The Good Beginning

By Beth Helmstetter Events

15 QUIRKY WEDDING INVITATIONS TO INSPIRE YOU

Your invitation is likely to be the first thing that gives guests a hint about the theme or feel for your big day will have – so it makes sense that it should be unique to you. Whether you’re going for a traditional ceremony – or something completely off-beat, there’s a world of wedding invitations that’ll reflect you and your other half perfectly! We’ve covered 15 of the most quirky invitation ideas here to stir up a little inspiration!

Laser-cut Paper

If you want a striking design, having your invitations laser-cut from colored paper is sure to make an impression.

If you’re a crafter, you might like to try your hand at creating this kind of invitation yourself, using a die-cutting and embossing machine – but be warned, it’s an expert-level job to take on! For immaculate results, talking to a company who can provide laser-cut designs is likely to save you a lot of hard work! (via Green Wedding Shoes)


Paper Airplanes

Did you and your loved one meet on a faraway shore? Or perhaps you’ve spent a lot of time traveling together before you decided to tie the knot? Either way, an invitation that folds up into a working paper plane is certain to bring a smile to the faces of your potential guests. (via Etsy)


Film Buffs

Perhaps you fancy yourselves as stars of the silver screen? Then again, perhaps you’re just happiest when you’re snuggled up on the sofa together in front of a movie?! If either of these sound like they could be you and the person you love, having your own movie cinema tickets that double up as invitations might be right for you. The RSVP can be torn off and returned to the ticket collectors! (via Pinterest)


Movie Mania

If cinema tickets don’t quite do your love for movies the justice it deserves, why not consider having a design guru insert you and your loved on into your favorite movie poster?! Whether you go for out and out romance, or something a little more personally memorable, it’ll be unmistakably you! (via Pinterest)


Love Timeline

You know the special times that you and your loved one have spent together – but your guests might not, so why not create a timeline that maps out your relationship – beginning with how you met – and culminating in your big day! Your timeline can be created with pictures, illustrations, maps, dates and lots more – before inviting your guests to be part of the next chapter you’ll create together. (via Pinterest)


Overseas Ceremony

Tying the knot in another country might be a daydream for many people – but if it’s what you’re planning on doing, perhaps passport themed invitations will be the thing you need to get your guests excited! Whether you’re looking for an authentic looking booklet – or just something that makes people think of jetting off somewhere else, you’ll find a company who will create something that’s perfect for you. (via Minted)


Handkerchiefs

If your wedding’s going to have a very traditional or vintage theme, then having your invitation printed or stitched into beautiful delicate handkerchiefs might be exactly right for you. They’re sure to come in handy on the big day too – or provide an everlasting memento for your guests to treasure. (via Etsy)


Caricatures

If you don’t take yourselves too seriously, why not have someone with drawing skill recreate you for playful caricature invitations?! A designer could go wild with ideas that put the cartoon versions of you and your other half (as well as children, family members, pets or anyone else you can think of!) into a variety of weird and wonderful situations for your guests to enjoy when they receive your invitations. (via Etsy)


Calligraphy

Sometimes, beautiful text is enough to set an invitation apart from all others and create a classy tone for your big day. You might be able to find an attractive typeface that fits the bill, then again, you might want to track someone down who can provide the real deal. Calligraphy is a timeless way to make anything written look out of the world – and it might set the perfect tone for your day. (via Shine Wedding Invitations)


Go Digital

If you’re a couple with digital roles – or even digital relationship roots, creating a website or blog that’s all about your wedding might be the way to invite people along! Why not send a mysterious QR code through the post that directs a person to your site?! You could even create personal pages for everyone you invite! (via Gift Registry)


‘Insta’vitations

If you’re a couple who spend their entire life showing others what you’re doing on Instragram, why not have some invitations made that replicate a perfect picture of the pair of you – with text underneath that asks people along to your big day?! You might even want to make the RSVP an indication of whether your potential guests ‘like’ your post or not! (via Kards)


Natural Wood

There’s an increasing trend toward creating stunning engraved wooden invitations for your guests. They’re unlikely to be the most cost-effective option, but they’ll stand out above virtually any other invitation out there – and are perfect if you want to set the tone for a rustic ceremony or if you’re having your big day in a traditional converted chapel. (via Raspberry Creative)


Festival Posters

If you’re avid music fans or festival goers, then having your own festival poster that offers people a wedding day line-up could be a magical idea! You’ll be headlining of course – but you can add details of anything else that’ll be happening through the day, from the locations to the playlist! (via Wedfest)


Tea Towels

Are you a couple united by your love of the kitchen and a host of wonderful recipes you create within?! If so, your wedding will be unmistakably yours if your invitations are printed on full size tea towels and sent to potential guests! (via The Brides Tee)


Origami

You don’t have to have a traditional Japanese ceremony for origami to play a part. You’ll need to practice – but your invitations could be expertly folded to create anything from birds and animals to flowers or hearts – then boxed and sent, ready to be unfolded when they reach their destination! You might want to include a non-folded version too – for those people who just can’t bring themselves to undo your beautiful work! (via Bored Panda)

About the Author || Tom Buckland is the Head of Content at Chapel 1877.

5 BIG WEDDING IDEAS YOU SHOULD GET IN ON THIS SEASON

With fall comes cool, crisp weather and gorgeous greenery, which is the perfect recipe for a seasonal wedding. Autumn not only sets a pretty scene, but its earthy color schemes also make for beautiful paper goods and fashions. When you are trying to decide when you want to celebrate your big day, you cannot go wrong with fall. We have listed five big wedding ideas that we think you should get in on this season. Let’s get started!

1. New Age Bohemian

There something really charming about a barn wedding. Whether it is an old barn or one that has been newly built, a barn wedding is filled with charm. For the past seasons, the rustic look is being flavored with DIY-style floral arrangements and casual food. For 2018 fall, bohemian will be the new rustic. It is a look that is somewhat relaxed and at the same time a bit more elevated than the down-home rustic feel.

2. Fall Foliage

A garden wedding looks romantic, and fresh flowers make all the difference. For people who love flowers, this is for them. Transforming aisles into garden beds will look extremely beautiful by using potted plants in your ceremony décor. You can wrap the pots in silk fabrics to hide the pot and create a beautiful look that will blend with the natural environment and will be pleasing to the eye. Plus, potted plants are a much more sustainable option when it comes to decorating your day! 

3. Deep Hues And Black Accents

When we talk about the colors on a wedding, Light and airy colors, including blush, peach, and mint, have been popular for a while. When it comes to 2018 fall weddings, a slightly deeper color palette is what will look trendy. More vibrant and more dramatic hues like burgundy and edgy black accents will look amazing in the floral arrangement. Gold and copper also have been in demand for some time now, and we will maybe start to see a little more silver and chrome as well.

4. Lighting

Lighting at a wedding is the most critical detail and makes all the difference. Your wedding lighting demands not only your attention but an attention to detail as well. You can create a combination of hanging bulbs, large and small, and wrap the lengths of stringed lights around trees. Glass candles can be decorated with glittered rims that will give off a soft glow. Put amber candles on the tables to give off a warmer glow, creating a romantic autumnal ambiance.

5. Ruffled Cakes

If you want to rock a rustic look for your wedding cake which also gives off traditional vibes, then ruffled cakes will offer the best blend of both. With ivory icing and classic flowers will give off the perfect relaxed, ruffle effect.

Fall in love with these wedding ideas and make your event more beautiful and memorable. Want more? 

photo credit: Alexandra Grace Photography | Carlo Weiss | Ashley Cook Photography | Nicole Berrett Photography | Susie Marie Photography

About the Author || Kristal Bean is a Southern California-based writer and sometimes guitarist. In her free time, she homeschools, works out and listens to live music. She regularly posts at Green Light Booking.

CELEBRATE THE DAY OF LOVE WITHOUT GOING OUT TO DINNER

The pressure. The lines. The wait. The hype. Reasons that going out to dinner the night of Valentine’s can sometimes feel well, not worth it.

Celebrating your love on the day of love is sweet and a nice opportunity to appreciate each other.  Sometimes though the crowds or life can just get in the way so if you can’t celebrate the day or night of, then making a point to do something together is what it’s really about.

Here are some thoughtful ways to celebrate love that doesn’t require having had made those reservations 2 weeks ago.

FOR THE FOODIE

A pizza-making contest, of course. Stock up on some fun toppings and your favorite recipe (if you want to be a bit animal friendly while you’re at it, check out this deliciousness courtesy of Minimalist Baker). Make it a night of staying in and see who can make the best heart shaped pizza. The winner gets as many Valentine’s kisses as their little heart desires!

For the basics, check out Brandless– which has everything from olive oil to pizza sauce and more at about $3 each with a mission to do good. Every time you order from them they will then donate a meal to those who face hunger through their nonprofit partner, Feeding America. What could be better?!

FOR THE ACTIVE ONES

Your gym membership has a ton of classes you’ve probably haven’t taken. Choose one for both of you to attend whether it’s yoga, spin or zumba it will be a fun experience.  And afterwards you can enjoy the gym sauna together. If you can indulge, a couple’s massage would be even better afterwards for all those muscles you worked out. To incorporate a little love for the world into the mix, consider getting your someone a little gift from prAna, whose activewear is not only amazing, but sustainably made and making an impact on the world. With a percentage of each sale going to support several local and national charities (read more here…), you can certainly share the love while pampering your someone.

FOR THE BUSY COUPLE

Deadlines, work, chores? We get it life is busy, but you can use Valentine’s as an excuse to get away from the busyness of life and just be – with each other that is.

Purposeful fresh air and intentionally taking a break is maybe what the doctor ordered for you busy-bodies. Just taking a 30-minute walk around your neighborhood is a nice way to circle back with your other half. If where you live allows it, a walk on the beach, or park or anywhere outdoorsy is a definite plus. Nature has a way of being a quick natural pick-me-up as well as reminds you what we are all fighting so hard to protect.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all you lovers out there! We won’t be seeing you at the restaurants 😉

 

HELP OTHERS GET ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER WHILE GETTING YOUR 8 GLASSES A DAY

This post was written by Claire Pettibone of Simply B! Her business is dedicated to making your life simply better while being fun and stylish along the way. Stay tuned for future postings from Claire that are made for conscious couples just like you!

It’s the halfway into the first month of new year (what!?!) and new year’s resolutions are still being made and ahem, already broken. As per usual, “getting healthy” and “weight loss” are among the top resolutions. They are every year probably due from all the overindulgence from the holiday season.

It maybe cliché but the common tip we see in all the healthy advice: drink water. Well, I’m not here to tell you to drink more water but it does give me a chance to talk about what you already know. That is, as a conscious consumer, we should count our blessings because not everyone in the world has access to clean safe water.

If you’ve made a pledge to 2018 to drink more H2O here are some ways to include that while being purposeful in the cause of supporting clean water for everyone.

People Water

In its simplest form, they are a for-profit company that helps bring less fortunate people with the lack of access to clean water by having people (me + you) purchase bottled water.

People Water is a social good company. Their purpose is in their name: People. Water.

They have a clever take on the one-for-one model by their Drop-for-Drop Initiative by providing safe and healthy water to people in need through their nonprofit partners.

If you are also all about quality in your water, they say they only use the highest quality spring water with a pH balance of 7.2 or higher. Even better. Clean premium water – check. Helping those in need- check.

Now for those environmentally conscious, they also offer reusable bottles in aluminum and plastic to refill with your own clean water source.

I have my own filtration system at home and at work so I usually just bring some type of water jug and since I also am about style here are a couple finds that fit the bill.

S’well

Woman founded and owned, S’well’s mission of ridding the world of plastic water bottles is a big one. Their ethos aligns with what we at Simply B are all about as well. Yes, we want purpose in our products but without sacrificing quality and style.

Founder and CEO, Sarah Kauss says that she believes that if she made “a crave-worthy bottle that combined fashion with function, people would stop buying disposable bottles, and we could reduce single-use plastic consumption worldwide.”

They say they’ve nailed down a triple walled technology including a layer of copper which ultimately makes for condensation-free exterior and keeping drinks stay cold for 24 hours and hot for 12.

They give back to nonprofit partners through UNICEF USA by providing clean and safe water to the world’s most vulnerable communities and supporting water programs across Madagascar – a country where nearly 50% of the population lacks access to clean drinking water.

They also partner with nonprofits like their (Red) campaign that brought awareness and raised money for the fight of AIDs, among others.

BPA free and eco-friendly, styles from resort to rustic to minimalist to pop you are sure to find a stylish design that speaks to you.

Faucet Face

And for the glass bottle fans, there’s Faucet Face. For each bottle sold, they help provide a minimum of 100 liters of clean water to those families in need in India.

Who knew that something so basic and needed as drinking water can make a positive impact on others.

And if after all this you’re like “I’m fine with what I have,” but water is a cause you want to back here are a few nonprofits to check out to donate to them directly because we can all agree that clean safe water is something everyone should have access to:

Charity: water

Water for People

water.org

LAST-MINUTE GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK

We get it. Every year is the same old song. We buy a few gifts early and think to ourselves, “I got you, Christmas.” And then before we know it there are a few stragglers left on our list to buy for and there are officially 4 days left till it’s “go time.” 

As a conscious consumer you try your best to stick with your new found ethical habits but part of you wants to make it easy and just run to the nearest store and grab whatever you find.

Before you do that, here are some last-minute gifts.

Conscious companies, do-good brands, fair-trade and ethical shops play like the big box brands and they too are trying to make it convenient for the consumer by having online gift cards. You purchase the gift cards online and then it gets emailed to you immediately. So, before you revert to your old ways in just going to the usual places, check out the websites of the conscious shops you’ve discovered.

Now we all know anything handmade is always thoughtful and sentimental because of the time and thought behind it but because it’s last minute, time may not be on your side. However, you can put together a thoughtful voucher in no time. Using your home computer or your art skills you can print or make a cute voucher. Now let’s not get grade school and print out vouchers for free hugs or anything like that but some real things you will treat them in the future.

For example, the friend that has little ones and needs a night off: Print out a pic of her kids from her social media page and write on it “Voucher for a night off from these boogers,” and then babysit her kids for her.

Or that hostess you just remembered you need to get something for you can print out this poem and show up with flowers and this in your hand.

 

You are the hostess with the mostess

Never ending drinks and delicious food

Guests laughing and enjoying -oh what a joyful mood

Pretty lights and warmth in the air

Every detail you put with so much care

A wonderful party you know how to throw

My appreciation for you continues to grow

You are the hostess with the mostess.

 

And we totally promise that we won’t tell you didn’t write it.

Still looking for a little something extra? We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite ways to give back during the most wonderful time of the year.

SHOP (RED) WITH AMAZON – YES, there’s still time!

OPERATION GRATITUDE: – writing a letter costs nothing at all, but means a whole lot.

GIVE BACK BOX – give a box to someone in need

GIFTS THAT GIVE BACK – the perfect roundup from Lauren Conrad

So, what do you say to last minute gifts? “I got you, Christmas.”

This post was written by Claire Pettibone of Simply B! Her business is dedicated to making your life simply better while being fun and stylish along the way. Stay tuned for future postings from Claire that are made for conscious couples just like you!