Inspiration brought to life

How to make your inspiration become reality in a few simple steps!
by Amrta Kenner

What all goes into inspiration? Where do you get it from? How do you go about looking for the key element to plan your special day around?
Inspiration is the special element that you find that makes your creative juices flow. It gets you going and it becomes something that is non-stop. Many brides find this key element in the many bridal magazines and online resources, but many never think to look right under their nose. Inspiration can come from your favorite rug, vacation spot, even your favorite book or a movie. It may spound bizarre but imagination comes from the many things that make up your day.

The key to making your inspiration come to life is to take a few special elements from your piece. Are the colors a good representation of you and your fiance? What type of emotion do you want to portray? The intensity of the color plays a big roll in this. If you need you can soften or brighten the colors of the inspiration piece and adjust them to your preferred version of the color. Can you use the desgin of this piece on your cake or invitations, maybe even translate it into your favor or even centerpieces?

Take whatever you can from your inspiration and use it to the fullest. There are no limits to imagination but there are when it come to your budget. This is when you have to become even more savvy. Take table designs from some of the top event specialists and they will cost you anywhere from $1000+ per table. This usually includes everything from floral to lienens. But for those of us who actually want some more elements in our wedding besides a reception table, we need to be more realistic. How about $50-$100, is that comfortable enough? Just because it is cheap doesnt mean that it has to look it.

 This is what I call "A Treasured Fairytale". I took many new "in" elements such as moss balls and the branch centerpiece look and twisted to create my own affordable version. Hanging from the branches are little tin buckets that are filled with votives to add a little romance. Instead of using real flowers I used rubber orchids that look so real that you have to touch them to be sure.  I got the branches in a soft lime green for color so there is no need for a colorful linen. This is a good option if you want to cut in decor and use house linens from your venue. The branches are nestled inside a medium height cylinder vase. The top is overflowed with hydrangeas which I also kept green, to not overwhelm the eye. However I chose to put one single stem of white orchids with a soft pink center peaking out of the middle of the branches for a little spunk. For those who are whimsicle I chose to clip a few green butterflies off the ends of some of the branches. I always loved I SPY and adding little details makes it fun for guests as well as the little ones you may have at a table.

The centerpiece is surrounded by a bed of moss where there are many different votives and candles. There are green moss balls to add dimension and bring more of the nature feel to the table as well as smooth earth stones. When you are not using real flowers you can use light scented votives to add more to your guests curiosity.

For the complimentary colors I added purples and soft pinks. I also threw in multiple color greens, such as olives, limes and valley green. I used these colors in the invitations, guest books, thank you cards and programs. You dont have to stick to one version of the color you chose. The easiest way to get a great dinamic of one color is at the hardware store. Get the strips of paints that have multi-ple shades of a color. Then mix and match with different colors. The outcome is great if you do it properly.

On the head table you can put great gifts for your guests. These charming little books are made for Bridesmaids, Flowergirls and Brides. Find a cute way to display them and they look of high quality. For favors I used everything that gave me a light hearted earthy sense. Something personalized is always great for most themes and decor. The display is what makes it look and feel the way you want it. For my fairy theme I chose small jars of peanut butter in jelly in which the labels are personalized and they are both wrapped in a bag of tulle. If that doesnt work for what your taste you can try this nice way of giving your guests your favorite recipe. A pampered Chef book with a metal spatula and a bag containing a complete mix of your favorite Aunts recipe for cinnamon bread. Use the label a add the backing directions. Your guests will be sure to save this favor and think of you and your fiance every time they make your favorite Aunts cinnamon bread.

Never be afraid to add your personality to your centerpieces. Step out of the box. As one of our brides Jenny said "I want to leave my guests wondering what just happened and what they just got through witnessing when they leave my wedding. They will never forget my special night!"