Backyard Bride

Eco-Wedding Tip

2011-09-20T19:43:00.006-05:00

When choosing a wedding ceremony or reception location, select one that supports a cause or gives back to your local community. This is a simple and a great way to support something that you both believe in. Choose someplace local like a nonprofit event space, a restaurant that uses organic or local produce, an art gallery, museum, an eco-friendly hotel, botanical garden, or even an outdoors space with minimal waste.

What are your favorite local spaces that will give back?

Eco-Wedding Resources:
The Green Bride Guide
Wedding Carbon Calculator
WedVert - The Modern Bride's Guide to a Green Wedding
Dream Green Weddings
Green Wedding Resource Guide
EcoChic Weddings
Ethical Weddings

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Happy Earth Day!

2011-04-22T14:58:00.004-05:00

Happy Earth Day to all Eco-Friendly brides, vendors and party planners!

Honeymoon in Fashion

2010-05-07T13:01:00.001-05:00

Check out my newest digs for the honeymoon! I never get to dress up for work so I am going to go all out for our vacation. Sun dresses, fun sunglasses, bright swimsuits, and glitzy sandals. Thank GOD for online shopping as I have been confined to my office space for long hours.

All of these items more than 50% off at my favorite website. Click www.ideeli.com/invite/backyardbride and sign up for access to exclusive sales. Perfect for any fashionista/bride on a budget.

Spoon Inspiration

2010-04-16T14:35:00.000-05:00

Saw this plant marker idea at the amazing blog, Oh Joy!. I immediately thought of how cool it would be to take the same concept and look to hammer table numbers into spoons for potted centerpieces. You could even hammer/paint guest names for table assigments! I just love wedding inspiration from other blogs!

Spoons pictured above are handmade by Esty artist Hammerman.

Sexy Little Garters

2010-04-06T10:12:00.036-05:00

Support the handmade community and take a look at some of the sexy-chic garters found on Etsy! Your groom will swoon over these too...

Backyard Tunes

2010-04-05T15:03:00.001-05:00

Love this song "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. Doesn't this make you want to dance? Heard this on the radio today and it has moved to the top of our ceremony play list.

Lyrics:

"Alabama Arkansas I do Love my Ma and Pa
But not as much as I do Love you
Holy Moly Me oh My your the apple of my eye
Girl aint never loved one like you
Man o Man your my best friend I scream it to the nothingness
that we got everything we need
Hot and Heavy pumpkin pie
Chocolate candy Jesus Christ
Aint nothin please me more than you

(Chorus)
Home, Let me come Home
Home is Whenever I'm with you
Home, yes I am Home
Home is wherever I'm with you"

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T15:19:00.005-05:00

Happy Easter from Backyard Bride!

Check out Card Cow for real vintage postcards and inspiration.

Let's Cut the Cake!

2010-03-19T15:21:00.000-05:00

Just found and purchased this amazing cake serving set from ideeli. Priced originally at $160 - it was a steal for $49. I love the engraved "Love is Sweet" and the pretty details.

ideeli is awesome - if you haven't signed up - you just have to. Everyday there are sales on amazing brands and designers. Think Vivianne Westwood shoes (they were 70% off on Wednesday), Nicole Miller, and more!

Check out this Wish Book Set - it includes the book, a caddy of cards, and a pen. This would be super cute to customize for a shower or on your special day! Only $29! Guests simply fill out a card and slip it into the envelopes attached to the pages.

Click here and sign up for ideeli!

How well do you know the Bride?

2010-03-19T12:35:00.001-05:00

I created this game for a bridal shower and wanted to share! Just click on the image and save the full size to your computer. Print on regular 8.5"x11" paper. If you would like it customized with different questions or colors - let me know!

The Game: At the bridal shower, pass out the list of questions to each guest with a pen. When everyone is finished, read the bride's answers. The person who guesses the most questions correctly - WINS!

Cake Topper Love!

2010-03-18T15:45:00.000-05:00

Came across these adorable animal cake toppers on Etsy. Each of these are hand caved out of wood and hand painted by the artist Bunny with a Toolbelt.These are all painted with a foodsafe paint they can easily be cleaned up after the cake has been eaten.

If only I could choose which one...

Invitations Ordered!

2010-03-18T15:18:00.000-05:00

Today we ordered our invitations for the wedding! What an accomplishment! Seriously, the house hunting has taken over my life, and finally - today - we were able to get something done.

After much debate on whether or not to make our own invitations, I decided to purchase them if I could find the right design. Turns out - Hello!Lucky had an identical design to what we were wanting. Tree - yes, environmentally friendly - yes, etc. We were able to mix and match different invitation suites to customize our own. If you haven't already - visit Hello!Lucky and check out their invitations, stationery, and more! I am becoming their biggest fan!

Can't wait to see the proofs!

Backyard Giveaway Winner!

2010-03-18T15:06:00.001-05:00

And the winner is...

Eden!!!

Thank you everyone for participating in the Backyard Bride Giveaway for a copy of the amazing book The Green Bride Guide! Check back soon for more awesome Backyard Giveaways.

Eco-Wedding Tip

2010-03-17T17:09:00.000-05:00

Use potted plants as centerpieces or combine fresh cut flowers with produce. Centerpieces could be edible arrangements consisting of wheat grass, herbs, or organic produce. Centerpieces could also be long lasting potted plants - both of which will reduce the amount of immediate waste following your wedding or event.

Any other unique sustainable centerpiece ideas?

Eco-Wedding Resources:
The Green Bride Guide
Wedding Carbon Calculator
WedVert - The Modern Bride's Guide to a Green Wedding
Dream Green Weddings
EcoChic Weddings
Ethical Weddings

Image source

Eco-Friendly Ideas from The Wedding Chicks

2010-03-11T10:31:00.000-06:00

The Wedding Chics are amazing and I just LOVE today's Eco-Friendly post! Be sure and read about all their amazing green vendors, decor, dresses and ideas! Click Here.

Green Bride Guide Giveaway

2010-03-10T10:04:00.002-06:00

Win a copy of The Green Bride Guide: How to Create an Earth-Friendly Wedding on Any Budget by green wedding veteran and environmentalist - Kate L. Harrison! This book is one of my favorite wedding books. It is full of ideas for any bride or wedding professional wanting make an event more sustainable.

Learn more about the book here.

Giveaway ends on Saint Patrick's Day (3-17-2010) and the randomly selected winner will be announced the following Thursday.

Rules:

Go to www.TheGreenBrideGuide.com and then come back and leave a comment about a eco-friendly product or idea you are going to incorporate into your own wedding or event
Subscribe to Backyard Bride or follow on Twitter
Enter as many times as you want!

Thanks & Go Green!!

Real Backyard Wedding - Kelly + Steve

2010-03-09T15:33:00.009-06:00

Kelly+ Steve - real backyard wedding in Los Angeles, California. A gorgeous backyard wedding at a family estate designed by La Partie Events. These swoon-worthy photos were taken by Sara Yates. For more details about their wedding check out the blog by Once Wed. Enjoy - xoxo Backyard Bride

Want more? Click here.

Backyard Bridesmaids

2010-03-08T07:12:00.002-06:00

Color Purple - Matte Satin

Finally, we ordered our bridesmaids dresses! It took me forever to find the perfect shade of purple... and I thought finding my wedding dress was tough! With the help of my sister and one of our wedding planners, Ashley Baker Taylor, from Vera Green Productions - we were able to find a great dress for our bridesmaids. The line by Eden Bridals was at Demetrios, the same store my wedding dress is from so we got a 15% discount. The dress - style 7276 - came out to be $135 each.

I cannot thank Ashley enough for being my personal shopping assistant and for going above and beyond. She really helped make this a stress-free and enjoyable experience! If you are looking for a great wedding planner or coordinator - you should contact Vera Green.

Bridal Shower Luncheon

2010-03-07T17:19:00.010-06:00

Today was my first bridal shower. It was a nice little luncheon hosted by two of my future-mother-in-law's good friends. We had lunch at Gloria's, one of my favorite restaurants! I loved spending time with everyone and feel so extremely lucky.

Our small group at Gloria's

Cake stand!

Mother of the Bride

Our pretty nieces!

Future Mother In-Law

Bride VS. Groom

2010-03-06T15:21:00.004-06:00

RINGS
Today we had our first big wedding disagreement. While out shopping for our wedding bands, my fiance tried on a gold band and decided he liked it better than the platinum band. I was under the impression that we should match, and since mine was made of platinum - his should be too.

Anyways - it started a big argument between us.

A wonderfully pleasant Bride VS. Groom moment on a Saturday.

So the question is - does it matter if the wedding rings are made of the same metal for the bride and groom or is it all personal preference?

Photo by Blueberry Photography.

Eco-Wedding Tip

2010-03-03T10:30:00.002-06:00

Reuse - One of the three R's you should incorporate into your wedding. One wedding accessory that can be easily reused is your shoes. Many brides are stepping away from the traditional bridal shoes and are choosing to wear-it-again heels. Think colors, fashionable styles, flip flops, or even cowboy boots!

Are you choosing shoes you can wear again without the dress?

Eco-Wedding Resources:
The Green Bride Guide
Wedding Carbon Calculator
WedVert - The Modern Bride's Guide to a Green Wedding
Dream Green Weddings
EcoChic Weddings
Ethical Weddings

House Hunting - Part of Wedding Planning??

2010-03-03T09:15:00.004-06:00

Over the past few weeks I have been MIA due to house hunting. We recently decided to buy a house - our first home, and take advantage of the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit. To do this we have to get a contract/purchase a home by April 30th and close by June 30th. So, we have been crazy looking at houses, driving by houses, and searching online for houses. We have even been bidding on HUD homes, gross and in need of a lot of TLC.

Didn't anticipate house hunting was part of the wedding planning process, but a couple has to have a place to live... right??

Although the process is stressful now - I am looking forward to matching pillows and curtains after the wedding. It will be fun to create an inspiration board for the house as I will miss the wedding stuff when it is over... sigh...

Unbridaled Happy Hour

2010-03-02T17:50:00.001-06:00

Bliss Bridal Salon in Fort Worth, TX hosts a networking/social function on the first Tuesday of each month where area brides and wedding professionals can meet in a casual, relaxed, no pressure setting.

For more information about the next happy hour visit their event website.

The first event on Tuesday at M Lounge was so fun! As one of the few brides there I was able to meet a ton of really nice and talented wedding professionals from the area.

Looking for DFW vendors?? Be sure and check out:

Vera Green Productions
Anna Routh Photography
Flashbox Photography
Love Notes DFW Clergy Services

Top Eco-Wedding Trends for 2010

2010-02-26T09:19:00.003-06:00

Recycled Bride’s Top Sustainable Wedding Trends for 2010

1. There’s No Place Like Home – From venues to menus, couples are making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and cut their budgets by keeping celebrations “all in the neighborhood”. Backyard weddings are helping guests cut back on travel, and caterers are responding to clients’ demands for more locally produced food. Even wedding favors and decorations will be sought out from local artisans and shops.

2. Alterna-florals – The hippest weddings are in full bloom with flower alternatives like sustainable succulents and DIY paper flowers. Conventional cut flowers are expensive, plus they’re grown with pesticides and have a huge carbon footprint, so couples are seeking alternative ways to decorate. Many will eschew the floral look altogether by using soy candles, fruit, and found objects for table centerpieces and bouquets.

3. The Hourglass Bride – String beans in sheath dresses are so yesterday. Inspired by voluptuous newlyweds like Christina Hendricks of Mad Men, Salma Hayek, and Beyonce, brides are embracing their curves in wedding dresses that emphasize a well-rounded figure. Many are even flaunting — or creating — an hourglass silhouette with gowns that sport belted waists, peplums, and plunging necklines. This is the year that women will ditch their grueling “Buff Bride” workouts in favor of kinder, gentler activities like yoga, and celebrate their naturally feminine shapes.

4. Wedding Planning Goes Digital – From blogger brides to Facebook-ing florists, wedding planning has become an online community affair. Brides increasingly connect with each other for advice, support, and even labor trades on community-based social networks like GiveGetNation.net and BrideShare.net.

5. Not-So-Mellow Yellow – The hottest color of 2010 is also the warmest. Sunshine-y yellow pairs beautifully with cobalt blue and violet for an electrifying palette that’s bright and bold. Or combine pale yellows with white, ivory, and fresh green tones for a sunny and natural color theme. Many succulents bear yellow blossoms, making this cheerful color an easy choice for sustainable bouquets and centerpieces.

6. The Times Are A-Changing – Saturday night weddings aren’t the only game in town. Brides and grooms are scheduling their nuptials on weeknights, Sundays, and even early mornings in 2010. It’s less expensive to book a venue or caterer on “off days”, and as telecommuting becomes more popular, guests are gaining flexibility in their schedules. Weddings we’ll see this year will include sunrise affairs followed by romantic brunches, and chic mid-week dinner parties.

7. Bright Bridal Shoes – Forget the white and ivory satin slippers and “dyeable” sandals of wedding days gone by. Bridal shoes in bright and bold hues like fuschia, emerald green and electric blue are hot hot hot in 2010. Colored shoes are a chic and stylish surprise under a white wedding gown, plus they’re more versatile than white satin and can be worn again with a little black dress.

8. Flexible Registries – The registry has been reinvented by sites like the AlternativeGiftRegistry.org, and this year we’ll see many brides and grooms skipping the Stepford registries in favor of more flexible options. More couples will opt for “open” online registries where they can request everything from charitable donations to eco-friendly housewares to cash for a down payment on a home.

9. Unexpected Seating – At both receptions and ceremonies, seating arrangements are being switched up. Think scattered chairs and benches for ceremonies, and long communal tables, clustered couches, and bar tables with stools for receptions. No more will the family and friends of the bride and groom be kept apart by rigid seating assignments at separate tables. This year’s seating arrangements will encourage guests to mix, mingle, dine and dance.

10. Something Old, Something New – The hottest sustainable trend for 2010 (and our personal favorite, of course!) is incorporating recycled elements like gently used wedding dresses and bridesmaids dresses, pre-owned wedding decorations, and vintage bridal jewelry into weddings. Sites like RecycledBride.com connect buyers and sellers for free, so they can reduce their wedding budgets and their carbon footprints. More and more brides are joining the wedding resale revolution, discovering how easy it is to save money and be a little greener by buying and selling their gently used wedding items.

So many great things that you can do at your wedding or event. Are you incorporating any of these latest eco-trends into your wedding?!?

Eco-Wedding Tip

2010-02-17T16:18:00.001-06:00

Rent or use real dishes or china rather than disposables for place settings at your reception or rehearsal dinner. If you must use disposables, buy dishes made of post-consumer recycled paper and ask your catering company to use them instead.

Check out these paper plates from Eco-Products! Their line of 100% sugarcane plates are 100% biodegradable and can be composted!

Are you renting china or buying recycled-disposable?

Eco-Wedding Resources:
The Green Bride Guide
Wedding Carbon Calculator
WedVert - The Modern Bride's Guide to a Green Wedding
Dream Green Weddings
EcoChic Weddings
Ethical Weddings

Real Backyard Wedding - Rinda + James

2010-02-16T16:58:00.005-06:00

Rinda + James - real backyard wedding in Arizona. A beautiful simple backyard reception at their friends backyard, that had a gorgeous courtyard, as well as a barn. Complete with paper laterns, tea lights in mason jars, and centerpieces made from glass vases, candles, and grapefruit. These beautiful photos were taken by Jill Thomas Photography. Enjoy - xoxo Backyard Bride