Mélangerie Inc.

The ‘Pencil Us In’ save the date was created by Mélangerie Inc., a New York-based design consultancy comprised of founder and designer Elana Dweck, designer Lesley Weiner and intern Angela Higgins. The Save the Date is featured in the Knot Summer 2010 issue (page 44).

Mélangerie Inc.

All information and colors are customizable, and a brief note can be included on the pencil itself. It comes with coordinating envelopes, mailing labels and pretty Japanese paper tape to pull it all together.

“At Mélangerie Inc., we celebrate festivity. We design bespoke paperie, gifts, memorabilia and event details for all occasions, big and small.”

Mélangerie Inc.

Look deeper and you’ll find wedding constellations genealogy chart, invitations, family trees, wedding totes (discounts on 10 or more), welcome gifts, favors, event guides and more!

Mélangerie Inc.

Mélangerie Inc.

Mélangerie Inc.

Follow Mélangerie on Twitter or Facebook. Or visit the Mélangerie Etsy shop.

Best of all— Benign Objects offers DIY options! Or as Rachel calls it: PIY! Ever dream of creating your own whimsical invitations but don’t have a clue where to start? Order an invitation suite from Benign Objects, ‘print-it-yourself,’ put the invitations together and admire with pride!

Benign Objects will also work with you on map/direction cards, table numbers, programs, food/drink labels, thank you notes and much more. The PIY option is Benign Objects’ effort to make great design affordable to brides within any budget.

I could go on and on about Rachel & her Benign Objects, but instead I will share with you one of my favorites—her cotton Save the Dates! Love!

Benign Objects

Rachel: I wanted to create a keepsake, something beyond the usual Save the Dates. In fact, ‘Things We Keep’ was sort of the theme behind my wedding, and was carried through everything from the ceremony to the details. It was inspired by recurring thoughts of my deceased grandmothers and the things I keep that were theirs: a sewing kit from my Mamaw, bits of fabric and beads from my Granny’s nightgowns and old necklaces.

I wanted everything to have a treasured feel—something cozy and warm that inspires memories. Fabric emerged as a common bond between them. The use of our silhouettes as a design element was inspired by these cheesy plastic courting-couple silhouettes my Mamaw had on her guest bedroom walls. When I look at them now, they’re pretty awful, but as a kid I found them fascinating and would lie in bed and stare at them until I fell asleep.

Benign Objects

I spent about a month scouring and collecting vintage handkerchiefs from EBay, which I then had to wash and iron to prep them for printing. I ended up printing the handkerchiefs myself using the Yudu, a home screenprinting kit I got at Michael’s. If I had to do it over again, I’d farm this part out to a ‘real’ screenprinting shop.

Once the handkerchiefs were printed, they were ironed again and attached with ribbon to a card I had custom printed on both sides. One side featured a red pattern. I put the white handkerchiefs against that pattern for the men to whom we sent the Save the Dates (you know, for a more manly look); women and couples got a more ornate/flowery handkerchief tied against the lovebird background.

Benign Objects

Benign Objects

The whole thing was stuffed in an envelope and sealed with a custom label and sent on its merry way. They were very well received, and since then I’ve helped several brides achieve the same sort of thing using their local resources and their own ingenuity.

Benign Objects

Benign Objects

For more delights including free downloads from Benign Objects, visit www.BenignObjects.com. To get your hands on a Benign Object, visit Rachel’s Etsy shop.

Enjoy!

Photo credit: Claire Corbin Photography

Although I am very sentimental, the thought of keeping my bouquet never crossed my mind. We left for a 10-day honeymoon less than 48 hours after the ceremony. I figured it would bite the dust before our return. And I’m OK with that. But in retrospect, I had options.

Consider keeping your bouquet for yourself. A bouquet toss is not a wedding requirement. You could still have your husband throw the garter. Or don’t throw anything at all! Another option is to get two bouquets—one to toss, and one to keep. More and more florists are offering two bouquets as part of the “deal.” If it doesn’t tip your budget, then go for it.

Photo credit: Jay Hsiang Photography

In either case, I would suggest preserving the bouquet if you want it to last. There is the DIY version of preserving it, where you tie a string around it or hook it to a hanger so that it hangs upside down until it dries out. For the daring brides, go a step further and visit your local craft store for silica gel or sand to preserve it. I found a good how-to explanation of both at essortment.com.

Photo credit: Everything but the dress

Or take it to a professional. Prices start at $100 and go up depending on the technology (freeze dry, press, etc.) and the finished presentation.

If you’re like me and not so worried about keeping the bouquet, then you have options too. Throw it or bestow it, as I like to call it! If you want to throw it, it may be wise to consider the crowd. (Click on the photo below to check out the entire bouquet battle—a classic!)

Photo credit: Wink Photography

Spread the good fortune! One of my best friends tossed a bouquet that separated into multiple mini bouquets mid-air, allowing many of us singletons at the time to catch one. (Anna Michalska caught a similar toss below.)

Photo credit: Anna Michalska Photography

With the throwing option, the chances of your maid of honor catching it could be significantly reduced. In that case, bestow it! Present it to your maid of honor, or your mother or the closest gal to your heart. Share a special moment with her in private, or toast her at the reception.

Photo credit: Marineland

At Marineland, you and your mate can get married among dolphins. It’s certainly not for every couple, but I got a kick out of idea! Located in St. Augustine, Fla., the original vision for Marineland began in 1938 as an effort to duplicate the variety of marine life as it exists in the wild for the purpose of filming. In 2006, it became Marineland’s Dolphin Conservation Center, dedicated to fostering the preservation and protection of marine life.

Photo credit: Marineland

And now you can get married there too! “Exchange vows on the gently sloping beach of our dolphin habitat; include dolphins in your wedding memories and photographs, and dance and delight at the ocean’s edge as the sun sets in the distance.”

Photo credit: Marineland

Marineland can accommodate 400 guests and has an outdoor event area with protection from the elements. For more information, visit Marineland’s website or call 877-933-3401.

Photo credit: Marineland

Photo credit: Something Blue Bridal Boutique

For convenience, I wanted to find a dress shop near my wedding location in Sarasota, Fla. Something Blue is a full-service bridal and formalwear boutique in Bradenton. Not only did they handle my fittings and alterations, but they also dressed and altered the bridal party and helped our mothers find their dresses. The boutique is truly a one-stop shop with style and charm.

To help you with your search, here are some of Kristi’s thoughts on dress shopping:

What should brides minimally expect when working with a dress shop?
Brides should expect to have a warm and enjoyable experience. Some brides come in knowing exactly what they want and some don’t, so it is our job to help them find what looks great on them. It should be a positive experience they remember.

What makes your business different from the competition?
I would like to say that our customer service makes us different. We try to help every person that walks in the door. I have personally hired someone in every age group so that every customer could feel comfortable.

Photo credit: www.CaronCooper.com

What motivated you to start your business? When?
When I was in college I worked at this location and realized that I loved doing this. I finished my business degree, and the previous owner called and asked if I knew anyone who would like to redo and manage the shop. One thing led to another and now four years later, my husband and I have redone the shop and added our own flair.

How do you choose what designers and styles to carry?
I pick designers for their demand, style, quality of the merchandise and their reliability to get the merchandise in a timely fashion. Sometimes cheap is not the best, because they’re not always reliable in their delivery of a special order. I take this part very seriously, because it is someone’s dream day.

How far in advance should brides purchase their gown?
A dress usually takes three-and-a-half months to four months to be delivered. Then you need time for alterations (at least a month to be safe). As soon as you find your dress, order it. As a shop, we have no way to know in advance if and when a dress will be discontinued.

How many alterations do you suggest to your brides?
You usually have two fittings—the first one is to make the adjustments and the second is to try the dress on and show you how to bustle it. Then we schedule with the bride when the dress will be picked up so we can have it pressed and ready.

Photo credit: www.CaronCooper.com

I am not Something Blue’s only fan! Check out their reviews on WeddingWire.com or check the boutique out on Facebook.

No matter where you’re getting married or shopping for your dress, I recommend working with a full-service shop. It makes the experience!

Here are my favorite tips for dress shopping:
• Make an appointment. You want their full attention.
• Be prepared. Bring magazine pages or computer printouts with you. Or save some images on your phone to show the boutique clerk.
• Think ahead about your undergarments. If you are not comfortable baring your behind, skip the thong that day! You will require some help getting in and out of those gowns.
• Bring your camera. Not every shop will let you take photos, but the confident and customer-service driven shops will
• Wear appropriate shoes for the full effect. Whether you plan to wear heels or flats, bring something comparable.
• Take your mom or your sister or your best friend or all three! Try to limit your companions to three.
• Have fun! Feel free to daydream! You’re a bride!

Photo Credit: Honeyfund.com

Checks received in the mail cost you nothing, and credit card payments are handled through PayPal (standard rates apply).

Honeymoon gift registry

SmartHoneymoon.com is a similar option, charging 7.5% on gifts received.

Photo Credit: SmartHoneymoon.com

It got me thinking there must be other wedding registry options. And I was right!

Redoing your home, or moving into your first? Check out My Dream Home Registry. For a small fee, you select the rooms in your home you want to design, select your design elements, describe your mission, and voilà. There is a 9% transaction fee to process credit cards used by your guests, but 1% goes directly to The Fuller Center for Housing, which was started by Habitat for Humanity founders Millard and Linda Fuller.

Photo Credit: MyDreamHomeRegistry.com

Similarly, Upon Our Star allows the couple to register for “wishes,” like a trip around the world or materials to redecorate your home. Guests contribute money to your wishes, and you receive a cash payment. Various fees apply.

Photo Credit: UponOurStar.com

Photo Credit: UponOurStar.com

Photo Credit: UponOurStar.com

OurWishingWell.com is a very similar option, also with various fees.

Then there’s The Man Registry, a specialized registry featuring hundreds of gifts tailored toward grooms, like electronics, grills, bar supplies, tools, sports gear and more.

Photo Credit: TheManRegistry.com

MyRegistry.com is similar to a traditional registry, but it allows you to register for various gifts, from as many stores as you like, all in one place. You can also “tastefully” ask for monetary gifts.

Photo Credit: MyRegistry.com

Feeling generous? JustGive.org allows you to set-up a charity registry! JustGive’s database contains nearly 1.5 million charities. There is a tax-deductible $5 fee for donations to support the program services, as well as a 3% processing fee deducted from the donation.

Photo Credit: JustGive.org

ChangingthePresent.org is another charity registry, allowing the couple to register for specific nonprofits. There is a 3% transaction fee. Each individual who purchases a donation gift will receive an email confirmation as proof of donation for tax purposes.

Photo Credit: ChangingthePresent.org

If there is a charity near and dear to your heart that is not available via a charity registry site, announce it on your WeddingWindow.com wedding website and direct guests where to send their donations! Ask them to notify you so they can be properly thanked.

Here’s something new! This couple chose to register through ActBlue, a political fundraising site, allowing guests to contribute to their favorite candidate.

Photo Credit: ActBlue.com

Similarly, you can raise money for MercyCorps through their fundraising pages.

No matter what type of gift registry you choose, do your research before signing up!

Photo Credit: Lynn Lugo

Photo Credit: Lynn Lugo

Various fabrics are offered (colors and patterns), as well as options like a wide sash, flower pin, contrasting midsection, ruffle hem trim and wraps.

Photo credit: Lynn Lugo

Design one style for all your bridesmaids, or unique dresses for each!

Photo Credit: Lynn Lugo

Lynn Lugo dresses are offered in a variety of stores throughout the country. If there isn’t a location near you, you can contact the company directly. The custom dresses cost $240 and up. Here are some pics of their dresses featured in real weddings…

Photo Credit: Lynn Lugo

Of course, there are other companies that offer the same create-your-own concept. Coco Myles features dresses that average $150, but there seems to to be fewer options (only one short skirt, which is a bubble skirt).

Photo Credit: Coco Myles

Photo Credit: Coco Myles

Olivia Luca is another example. This site has tons of style and fabric options and even allows you to choose the skin tone of your bridesmaids for a more accurate look! Buyers beware—the dresses carry a hefty price tag.

Photo Credit: Olivia Luca

Photo Credit: Olivia Luca

Photo Credit: Olivia Luca

One of my girls has chosen to get married in the gardens of Mixon’s Fruit Farms, a family-run citrus grove in its 70th year, famous for its oranges, orange juice and orange ice cream. No surprise here, my suggestion was to use orange as one her colors!  She could even integrate citrus into her theme!

She is agreeable to orange but hasn’t been able to settle on a color to complement. Designer Matthew Robbins suggests mixing cool colors with warm colors, a color with a neutral or a color with a metallic. Thus brings me to my featured color combination — orange, silver and white!

Our first inspiration for this palette comes from a gorgeous wedding photographed by Corbin Gurkin and featured on Style Me Pretty.

Corbin Gurkin, Style Me Pretty

Corbin Gurkin, Style Me Pretty

Corbin Gurkin, Style Me Pretty

Corbin Gurkin, Style Me Pretty

Corbin Gurkin, Style Me Pretty

I wasn’t surprised to discover that The Finer Things featured the same palette in 2008. Worked then, still works now!

The Finer Things

From there, I started digging for my own inspiration. Who knew that orange could look so good?

www.CaronCooper.com

www.CaronCooper.com

Not a huge fan of orange? Try more of a coral color.

www.CaronCooper.com

Are orange and coral too bold for you? Tone it down a little with peach or marigold.

www.CaronCooper.com

www.CaronCooper.com

If you already have an everyday dinnerware set, this is your chance to register for a set of china, maybe even fine china. Choose a formal five-piece setting. There are many options, like porcelain, stoneware and bone china. (FYI: the bone ash in bone china is made from cattle bones. Here’s the Wiki for more info.)

If you’re like me, you’ve been promised your grandmother’s china for years. In that case, register for an everyday set…or two. Everyday sets can come in four- and five-piece settings.

Every newlywed should have a set of white — it goes with everything!

Bernardaud Dinnerware Collection (Louvre, Naxos)

kate spade "Wickford" Dinnerware Collection

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Dinnerware, Spring Lace Collection

Lenox Dinnerware, Opal Innocence Carved Collection

Waterford "Grafton Street" Dinnerware Collection

Mikasa Dinnerware, Antique White Collection

Wedgwood

Denby Dinnerware, White Collection

Martha Stewart Collection Dinnerware, Avenue Square Collection

Vera Wang Wedgwood Dinnerware, Naturals Chalk Collection

Calvin Klein Home "Basso" Dinnerware

Metallic designs are classic, and they are perfect during the winter holidays. (Just remember—no microwave, no dishwasher.)

Noritake "Pearl Luxe" Dinnerware Collection

kate spade Dinnerware Collections (Sonora Knot, Larabee Road)

Pickard "Bracelet" Dinnerware Collection

Waterford Dinnerware (Crossroads Steel, Alana)

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Dinnerware, Glen Plaid Collection

Lenox Dinnerware Collection (Opal Innocence Scroll, Simply Fine Twirl)

Charter Club Dinnerware, Grand Buffet Platinum Silhouette Square Collection

Consider choosing a set that combines metallic with a color. I love these blue and silver sets!

Mikasa Parchment

Vera Wang Wedgwood "Vera Lace Bouquet Iris" Dinnerware Collection

Monique Lhuillier for Royal Doulton Modern Love Dinnerware Collection

Colorful collections are great for everyday use and entertaining. Are you inspired by flowers, gardens, birds, abstract designs?

Villeroy & Boch "New Wave Acapulco" Dinnerware Collection

kate spade "Gwinnett Lane Crème" Collection

Wedgwood Chinoiserie Green & White Fine Bone China

Wedgwood "Dynasty" Dinnerware Collection

Wedgwood (Ethereal, Golden Bird)

Waterford "Golden Apple" Dinnerware Collection

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Dinnerware, Mandarin Blue Collection

Noritake Dinnerware Collection (Yoshino, Colorwave Blue)

Villeroy & Boch Vivan Bourbon

Lenox (Bellina Gold, Spring Vista, Simply Fine "Flutter", Simply Fine "Flourish")

kate spade "Gardner Street Green" Dinnerware Collection

Royal Doulton "Enchantment"

Villeroy & Boch "Petite Fleur" Dinnerware Collection

Remember, everyday dinnerware is sold in box sets or as individual place settings and pieces. Check out both.

How many place settings do you need? Think about the size of your growing family and/or the amount of entertaining you expect. I suggest 12 settings, but no less than eight.

Of course, there is always the traditional tuxedo with bow tie.

Photo credit: Todd Pellowe Weddings

The bow tie is a great way to be creative and show the groom’s personality.

Photo credit: Jeremy Lawson Photography

Photo credit: theknot.com

Photo credit: Photosmashing

Opt for suspenders rather than a vest or cummerbund.

Photo credit: Love Life Images

Photo credit: Jenny Martell Photography

If your guy has no clue how to tie a bowtie (and has no desire to learn), maybe he’ll prefer a necktie with a Windsor knot.

Photo credit: Noah Hawthorne Photography

Add some flair to the guys’ attire with coordinating ties.

Photo credit: eric j. | photographer

Photo credit: Mary Jane Photography

Suits are a very popular option and sometimes can be a less expensive way to go.

Photo credit: eric j. | photographer

And they don’t have to be identical!

Photo credit: Melissa Musgrove

Or skip the jacket…

Photo credit: James Moes

…and add tennis shoes. All-Stars have become a standard.

Photo credit: Megan W Photography

Photo credit: Jenny Martell Photography

Sweater vests are a more casual way to go, and they are perfect for weddings set on a golf course.

Photo credit: Jen Curtis

…or in cooler weather.

Photo credit: Wish Special Events

Try matching their socks too!

Photo credit: Sarah K. Chen

Skip the tie and add flip-flops for comfort.

Photo credit: Silvana Difranco

Skip the jacket and roll up your sleeves—a great look for destination or lakefront weddings.

Photo credit: Bill Murray's Onon Digitography

Or wear linen and go barefoot—perfect for beach weddings!

Photo credit: Jenny Martell Photography

Going for a vintage look? Try a light-colored, three-piece tuxedo or suit with a darker-colored tie.

Photo credit: Simply Bloom Photography

Photo credit: Amelia Lyon Photograhy

I love the boat shoes as another footwear option! I am also a huge fan of corduroy! Wear it on the beach for a unique look, or try dark corduroy for a winter wedding.

Photo credit: Table 6 Productions

Are you marrying a serviceman? Uniforms can be a very attractive alternative!

Photo credit: Jen Stewart Photography

Is your guy Scottish or Celtic?

Photo credit: Noah Hawthorne Photography

Whatever you decide, try to coordinate the look with your ring bearers too!

Photo credit: Jen Stewart Photography