The Preppy NYC Winter Wedding

Hi guys. I am so ready for this long weekend - are you?

So ready indeed that I have no time to explain this lovely storyboard for a preppy NYC Winter 07 bride. I promise to get to the details on Tuesday.

For now, enjoy your weekend. I know I will !!!

UPDATE: Well, it's Wednesday, so here goes ...

My reader wanted a preppy/chic/winter 2007 NYC wedding. The NYC Palace Hotel was her favorite and after looking at it - there was just so much1920's pomp & circumstance charm, that I thought this wedding lent itself to black tie sophistication.

This reader also was looking for a dress much like Resse Witherspoon's in Sweet Home Alabama (as an aside - love this movie!!). This Carolina Herrera number is expensive, but so worth it. It also looks more wintery and has some golden tones, which led me to a gold inspired wedding. Take these Jenny Yoo floorlength silk bridesmaids dresses. And I love these invites from Bella Figura, I mean they look like they are written by hand.

To carry forth the black tie/night/winter/golden theme, let's do a few things. How about making sure gold is carried through the menu/table set up and the ceremony decor. I think ignore the idea of using Christmasy things, it can make the whole set up too cliche.

To make things more intimate, let's turn down the lights and add lots of candlelight and some inspired event lighting (this is the actual venue). This ensures an intimacy and almost starry night feel.

To add some fun, how about a late night grown-up smores bar (think dark chocolate and homemade marshmallows after the four course meal) with hot toddies? Leave your guests with an invitation for Sunday Brunch & Skating at Rockefeller Center.

The Preppy Halloween Party

OK, so I know it is early for Halloween, but you gotta see the new Halloween collection at Martha Stewart Crafts. Too Cute. Anyone up for planning a party?

Preppy Wedding Inspiration Mondays

Guess it is that time again - are you ready for some inspiration?

These photos come from Susan Stripling.

I love the look of these two in adirondack chairs. Much like the theme of Mrs. All That's Pink and Green and In Between's wedding.


And what a cute idea for bringing in the groom's taste (and or hobbies) once the wedding celebration has kicked into high gear. Have your caterer send send out the trays about an hour before the wedding ends.

Another great idea - stuff the cigar style service full of your favors, your favorite food (french fries come to mind), or even themed shots to keep the party going!

These pics are from Meg Baisden.

I've included this shot because of the bridesmaids footwear. Stephen Bonannos anyone? Love this look for a beach wedding.

And I know I've referenced dessert bars in the past, but take a look at this chocolate themed bar. Does this not make you want to go and grab a Hersheys bar? And you know I love the monogrammed runner.
And I love this family tree idea for a reception or a shower. It's a super cute way to display those great family photos.

Both of these photographers are based in Florida. So make sure you Florida brides-to-be take a look at other entries on their blogs.

I hope everyone has a happy Monday. I am already looking forward to next weekend!

The Beach Chic Preppy Wedding

Kim e-mailed about a storyboard to go along with her summer 2008 affair at the Sanderling in Corolla, NC. Kim, I paid special attention when the husband and I took a drive into Corolla last weekend and you made a great choice. The Sanderling is a beautiful homey looking hotel that sits right on the beach.

Kim and her husband-to-be decided on turquoise and tangerine as their wedding colors. Because both colors are very strong, I recommend using a white and a buttery beige or sandy beige as a base color and using the turquoise and tangerine as accent colors (as you can see below).

I like this dress for Kim and these for her bridesmaids. It keeps everything elegant and not too beachy. I like these ties and kaki suits for the guys. (Kim - I know you wanted something more formal for the bridesmaids, check out this dress in a golden, sandy beige).


Try orange peonies tulips in antique looking blue vases for table arrangements (as always, check out ebay for deals). I like these invitations from wedding paper divas. Keep the cake shaded by a canopy to add drama (and protection). Martha has a great idea on seating cards that do use shells, but in a very grown up way.

I think it would be cool to do a galvanized pail (a grown up sand bucket) as a welcome gift for guests. Include a map of Nags Head, some fabulous Corolla lighthouse bagels and a straw beach mat.

Good Luck Kim! Hope everyone has a great weekend. We’re meeting some friends for Vodka Limeaids and corn dog nuggets tonight. Can’t wait.

Things I Love: An Open Letter to J. Crew

Dear Miss Crew:

How do you do it? When I'm so craving a new season (especially fall - football, cider, burning leaves), you just make it even worse. You update your website with the cutest, preppiest dresses, shirts, shoes, and bags and make me want to take out a second mortgage so that I can afford my dream wardrobe.

How can I be my best self without the new Lia blouse? I mean, why must you torture me by being the only outlet for my personal style?

Good thing the manager at my local store is a friend AND has offered me a weekend job this holiday season. That's right. Discount. Maybe I can finally attain the wardrobe I was always meant to have.

Thanks for your time, your monogram shop and your wedding collection.

Mrs. Preppy Wedding

Preppy Wedding Exits

Hi all.

Mrs. Preppy Wedding is back from her mini-break, but not for long. I am braving the 95 corridor and heading to DC for work this morning.


I thought I would leave you with this fabulous DIY idea from weddingbee. I had a reader ask some questions about how to do a fun exit that didn't include bubbles, sparklers or birdseed. I love these fun flags that say YAY for for your exit.

I promise more tomorrow, if I can bring myself to work after days filled with sun and seafood!

Beach Time

The husband and I are heading to the Outer Banks for a long weekend with family, but I thought you would want to see this.

Inspired by Seersucker Stories and MCM, did you guys know Preppy is back? Hmmm. I never knew we left?

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Martha's Done it Again

Looking through the new issue of Martha Stewart Living last night, I ran across this fabulous idea for small table arrangements. Thought you girls would like to see what some flowers and decorative toothbrush holders can accomplish!

I also have always liked this idea about using egg cups to display fuller flowers (like hydrangeas). And looks at the fabulous antique egg cup finds on ebay.

Preppy Bridesmaid Gifts

Well, I’ve gotten a couple of e-mails lately asking for some ideas for bridesmaid gifts. And guess what? I’ve got more than a few ideas for you. Shall we begin?

The first technically is make-up bag from pottery barn. Aside from being able to personalize, you would be able to fill with different perfumes for each girl (based on their personalities), or different shades of philosophy lip balm and bath/shower gels. The opportunities are endless. And pottery barn is offering free shipping - woohoo!

The second, third and fifth items are pieces of jewelry. The thing I love about quality, jewelry is that it will stay with your maid forever. I like this charm bracelet from J. Crew, there are lots of options, so you could again make your choices based on your maids personality. I also love these finds on ebay and it looks like this seller will recondition the bracelets and add charms based on your maids likes/dislikes.

I also love these traditional three monogram earrings. I just think they are staples that would never leave your wardrobe. And this necklace by Adina is simple enough to wear everyday. And the never-ending design could symbolize a friendship that would never have an ending.

To hop on the monogram bandwagon, why not pick out a Jackie Cardigan for each maid in their favorite color and have it monogrammed (J. Crew offers lots of thread colors - take a look).

Or get a longchamp bag in their favorite color. Nordstrom sometimes offers free monograming, inquire in the store for details.

I also adore this bermuda bag from The Jesse B Collection. She has lots of reversible options to make each maid happy. Take a look at her bridal clutches too, they’re super cute.

Still not impressed? How about stationary from Boatman Gellar? There are so many options you’re sure to find something she’ll like.

All in all, the best way to gift your maid is to find something that fits her individual style. Incorporate her name, her favorite colors, her love of toile, whatever. Just keep her in mind when you buy your gifts!

Preppy Wedding Inspiration Mondays

Well, hope everybody had a great weekend. The husband got to fish this weekend and I got to see a fabulous chick flick (Becoming Jane - go see it!) with some great company, so all in all we both got what we wanted!

I have decided to post some inspiration ideas on Mondays from now on. Most of these I find while searching for storyboard posts. They may not fit the storyboard, but they sure do inspire good, creative ideas.

One of the best places to find inspiration is from photographer’s blogs. They are able to capture real weddings and the great ideas of other people.

So here are some favorites this Monday:

From Rob Garland Photography:

Photobooth Placecards - I am LOVING the idea of photobooths at weddings. More and more vendors are jumping on the bandwagon (Richmond, VA just got their first - three months after our wedding) and I just love the idea of incorporating these shots into place cards or save the dates.

Workin that Tent - So many people love the idea of an outdoor wedding reception, but when it comes to how to make a tent look comfy, sophisticated and still be functional, many (including me) are at a loss. I really was inspired by these two pictures. The first shows a long angle view of the tent and as you can see they have filled it with long tables, seating guests face to face in an almost family dinner style arrangement. And, I love it. Check out the second picture for a detail shot of the tablescape. Again, WOW. Looks so romantic and a perfect way to integrate pink and green without being overpowering.

From Holland Photo Arts:

Decorative Tablecloths - I just love these paisley tablecloths. A lot of you brides have written me about how NOT to have them overpower the décor and I think this shot shows you how. Keep the flowers neutral and the design uniform and you have a very original tablescape.

Oh the Places We’ve Been - I love the idea of displaying pictures at the reception. Here’s a creative (and cheap) way to display at an outdoor affair. Tres Chic!

Preppy Wedding Out-of-Town Gift Baskets

One of my readers, Mary Buford from Richmond asked for me to help her with some guidance for out-town-gift bags. Let me preface this by saying, they certainly aren’t a necessity, but I do think they are a great way to set the tone for your wedding (start your theme/brand) and they are a special way for you to thank guests for braving land, air or sea to attend your special celebration. Spend as little or much as you want.

So I put together an essentials list for you.

1. First, you gotta have something to hold all of your goodies. I personally like doing a gift bag over a basket (why, cause it is cheaper). I like papersource (as shown) because you can coordinate colors for your enclosure note. I also think namemaker has some cute bags you can personalize on the front. If you want to save some money, copy me, I bought these toile bags in bulk from ebay. Everyone loved them and they were very inexpensive.

2. Then you have to thank your guests. If you’re going to give a gift, make sure you personalize the thought that comes with it, right? I know it’s time consuming, but take this opportunity to include a special memory of the guest or to heartily welcome them to the biggest party you’ll ever throw. I like this coordinating gift tag.

3. Morning After Magic. Travel sized packets of Advil are perfect ways to ease the morning after headaches of guests that did what you wanted them to do - had some fun! The husband and I always do a little cheer when we see these in guest bags, although we sometimes fight over them the next morning.

4. Hydration. You don’t have to plaster it with your monogram (while it’s perfectly ok to do so), just give guests something to drink as they get ready/recover from your wedding. Diet coke, local sodas (cheerwine is always smiled upon in NC, Sundrop in VA) are also perfectly acceptable.

5. Something to nibble on. You can give guests anything you want - monogrammed chocolate, candy, nabs, chips, they’ll eat it. I think this is also a good time to bring in your location. If your hometown is known for pickles, then give guests some local flavor!

6. Bring in your theme. Beach weddings lend themselves to flip flops. Spring weddings scream for a packet of seeds. Fall weddings love staples like apple butter, cider or a guide to your local foliage. Winter weddings scream for hand warmers and coco. Whatever theme that is driving your wedding, use it. Bring in your colors and your taste to impress guests and get them excited about the wedding.

7. Information is key. The best thing you can do for a guest from out-of-town is to give them the insider’s guide to your wedding locale. Include maps (like the one shown or make it yourself here) or put together a brochure in word (customize with your graphics/colors). Tell guests where to eat, what to do and how to get around town. Don’t overwhelm with options, just offer three of your favorites.

Hope this information helps you brides-to-be and I hope you all like the new redesign. I’m still tinkering with some things here and there, so more surprises await.

The husband and I have a wedding this weekend (the last of the summer - yeah) and I just found out a fabulous friend from college just got engaged - Congrats Kelly. So excitement all the way around. I hope you all have fantastic weekends - stay out of the heat all you southerners!

UPDATE: Here's a picture of the brochure we used. E-mail me if you want the template in word!

It seems that things in my life have taken on a new laissez faire phenomenon. Gone are the days where I am up late imagining how the reception will flow and mentally calculating how many bottles of wine would satisfy our boisterous crowd. The nights this summer have been filled more with a burgeoning routine with the husband that has dinner on the table by seven followed by a long walk to the park at dusk. And I’m not complaining. I rather like the direction my life is going. Lately, I feel like being comfortably in love makes commitment and respect more tangible. It’s much more demonstrative and much more content.

And I guess that feeling crept into my creative pursuits (mainly this blog), so I hope you readers don’t mind too much. To assure you that I am in fact thinking of you and for you this week, I hope to:

• Present some fun options for out of town bags that will help your guests feel more at home
• Create a storyboard focusing on a Outer Banks wedding that uses a very contemporary color palette
• Show you some great new bridesmaids/groomsmen gifts

You’ll also see some design changes around here soon. The Preppy Wedding has some vendors interested in advertising, so we’re trying to pick out the perfect frock to dress up the site and I’m working with a very talented graphic designer (who also happens to be my best friend) to make that happen.

So stay with me friends, I promise I won’t disappoint !!

The Preppy Yellow Picnic Wedding

Hello everybody. I have a super fun storyboard for you today. One of my lovely readers, Laurie, wanted some inspiration on planning a fun yellow (and navy) inspired affair for her wedding on the Cape next summer. I had a lot of fun with this board and since yellow is my new favorite color, I almost want to start all over again with my wedding and integrate these golden hues (ALMOST, because I am not a crazy woman and the parent’s wedding fund has been depleted).

Where to begin? I think yellow with navy accents should be the mainstay of your chic, preppy wedding. Think a really sophisticated picnic. Do a buffet style reception filled with grown-up picnic staples like carving/sandwich stations (with all the condiment fixins), a create your own potato/pasta salad bar, and of course you gotta use spiked lemonades as your signature drink.



I’m thinking this wedding would be a fabulous afternoon celebration, you could even spread lush yellow gingham blankets on grassy areas near the water and encourage guests to get their picnic on. Make sure you don’t forget lawn games like bocce ball and horseshoes. And sack races are always a good time, especially after a few beers.

For flowers, I love incorporating lemons into the arrangements. Try using glass vases filled with lemons on some tables and alternating with arrangements featuring lemons. I really like this basket weave cake that echoes the picnic sensibility. I really love these letterpress invitations. Just customize in yellow and navy and you’re in business.

For attire, I love this Thread eyelet wedding dress. And J. Crew provides awesome inspiration for the guys ties and the gals dresses. And for attendant gifts, try these cufflinks and these Turq pearl necklaces complimented with gold ribbons!

Hmmm. What’s left? Favors. I think you should leave guests with these fun picnic baskets filled with your grandmother’s homemade brownies, some Cape Cod potato chips and of course some lemonade to go! Don’t forget to customize the basket with a personalized label!

UPDATE: This wedding from the Knot also provides some great inspiration for you yellow inspired brides-to-be!