Showing posts with label Eco Friendly Weddings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eco Friendly Weddings. Show all posts

Monday, August 22, 2011

Invitation or Save the Date Deal!

Open my email box to this great deal from yet another new deal site! I think I get daily emails from 5 or 6 different companies now but, I have also bought some amazing deals! It's hard to give up on getting the emails - you know what I mean right? So, back to today's deal: $20 for $50 worth of invitations from Paper Culture.



Paper Culture has some unique differences when it comes to ordering online invitations - they have a nice comparison chart but, let's look at a couple of things that I think are pretty cool about this company! 

  • All Cards & Envelopes: 100% Post-Consumer Recycled
  • They plant a tree in your honor w/ EVERY Order
  • All Cards: 130lb Paper
  • FREE Mail & Addressing Service
Wedding Photo Thank You Cards – Classic - Latte

I absolutely LOVE that they offer the mailing and addressing service - talk about a time saver! WOW. You only have to pay for the stamps - there are no hidden fees with this service and that really impressed me!

The deal is on now for $50 worth of invitations for $20! There are only a limited number of deals available but, you  have until August 26th to purchase this deal (unless they sell out!).

Paper Culture offers: Save the Date Cards, Moving Announcements, Thank You cards and so many other choices! This is definitely not a deal to miss! 















Thursday, July 7, 2011

Dessert pedestals for cakes and cupcakes!

I have been saving this "find" from Etsy seller BurlapAndBlue for quite awhile now....I know, I was totally holding out on you guys - right? Linda is the owner of this shop that is filled with beautiful goodies, perfect to accent a wedding or shower dessert table! I just love all the ways you can use this. Linda's lovely pedestals were also featured in the April 2011 Bride's magazine! And guess what? I just found out that Linda is celebrating her 1000th blog follower by giving away a gorgeous summer starfish dessert pedestal! BONUS! You have until the 12th of July to enter so good luck on that...but, if you want to check out these beauties head on over to BurlapAndBlue on Etsy!



Oh! And those awesome embroidery loops I just posted about here? If you are not much of a DIY crafter and would rather purchase handmade items (like me!) another bonus!! Linda makes them! Whoop! For $20 you can have someone else make the Chalkboard Embroidery Hoop for your dessert table!



Monday, May 2, 2011

Button Bridal Bouquets

It's always fun to see alternative wedding ideas brought to life! I am a big real flower fan but, I have to say that there is something about these button bouquets that I really like! I am not sure if it was me that I would use them for my bouquet but, I think it's a nice bouquet for other members of the wedding party - for your bridesmaids and even junior bridesmaids or especially for your mom or grandmothers - if they are crafters, I think it would be especially touching! These button bouquets come all the way from Australia! Nic's Button Buds came to life after real-life bride Nic had been planning her own wedding, on a budget! She was having a wedding for 100 people with a budget of $6,000! I wanted to share Nic's Button Buds with you for 2 reasons: her creations are beautiful and her prices are reasonable!



 

Her bouquet pricing varies based on want you want but, here is a guideline to her prices:

Large Bride Button Bouquet - $215
Standard Bride Button Bouquet $160
Small / Budget Bride Button Bouquet $100
Bridesmaid Button Bouquet $80
Flowergirl Button Bouquet $35
Toss Button Bouquet $35
Basic Buttonholes/Corsages $8.00 



Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Creative DIY Wedding Invite


Meet Larissa and Trevor (who were married July 18, 2010). They are a creative duo - both professionally and personally - that own Ambient Studios. Based in Toronto, Ontario Canada they photograph weddings together locally and on location.

Image by the talented Davina+Daniel of Montreal.

So, when two creative people, who photograph weddings, get married you probably already know that something unique will be happening...and you're right! I stumbled upon their wedding invitation and I was totally taken with their creativity!

Ambient Studios, Photographer Invitations By Larissa & Trevor
Not only are these completely unique, they are earth friendly! Sent in recycled brown paper envelopes, wrapped in recycled brown paper. The canisters themselves could also be made using recycled canisters however, Larissa used re-useable canisters which are specifically made for photographers who shoot with film and load their own 35mm bulk film.

Ambient Studios, Photographer Invitations By Larissa & Trevor
A few little details written on the outside give guests a hint of what's inside....and then the little teaser "pull"

Ambient Studios, Photographer Invitations By Larissa & Trevor
Pull the tab and you get all the information about the wedding!

Completely amazing and unique, right?! I love them. There are always things out there that can ignite a spark in your own creativity and how you can make your wedding unique to you as a couple. Larissa and Trevor proved that! Amazing job guys! This is just the tip of the iceberg! Imagine them photographing your wedding! You will get the same inspiration and creativity in their work! Pretty cool, huh? But, if you love them and want to book them....you will have to wait! Currently, they are both traveling for a year....taking photographs in places most of us only dream about! You can check out their blog and keep up to date with them here!


Thursday, December 9, 2010

In Lieu Of...

So, you've seen those three words before - right? In lieu of a gift.... In lieu of flowers... In lieu of is pretty simple to define: In place of or instead of.


Well, on the horizon is a new way of giving - INLU (get it? in lieu?). Yes, it's spelled wrong - yes they know it. What is it? A simple way of getting everyone to go in on a group gift or if you are the wedding couple and do not want gifts but, instead would rather give to a charity - this is one way to do it.


INLU allows the person organizing the party (bachelorette, bridal shower, etc) a place to create an evite invitation and collect funds for one spectacular gift. Maybe, the couple has been living together and really couldn't use a new toaster, towel set or food processor. Maybe, what they really want is a new living room set. Seems pretty easy...that is if the people you are inviting are hip to internet gifting! I happen to like the idea - it's a pretty easy way to take care of gift giving - and I want to give the couple what they really want!

We did something similar for my hubby's 40th surprise birthday party! I had a luau surprise party for him and in lieu of a gift, I asked his friends and our family to chip in for a big surprise gift - a cruise to Hawaii! They all did it and my husband was SHOCKED! It was a lot of fun and easy for the guests...the only thing they had to do was show up for the surprise and have a good time.

I am not opposed to helping a couple with their honeymoon registry either. Times have changed! No longer does the bride have a trousseau when she gets married!

So how easy is it to set up? Pretty easy...


  • Create an Inlu.

  • Describe the GIFT.

  • Spread the word.

  • Purchase and give!





  • Thursday, September 9, 2010

    Not your usual guestbook!

    My friends are always on the look out for unique wedding items for me and today a friend came through with flying colors! She let me know about Etsy seller bellapuzzles. This seller makes one of the most unique guestbooks I have ever seen! The truth is it isn't even a book....it is an actual puzzle! The master puzzle maker is Lara Braithwaite and she has been making puzzles for over 5 years. She named her business after her daughter...but you can read all about how puzzle making became her passion here. This is truly one of those items you will cherish for a lifetime! Lara also wrote a great blog piece that you can read here!






    Sunday, August 8, 2010

    Gearing Up for Fall

    I know you don't want a reminder that summer is almost over - I know I don't! I love Fall though. I was married in Fall and it always seems we have so much to celebrate at the end of summer! I was sent some beautiful fall reminders and wanted to share them with you...


    Bring the magic of nature to your special occasion with these delightful felted acorn Cake Toppers. They will look so very pretty on your cake... elegant, natural and magical! Just right for your Fairytale Wedding! They look gorgeous on cupcakes too, don't you think?



    These are made using real acorn caps that Etsy seller Fairyfolk gathers with her children! You get 10 acorns for $25.00. Also, to compliment these fun cake toppers you can use these matching Fairytale Wedding Acorn and Oak Leaf Place Card Favors. A set of 10 Wooly Felted Acorns with tags cost $30.00


    Another absolute stunning item I wanted to share was this beautiful flower arrangement for your hair. Etsy seller MyraKim of Twigs and Honey created this masterpiece. She also has some stunning bridal veils to check out!




    Wednesday, July 21, 2010

    Big Whoopie!

    Maybe you are not a traditional bride....maybe you want a different dress....maybe you don't want traditional favors at your wedding....maybe you don't want a church wedding....maybe you want to be off the grid when saying your vows....I say big whoopie if people don't like what YOU and your significant other find meaningful!


    Love the "ruched" skirt and train!





    Monday, June 21, 2010

    Banners and Bags

    I love coming across random items and seeing potential in them for amazing wedding ideas. That is what happened to me today when I came across these burlap banners. I wasn't sure about burlap and weddings...but then I started visualizing an outdoor wedding, a wedding with some rustic touches, a beach wedding and then these started to take shape! Matching bags could be used for a candy buffet or at place settings...pretty soon it all just clicked! Etsy seller, Funkyshique will even do custom banners! Think of your monogram...or last name...or Mr & Mrs...! Cute. Love these.







    Tuesday, April 6, 2010

    Gee, My house smells terrific!

    I know that is a funny title, but it's the truth and I will give you a head's up, if you will...Today, one of my April give-a-way items came! And I am beyond thrilled! I am working up a story board to put the give-a-way together...but here is another sneak peek (seems I have a lot of those lately!)....

    As you might be able to tell....I don't like keeping secrets! I admit I was one of those kids who peeked at presents before Christmas morning! What can I say? I love showing people things that I LOVE!

    I fell in love with these little sachets for a couple of reasons: 1.) They have the words every marriage needs to thrive and survive! They are "Life Mantras" to live by! and 2.) They smell heavenly! I absolutely love Lavender! These, however, are made in France and they are made with French Lavender - which, in my opinion, is the best! I love French Lavender because it's smell is so fragrant, a little sweet! So bloggie readers! One winner is going to get these three Life Mantra sachets....but guess what??? Again we are going to get an extra little treat! The person who makes these lovely sachets, Apol from La Pomme, has included another little thing for me to give-a-way in addition to my purchase of these for the April give-a-way! What does this mean to my fabulous readers? We will get a grand prize winner of goodies and a runner up again! YAY....two winners! Love when that happens! :) So, the runner up will receive a new item called "Inspiration Apples". I did peek inside the bag (see I can not wait for things!!) and it looks exactly like this one with the exception it has the hand written word "Live" on it!

    I am over the moon about sharing these with you! Apol is a very kind, understanding person and has been a real dream to work with! Originally, I was going to have these as a part of my "Going Green" give-a-way but, I was concerned about shipping (these came from France, after all!). So, I wasn't sure if there would be additional fees to pay on the items, etc. Apol was very patient with me! I decided to have the items shipped directly to me from her etsy shop La Pomme so that if there were any additional costs I could pay them and the give-a-way winner would not be responsible! Once that was determined she got the items out like in 2 days and I had it here in like 4 days!!!! Amazing! So, there you have it! A sneak peek at one of the April give-a-way items! I should have the rest of the items up tomorrow so we can open it up to comments! Please check out Apol's store...her items would make AWESOME gifts for your bridesmaids, moms and any other special people in your wedding party! Just lovely...OH! And they smell good too! ;)

    Thursday, March 18, 2010

    March Give-A-Way Ends....This Sunday!

    We are celebrating GREEN this month!

    Our March Give-A-Way is coming to a close! Have you entered to win? Stopped by to add your name? Well, I have been posting away so I thought I would put something a little closer to the top - in case you are looking! But, if you are just stopping by for the 1st time...hang out awhile! Love having you here!

    One winner will receive all of these fun items! 

    Monday, March 15, 2010

    Fair Trade Products

    Fair Trade Products: I have been doing a little checking on items you could incorporate into your wedding that are Fair Trade. Here are some of my favorites:





    We all know love is sweet...and so is chocolate! Divine is the only Fairtrade chocolate company which is 45% owned by the farmers! You must check them out to learn what all these symbols mean! Love this!

    Fair Trade Wedding Stationary made in South Africa Read about the workers (in their own words) and get the silk ribbon painted to match your wedding colors! These are works of art!

    And of course, if case you want to know more about Fair Trade you should check out this link!

    The Green Glossary

    I stopped over at Something Green today and found a very helpful "Green Glossary"! I wanted to share it with my readers too because when I first started posting this month about Green Weddings I didn't really understand all the different meanings! Sure, I always hear or see the word "organic" and I knew what that meant - but I can honestly say the one thing that has inspired me the most this month is finding things that are Fair Trade items.  Something Green is also looking for folks like you who will be adding green touches to their wedding! Get inspired...or better yet...inspire someone else over at Something Green

    Organic: The product has been grown without the use of toxic chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.

    Natural or All-Natural: The product has been processed and/or finished using exclusively natural ingredients.

    Eco-Friendly: The product has been produced in a way that is less harmful to the environment and to the consumer.

    Made in USA: The product has been manufactured, produced and finished in the United States.

    Fair Trade: The artisans who have created/assisted in the production of the product have received livable wages, fair working conditions and otherwise equitable treatment. Often, the company that has created/assisted in the creation of the item has reinvested back into the community where the item was produced, grown, etc.


    All text copyright Angela M. Graziano/Something Green, 2009-2010

    Tuesday, March 9, 2010

    It's Give-A-Way Time!

    Well, it's time for another awesome give-a-way! This month I have some really lovely things to offer a lucky reader! I found so many green wedding items it was hard to choose! My theme this month has focused on incorporating "Green" or organic items into your wedding! One lucky winner will receive:

    From Paloma's Nest - a beautiful custom ring bearer bowl. Paloma's Nest is dedicated to creating pieces for the home and for the heart. These pieces are intended to become modern heirlooms, to be cherished by you and for many future generations to come. The studio, where your beautiful bowl is made, is powered 100% by Renewable Wind Energy. That means when the wind is a blowin' out in West Texas, the little kiln is a firin' here in Austin! I love that! Paloma's Nest uses recycled, upcycled, and biodegradeable products in our pieces and packaging whenever possible. Please recycle or reuse the packaging your order arrives in. Value of bowl is $46.00 (plus shipping).


    In addition to the beautiful ring bearer's bowl, the winner will receive a flower girl basket with your initials in a heart from New Hampshire Wood Creations. This flowergirl basket is made from real white birch bark and dried green moss. It is 4"X4" and about 8" to top of handle.Your initials or the date of your wedding can be burned inside a heart on the front. The bow is also made from birch bark. Each basket is a one of a kind as the bark from each tree varies! Value of basket is $24.50 (plus shipping).


    And finally...I found these most adorable favors! Monogram letter birdseed favors from Etsy seller 2birdsinlove. I couldn't pick just one letter so the winner will receive the "I Do" letters and 2 Hearts! A cute little sample that will feed some birds in nature! The initial monogram favors are made from locally grown organic wild bird seed and all natural ingredients are added to 'bind' the seeds into shape. Hemp or satin ribbon in your choice of color is embedded into the favor. Each favor is $1.25 for a total of $6.25 (plus shipping).


    VERY IMPORTANT: THE NOT SO FINE PRINT

    Please read this because I don't want to disqualify anyone! Comments will close on March 21st, 2010 at 10 PM PST. Due to some shipping restrictions of the sellers contest is limited to US residents only (sorry!).
    The winner will be posted on my blog and contacted via email. YOU MUST RESPOND WITHIN 48hrs or another winner will be chosen!

    VALUE OF CONTEST: $96.00

    THREE WAYS TO ENTER:
    • You must choose to follow my little blog PUBLICALLY and leave a comment to be considered for the give-a-way. If you are new here - there is a link in the upper left corner that says "FOLLOW" please click on that, then leave a comment telling me you are a follower. This will allow you ONE entry!
    • For a SECOND entry blog about this contest and leave an ADDITIONAL comment to let me know you did that with a link to the post!
    • For a THIRD entry twitter about this contest and leave an ADDITIONAL comment to let me know you did that with a link to the post! You can find my twitter page here
    I will say this again, because it's so important: Please make sure you follow all the rules of the give-a-way....I never want to have to disqualify someone! If you are not sure if your entry meets qualifications...ASK ME! :)

    Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Brides and non-brides may enter. Please leave your email address in your post! If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back on March 21, 2010 for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn. Winner will be selected using Random.org

    If you have any questions please email me at tndrhart2@aol.com

    THANK YOU EVERYONE! Good luck!!!