Inspiration Boards

Great Inspiration Boards from Dessy.com!

Flame and Royal Blue




Marigold Vintage Love



black white green



Navy and pale pink



Turquesa - Arena - Chocolate



Blues & Purples

Perfect Palatte: White

I love everything about the cleaness of theme!

White Wedding-Reception Decorations



Strings of gauzy tulle pom-poms float above a whitewashed landscape, creating a dreamy, light-as-air effect. To ground the scene and add interest to a pure white palette, incorporate plenty of texture. Here, we chose a raw linen tablecloth, net fabric runner, lace-pattern porcelain vase, and a mix of sleek and gardeny blooms, including eucharis lilies and dinner-plate dahlias. "Opalescent" wine glass; highball glass; and "Lace" votive/bud vase, ABC Carpet & Home, abchome.com. "Chandra" vase, White Forest Pottery, whiteforestpottery.com. Flowers, Saipua, saipua.com.

White Fruit Centerpiece



A pared-down centerpiece, like this whitewashed papier-mache fruit piled on a cake stand and trimmed with silver millinery leaves, is as chic as it is unexpected. Bonus: These faux wonders -- a great substitute for fresh blooms -- won't wilt, so you can display them at home for years to come, either as shown or in a footed glass urn. "Patrician" Champagne flute, designed by Josef Hoffmann, from Neue Galerie Design Shop, neuegalerie.org. Hemstitched linen napkins, Takashimaya New York, takashimaya-ny.com.

White Wedding Invitations



White or ivory may be the traditional stationery choice, but that doesn't mean your set has to look the part. This suite, which includes a coaster with a sweet sentiment, incorporates cream-on-white letterpress type and informal abbreviations for a contemporary feel. Stationery suite, Alee & Press, aleeandpress.com. Envelopes: A7; 4 Bar; #1 Baby, Paper Source, paper-source.com.


White Wedding Bouquet



A cluster of dahlias, white delphiniums, eucharis lilies, white orchids, and snowberry branches, tied with satin and lace, has an ethereal look. Bouquet, Saipua, saipua.com. 50mm embroidery lace (#62030); 80mm double-faced satin ribbon (#1100), Mokuba New York, 212-869-8900.

White Wedding Menu



In addition to these savory snacks, consider serving hors d'oeuvres at your cocktail hour made with seafood, such as scallops, yellowtail, or crabmeat; veggies, like cauliflower and parsnips; and even pasta. Have waiters pass the treats on trays, or arrange them atop a mix of modern and rustic dishes on an enticing buffet table. Clockwise from top left: Potato cutouts piped with tangy horseradish creme fraiche; lemony whitefish puree and celery tea sandwiches; celery-root soup flavored with white wine and thyme; Parmesan polenta with sauteed cremini mushrooms; and vegetarian summer rolls with a citrus rice-wine vinegar dipping sauce. Mother-of-pearl picks, Takashimaya New York, takashimaya-ny.com.

White Wedding Cakes



Clockwise from top: Buttercream This cake topping is beloved for its rich and, yes, buttery flavor. Keep it in an air-conditioned or refrigerated spot to prevent softening. If it's below 80 degrees, the frosting will hold up outside for about an hour. Meringue This wispy mix of egg whites and sugar, also known as "seven-minute frosting," can be smoothed on for a clean, glossy look or applied in peaks. For added flavor (and to help it adhere), spread on a thin layer of buttercream first. Fondant When draped over a lightly frosted cake, fondant offers a flawless finish. To decorate it with your monogram, just use a rubber stamp. Fondant holds up well in the heat, but don't refrigerate it -- water spots can form. Powdered Sugar What could be prettier for a winter wedding than a flurry of slices dusted with snowy sugar? With its homespun appeal, this topping would also complement a simple, backyard affair.


White Macaroon Wedding Favors



Give guests a sweet send-off by stacking cookies in cellophane bags with sturdy bases. Finish with a heart sticker made with a craft punch. Lattice Heart Large Craft Punch, by Martha Stewart Crafts, from Michaels, michaels.com. 3-by-11-inch hard round-bottom bag, Glerup Revere, rgroup.com. Macaroons, Kee's Chocolates, keeschocolates.com.


A Dessert Liqueur Bar



A dessert bar stocked with eaux-de-vie -- clear fruit brandies, such as kirsch (cherry), framboise (raspberry), or grappa (grape) -- is an unexpected touch and a nice alternative to sweet wine. While these drinks are sometimes served with sugar cubes, we came up with a fun twist: rock candy. With sunshine or candlelight filtering through, the transparent display takes on a gorgeous glow. Crystal clusters, ABC Carpet & Home, abchome.com.

courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Wedding Ideas That Sparkle

Love these ideas!

3-D Stars Floating Centerpiece



A constellation of 3-D stars becomes a floating centerpiece with the help of fishing wire and a lot of glitter. Rice-paper star lanterns, Asian Ideas, asianideas.com. Candleholders in matching shades and varying heights set the stage for a sparkling night. Cylinders and votives, Jamali Floral & Garden Supplies, jamaligarden.com. "Victoria Ghost" chair, by Philippe Starck, from Taylor Creative, taylorcreativeinc.com.



Star Chair Decoration


Vincent van Gogh wrote, "For my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." We couldn't agree more, which is why we put the five-pointed wonder on display wherever we could -- like on this chair. Hanging from it on a golden cord is a dressed-up paper star; we made it by spraying the star with glue, then shaking glitter over it. Fine glitter (used throughout this story), by Martha Stewart Crafts, from Michaels, michaels.com for stores. 9-inch gold die-cut foil star, $13.15 for 36, BulkPartySupplies.com.



Stationery Suite



Give guests a hint of the glimmering affair that's to come with a stationery suite that shoots for the stars; this set features a foil-stamped gold supernova on the card and the envelope liner. Invitation, Sugar Paper Los Angeles, sugarpaper.com. Calligraphy, Lisa Holtzman, lisaholtzmancalligraphy.blogspot.com.


Star Floor Runner



Sprinkle glitter over paper stars and tape them down the aisle for a radiant runner. Die-cut foil stars in 5, 9, and 12 inches, BulkPartySupplies.com. "Herringbone" white oak floor, Plantation Hardwood Floors, plantationhardwood.com.


Star Napkin Holder



Set the table with simple pieces -- a peachy-pink tablecloth, glass dinnerware, off-white napkins -- to temper the bolder elements, like the mercury-glass candleholders and this gold-star napkin holder. To fashion one, cut a slit into the center of a 5-inch paper star. Foil "Shimmer Star," Stumps Spirit, stumpsspirit.com. "My Garden" buffet plate, Villeroy & Boch, villeroy-boch.com. "Nina" dish, William Yeoward Crystal, williamyeowardcrystal.com. "Shield End" flatware, James Robinson, jrobinson.com. "Avanti" stemware, by Lena Bergstrom, from Orrefors, orrefors.us.


Dessert Buffet



Standing tall over this dessert bar is a golden cake covered in fondant and brushed with luster dust.


Wedding Cupcakes



New York-based Japanese bakery Kyotofu gave us their recipe for these vanilla and yuzu (Asian lime) cupcakes; we finished the frosting with a sprinkling of silver dust. Cupcakes, Kyotofu, kyotofu-nyc.com. Edible silver leaf sprinkles, Fancy Flours, fancyflours.com.

3-D Star Reception Decorations



A cluster of shimmering stars spotlights the space perfectly.


Cresent-Moon and Star Photo Booth



Crescent-moon and star designs shone during the twenties and thirties; channel that era's easy glamour with this photo backdrop. To make, cut foam board into a crescent shape, spray with glue, blanket with glitter, then hang with fishing wire.



Glittery Wedding Favor Boxes



Plain favor boxes are easily prettified; bonus points for presenting them in a color gradient (we mixed three glitters to produce four shades). Boxes, B.T. Elements, btelements.com.


photos courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Cake Alternatives

Molly's Cupcakes


Chocolate-iced cupcakes stood in for wedding cake. "I just love cupcakes," says Molly. "Everyone gets their own." They were made festive with little flags (created by folding paper around short skewers and securing with double-sided tape); each was printed with a monogram, a palm tree, or polka dots.

Buffet of Sweets


In lieu of a wedding cake, a dessert buffet at the reception is laden with sweets from a favorite local bakery. Extra seating cards are calligraphed with the names of the desserts; patterned paper bands and red and blue cotton ribbon trim the cake stands.

Petits Fours


Petits fours, white-chocolate dipped strawberries, and handcrafted chocolates were served alongside the wedding cake.


Chocolate-Espresso Charlottes


This elegant dessert has a sweet secret: layers of chocolaty richness nestled in a shell of almond sponge cake. One bite will reveal moist chocolate sponge cake, creamy milk-chocolate ganache, and smooth mocha Bavarian cream.

Mini Lemon Tarts


These tart bites are a good replacement for cake after a heavy meal.


Mini Lemon Pound Cakes


These miniature cakes make for a delicious mouthful.

Chocolate Fondue


We served marshmallows, pieces of crystallized ginger, dried figs, plums, and apricots with our fondue. Other dried fruits, such as pineapple or cherries, as well as nuts, madeleines, chunks of fresh fruit, and even small brownie squares would also be delicious with the sauce.


Miniature Roses


Simple designs, like the luscious buttercream blooms atop these tiny cakes, can make a big impression. Just three inches high, these beauties could be the highlight of a dessert buffet or be served at each place



Cupcake Tower


Homespun white cupcakes are crowned with fondant hearts cut with a cookie cutter and imprinted with the bride's and groom's first initials using a new rubber stamp.


White Cupcakes


Stack these fluffy white confections for an elegant display.

Doughnut Dessert


We used chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla frostings, and mixed milk to match. If your local doughnut shop doesn't carry flavors you fancy, ask if they'll mix custom icings for you. Be sure to place flattened paper cupcake liners in between doughnuts so they won't stick together.


Mini Pavlovas


These light-as-air meringues are baked in cupcake liners.

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Welcome Basket Ideas

After a long journey, guests may be itching for some comforts of home as they check into their hotels. A few ideas for tokens of appreciation:

A handsome tin of tea in an inexpensive teacup and saucer and a handwritten note are thoughtful during the chilly months.

Gift certificates to a local theater or a movie cineplex if there are no wedding-related events planned for the evening before the wedding. Go to fandango.com, movietickets.com, or amcentertainment.com to order gift cards or download certificates you can print out.

A paperback book written by a local author and a bottle of sunscreen arranged in a straw hat for sitting by the pool.

A small gift bag filled with items that represent highlights of the couple’s courtship. For example, one New York City bride marrying a Brit tucked an apple, Wrigleys gum, water, and nuts into a bag with a key describing what each item represented: A body of water had separated them for decades, until they met in the Big Apple and realized they were nuts about each other. They wed in Chicago, home of Wrigley Field.

On a similar note, turn the welcome-basket into a fun activity and challenge guests to identify the significance of the items in the box. You can even throw in a personalized couple-themed crossword puzzle for guests who might have plenty of pre-wedding downtime (or a long flight back home).

Record a humorous welcome video and burn it on discs for each guest.
Include local delicacies (pralines in New Orleans, for example) and tchotchkes (an “I Do” doll as opposed to a VooDoo doll), along with (free) pamphlets from your local Chamber of Commerce noting sites to check out in the area.

Create a playful genealogy-inspired chart noting who’s who at your wedding. Guests will have fun studying up before the big event. (Check out melangerienyc.com for inspiration.)

No, you may not be getting hitched in Vegas, but why not create a “We’re so LUCKY to have you here” package that includes a lottery ticket? Or replace the word “LUCKY” with “FORTUNATE” and include a few fortune cookies in a plastic takeout box that reflects your color scheme.

Skip the basket idea and instead greet guests with a simple bottle of local wine with a playful note tied around the neck. Try “Here’s to a grape weekend.”

Monogrammed Favors

Cake For One



These monogrammed groom's cakes were given to all at the wedding of Francesca Andrews and Ross Goodwin in New York City. Made by caterer Glorious Food, the cakes were tucked into boxes and bound with bows, which tied them to Andrews's wedding theme: purple. Guests took them home to enjoy or to test tradition: It's said that if an unmarried woman sleeps with a piece of wedding cake under her pillow, she will dream of her own wedding.


Elegant Cookie Cubes


Favors with Heart

For a sophisticated favor, stack cookies in a plastic box lined with your monogram on all sides. To line box, scan calligraphed initials and print onto card stock; back with glassine using double-sided tape. Score and fold to fit in box.





If you give charitable donations in guests' names, here's a beautiful way to let them know. Cut 7-by-4-inch pieces from patterned papers. Write or use your computer to print a message on the plain side of each sheet (if you're printing, do so before cutting the paper). Measure and mark papers at 1-inch intervals; fold where marked. Cut top panel into a point. For each, adjust folds to make a hexagon, overlapping top flap, and seal with a monogrammed sticker.



Paper Cones



These whimsical dragee cones standing in a galvanized tray will delight even adults.


Personalized Favors



With a rubber stamp and some ribbon, simple boxes and tins become custom-made containers for favors like sugared almonds, petit fours, or a piece of groom's cake.

Colorful Chocolate



Graphically printed bark (chocolate spread thin and then broken into irregular pieces) is too nice to cover up, so use a clear lid. Grosgrain ribbon, taped around the lid's sides, picks up hues inside. A monogram tag is kept small so as not to obstruct the view.


Candy Favors



These favors are decorated with elongated letters. Print monogram onto rectangular papers; trim with scalloping scissors. Wrap cardboard cylinders with layers of tissue paper; top with monogrammed paper, and secure with double-sided tape. Tie one end with rickrack. Fill with candy, and tie off.


Monogrammed Favor Boxes



This package is sealed with a personalized label made using a rubber stamp.



Dragee Monogram



A single initial is featured on a pressed-sugar box; another is formed with silver dragees (almonds with a sugar coating).

HOW TO



courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Wedding Decor

Rose-Covered Aisle

I absolutely adore this Rose-Covered Aisle!



Large hurricane vases containing floating candles are placed like beacons on either side of a path strewn with rose petals in shades of pink and yellow. If you're picking from your own garden, pluck them early in the morning, when roses are their freshest


Birds and Blossoms Wedding Centerpiece

I'm a huge fan of using tree branches



Nature provides such wonderful motifs for weddings. A fern frond can be a lovely symbol for an invitation, the shades of a favorite bloom can inform the color palette, and almost any natural detail -- berries, flowers, even the swirling pattern of wood grain -- can decorate a cake. There are always fresh flowers at weddings, of course, but blossoms are surprising (and timeless) when they're made of paper or fabric. And they are perfectly paired with little birds, longstanding symbols of love.



Wedding Favor Centerpieces



Wedding favors allow guests to take a little piece of the celebration home. Though often presented at place settings or displayed on a table by the door, favors can be offered in another way that is both impressive and economical: grouped together as centerpieces. Even if you spend a bit more on the favors themselves, you will most likely save money overall by forgoing traditional floral arrangements.


Multitasking Wedding Table Decorations
Absolutely love this idea, very cost-effective



Boxes topped with flowers make a beautiful centerpiece; a table number is embroidered onto ribbon encircling the largest box. Inside, the stems sit in water bottles stabilized by crumpled paper. Favor boxes, which contain nonpareils, double as place cards.

Wedding Guest Note Tree



Let guests' well-wishes take flight on paper doves. These birds are traditional symbols of love, happiness, and harmony. Anchor bare branches (these are manzanita) in a large, sturdy vessel filled with stones or gravel. Use wire to secure nests, available from craft stores, to branches. Set dove cards -- available precut -- in a dish. Place pencils alongside your tree with a sign asking guests to inscribe a card and to place it in a nest.


Wedding Harvest Centerpiece




A table arrangement of grains celebrates the bounty of fall. In addition to wheat, which symbolizes a fruitful life, this textured display includes other dried grasses (available at crafts stores), so it can be made weeks ahead. The final flourish? A luxurious satin bow.


Wedding Paper Chandeliers



Paper chandeliers of tissue orbs stapled to narrow ribbon and hung from the ceiling will elicit oohs and aahs from your guests and maybe even a few delighted squeals -- the perfect, happy soundtrack for your big day


Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings