Inspiration: Leopard print wedding

My own opinion on animal prints? They can be tacky and they can be tasteful. If you're thinking of including animal prints in your wedding, think more subtle, less Snooki. Here are some ideas for ways to incorporate animal prints. Don't choose everything; a few details certainly be noticed, while too many is overkill.

Accessories

Cover

Gorgeous, but just remember to go faux ;)

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Shoes

Jessica Simpson via Zappos

Garter

Source via Etsy shop: Hello Design Crew

Bridesmaids

Dress: La Posh Style ($52.99) - Pumps: Michael Kors ($130.00) - Clutch: Lauren Merkin ($180.00) - Earrings: Overstock ($32.99)

Total cost of look: $395.98

Decor

How unexpected is the leopard print linen over the purple? Even with the flowers, it works for this lavish Plaza wedding

Photo by Brian Dorsey

Other ways to incorporate subtle animal print:

• the cake/cupcakes
• linens, ie: leopard print napkins with gold napkin rings
• groomsmen: boutonnieres, socks, even shoes!
• hairpiece
  
• Are you a fan of animal prints? Would you subtly include them in your wedding, or would you go all out?

Black and white wedding inspiration

The combination of black and white is effortlessly classy and will never go out of style. Here is some inspiration for those who are choosing this elegant combination.

Wedding gown

This wedding gown with black flowers is by Maggie Sottero and is stunning

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Bridesmaid dresses

Beautiful, simple dresses and I love the look of green with black, white, and black/white

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Bouquets

Perhaps it is because they're delicate cala lilies, but the all black in this bouquet does not seem at all dark

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The anemone flower is a popular choice because of it's natural, dark centre

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I love the entirely black wrap (so that no green is showing from the stems); this bouquet is made up of inexpensive carnations

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Centerpiece

A statement of a centerpiece!

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Cake

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Bridesmaid looks under $500.00

Being in a wedding party is expensive. Most people can expect to spend at least $1000.00 on attire, gifts, and miscellaneous "duties" such as bachelor/bachelorette parties and showers. Add travel if you're far away and the cost can rise exceptionally.

Here are some bridesmaid looks under $500.00, including the dress and accessories such as jewellery, shoes, clutches, etc.

Want to lessen the cost even more? Incude one of the accessories into your budget as a gift to your girls. 

One

Clockwise: Dress: Victoria's Secret ($69.50) - Earrings: Kendra Scott ($60.00) - Boots: Zappos ($140.00) - Hairpiece: Etsy ($23.00)

Total cost: $292.50

Two

Clockwise: Dress: Forever 21 ($21.80) - Sunglasses: Aldo ($12.00) - Beach bag: BCBG ($75.59) - Sandals: Shop Mystique ($185.00)

Total cost:  $294.39

 

Three

Clockwise: Dress: Forever 21 ($24.80)  - Earrings: Etsy ($33.00) - Shoes: Kate Spade ($328.00) - Clutch: Danier ($69.00)

Total cost: $454.80

 

Four

Clockwise: Dress: J.Crew ($344.00) - Earrings: Etsy ($23.00) - Clutch: Etsy ($48.00) - Shoes: Bloomingdales ($65.00)

Total cost: $480.00

• Which look is your favorite?

Wedding inspiration: Bright neons!

When it comes to color, I am drawn to black, white, and pale neutrals. I might even go as far as to say that I'm slightly "afraid" of color (and I'm sure that I'm not alone). However, bright colors featured in weddings look gorgeous, whether they are subtle, such as only the bridal bouquet, or done all out in linens and dresses. Here are some ideas for incorporating bold brights into your wedding.

Bouquet - Spring/Summer

Source via Pinterest

Bouquet - Fall

The yellow and orange keep this bouquet bright, while the red flowers and berries add rich color and fall style

Source via Pinterest

Centerpiece

With their natural, bright hues, the addition of citrus fruits adds pops of color to floral centerpieces

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Linens

If you're looking to go all out, forget pops of color and choose linens in bright yellows, greens, blues, pinks, etc.

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Shoes

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Bridesmaid dresses

Bright yellow and neon pink are popular choices for bold bridesmaid dresses, but I am loving this blue!

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Boutonnieres

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Other places to add pops of neon:

• Flower/hairpiece in bride or bridesmaids hair
• Ties or bowties
• Corsages/boutonnieres for parents, grandparents, etc.
• Signage and stationary (ie: programs, seating chart)
• Plates, drinking glasses
• What colors are you drawn towards? Are you a fan of neon?

Bridesmaids in Rain Boots

Brides and bridesmaids in rain boots. I never thought this would be something I would like - if you would have asked me before this, I would have said it was sloppy. Oh, no! It looks great and there are so many ways to pull it off. After seeing these images, I'm sure you will cross your fingers for rain on your wedding day!

First, brides (and a groom!) in galoshes



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Mismatched bridesmaids

Mismatched bridesmaid dresses and boots; these looks are so fun!

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Matching

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And, perhaps my favourite (surprising given my love for mismatched bridesmaids)

Not all of the dresses are exactly similar and neither are the boots, but they are very close and the matching cardigans pull all the bridesmaids' looks together

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Now that you're interested, here is the real fun part: shopping! I did some online window-shopping for a few styles to feature here and I became a tad obsessed - so many fun options!

 Burberry

In Burberry's signature plaid style

Purchase

Kate Spade

Or try this fun pattern with a heel

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Designer Shoe Warehouse

Styles shown include Nine West and Marc Jobs, all under $80.00

Purchase

• Are you getting married during a rainy season? Would you consider galoshes for your wedding? 

Wedding Trend: Mismatched Bridesmaids

In the world of weddings, it is difficult not to follow at least some trends. One that I cannot get enough of is mismatched bridesmaids dresses. I chose to have my bridesmaids in different dresses and when I told people this, I usually got, "Ohhhh... okay... yes..." No one understood!

I liked the idea of mismatched dresses for many reasons. With three different body types, I knew that narrowing down one specific dress would be next to impossible, or at the very least, a frustrating experience for all of them. I wanted them to feel comfortable in what they were wearing. And, if they could wear the dresses again - bonus! All I asked for was a certain colour scheme and that it paired well with cowboy boots. The girls shopped on their own time and sent me pictures as they found potential winners. In addition to that, our wedding was not too "fancy"; we were married at a winery in a barn-style venue. The groomsmen wore ties and vests, but no jackets. To me, mismatched dresses fit well with our "theme."

Of course, there are different ways to go about it. You could choose to have bridesmaids in relatively the same dress; just choosing different styles that might flatter their body type (ie: one in halter style, one in strapless, etc). Alternatively, you could give your girls some direction, such as colour scheme, and let them go nuts.

A couple of ways to go with mismatched bridesmaids and still achieve a pulled together look?
Choose the same bouquet for all of the bridesmaids
Choose to have the groomsmen all match (but still coordinating well with the bridesmaids)

Here are some of my favourites:

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Source: Heather P. Moore via Inspired By This

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Source: Max Wanger via Inspired By This

• Did you or would you do mismatched bridesmaids dresses?