Oh, silly Coyote, thinking something wedding related would be easy. When I brought up a few of my ideas to Momma Coyote, I quickly learned some interesting things about what is acceptable and what isn’t acceptable in the realm of wedding favors. I am not sure if this is specific to my family, or maybe to my Italian culture, but in my circle wedding favors have a few different components and are apparently a Big Deal.

First, you absolutely must have Jordan almonds. A wedding without Jordan almonds will have you excommunicated from the famiglia FOR LIFE. I have to been to enough family functions to know that Jordan almonds are on the must-have list. And so, a few weeks ago I sat down with Momma Coyote and we ordered ourselves a few boxes of “confetti”:

Image via My Italian Wedding Favors

Side note: If you want some serious culture shock, take a look at that website. It is phenomenally Italian.

Second, while the Jordan almonds are a component of the favor, they cannot be the only favor. Usually they are wrapped up in tulle and then attached to the actual favor. Again, I kind of expected this and had long ago fallen in love with Mrs. Jellyfish’s lottery-ticket favors. I brought it up to Momma Coyote and, while she loved the idea, she didn’t think it was enough.

Momma Coyote suggested a donation (perhaps similar to Mrs. Doily’s favors), but the Jordan almonds AND a lottery ticket AND a donation just seemed like too much for me. Too much paper, too many explanations.

And so it was back to the drawing board.

I kinda love edible favors. At the last wedding I went to the bride and groom had wrapped up M&Ms and placed them inside a glass. I quietly went around the table eating my little baggie of M&Ms. And Mr. Coyote’s…and my brother’s…and the random cousin’s I was sitting next to…heh. Yum. The more I stumble across edible favors, the more I want them in our wedding.

How about these fortune-cookie favors?

Image via Sschaf on Weddingbee

Or some tasty treats with your own monogram on them?

Image via Gracious Bridal

Canned or jarred treats can be really personal and last a lot longer than a cookie:

Photo by: Katy Gray on The Bride’s Cafe via Lover.ly

As a coffee lover (and one of Starbucks’s most valuable customers) I am head over heels for these coffee-bean favors:

Photo by: Katrina Louise on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

There are so many great ideas out there. Now I just need to choose one! Are you having favors at your wedding?

This article was originally posted on Weddingbee.

Cake by Cousin C / Photo by Wizard Aunt

How awesome is she!? She makes cakes for everything now, so of course we wanted her to make our wedding cake, and she happily agreed!

There were a few problems with this, however. They live about a nine-hour drive away from here, so we were trying to figure out if C would bake the cake there, bring it with them in pieces, and assemble/decorate it here, or if she would bake the whole thing here after they arrived.

Their car is small and would already be packed with luggage for three people for the wedding weekend, so there probably wouldn’t be room for a multi-tier cake in there, even if it was disassembled. Plus, they usually split the trip into two days to make for easier driving, so would a cake survive two days in a hot car? Probably not.

Baking the cake here seemed to be the best bet, but it was a logistical nightmare. They would be arriving sometime the day before the wedding and would go straight to their hotel. There obviously isn’t an oven she could use there, nor is there one at the venue, and no one we know lives in the area. It would be at least an hour drive to get C to a house with an oven she could use, but then that person would have to be home to let her in, and most of our close family are going to be at the venue that day setting up. She’d also need to get all the ingredients somewhere, which would mean a trip to the grocery store. And then she’d have to drive another hour back to the venue, with the cake.

The other problem is that we’d have no one to actually cut and serve the cake at the wedding. Our caterer won’t cut a cake that’s not theirs, and the venue employees don’t do any type of food serving either. So, basically, poor C would be left to cut and serve cake to our 100-plus guests. The last thing I want is for her to feel like she has to work at our wedding, so that was definitely a no-go.

The more we thought about this, the more we realized it probably wasn’t going to work. Then one day, I suggested cupcakes. Guests could serve themselves at the wedding so no one would have to cut anything, but it still didn’t really solve the problem of where-to-bake-these-things. So I said, heck, I could bake them myself in the days leading up to the wedding, and just have C decorate them when she gets here. The venue has a food-staging area with lots of counter space, so C could park herself in there during setup and decorate away, and store them in the giant fridge there when she’s done. Then the morning of the wedding, all that would need to happen is someone would have to put them out in the reception room.

This seemed like the best possible option, and Wizard Aunt and C agreed. And the more I think about it, the more ridiculously excited I get. I love to bake for a crowd, and I love that I get to serve up a little homemade hospitality to our guests at my own wedding, and I love that C is still involved. I already have two recipes in mind, and when I told Mr. Wiz, his eyes got huge and he went, “Yesssssssss.” So I think he’s excited, too. Just a little.

We will still have a small “top tier” to cut at the reception and save for our first anniversary (or maybe just for the honeymoon, since I’ve heard that year-old frozen cakes are pretty gross). That way we still get to use our cake toppers and cake serving set!

Are you baking your own desserts for your wedding? Will any of your family members help out?

This article was originally posted on Weddingbee.

We’re not having a bartender, so fresh-made signature cocktails aren’t really an option. I don’t want people to have to wander into the tent to find booze, and I want them to use their Mason-jar glasses, so we’re offering, drum roll, please…punch!

I mean, how can you resist sweet setups like these?

This article was originally posted on Weddingbee.

Thread “Mabel” $420
J.Crew “Sinclair” $675
Saja “HB6979″ $790
Ann Taylor “Silk Georgette” $550

Aidan Mattox “Rosette” $500
JS Collections “High-Low Hem” $140
BHLDN “Lustrous Lace” $750
J.Crew “Dune” $995

Roberto Rodriguez “Silk Dress” $487
Rachel Zoe “Amelie Godet” $625
10 Crosby Derek Lam “Sheer Illusion Chevron” $695
Sue Wong “Lace Ruffle” $568

Ivy & Aster “Sweet Dreams” $1000
White by Vera Wang “Short Satin-Faced Organza” $528
Sarah Seven “Elope” $770
Chloe & Reese “Silk Faille Party Dress” $460

Ruche “Audrey” $250
BHLDN “Comme Il Faut” $800
Ruche “Tiffany” $350
Whitney Deal “Lola” $785

Whitney Deal “Gracie” $890
Anne M. Cramer “Flynn Sterling Skirt” $320
Lula Kate “Organza Striped” $495
J.Crew “Kira” $995

Laundry by Shelli Segal “Pleated” $385
J.Crew “Feather” $895
J.Crew “Dinah” $795
Ann Taylor “Silk Crepe One-Shoulder” $550

ML Monique Lhuillier “Contrast Strap” $898
Tadashi Shoji “One-Shoulder Rosette” $840
Kay Unger “Foil Print Halter” $650
Aidan Mattox “Sequined Gown” $525

Aidan Mattox “Metallic Jacquard” $550
Theia “Organza Mermaid” $895
White by Vera Wang “Hand Appliqued Lace” $600
White by Vera Wang “Twill Gazar Mermaid” $628

Oleg Cassini for David’s Bridal “Champagne Tulle Ball Gown” $950
ML Monique Lhuillier “Beaded Bodice Ball Gown” $898
White by Vera Wang “Taffeta Ballgown” $800
Tadashi Shoji “Cap-Sleeve Lace” $945

And lastly, one beauty that I just couldn’t leave out, even though it just barely exceeds the $1000 limit…

Notte by Marchesa “Strapless Beaded Gown” $1045

A lot of the designers that I’ve included here have many more budget-friendly wedding dress options, so be sure to browse around. Have you come across any fabulous budget-friendly wedding dresses? Please share them with us in the comments!

Thank you to Lovely Bride and my sponsor Bella Bridesmaid for helping out with this post!

This article was originally posted on Snippet & Ink.

When it comes to what kind of wedding band I’ll wear, though, I am all over the place. There are so many great options, and I just can’t decide! My only requirements are:

1. Either a plain band or an eternity band (where the diamonds go all the way around).
2. A thin band. My engagement ring is very delicate, and I don’t want the band to overpower it.
3. Not a curved band. Even though straight bands won’t fit flush against my engagement ring, I’d like the option to wear the wedding band alone, and a curved band would look strange by itself.

This is the most traditional (and cost-efficient) option.

Image via Blue Nile

I could go with a classic diamond eternity band.

Image via Blue Nile

I love this ring because of the symbolism of two strands weaving together to make one.

Image via Greenwich Jewelers

This would be the “matching” band for my engagement ring with Asscher-cut diamonds.

Image via Dimend Scaasi

I fell in love with this ring while shopping for engagement rings. I’ve never seen anything else like it.

Image via Dimend Scaasi

This ring is a twist on a classic. I like how you can see the beauty of each individual diamond.

Image via Blue Nile

See? There are so many choices. How am I supposed to choose?

Which one is your favorite?

This article was originally posted on Weddingbee.

I have such a sweet spot for stationery, and stationers who simplify the process are even sweeter. Wedding Paper Divas makes ordering save-the-dates and invitations so easy – customize your design, instantly preview online, then wait less than a week for them to process. And for a limited time, you can even get up to 8 free samples with coupon code FREETRY.

Aren’t they lovely? The best thing about Wedding Paper Divas is that it’s not one-invite-fits-all. Their talented artists have created thousands of exclusive designs for all tastes and budgets, in digital, letterpress, and thermography printing. I’ve got my eye on the Custom Type collection that offers one-on-one designer attention… Can’t find just what you’re looking for? You can create a card from scratch with the fonts, sizes and colors of your choice – love it!

What are your favorite WPD designs? Oh, and check out the Wedding Paper Divas blog for even more invitation inspiration!

This post sponsored by Wedding Paper Divas

This article was originally posted on Snippet & Ink.

Image via Style Me Pretty / Photo by Peach Blossom Photography

Image via Laura Barnes Photo

Image via The Wedding Row / Photo by Corbin Gurkin Photography

Image via Style Me Pretty Illinois / Photo by Mattson Photography

Image via Style Me Pretty Illinois / Photo by Miller + Miller Photography

Image via Style Me Pretty Illinois / Photo by Dawn E. Roscoe Photography

I love the clean, crisp look of white flowers, but green is my favorite color so I couldn’t resist adding a little bit of that in there. Other than the color scheme, I guess none of these bouquets really look that much alike, so I’ve decided to give the florist creative freedom. Check that off the list!

This article was originally posted on Weddingbee.

Image via Target

I didn’t either, but they apparently launched the collection in December. There are nine styles, and they all cost $69.99. This is the perfect price point for my college-student sister. She’d look fabulous in this!

Image via Target

I think it looks almost identical to this J.Crew bridesmaids’ dress, which costs $365.

Image via J.Crew

Sure, it’s polyester instead of silk chiffon, but she’s only going to wear it once, so why spend more? Thanks, Target, for looking out for budget-conscious brides and bridesmaids!

What’s your go-to place for bridal or bridesmaid bargains? Anyone tried on any of Target’s new line of bridesmaids’ dresses?

This article was originally posted on Weddingbee.

I LOVE paper, so the wedding has been a great excuse for me to look at pretty stationery all the time and splurge on fancy paper I wouldn’t typically buy for myself. I’ve always loved letterpress and decided early on that I must have it for the wedding.

Letterpress printing is a printing technique in which ink is rolled over an individually cast die and then pressed into the paper. Letterpress was invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the 1400s and is the oldest form of printing in existence.

Back in the day, the letterpress-printing process started by using wood or metal type. The printer would arrange the blocks to spell out the desired message. Remember the scene in Newsies where they do this?

Image via Oh So Beautiful Paper / Photo by Starshaped Press

Today, the printing process begins by creating the design on a computer. Instead of wood or metal plates, printers now make photo polymer plates with raised text and design elements. A separate plate must be produced for every color that will be printed.

The actual printing process remains relatively unchanged. First, the printer locks the plate into the letterpress machine. The ink is mixed by hand and then applied to a roller.

Image via Oh So Beautiful Paper / Photo by Baltimore Print Studios

Once the ink has been applied to the machine, printing begins. The printer feeds the paper through the machine, the ink is rolled onto the polymer plate, and then the plate is pressed into the paper. The thicker the paper, the deeper the impression. This process must be repeated for each separate color once the ink dries.

I love letterpress because of its tactile qualities. You can run your finger over the writing and feel where the ink has been pressed into the paper. Modern letterpress printing works best on thick paper made from natural fibers because you can feel the deep impression, like reverse Braille.

Image via Bella Figura

If you really want to focus on the impression, you can even choose to forgo adding ink to the rollers and produce what’s called a blind impression.

Image via Poppytalk Handmade

Letterpress was the preferred method of printing from its invention in the 1400s through the late 19th Century, when it was replaced by offset printing. However, the technique has experienced a bit of a revival in the past two decades. I’m glad that it’s back because it’s going to be a gorgeous addition to our wedding!

Are there any other stationery nerds out there who love letterpress as much as I do?

This article was originally posted on Weddingbee.

{click image to enlarge}

Top row from left: Kate Spade “Nico” dress from Nordstrom, foldover clutch by Claire Vivier, save-the-date from Paperless Post, cocktails with drink stirrers from Martha Stewart Weddings
Row 2: tulip-topped square cakes and scallop hors d’oeuvres both from Martha Stewart Weddings, glass candelabra from CB2, tulip bouquet from A Country Farmhouse
Row 3: pocket squares from Martha Stewart Weddings, grosgrain ribbon ring from Doyle & Doyle, art space from Airspace via The City Sage

The Idea:  Food is one of the biggest places to save in a wedding budget, which is why these inspiration boards have largely focused on alternatives to traditional sit-down dinners. Today’s board presents the idea of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres as an elegant way to make nice with your wallet.

The Paper:  Though I think formal invitations are appropriate and appreciated, digital save-the-dates are perfectly acceptable and a great way to save money. Paperless Post offers a number of charming designs, some of which are even free (their pricing system seems unnecessarily confusing to me, but bottom line is: they have attractive, customizable options at affordable rates).

The Fashion:  “Bridal alternative” is basically a term for a white dress that doesn’t cost as much as most wedding gowns, and lots of department stores carry them. All I know is, it’s a great option if you’re willing to think outside the box when it comes to traditional wedding wear, like with this adorable Kate Spade dress for $468. Bella Bridesmaid is another great place to look for less expensive bridal gowns. This gives you a little wiggle room for fun accessories like a chic foldover clutch from Claire Vivier for $156 (that you can definitely use again!).

The Decor:  Candles are a beautiful way to light a room, and they can be significantly cheaper than flowers. If your venue allows, decorate the room with glass candleholders from CB2 for a modern look – the one pictured here is only $20, and can double as a gift for your bridal party.

The Flowers:  When Ryan and I had our civil ceremony at City Hall the day before our church wedding, my cousin’s partner brought me a beautiful bunch of white tulips to carry that she had picked up at the grocery store that morning. If a professionally designed bouquet isn’t a priority for you, opting for whatever’s in season (and available at your local market) and tying it together yourself is one way to help out your budget (this is especially true if you have lots of bridesmaid who will also be carrying flowers). Let pocket squares take the place of boutonnieres, and double as groomsmen gifts – you can find some for under $20, or if you’re the crafty type, you can make them yourself with a favorite fabric.

The Food:  As with a dessert reception, as long as your guests know what to expect, and the reception is held in between meal times, it’s perfectly okay to serve passed hors d’oeuvres instead of a full meal. Small bites are also a way to include more expensive ingredients that might be cost prohibitive in an entree, such as scallops or truffles. If your caterer and/or venue allows you to BYOB, find out if you’ll be able to return unopened bottles to the store – why pay for what people don’t drink!

Other Details:  As I’ve said before, I’m a big fan of easy DIY projects. The drink stirrers in this board are made by simply folding a piece of washi tape over a wooden skewer to create a cute little flag. Easy peasy! Make enough to adorn all drinks, or just a signature cocktail.

Today’s the last day of this budget-friendly series. I hope you’ve enjoyed them! I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments section – did you enjoy these inspiration boards? Were they helpful to you? Do you have some budget-friendly tips that I missed?

If you like this budget-friendly inspiration board, you might also like:

Board #184: Cocktails & Hors d’Oeuvres
Board #276: Keep It Simple
Board #355: Apricot and Rose Gold

Bella Bridesmaid is a sponsor of Snippet & Ink.

This article was originally posted on Snippet & Ink.