Old School

There is something warm about this illustration. It's kind of Audrey Hepburn like. That retro feel is definitely something that a wedding could be planned around. Classic colors, classic lines, big band music. And this time of year, add snowflakes falling at night and it completes the vision. Or maybe all you need is a husband-to-be who looks at you like that... Card found on Red Stamp.

Beautiful Envelopes

These gorgeous gift envelopes are laser cut, inspired by ancient Chinese papercut. According to the Chinese calendar, 2008 is the year of the rat which is what adorns this envelope. Designed by the team at Design Night out of Portland. The delicateness of it matched with the vibrant color is a great combination. Love it!

Sprinkles

We love this for two reasons. 1.) Who doesn't love cupcakes?! This big bite-size dessert is a perfect serving, looks good in all colors, and even more festive with sprinkles on top. 2.) The packaging on the Sprinkles container is great inspiration for wedding design - the whimsical type, the color combination, the unexpected shape. Remember that inspiration can come from anywhere - even food!

Single Flower Bouquets

Simplify your bouquet by using just one type of flower. You can get some at the local farmers market and wrap the stems with a silk ribbon. Even if you have a floral designer do it, you can still save money by using one type of flower. And they are still beautiful and even more striking in their simplicity...like these (from the knot).

Food Trends-Dessert Reception

One idea to keep the costs down for your wedding but still keep it special is having a dessert & champagne reception. With a later ceremony, say 7pm, serving an array of mouth-watering desserts afterwards is a perfect compliment. And I would imagine that guests would prefer delicious and fun desserts over a just mediocre meal and cake. One idea for great desserts in Minneapolis is Turtle Bread. They specialize in amazing breads and decadent desserts ranging from cakes, pies, cupcakes, cookies and even an opera torte! Can you say yummy?!

Champagne flutes

Look at these amazing champagne glasses. They are modern, fun, and actually functional - they keep your drink cooler because of the inside out design. Designed by Alissia Melka-Teichrowe, these hand-blown glasses are finally available on Rarechic after being on backorder for some time. Only $60 for the pair, they are a must for the style seeking bride.

Centerpiece ideas

Another different, beautiful and affordable centerpiece idea. Sugared fruit! Set in a shallow bowl on tables. It looks delicate and seasonal with muted colors to match your day. Plus they are edible! We found this great idea here - click to find the directions on how to actually do it. Yum.

Wedding Bands

Do you have to spend a lot on a wedding band? The answer is definitely NO. There are so many beautiful and unique designs that can express your individuality beyond the diamond band. Here are two that Auto in NYC has - they commissioned 15 of their favorite artists to create a new wedding band. The first is from St. Kilda designed by Nora Kogan called the diamond princess ring and goes for $550. The second is from Philip Cragi called twist bands which go for $180. Some Minneapolis locations to check out for unique and affordable bands are the Walker Museum store and Gallery 360 - both who bring in designers from across the country to offer new options to us in the midwest.

Chandeliers

I am in love with chandeliers lately. The lower one is from my FAVORITE location in Minneapolis, Bar Lurcat. I was also recently at Hotel deLuxe in Portland which had amazing chandeliers in their entry way. The upper chandelier is from Coco Chanel's apartment in Paris. There is something about the light reflecting off of crystals that creates a magical glow and environment. Everyone looks good in that light!

Buttons: Inspiration

During this time of year it's hard to think that a red & green wedding combination wouldn't make people think about Christmas trees and Santa. But take a look at these vintage buttons we found on Etsy. By using a mixture of many shades of green with red and the addition of a metallic and maybe a bit of black, it becomes a rich mix of colors that could work for any celebration! Just steer clear of any holly...

Packaging as Inspiration

I love this gorgeous packaging from Dewey Howard Paper and Brickhouse Soaps - a partnership between a paper/invitation company and bath and body product company. The floral design and colors could be a great base for a romantic wedding mood board. Nature meets modern. And you'd have built in favors all ready for you!

Inspiration Board

This inspiration board is all about natural elegance. The blues and greens from the outdoors mixed with the champagne and browns feel earthy and comfortable. You can easily mix beading and roses with grass and bikes. Beauty can be relaxed. Weddings can be relaxed. Your colors and textures can help to set that tone.

Eco Vases

How cool are these?! Artecnica uses recycled glass from wine and beer bottles to create these tranSglass vases, which are in the permanent collection of MoMA New York.

Stylish Organizer

I LOVE this tote bag from russell+hazel! You can use it to store, save and organize all of your wedding files - from pictures of dresses to menus. And in white it is the perfect bridal accessory for the stylish-at-heart.

Centerpiece ideas

Here's a great idea for a simple but beautiful centerpiece (from Martha Stewart)- gourd luminaries. The many varieties of gourds and pumpkins available in orange to blue to cream allow for texture and color which just glows beauty with the flame inside. Perfect for an autumn wedding! Unexpected and inexpensive.

Wedding Dresses - Jenny Yoo

So how can you look beautiful for less? Check out Jenny Yoo's wedding alternatives. Best known for bridesmaids dresses, she's translated these designs into wedding dresses. They have simple beautiful lines and are made with rich fabrics like shantung silk and silk duponi. And the styles here are only $715! Add a stunning necklace and your look is complete. You don't need to spend a lot to look good on your wedding day...you just need to be you.

Patterns from Wallpaper

How could wallpaper influence your wedding? Well look at these gorgeous patterns and color combinations. Wallpaper is making a comeback (probably because we've never put it up before and then had to take it down like our parents have). We'll bring you other wallpaper examples we see that could be inspiration for your wedding! Remember inspiration comes from everywhere...

Joynoelle dresses

I love this Minneapolis clothing designer, Joy Teiken. Her line, Joynoelle, is amazing. Not only does she do wedding dresses, but couture and beautiful jackets. She travels the world to find unique fabrics which make her clothing extra special and rich. Plus the lines you see in these dresses show her genius in sophisticated yet girly design.

Bubble Necklace

This necklace from the MOMA Store online reminds me of blowing bubbles as a kid. So delicate. This would compliment a modern wedding dress or be a fun juxtaposition with a more traditional dress - just to add a little levity! And it's not very expensive. Love it.

Modern Headpieces

What amazingly modern headpieces. These are from Karen Henricksen out of the UK. She is a millner and makes all kind of inspiring hats and head pieces. These are so playful and elegant at the same time.

Invites from Fashion Week

Look at these cool invites that came out of fashion week. The beautiful cut out design, the black and white imagery with the birds, and the cardboard with whimsical writing. They are all so different but gorgeous. Any of these cues can be used in a wedding invitation to make it uniquely yours.

Dinosaur Designs-Resin Beauty

I love the jewelry from Dinosaur Designs out of Australia. Most of it is made out of resin, but it comes out in such creamy and vibrant shades. They have a store in NYC too, which is where I stumbled upon them. Check them out. Cool stuff. Definitely a beautiful add to a wedding, whether the bride wears a cuff bracelet or the vases are used for centerpieces.