Not your grandma's doilies...

Just wanted to share a couple of DIY's I am working on with my sis-in-law for her wedding coming this October. Both projects include one of my favorite ruffly little friends, the doily.

{luminaries}

We decided it would be cute to place some paper luminaries on the steps of Sarah & Adam's ceremony location, but we kicked 'em up a knotch by doing a combination of red and natural colored bags to incorporate the autumnal color scheme we have going on. We also placed a doily inside to add some more interest...

We found the luminary bags online at LumaBase.com. Here's a link to the red ones. Warning - Obvious statement ahead: It is probably best to use battery operated tea lights unless you are using flame resistant bags. Wedding day fires are frowned upon. Consider yourself advised.

{table runner}

I got the idea for this next project from Ashley Ann Photography. She has a sweet little blog that features not only her beautiful photography but some super creative DIY's as well. Here's the adorbable table runner she made for her dining room table:

PS, don't you just love Ashley's kitchen? So country-cute. Anyway, here's a link to the DIY how-to. The runner I am making is for the head table at the reception, which is 24 feet long. So far, I have 14 doilies. I need more doilies, people. The 14 I do have came from an antique store in Uniontown, WA. I'll post some pics when I start construction.

Any more fun doily decor ideas out there? I have one more in mind that I'm going to toy around with this weekend... should be cute, might be tragic. I'll let you know either way!

Photo Credit (top to bottom)

Sis.In.Law

Ashley Ann Photography

Fallin'

A little early for a Fall wedding post? I think not. Just had to share this autumnal inspiration board I came up with for my beautiful sister-in-law's wedding next October. Can't wait to see that girl walk down the aisle...

made w/ love, with the help of the handy-dandy inspiration board creator over at dessy.com

Photo Credit:

bridesmaid dress... AnnTaylor.com

love ribbon... carol-hannah.com/blog

tree print... etsy.com by carambatack

pine cone place card holder... kaccents.com

festive confetti.... etsy.com by ThePaperAddict

rose centerpiece... marthastewartweddings.com 

rings... etsy.com by MintyFreshFusions

Oh, Martha...

She may have just cured my "summer time's over" blues. I could practically smell the hot, spiced cider while clicking through these delicious, autumn ideas for your October/November nuptials. Please enjoy... it's on me... and Martha :)

I love how this gorgeous bouquet is wrapped up in a ribbon so big it could be a scarf.

Such a fun way to incorporate some branches in your decor.

This is a great centerpiece idea if you are using long, rectangular tables at your venue, as opposed to the more traditional round tables. And I'm pretty sure I saw those exact same gold leaves at Michael's... just add a 2x4 and your handy dandy drill and I believe you've got yourself a DIY project, peeps!

Such a pretty, rustic alternative to a chandelier.

For the love of Vera...

Oh, hi there. I see that you're checking out the sweet little dresses below. Yeah, they're by Ms. Wang. What? What's that you say? Where do you find these gorgeous creations? Well, you could wander down to your nearest Vera Wang retailer, which, if you don't live in the big city, could be hundreds of miles away. OR... you could just order them ON-LINE. Yes, that's right ladies and gents, may I introduce to you... the Maid to Order collection from Vera Wang. With a few simple clicks of your mouse, you could be the proud owner of one (or many, don't let me hold you back!) of these lovely dresses. This is a great option for those of you who:

a. don't live in the big city

b. don't live near your maids

c. want a quality dress for your maids but don't have the time to be wrestling with racks and racks of frocks

d. L.O.V.E. all things Vera, or

e. all of the above

These colors just scream whimsical, autumn wedding...

Love the jewel tones for fall... don't you?

I like to call this one "champagne wishes & caviar dreams"... you should check out the precious little bustle detail on the back... I die.

Just be sure to order these early enough to give your maids time to make any necessary alterations. And, voi-lah! Bridesmaids, check!