycled Glassworks has some beautiful original bowls created from recycled glass. The colors and patterns are yummy and will allow you plenty of creativity when it comes to filling the center of the table.

Greenfeet has recycled glass bowls in two different shapes and eight different colors. Check out the delightful Ecospheres. These would be great to get the conversation going. Ecospheres are totally enclosed ecosystems – completely self contained and self-sustaining miniature worlds.

An easy way to dress up your reception room is to pick out colored or custom chair covers. To make your tables pop with color or sparkle with elegance, you can create beautiful, unforgettable chair covers.

GetMarriedTV describes some trends and tips in how to customize chair covers in this video. If you are interested in dressing up your chair covers, check this video out!

Marthastewartweddings.com has a great list of 65 ways to trim your wedding budget. We picked some of our favorite tips to share with you and have used a lot of these tips in weddings that we have planned!

• Serve a signature drink. Instead of providing a full-service bar, try serving a signature drink to cut down on huge bar tabs.

• Buy local ingredients. Make sure the caterer uses local ingredients in their food. These items will be more economical and fresher.

• Avoid pricey main dishes. Instead of using lobster as a main course, use it as an appetizer to cut down on quantity.

• Select in-season flowers. Seek your florists advice for which flowers are in-season and cheapest. Out of season flowers can be extremely expensive and sometimes there is a similar alternative.

• Arrange fruit-filled centerpieces. Instead of expensive floral arrangements as centerpieces, buy big glass bowls and fill them with brightly colored fruits. It will be just as beautiful and much cheaper.

• Something borrowed. Borrow certain accessories from family or friends. This can save you money and double as your “something borrowed.”

I am proud to announce that I have released my 2010 wedding pricing catalog and it is full of great new items, designs and options for my brides!! Ladies call soon as space is limited in 2010 and it is filling fast!

Plus, don’t worry if you are on a budget or if I am booked for your date! You can get the SJP experience on a budget with my associate program.

Call, email or TEXT me to request your catalog!

(**Remember to include your name, wedding date and email address if you text me!!)

This is just the cover! Call/Email/Text me to look inside!

I just found out that wedding photographer, Weddings by Chris Leary Photography, located in New York, NY, is giving away a free wedding photography package this year.

His contest is currently underway and closes on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2010 – you need to act now to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. All participants must send him a fun and creative essay or video message that talks about why you deserve the winning prize. Weddings by Chris Leary Photography is giving away up to 8 hours photography, including full coverage along with his second photographer, a signed 11×14 print and a copy of all the wedding images on a DVD. In light of the economy, this is a great way to save some money on your wedding expenses, and an incredible opportunity to receive excellent talent + beautiful photography for your wedding day. Complete details of the giveaway can be found on his website: http://www.chrislearyweddings.com/contest/

We understand that not EVERYONE wants to get married in a church or in a hotel or any of the other typical locations for a wedding. This video from GetMarriedTV.com features some interesting alternatives to the traditional wedding venues. Check this video out to see new location ideas such as racetracks, art galleries, and theatres and you might just get inspired for you own wedding!!

Author: Sean Saunders
Source: ezinearticles.com

You don’t have to spend $10,000 or $15,000 on wedding decor for the experience to be memorable and enjoyable. Truth be told, you can spend less than half that and still have a great wedding ceremony and reception. How is that possible, you ask? Simple, through unique wedding decorations & ideas.Cheap Wedding Decorations That’ll Spruce Up Your Wedding…Table Cloths: Yes, table cloths can be a decoration, but only as long as you use the right type. A simple white table cloth can’t, cheap
, really be called a decoration. On the other hand, a table cloth that matches the color of your wedding — pink and black, pink and blue, white and pink, etc. — can be easily considered as a decoration!Napkins: Another one of those unique wedding decorations ideas you probably didn’t think, cheap
, of. Just like the table cloth, a plain white napkin can hardly be considered decor. However, throw in some colored napkins, cheap
, that match the theme of, cheap
, your wedding and you’ve got yourself, cheap
, another cheap yet, cheap
, beautiful decoration for the wedding.Photos: Gather some of your “before wedding” photos and buy simple picture, cheap
, frames for them. Place the framed photos in small groups of 2 to 3 strategically, cheap
, around the reception area. These pictures will convey the joy & happiness the two of you have shared and why you’re such a perfect match. If the color of the frames can match your wedding theme, that would be even better!Ribbons & Balloons: As, cheap
, far as cheap wedding decorations & ideas go, this has got to be the best there is. Simply buy theme-colored ribbons & balloons in bulk and start decorating the reception hall with, cheap
, them. Use the balloons sparingly in groups of about 2-3, and then tie the colored ribbons to pretty much anything and everything you want.If you can’t save some money for the budget with these unique, yet cheap wedding decorations ideas, well, then you’re in need of a lot more help then you let on.

For even more outstanding wedding decorations ideas and to discover great money saving tips for your wedding, try visiting http://www.Dream-Weddings-on-a-Budget.com, one of the most popular and informative wedding planning websites on the web.

This week, I’ve been embracing my “inner Martha,” and doing some crafty, artistic things. One of my passions and hobbies has always been creating fun, funky, and different pieces of art …and crafts too.

So, after watching Oprah’s special Christmas at the White House special last Sunday, I was inspired by the National Christmas tree to take my old boring and plain ornaments, and paint them with my acrylics. And, then I decided to do some artistic ornaments with ribbon too (since I have an arsenal of ribbon you would not believe from all the weddings and events over the past 7 years!).

These make great thank you gifts to friends, family, and vendors any year … but most especially if you’re getting married anytime in the winter season, this is a super fabulous favor for guests to take home from you. (Plus, it’s a lot of fun too if you like getting crafty!)

It’s very inexpensive and extremely thoughtful with it being handmade by you, and this is a combination difficult to come by. Just make sure to give yourself plenty of time to do this sort of wedding craft!

I made a video to share with you the ornaments I made this year so that you can get inspired to make your own beautiful ornaments to share with your loved ones this year!

Merry Christmas and Happy Wedding Planning,

Natalie

We got this idea from marthastewartweddings.com. These cute postcards serve as Save-the-date cards to send to your guests!

Purchase mini cards and envelopes (Motel Deluxe made these 2-by-3-inch sets). Run envelopes through a machine that adds adhesive backing (we used one from Xyron), and affix to postcards (either store-bought or cut from card stock). Handwrite or stamp your wedding information on the cards; tuck them in the envelopes, and seal. Add postage and send them off! Your guests will be sure to save the date when they receive these cute and clever postcards!

We found this great idea and recipe from marthastewartweddings.com. This great after wedding treat is wonderful for winter weddings! These mini doughnuts are delicious and will really surprise your guests!

Ingredients

Makes 75

• 2 envelopes (2 scant tablespoons) active dry yeast
• 3/4 cup warm water (110 degrees)
• 31/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
• 2 tablespoons warm buttermilk (110 degrees)
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 large egg yolks
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• Vegetable-oil cooking spray
• Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
• 1 cup superfine sugar, for coating

Directions

1. In the bowl of a mixer, stir 1 envelope yeast into 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons warm water. Let stand until foamy, 5 minutes. Add 1 cup flour. Beat on low speed until well combined. Cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bring to room temperature.
2. In another bowl, combine remaining 1 envelope yeast, 2 tablespoons warm water, and buttermilk. Let stand until foamy, 5 minutes. Combine sugar, salt, and remaining 2 1/4 cups flour in the bowl of a mixer. Add buttermilk mixture, egg yolks, and butter. Beat on low speed until dough comes together, about 2 minutes.
3. Add flour-yeast mixture. Beat until dough is soft and sticky, 3 to 4 minutes. On a floured surface, knead dough a few turns into a ball. Place dough, smooth side up, in a bowl coated with cooking spray. Cover, and let stand in a warm place until doubled in bulk, 3 to 4 hours.
4. Divide dough into thirds, and cover with plastic wrap. Roll each piece to 1/4 inch thickness on a floured surface. Using a 1 1/2-inch round cutter, cut out doughnuts; using the 1/2-inch round end of a pastry tip, cut out centers. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Let stand in a warm place for 15 minutes.
5. Fill a saucepan halfway with oil and heat to 350 degrees. Fry doughnuts, turning once, until golden brown, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels. Coat with sugar while warm, and serve immediately.

What better way to kick off the month of December than to make some delicious and cute gingerbread men? This recipe is simple and tastes amazing! Don’t forget to decorate them!

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1 egg
• 1 cup molasses
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons warm water
• 1/4 cup raisins for decorating

Directions

1. In large bowl, cream shortening, sugar, egg and warmed molasses. Dissolve baking soda in warm water and add to egg mixture. Beat until smooth. Mix in flour, spices and salt until well blended. Cover and chill for 24 hours.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets. Roll out dough to a thickness of 1/4 inch on a floured surface. Cut out gingerbread men using cookie cutters and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheets. Use raisins to make eyes, noses and buttons.
3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until firm. Let cool on wire racks.

This video from Get Married TV features some really amazing “green” wedding invitations. These invitations are made from beautiful dried flowers and plants and are a unique and trendy alternative to traditional invitations.

Enjoy!

For all of you wine extraordinaires out there, this is the centerpiece for you! We found this great idea on marthastewartweddings.com and we think it is so fun!

Have wine bottles double as table numbers. Cover-weight paper printed with large, graphic numerals can be adhered over existing labels with double-sided tape for a clean, contemporary look. Pick whatever type of wine that you would like, add the new label, and place on the tables! It’s a cute touch that can go a long way. If there is wine left over you can give it to your guests or take it for yourself!

This may sound not-so-pleasant to some of you, but this is one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten! A very southern recipe, and certainly not healthy, but very yummy!! Below is Paula Deen’s recipe, but you can tweak it to your liking!

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar
• 2 (20-ounce) cans pineapple chunks, drained, and 6 tablespoons pineapple juice reserved
• 1 cup cracker crumbs (recommended: Ritz)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) butter, melted, plus extra for greasing pan

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a medium-size casserole dish with butter.

In a large bowl, stir together the sugar and flour. Gradually stir in the cheese. Add the drained pineapple chunks, and stir until ingredients are well combined. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.

In another medium bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, melted butter, and reserved pineapple juice, stirring with a rubber spatula until evenly blended. Spread crumb mixture on top of pineapple mixture. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown.

We found these beautiful, DIY favor boxes on marthastewartweddings.com. Simple, easy to make, and beautiful, these boxes, “from the lovebirds” will grab your guests attention and give them a lasting memory.

First have a calligrapher write out the bride’s and groom’s names and a message, then have the writing made into rubber stamps. The boxes come flat: Stamp the lids as shown; let ink dry overnight. Poke a small hole in the center of the lid with an awl (available at hardware stores). Fold box and lid. Slip bird’s foot through the hole.

For more details, go to www.marthastewartweddings.com!

We found these parasols on marthastewartweddings.com. These are adorable and perfect to give as a gift to your flower girl!

Parasols, 28″, $5.50 each, Cultural Intrigue, lunabazaar.com. “Doublette” crepe paper, $2.50, Castle in the Air.

Flower girls are pretty adorable as they are, but we’ve found a way to pile on even more cuteness: Instead of having them scatter blossoms as they amble down the aisle, have them be the blossoms by carrying these petal-topped rice-paper umbrellas! Added bonus? After the ceremony, they can tote the pretty parasols home as favors.

Download the Petal Template

1. Download our petal template and print it onto a letter-size sheet of paper.

2. Accordion-fold crepe paper 8 times, folding every 4 1/2 inches. Trace template onto the crepe paper.

3. Cut along the traced line through all the layers of the crepe paper to create the petal tips.

4. Unfold the crepe paper completely, making certain not to tear it, and lay it flat.

5. Wrap the flat edge of the crepe paper around the cap of an open parasol, cinching it as you work.

6. Secure the gathered crepe paper around the cap using a rubber band or a thin strip of pretty ribbon.

We found this list of trendy wedding colors for Spring 2010 on perfectweddingguide.com. Check it out and see if any of these colors inspire you!

Turquoise

Vibrant and pretty, this jeweled toned color has been a favorite of spring brides many times over.

Deep Red

The universal color for love, so it’s no surprise that Red makes the list for spring.

Coral

A pick for your spring 2010 beach wedding.

Violet

A great option for bridesmaid dresses and florals.

Beige

A muted brown with gray undertones. Perfect for wedding menswear.

Yellow

Sunny and cheery. Think bright yellow accents at an outdoor garden wedding.

Blue

Not quite navy, but not as light as Carolina blue. This shade is warm and tropical.

Pale Pink

luxurious and soft, pale pink looks great on just about every skin tone.

Army Green

Pair with beige and violet for a subdued color palette.

Light Gray

A beautiful compliment to this season’s coral and pale pink.

Hungrygirl.com is one of our latest obsessions. This website contains tons of recipes for the “hungry girl” but without the high calories and guilt involved!  There are two hungry girl books out on the market and the recipes are delicious and guilt free, plus she includes weight watchers points in each of her recipes!  Below is a recipe for a Chili-Frito Burrito! Try one today!

This swap is for one of those supreme junk food items we thought we’d NEVER be able to experience sans guilt. Good thing we’re wrong from time to time — this thing ROCKS!

Ingredients:
1/3 cup low-fat turkey or veggie chili
1 La Tortilla Factory Smart & Delicious Low Carb High Fiber Large Tortilla (or alternative below)
2 tbsp. shredded fat-free cheddar cheese
1/2 package Fritos Original Corn Chips 100 Calorie Pack (or other alternative below!)
Optional: 2 tbsp. diced onion

Directions:
Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for 45 – 60 seconds, until hot. Set aside.

Lay tortilla flat on a microwave-safe plate, and warm in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Spoon chili down the center of the tortilla. Cover the chili with cheese, and then top with Fritos. If you like, sprinkle with onion.

Wrap tortilla up like a burrito, folding the sides in first, and then rolling it up from the bottom. (Or serve it wrap-style, with one end left open.) Place burrito seam-side down on the plate, and microwave for 30 seconds.

Now CHEW!

MAKES 1 SERVING
Serving Size: 1 burrito (entire recipe)
Calories: 218
Fat: 6.5g
Sodium: 774mg
Carbs: 33g
Fiber: 14.5g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 18g
POINTS® value 4*

Fantastic saving of 20% off Christmas and bridal wear at Bhs – now available via the Make Your Own Wedding website

Whether you’re buying bridesmaid dresses or Christmas crackers, you can save big at Bhs this weekend! Click here to see the offer - available until Sunday 8th November.

We love love love this idea from marthastewartweddings.com!! This non-traditional save-the-date will really encourage your invitees to save YOUR date. Simple, creative, beautiful, and totally customizable to your wedding colors, this DIY save-the-date will have people talking even before the wedding!

DIRECTIONS

Open this card, and the details (literally) come spilling out. Cut date from card stock using number punches; pierce tops with a hole punch. Slide onto 1/4-inch ribbon, tying bows before and after each pair. Cut two slits in a note card; thread ribbon through, and tie a bow. Download envelope liner here, or use a word-processing program to cut and paste words in different colors all over a page; print out. Cut to size (use unfolded envelope as template); affix with glue stick.

This adorable favor box, from marthastewartweddings.com, is as easy to make as it is cute! You can choose whatever colors you want and whatever size boxes that you want! Easy, simple and beautiful!

Follow the directions and create your own flower top box!

Trim stems off paper flowers (we used 9 per box); hot-glue to box top. For label, center name on 2-by-81/2-inch piece of vellum; fold paper at 2-inch intervals, wrap around box; glue overlap at back.

The average wedding costs around $27,000. Obviously, in this economic climate, $27,000 may not be feasible for everyone. Theknot.com offered a $10,000 wedding challenge. People participated in a few cities around the nation and we LOVE the Milwaukee wedding. Some of the things are a stretch, but for the most part we greatly enjoyed their creativity and thriftiness.

This challenge proved that a wedding doesn’t have to be expensive to be beautiful and special. Check out the link below to read about how they kept it under $10,000 and read the breakdown of the prices. You never know what will inspire you!

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-budget/articles/cheap-wedding-in-milwaukee.aspx

This centerpiece idea is brilliant and beautiful! We LOVE this idea! Each guest will get to take a flower box home while it doubles as the centerpiece for the table during the reception. The table name/number is embroidered onto ribbon on the largest box. Inside the boxes, the stems sit in water bottles covered with crumpled paper. The smaller boxes, which you can fill with candies or other small goods, can be nameplates or just favors as well. We just can’t get enough of this idea and are very tempted to try it ourself!

These directions are simple and easy and the product will make a great addition to any table!

Tools and Materials
Quilling paper (enough to wrap around lid and overlap slightly)
Small boxes
Double-sided tape
A peony or a few ranunculuses
Utility knife,
Plastic flower tube
Nonpareils

Flower Boxes How-To
1. Have a calligrapher inscribe each strip of paper with a guest’s name in pink gouache (an opaque ink). Tape paper around edge of box lid.
2. Using a utility knife, cut an opening in the center of the lid.
3. Cut off top of flower tube so it’s just shorter than box. Add a bit of water to tube. Insert flowers into tube; insert tube into lid.
4. Fill box with nonpareils (leave room for flower tube); close box.