DIY Garter

I was blog hopping today and I came across this awesome DIY project, this is the DIY project for any DIY'er...

Some brides get crazy and try to DIY their cake, and some DIY their bouquet, but I mean really... these are time consuming things.

What about a DIY garter!

Totally Stolen from here

I know how busy you are... and this is the awesometastic DIY... of all DIY projects!

Glitter your Champagne Glasses

Let's just face it. Glitter is just the awesomesauce. It's sparkly, pretty, and really just makes us feel fabulous. Like, queen for the day, nothing can go wrong type fabulous.

Now...glitter combined with some DIY goodness. That's what we're talkin' about.

Via Martha Stewart via Something Turqouise

We found this fantastical DIY Glitter Champagne Decor Idea over at Martha Stewart, who originally found it at Something Turqouise..and if something is wonderful enough for Martha to showcase, it MUST be great.

Via Martha Stewart via Something Turqouise

How creative chic!? You can find the instructions right here.

What creations have you seen at weddings recently?

Balloons are Brilliant!

It's a fact of life: balloons and parties just fit together. Whe you see a balloon on a mailbox...you know there is a fiesta occuring. When there is a single chair with balloons tied to it's back, you know that seat is reserved for the birthday girl or boy.

So why not get the party started at your wedding by incorporating some Balloon Fun?!

Need some inspiration? We found some in the following ideas:

via One Fab Day

Via Veil Tales

via Glamour

Via Simply Perfect Weddings via Martha Stewart

 Don't these balloon ideas make your heart burst?! Are you just blown away by how fun they are?

Vintage Spring Inspiration Board

Believe it or not, Spring  is rapidly approaching (We're not ready for it either- wasn't it just Christmas!?). As lovely as the winter weather was...well, as winter-y as Florida weather can get, Spring is such an inspiring month. The colors are so bright and happy that we simply couldn't resist creating an inspiration board that showcases how Spring can be a wonderful theme for your upcoming wedding!

Hair; Dresses; Ring; Table; Cupcakes; Birds; Lace Dress

The colors, the flowers, the vintage feel- we love it all!

Have you seen any wonderful vintagy-spring themed weddings lately?

Guests can be Animals

Your wedding day is an event that you want to be sure to share with all of your nearest and dearest, so why not include the original "man's best friend" and let some of your furrier friends attend?!

True, a plethora of pets may be a little much to handle, but these adorable photos show that sometimes, pooches are precious.

Via City Girl Weddings

Via Love and Lavender via Dottie Photography

Via 99wed

Via Off Beat Bride via Style Me Pretty

Clearly we're a little partial to dogs (shoutout to my own pooch, Bellini!), but you have to admit...it's a dog-gone cute idea. If you're not crazy about having your pet at your actual ceremony or reception, including them in your engagement photos is always an awesometastic alternative!

Would you consider letting Fido in on the festivities?! If you did, would you send me some pictures, pretty please!

Tu-tu cute!

Flower girl dresses are such a blast to shop around for. Miniature anything is just adorable, especially when is frilly, full of weddingness and most importantly...made of tulle.

Tulle is just too fantastically precious for words and is guaranteed to make any flower girl feel like a princess (us grown-up princesses love it too, we can't deny it.). So, this new trend of tutus for flower girl dresses makes us SO excited. It is tu-tu-toooo cute!

Here are a few pictures we found that show exactly how adorable tutu flower girl outfits are:

Via Etsy

Via Etsy via Natalie K Photography

Via Janet Manuel Photography

The best part? They can be found in a ton of Etsy shops...or you can even make them by hand if you're feeling crafty! Youtube has some really great DIY Tulle Tutu videos... and yes, we have totally used them.

Would you say "I do!" to the tutu?

Messages in the Sand

Here in Florida, even though it is February...it's already starting to heat up again. While a few more months of winter-weather would be fabulous, the sunny weather does provide a lot of opportunities for fun beachy pictures!

And what could be more fun that these awesometastic flip flops that imprint the message of your choice into the sand?!

Via Flipside Flipfops

What a great way to leave your mark and get some fun photos- they'd be adorable for Save the Dates!

This is one of those "Mannnn, I wish I had thought of that" things. Seriously, what a cool idea.

With that said, you can order some of your own from Flipside Flipflop Etsy Store!

Beautiful Barrel Cake

Simple cakes, Traditional cakes, cupcakes, Crazy cakes...let's be honest, we love them all. If it has the word "cake" anywhere in it, I'm totally a fan (except for salmon cakes, but we won't count that).

That is why when I saw this awesometastic and super artistic cake over at Cake Wrecks, I really did just have to share. It's seriously THE coolest.

Via Cake Wrecks via It's All About the Cake via thebecker

...Seriously, though. I still cannot get over how much this cake is the exact definition of fantastical. The details. The realistic-ness. I cannot even handle this much crafty-cool.

Have you seen any cakes lately that have just blown your mind? 

Do It Yourself Bustle

Via Wedding Bridal Blog

A train on your dress can be an elegant touch to any bride’s wedding gown, but can also get in the way during the reception while she’s trying to break it down on the dance floor! A simple solution can be to bustle your gown, and you don’t have to pay the huge fee for the seamstress. (what’s not to love?!) I've had two brides do, a DIY Bustle... if you feel up to it, here are the steps.

After many different experiences with bustles of all types, I’ve found that Side, American, and French are the most popular (but any option is a gorgeous one!). It really just depends on the gown and utilizing the style that fits you best!

Here are some instructions for your basic bustle from Ehow:

1.       Add three buttons to the back of your dress. The buttons will hold the train of your dress up, creating a bustle. The buttons should match your dress, and blend will with any embellishments. Pearls and beads will also work well.

2.       Sew the buttons on the back of your dress (at the waistline) with your needle and thread. Sew a button at the center of your waistline, and one on either side. The distance of the buttons will vary depending on your size. But you want the buttons about an inch in from your sides.

3.       Attach the three strips of material to the bottom of your dress. When sewing, create little loops. To create a loop, sew both ends of a single strip of material to the the underneath of the dress, leaving the middle section loose. Sew one loop at the center of the dress and the other two on either side. Once again, how far apart your make these loops will depend on the length of your train. In general, the loops should be about an inch or two in from the sides.

4.       Lift the back of the train, and fit the middle loop over the center button. Repeat with the left side, then right to finish the bustle

Make sure that you ask your seamstress which bustle is best for your dress- she has worked with a ton of different styles, so she will definitely have some great advice for you.

Good luck!

Have any of you tried a DIY Bustle?

Messages of Love and Cookies

Since it is Valentine's Day, we over at Masterpiece Weddings are filling our day with love-love-love, as much chocolate as allowed (which is a lot, trust me), the one's who fill our heart with joy, and these adorable Candy Heart imitation cookies brought to us by the always fabulous Williams-Sonoma.

via Williams-Sonoma

These cookies are not only completely delicious looking (they're not chocolate-covered, but we'll let it slide this time), but they are simple to create with help from this cookie cutter. Not only that, but they would be a great addition to any wedding reception!

I hope your day is as lovey-dovey as humanly possible!

DIY Lace Mason Jars

Mason jars give any reception a completely vintage and rustic feel. They're great for using as candle holders to light up a pathway, for holding beautiful bouquets, and for filling with lace and using as the most romantical wedding detail EVER.

Yep, you heard me. Filled with lace. We came across this little gem over at The Knotty Bride. How southern and sweet is this!

Via The Knotty Bride via Michaela Noelle Designs

How obsessed with this lovely-ness are you? It's so simple, yet just such a perfectly whimsical wedding detail.

Via Michaela Noelle Designs

Did we mention it's completely DIY? According to the creator of this adorableness, Michaela Noelle Designs, "All you need is: “spool of lace, tape, scissors, large mason jar, spray paint, paint brush, glitter accent paint, & a candle or flowers.” You can find instructions right here.

Are you lusting for this lace-filled jar? Let us know your thoughts!

Signature Drinks

Personal touches are what make a wedding special and unique to each individual couple. Creating a delicious drink to call your own is a great addition to any wedding reception.

Here are a few pictures that make us want to get creative with our mix-o-logy skills!

Via The Wedding Chicks

via Stacy Lynn Designs

Via The Sweetest Occasion

Have you been to a wedding where Signature Drinks were featured?

Ideas for String Lights

You may notice that now that the holidays are over, those tiny strings of lights that you use for...well..basically all aspects of decorating are being offered at super reduced prices everywhere.

What you may not have considered is that those little bulbs of joy can be a wonderful (and seriously inexpensive) addition to your wedding decor, whether for your wedding day, or engagement party or just for a fun dinner party.

We've seen quite a few uses for them, but here are a few that we think are quite "bright" ideas:

Wine Bottle Light via Craftzine

Paper Flower Lights via Sparkle & Hay via DIY or Don't



Cupcake Liner Lights via Curbly

Who knew there were so many creative options for string lights? I adore the cupcake liner idea (and now have an intense sugar craving.

One vanilla cupcake with extra icing please and thank you!).

Do these crafty ideas flip your innovation switch to on?

Maid of Dishonor

Being selected as the Maid of Honor is a HUGE deal. Your best friend forever, your college roommate, your sister from another mister, the beautiful, blushing bride-to-be selected YOU to help her plan, keep her calm, and stand beside her as she says her "I do's."

...but what happens when you go from maid of honor to the maid of dishonor?!

Via Joyous Cascade

We at Masterpiece Weddings have witnessed a few Maid of Honor Faux Pas and we just really really reaaaaally don't want to see them happen again. Especially to you!

So we decided to create a list of what NOT to do as a Maid of Honor.

1. DON'T have a few too many glasses of Pino at the rehearsal and show up hungover and crabby on the day of the wedding. You'll be miserable and it will be a looooooong day. Plus, who knows how many people you told about "that one time when the bride and I skipped class and...." So limit yourself to two drinks. You can do it, I promise!

2. DON'T wait until the last minute to plan the bridal shower/bachelorette party. Find out what the bride actually wants to do early on so you can plan the best event possible with the budget you're working with. It will be way less stressful for you, we promise. Plus, if the bride wants her Bachelorette Party to be a quiet day of relaxation and mani/pedis and you plan for hot pink feather boas and a table at a nightclub...things may not go over well.

3. DON'T give an embarrassing speech. Please. Please please please. As hilarious as your wild college nights were or how you're glad the bride got over that awkward gothic phase..keep it to yourself. Even if you aren't the groom's biggest fan, on his wedding day (the day he's marrying your bestest girl ever)- he is the coolest, most wonderful guy in the room. And please, don't diss the bride and call her a spoiled brat, and remind the groom what a mess he has on his hands.

4. DON'T try and outshine the bride. This is her wedding day. Her. Wedding. Day.

5. DON'T commit and then back out last minute.

In all seriousness, Maid of Honor is named that way for a reason. It really is an honor to be chosen, so please...be the most fantastical, generous and awesometastic Maid of Honor we know you can be!

Grateful

I hope everyone has a fabulous Thanksgiving full of family, fun, and food!
I could go on and on about all of the amazing things and people that are a part of my life, but I really think this sums it up:

Via Oh Lovely Day via The Crafting Chicks

So count your blessings, enjoy your day and all of what and who you have in your life to be thankful for!

Silhouette Decor

Although we have a soft spot for fall weddings that are rustic and full of foliage, they can be just as autumn-tastic when celebrated with more sophisticated, classic decor.

That's why we are completely captivated by this silhouette pumpkin we found at Oh Lovely Day!

Via Oh Lovely Day! Via HGTV

Not only is this pumpkin a perfect addition to your wedding decor, it is completely DIY and you can find simple instructions right here.

As an added bonus, if think silhouettes are as classical-istic and chic as we do, you can compliment your darling DIY pumpkin with a just as wonderful cake topper from April Foster Events!

via April Foster Events

How sweet and sophisticated are those?! It gets better...they're DIY, too! (too good to be true, I know) Make your own by clicking here and you can create a completely one-of-a-kind cake topper that is sure to be a hit at your celebration!

Would you guys make your own decor for your wedding? 

Inspired Cake

Getting married is a big step (or giant leap. po-tay-to, pa-tahhhh-to) into the big world of adult-hood. Starting a new life with someone you love is without a doubt a very mature decision.

However, that does not mean that your inner child cannot come out a play from time to time, which is why we are absolutely enamored with this adorabler and super fun cake,by  Dream Day Cakes This cake was designed for the opening of a play at one of our local theaters, but we find it so inspiring for many aspects of crazy cakery deliciousness!

This cuteness is via Dream Day Cakes

How fun and just plain adorable is this cake?! It's so playful, carefree, and most likely ridiculously delicious.

Does anyone else suddenly have a strange craving for coloring books and cake?

Invitations by Dawn Winner!

We are super excited to announce the winner of the Invitations by Dawn Giveaway (It's been a long-time coming) We took all of the comments from FaceBook, Twitter and the Blog and randomized them....

And the winner is....

After combining all of the comments on both posts, we owe a huge congratulations to Mo! Please e-mail me, Melissa{at}MasterPieceWeddings{dot}net to claim your prize!

We look forward to hearing which of the amazing Invitation by Dawn invites you choose!

Corset Back Wedding Gown

Me tying a Corset Back.... photo by Damon Tucci

I think that having a corset back on your wedding gown is gorgeous! I don't play favorites, buttons are beautiful too!

But when you have a corset back, there are 32 different ways to lace a corset and they all work.... your dress sales person will do it one way, your alterations seamstress will tell you another, the designer of the dress may have had another in mind... and your planner, well, she does it every weekend. And knows some great ways to lace you up!

These are my hands lacing up my sister's wedding dress. You want it to look pretty, but at the same time, a corset is function it needs to hold up the dress (amongst other things) in the gown for the night. And it will losen with movement, humidity, sitting, standing, breathing, so if it needs to be tightened once throughout the wedding evening that's okay.

My point of all this, is to trust your planner when she's lacing you up, and also budget some extra time (usually 15 minutes) to make sure you are in, it's straight and it looks pretty.

It doesn't have to be like this:

Me pretending to pull on Summer's Corset Hard - Photo by: Pure By Lindsey

Churros Are Delicious

I am a sucker for all things sugar-coated, so when I stumbled across this fantastical idea from Simply Perfect Weddings, I simply had to share it!

A make-your-own Churro bar!!! So fun, so easy, SO delicious!

Pick a Churro, put in the toaster....


Photo courtesy of Carly Taylor via A Subtle Revelry via Simply Perfect Weddings.

Roll in your favorite coating....

Photo courtesy of Carly Taylor via A Subtle Revelry via Simply Perfect Weddings.

And uh, dip!


Photo courtesy of Carly Taylor via A Subtle Revelry via Simply Perfect Weddings.

My stomach is starting to growl thinking about the cinnamon-sugary-goodness that this Churro bar will bring. Mmmmmm!

How much fun will your guests have creating their own churro creations!?

Click here to find out how you can create this DIY display of yumminess for yourself!