Pittsburgh flair: Eat 'n Park Smiley Cookies

If you're looking for a great Pittsburgh-inspired wedding favor, look no further than the Eat 'n Park Smiley Cookie. Whether you're getting married in Western Pennsylvania or are a couple from the 'Burgh saying your vows elsewhere, it's easy (and pretty affordable) to add this sweet treat to your big day.

Of course if you're in Pittsburgh, you can stop into any Eat 'n Park to pick up the local treat. But now you can also order the cookies online to be delivered anywhere. Plus, the Web site let you design your own cookie, so you can customize the smiling faces to match your wedding colors, whether they're blue and orange or black and gold:
While the cookies would make a great favor at your wedding reception, they'd also be a great item to include in out-of-town welcome baskets for your guests. Visit Eat 'n Park's online store for all the details.

Fab 5: Spring Wedding Favors

It may not feel like it outside yet. . .but it is finally spring! Let's welcome in the sunshine and warmth with a look at five fun, unique wedding favor ideas for spring.

1. Miniature Watering Cans
   
   How cute! These little watering tins make a perfect (and affordable) favor for a spring wedding. Fill them with candy or a small blossom or two.
   Favor and image from Beau Coup
   
   
2. Calla Lily Bottle Stopper
   
   Give your guests a spring favor that they can use at home whenever they open a bottle of wine. The painted flower wine bottle stopper comes in a box that looks like a planter.
   Favor and image from Lilies
   
   
3. Butterfly Candle Holder
   
   This silver, whimsical butterfly candle holder serves two purposes: it can add romantic light to your reception (and be reused at home by your guests) and can be used as a placetag holder too!
   Favor and image from Favors By Serendipity
   
   
4. Cherry Blossom Fans
   
   As the weather warms up, keep your guests cool with these cherry blossom silk hand fans as favors. They are painted with a delicate and elegant blossom design.
   Favor and image from Beau Coup
   
   
5. Hand Painted Vases
   
   These glass bud vases are hand painted and sure to be a memorable favor at your wedding. Each order of four includes four different floral designs.
   Favor and image from Hanson Ellis

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Poll results: When is your wedding?

Thanks to everyone who voted in our latest poll. Looks like summer is still the season of choice for weddings, but fall is definitely gaining ground!

When is your wedding?

• Summer: 40 percent
• Fall: 28 percent
• Spring: 16 percent
• Winter: 16 percent
  

New poll: When is your wedding?

Traditionally, summer has been the season for weddings, but in the Pittsburgh area, fall weddings seem to be gaining more and more popularity. Vote in the poll on the left sidebar and tell me what season your wedding is in:

• Spring
• Summer
• Fall
• Winter
  

Fab 5: Spring invitation finds

I don't know about this rest of you, but I am ready for spring! Let's skip ahead a month or two and pretend the sunshine and flowers have arrived. Take a look at these five beautiful invitations, perfect for a spring wedding:

1. Delicate Cherry Blossoms
   
   This wedding invitation features a sweet cherry blossom design in light pink and brown.
   Cherry Blossom Invitation Suite from Epherma
   
   
2. Love is in the Air
   
   A modern design in shades of turquoise, orange and yellow showcases a happy springtime treat: the return of birds who have flown south for the winter. Add your photo to this invitation for extra personalization.
   Love Birds from blue skies and daisies
   
   
3. More Spring Blooms
   
   This sage and chocolate wedding invitation offers a clean, modern look with abstract flowers decorating the corner.
   Dandelion Wedding Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas
   
   
4. Return of Sunshine
   
   The mix of yellow and red flowers at the top of this letterpress invitation envokes more than blooming flowers: it feels like sunshine.
   Floweret by Maura Gauthier from Bella Figura
   
   
5. Blue Skies
   
   This sky blue wedding invitation features a contemporary circles design in blue and bold red.
   Saucy from Tag & Co.
   

Red, pink and white weddings: Hit the sales!

If your wedding colors or theme incorporates any Valentine's Day friendly elements (reds, pinks, purples, hearts, etc.), now's the time to shop for major discounts on crafting supplies and decor for your wedding.

Scour craft stores like Michael's, Joann's and Pat Catan's and box stores like Target and Wal-Mart for Valentine's Day items on clearance that can double as wedding items.

Cute holiday wedding idea

I was browsing through the latest Williams-Sonoma catalog this week and came across this kissing ball/pomander made from evergreen and holly:
If you're having a holiday or winter-themed wedding, wouldn't this be a fun idea for your flower girl to carry? Or you could use them as pew decorations to decorate your aisle.

Pittsburgh flair: A black & gold wedding

Last week's Pittsburgh flair talked about treating your guests to some black and gold candy, but what if you want to take the Pittsburgh-inspired color scheme to greater lengths? What if black and gold were the colors of your wedding?

A black and gold event may conjure images more Steelers tailgate party than stylish wedding, but it doesn't have to be, as this inspiration board from Snippet and Ink proves:
When Snippet and Ink posted this a couple of weeks ago, I immediately thought of the Pittsburgh color scheme, though of course that wasn't what she had in mind. She describe it as being bold and unexpected, and it certainly is. But it still has a formal, elegant feel to it.

If you're going to plan a black and gold wedding, my advice is to keep most of the elements clean and classic. Also, a healthy dose of white will lighten things up. Go for style over local kitchy-nes. You'll end up with a wedding that's modern, memorable and totally Pittsburgh.

Fab 5: Winter wedding invitations

The weather's starting to turn colder quickly (and is anyone else depressed by how early it's getting dark???), so of course I'm starting to think about winter wedding ideas. In today's Fab 5, let's take a look at five options for winter invitations:

1. The Holiday Season
   
   I love the warmth of these cherry and chocolate invitations from KenzieKate, and the textured envelope looks just like a sweater.
   
   
2. Baby It's Cold Outside
   
   This invitation is called Fluffy Feather, but doesn't it remind you of Old Man Winter blowing a windy puff of snow? I found this design by Vreelanddesign on Etsy.
   
   
3. Wrap It Up
   
   It's so chilly that your invitation needs a sweater! I adore this creation by RedBliss--the invite is wrapped in pistachio cashmere, accented with a crystal snowflake that is echoed in the design and tied with a chocolate bow.
   
   
4. Wedding on Ice
   
   Silver works wells for a classic winter wedding. This simple invitation from Now and Forever features sheer paper wrapped around a silver card.
   
   
5. A Warm Glow
   
   Warm your wedding up with a dash of gold. This invitation from Wedding Paper Divas features a classic, romantic design.

Pittsburgh flair: Black & gold M&M's

Trick or treat! I had to do a candy-related post today, and what better way to express your Pittsburgh pride than with some black and gold M&M's?

You can buy M&M's in 22 different shades, which makes it easy to coordinate with your wedding colors if you want to use them for favors or a candy bar. But, if you're putting together Pittsburgh-themed welcome baskets for your guests or have a Pittsburgh-themed wedding, pick the colors that represent our town best.
MYMMS.COM sells 7 oz. or 5 lb. bags of individual colors online. You can also head down to the Strip District or many other candy stores and hand pick your own combination.

Also, you can add an extra touch by personalizing your M&M's. Create a custom message like you names and wedding date, welcome or thank you (if you go through the business site, you could even upload your monogram or other artwork). Unfortunately, the site doesn't offer customized candies in black--but then again, just customizing the yellow ones and buying a bag of standard black will save you some money.

On top of all that, you can even have the candy arrived packaged in one of four favor options. You could certainly do this part yourself for less, but if you don't want the hassle, this option's for you.

I hope everyone has a great Halloween! Don't eat too many sweets!

Fab 5: Halloween Edition

In honor of Halloween this week, I searched the Web for five fun photos for Halloween weddings.

1. Masquerade Ball
   
   Keep it formal and classy with gorgeous masks for the bride and groom. You can provide less expensive simple versions for your guests as favors.
   Image from Inside Weddings
   
   
2. Wedding Pumpkin
   
   Add a glow to your decor with a pumpkin carved with a custom image of your wedding. This one features the silhouette of a bride and groom, but you could also carve your monogram or a portrait of the two of you.
   Image from Yankee Halloween
   
   
3. Spooky Wedding Cake
   
   How cool is this cake? Be playful with your wedding cake and add some Halloween whimsy to your reception. I love this design, inspired by Nightmare Before Christmas.
   Image from gnyc.net, Cake by Let Them Eat Cake
   
   
4. Table Settings
   
   Go all out in Halloween colors--the orange and black pop off the blue linens here--and add in the details. Use a pumpkin as a vase for flower centerpieces.
   Image from The Knot
   
   
5. Costumed Guests
   
   Invite your guests to dress up for the affair. Make it optional, but anticipate a lot of fun and crazy costumes on the dance floor at your reception.
   Image from The Knot
   

Pittsburgh flair: PNC Park weddings

Take me out to the ballgame. . .err, wedding. . .
PNC Park, home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, can be a unique setting for your wedding. With many different options to choose from, the ballpark boasts amazing views of Pittsburgh. When the Pirates aren't playing, you can host your reception in the swanky Lexus Club or on the Pittsburgh Baseball Club Level, in Gunners or Keystone Corner (you can even leave out the pools tables for your guests, if you want!). Your wedding can be as formal and traditional as you like--added baseball elements completely optional.
Want to get even more creative with the space? Use the dugout for a cocktail hour. . .or as a memorable spot for your wedding ceremony!
I also love the idea of tying in a Pirates game with your pre-wedding activities. You could host your rehearsal dinner inside PNC Park, or at one of the nearby restaurants like Outback Steakhouse, Atria's or SoHo. Then you and your wedding party can enjoy the game. Or, purchase group tickets for all of your out-of-town guests for a pre-wedding get together (if paying for everyone's ticket is out of your budget, you could offer them the chance to purchase at the discounted price--they might be interested in a chance to check out the ballpark).

First image: Clip from Modern Bride, Photo by Weddings By Heather
Second, third and fourth image: Pittsburgh Pirates

Searching for inspiration. . .

If you're trying to visualize the look and feel of your wedding, please visit Snippet & Ink. Every post features a different inspiration board around a particular theme. . .and every one is just as inspiring as the next.

Today was a bonus: two boards in one! I had a hard time choosing which Gatsby-themed board I liked best. Check out the Gatsby By Night board below--my ultimate choice only because I think it would play well with a fall wedding as well!

My mouth is watering. . .

Kudos to Classic Bride for spotting this absolutely gorgeous piece of heaven disguised as a cupcake:
These would be absolutely delicious for a favor at a fall wedding or bridal shower. Visit the Cupcake Bakeshop blog for the recipe.

Excuse me while I head out to the store to pick up some apples and cream cheese. . .

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Fab 5: Fall invitation finds

Continuing on our fall-themed Fab 5, here are some great invitations for a fall wedding.

1. Damask Journal from Dauphine Press
   
   I love the deep brown and green on this invitation for fall. The damask pattern echoes the shape of leaves. Also, the journal style lets you provide your guests with an invitation, directions, accommodations information and lists of local attractions all in one convenient packet.
   
   
2. Silhouette from iCatching Cards
   
   Stripes in shades of red behind a print of blowing leaves and petal lend a fall feel to this whimsical invitation from the company's Oriental Studio Collection. iCatching Cards also specializes in printing invitations in both English and Chinese.
   
   
3. Mackinac from Erickson Design
   
   This handmade invitation has a totally rustic feel: Torn edges in red and orange on natural paper, tied with raffia. It would be perfect for a fall wedding held in a barn or cabin location.
   
   
4. The Secret Garden from Cheree Berry
   
   This set from Cheree Berry's wedding collection creates a clean, simple look for a fall wedding. You can customize the colors, but I like this featured combination of green and chocolate.
   
   
5. Pumpkin Ensemble from Tag & Company
   
   A wrapped invitation features lots of texture in its lace overlay, rust wrap and textured paper. A pumpkin illustration adds a fall touch to a simple design.

Pittsburgh flair: Heinz ketchup favors

If you're looking to add a taste of Pittsburgh to your wedding, in either your favors or your out-of-town bags, order personalized ketchup and mustard bottles from MyHeinz.com. You can order miniature bottles of ketchup or mustard or a set of both, as well as larger size bottles.




The bottles would work great in a bag of Pittsburgh-themed goodies for your visiting wedding guests, or you could just pick up a couple to use if you're having an after-wedding picnic the next day.

Fab 5: Fall wedding favors

It's officially fall, and today's Fab 5 looks at my current top picks for fall-themed wedding favors.

1. Twig Votive Holders from beau coup
   These candle holders lined with tiny twigs will add an outdoorsy, rustic touch to your fall wedding.
   
   
2. Caramel and Candy Apples from Daffy Apple
   I love edible favors and can't think of any treat that says "fall" like a candy apple.
   
3. Maple Syrup in Leaf Bottle from MyWeddingFavors
   What's not to love? You get color, shape and taste all in one.
   
   
4. Turning Leaves Bookmark from Creative Bride
   A favor your guests can actually use. The burgundy tassel adds another fall touch.
   
   
5. Wedding Gourmet Fortune Cookies from Lilies
   With a wedding message inside, the cookies complement a fall theme with rich colors of chocolate and caramel.
   
   

These are just a few of the options out there for fall wedding favors. Look for items that incorporate a fall element, like leaves, apples, pears or pumpkins, or something that highlights colors like, red, brown, orange and yellow.

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Color your wedding

One of the first things most brides do when planning a wedding is to pick their color scheme. Some girls may have known what colors they want before they were engaged, but for others, choosing a color palette for the big day can become a struggle.

Color is an important element in wedding planning because it helps set the tone for your event. Color can express your theme (browns and reds for a fall theme; greens and pinks for a garden theme) and your formality (black and white works for a formal, sit-down wedding; turquoise and orange suggests a more casual affair). You can use any colors that appeal to you, or find inspiration from the time of year or the decor of your venue.

Once you select a palette, choosing everything from bridesmaids dress and flowers to invitations and linens becomes easier. If you don't know where to start, try one of these color palette tools. DaGraeve's tool lets you upload a picture that you like and will output several shades that will work together. At Bliss Weddings, you can play around with more than 40 shades and decide for yourself what combinations look best.