Inspiration Tabletops

These inspirations are found on the Wildflower Linens website. A great source for glamor and custom linens, with office in San Francisco, LA, Orange County and New York.

Oh Succulents!

Want a no fuss way to add a little life to your reception tables? Why not try cacti? These succulent plants are easy to take care of and will last long after your special day. Create a cluster or line the center of your table, then invite guests to take them home. Or create a garden of succulents for the center of the table.

Maybe the two of you met in the dessert? Perhaps one of you grew up in a hot and dusty climate? Maybe flowers just make you sneeze. In any case, adding succulents to your table is a great way to enhance the look of a sleek, modern or simple wedding.

Visit Succulentla where you can find a variety of sendable succulents (great gifts for only $45) or ask them to create something special just for you. See some of my favorites below:

Sweet and Simple Wedding Dresses

Check out Chris Kole's new line of wedding dresses, all made from cotton or linen. All dresses are hand-sewn and have touches of satin, silk and bead work. Check out more styles at The Cotton Bride.

Here are some of my favorites:

Simple Flowers

If you don't have a huge floral budget, or just aren't that interested in flowers, there are many way that you can use simple arrangements to make a big statement. Sometimes a beautiful vase with a single flower on a clean table, cocktail table, or coffee table can look amazing. On an escort table or buffet, create a row of the same simple vases for dramatic effect. If you want to go with a more simple vase, such as the glass one below, choose an interesting shape or etching and fill with a simple nosegay.

Choosing simple arrangements can help to emphasize a casual theme for your wedding. It will also bring down the cost of flowers and materials. Consider finding a flower market or wholesaler in your area and putting these simple arrangements together yourself. Even more sentimental, ask to use cuttings of flowers from the garden in your childhood home or from a place that is meaningful in your relationship (with permission of course!).

Light Tricks for Multi-Purpose Rooms

If you will be using the same space for your ceremony and reception (or reception dinner and lounge after-party) consider some simple lighting tricks to break up the space. The picture above shows a simple white muslin curtain suspended from the ceiling at various points. A simple lighting pattern (called a gobo) can be used to create a static image. Consider having a custom gobo created with your monogram. If you want to upgrade, you can invest in lights that move or change color, to keep the look fresh all night long.

Another great trick with lighting allows you to use the same spaces for different parts of your wedding. One light setting will create the mood for your ceremony. Guests will have cocktails in an adjoining space and when they return, the room will be transformed by a different color. Linens and decor pieces that will take each color of light are helpful (white or pale colors).