C'mon now, be social!

Want to stay up to date with Inspired Details and get more local bridal inspiration?  Be sure to follow us on facebook!  Plus, I'm on Pinterest, pinning away!  So, get social!

Need help navigating Pinterest and putting it to good use?  Read up here, here, and here.

Wedding Planning with Pinterest: Who to follow?

This week I've been posting all about Pinterest.  Today, I want to talk about how to use Pinterest to find inspiration.  It's SO easy.  So, you're already using the "Pin It" button to pull inspiring images from all over the web.  Maybe you're an advanced (read: addicted) user and you've got the iPhone App.  In any case, you're using Pinterest to keep your inspiration organized.  So, what else can you do?  Follow people!  Not just your bff, mom, and grandma are using Pinterest!  Tastemakers, designers, bloggers (and just about everyone) is as well.  So, here are some suggestions to get you started!

Top 10 People to Follow on Pinterest 

(for wedding inspiration)

1. Courtney Spencer: Owner of Merriment Events™. Blogging at the merriment blog. www.themerrimentblog.com.  Courney has a lot of great boards, including "Rustic Elegant," full of pins to inspire brides with outdoor or garden weddings.

2. Style Me Pretty: Bringing chic, stylish weddings to the masses.  I love their "Wedding Cocktails" board with tons of signature cocktail ideas and recipes!

3. The Perfect Palette: A wedding blog dedicated to exploring color palette possibilities + a place to find fun + creative color ideas! With over 24,000 followers, 112 Boards, and 6,000 "Pins," you are bound to be inspired!

4. BRIDEfinds:  Wedding enthusiast -- by job & hobby.  

5.Green Wedding Shoes / Jen: Editor + Creative Director of Green Wedding Shoes. 

6. Martha Stewart Weddings:  Ideas, inspiration, and the inside scoop from the editors of Martha Stewart Weddings.

7.  Gayle McConnell: I especially love her "beach wedding," board.

Local Favorites

8. Bayside Bride: The Annapolis Wedding Inspiration Guide & Vendor Resource. 

9. Stephanie Bradshaw's "Weddings & Parties" board.  Bradshaw is a Charm City resident and creative director at bradshawstyling.com.  She is also a lifestyle blogger.

10. Katie McDonough Kutil: owner/designer of Petal & Print - custom fabric flowers and papery delights.

I should also mention, if you'd like to follow me on Pinterest, you can find me there! 

Happy Pinning!

Get Started and Organized with Pinterest

As I recently posted, Pinterest is a great tool for planning a wedding.  And like most things on the web, it is what you make of it.  (For basic information on how to use Pinterest, visit their help page here).

1. Create Pinboards with clear labels.  (Just as you would use tabs in a binder).  You can create an infinite number of boards, so get as specific as you need.  Examples: Bridesmaids dresses, Bouquets, Invitations.  You can then start pinning images from around the web (or already on Pinterest) to your boards.  You may want to create a "miscellaneous" board for pins that don't quite fit elsewhere.  You can always move pins off of that board in the future.

2. Install the "Pin It" button.  You can find details and instructions here.  It takes 2 seconds.  This will allow you to pull images from virtually any website.  This is a great tool when visiting wedding blogs for inspiration.    You no longer have to bookmark everything!  Pinterest will take the image (linking back to the website it came from automatically) and pin it to any board you'd like.  

Visit Roost to learn how to pin politely.

3.  Be sure to label your pins clearly.  Labeling is important for you and other pinners (including your friends) to find these pins in searches.  To get more into the intricacy of pinning and pinning etiquette, see this and that.  As you use Pinterest more, you'll see why this is important. 

4. Get creative!  Pins are just that, pins.  They can be removed, rearranged, re-pinned, etc.  So, feel free to pin "crazy" ideas.  Its all about inspiration!  Pins don't have to fit your budget, wedding theme, or any other limitation.  Anything you like is "pin worthy," so pin away!

Check back tomorrow for more Pinteresting tips!  Happy Pinning!

Get on [a Pinterest] Board!

If you're planning a wedding and you're not using Pinterest.  Get on board!  Seriously.  I assume that everyone has been using this fab inspirational/organizational/social website, but have discovered that many of you still haven't heard the good word!

So, huh, what's Pinterest?  Its a handy website (and iphone App) for collecting and sharing images/things you find interesting on the web.  You can label those images called "pins" onto different boards or pin-boards.  So instead of collecting images from magazines and trying to organize them in binder or scrapbooks, you can do it all online.  Better yet, you can share them with friends!

Much like Facebook or Twitter.  You can "follow" people and they can "follow" you.  The Pinterest homepage features a Pin Feed which allows you to see the recently added pins by those you follow.  You can then "like" (think Facebook), comment on, or re-pin those pins to your own boards.  You can even "tag" someone on a pin.  Come across the perfect bridesmaids dresses on Pinterest?  You can let your maid of honor know right away by "tagging" her in a pin comment or label.

So, scoot on over to Pinterest to "request" an invitation.  But, be warned, its addictive and you may lose track of time regularly!  For tips on how to use Pinterest in your wedding planning, check back tomorrow.  More to come...

Happy Pinning!

Bridal Show Season- How to prepare?

Baltimore Bride Magazine's Aisle Style

Now that you have decided which bridal shows to attend this season, make sure you are prepared to get the most out of your time (and money).  Here are some tips to help make bridal shows a piece of cake:

1. Have an empty tote.  Be sure to have a bag to carry all of the informational brochures, business cards, information packets, etc you will want to take home.  If you are attending a big show, you will be amazed by the amount of literature you'll be carrying around.

2.  Have a notebook and pen.  Of course, a lot of information will be provided by the vendor in promotional materials.  But you may want to make notes about particular vendors you liked, specific services they provide, price quotes, or questions you had answered.  If you're an overachiever, bring a fine point Sharpie- that way you can write on any surface, including glossy promotional literature.

3. Have calling cards.  Either your business cards, personal calling cards, or self-printed labels with your name, mailing address, email address, and phone number.  Most vendors will already have this information when you register to attend, but if there is a particular vendor you are interested in, be sure they receive one.  Vendors may offer discounts or giveaways to brides they meet at particular events.

4. Have a check book.  For the most part, you'll just be learning about vendors.  But, you never know what you may find- the perfect photographer with limited availability.  There are only 52 weekends in a year and vendors can fill up fast.  Also, some vendors have "show only specials."  In order to receive a discounted rate, you must make a deposit during the show.  Don't be afraid to ask vendors if they have any show promotions.

5. Have a camera.  Be ready to take photos of fashion shows, wedding vignettes, cakes, etc.  Inspiration abound, you'll want to be able to review later.  Also, take photos of the booths of any vendors you were particularly interested in.  It will be an easy visual reminder of conversations or thoughts you may have had.  At the end of the day it may be difficult to keep things clear after collecting so many business cards, a booth photo should provide you with basic information, such as the vendor's name.

6. Have comfortable shoes.   Ladies, I'm not kidding.  You're going to be standing and walking for hours, carrying a bunch of brochures, catalogs, and magazines - don't miss out by distracting foot pain or having to leave early.  Most door prizes or raffles are announced later in the show and you must be present to win.

7. Have an entourage.  Bring people who have opinions you trust.  Consider people who have a sense of style or taste you admire, people who are good with negotiations or making financial decisions, and people who are good with keeping your needs in mind.  I mention that last one as we all have friends and family who are good at deciding what they'd like, make sure your posse includes someone who not only knows you well but can advocate on your behalf.

8. Have a good time.  Wedding shows are full of great food, beautiful decor, and fun music.  Take a moment to enjoy the time with your friends and family.  Some shows will have a dance floor, don't hesitate to bust a move!  And remember if you're feeling overwhelmed, just step out and take a moment to yourself.

Bridal Show Season- Which to attend?

The beginning of the new year- days are shorter, defrosting your windshield is a daily occurrence, the gym is suddenly crowded, and everyone is hosting a bridal show.  That's right, its bridal show season!  Of course, you can't hit them all, so how do you decide?  Well first, here is a run down of some of the upcoming bridal shows in the Baltimore area:

Chesapeake Bay Beach Club Bridal Show. Jan 7th. Stevensville, MD.
Great Bridal Expo. Jan 7th. Baltimore, MD.

Timonium Bridal Expo.  Jan 7th & 8th.  Timonium, MD.

Delmarva Bridal Showcase.  Jan 8th.  Salisbury, MD.
Baltimore Museum of Industry's Annual Bridal Show. Jan 10th. Baltimore, MD.
Here Comes The Bride... and Groom Wedding Expo. Jan 15th. Linthicum Heights, MD.

Eastern Shore Bridal Extravaganza.  Jan 15th.  Easton, MD.
Turf Valley's Bridal Extravaganza.  Jan 20th.  Ellicott City, MD.  

Baltimore Bride Magazine's Aisle Style.  Jan 29th.  Pikesville, MD.

Embassy Suites Hunt Valley Bridal Show.  Jan 29th.  Hunt Valley, MD.

Baltimore Bridal Show. February 4th & 5th. Baltimore, MD.
Winter Bridal Showcase.  Feb 19th.  Towson, MD.

So now that you realize its not physically possible to attend all the upcoming events in the Baltimore area (nor would you want to feel like a "bridezilla" for doing so), its time to make some decisions.  

Things to consider:

Location Location Location

If your venue is hosting a bridal show, you'll want to attend.  You will be able to spend more time in the space and experience a large event at your venue.  Also, most venues have relationships with specific vendors, especially caterers, so you will further get to know your vendors.  

You should attend a show in the area of your wedding.  For example, planning a wedding on the Eastern Shore?  You'll want to attend a bridal show across the bay.  Although many vendors provide services throughout the area, attending a show local to your venue will provide you an opportunity to meet local vendors whom you may not otherwise have the chance.

Do Your Homework

Remember, this is not only a way for you to discover new vendors, but also a way to do some one stop shopping.  Most event websites will list the vendors who will be exhibiting.  Think of the vendors you'd like to talk to and see which event will have the more of your perspective vendors.

Think about the sections of your planning left to do.  Have you planned the bridal party's attire? - Will this event have a fashion show?  Still considering a theme or color scheme? - Will this event have vignettes to inspire you?  And don't be afraid to contact the event host to get further details.

Size of Event (and You)

Maybe its just my background in psychology, but personality is something to consider (and not just yours, think of the family members and friends who may be tagging along).  Are you going to be excited or overwhelmed by a huge event?  Are you happy to push through crowds to find what you want?  Do you do better in intimate settings?  Would you rather have more individualized attention and compromise on the number of vendors?  It may seem inconsequential, but it can make a difference.  Sensory overload can be a real problem!

Use Your Friends

Have any newlywed friends?  Ask which shows they attended and what their experiences were.  Social media is another great way to get some advice.  Ask Facebook friends for some feedback and suggestions.  

Be Bold!

I have spent a lot of time looking at ideas for decorating my home.  I've been really inspired by Jonathan Adler.  In his "manifesto," Adler says, "we believe colors can't clash" and "minimalism is a bummer."  Many of his designs involve mixing bold patters and colors.  Adler also suggests mixing the "fancy with the frisky." Decor that is too formal will make you sad, however too much whimsy will leave you feeling less-than-chic.  Therefore you should "embrace a mix, pairing the chic classical foundation...with a layer of playful punctuation."  Here are some of examples of Adler's design:

Photo Source

 After looking at Adler's work, have fallen in love with classic patterns in bold colors:

Imperial Trellis, Chevron Stripe, Greek Key, Damask

How can one incorporate these ideas into wedding design?  I went on a search to see what others have done before.  Check out some inspiring images:

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I love the bright yellow chevron table runner paired with pink chavari chairs!  Less keen on the denim "vases," but I do like the color and texture they bring to the table setting.

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I heart chevron!  This print can be incorporated into anything, the invitations, the table cloths, the cake, the napkins...  Just have to use your imagination.

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Damask is such a classic print.  But, when done in bold colors or mixed with modern elements, the formality is taken down a peg and it becomes more modern and fun.

Photo Source

I love this wedding!  First, what a beautiful bold color pallet.  Bright orange, hot pink, vibrant teal...  Then throw in a bold pattern, black and white stripes and, hello, chic has arrived!  I adore the small elements of black and white stripes- the groom's bowtie and boutonniere, the brides bouquet and dress.  It's important to incorporate a theme through out the wedding without overdoing it.  They certainly kept it balanced!

Photo Source

This decor is fabulous.  Mixing pink, orange and fuchsia with bright white and a Greek key pattern is fantastic.  Also a well balanced mix, repeating the white on the planter boxes keeps the decor cohesive.  This is an example of an analogous color scheme.  Remember to consult your color wheel (or read my blog post on color theory) when choosing a wedding color pallet.
 

Photo Source

This wedding may be my favorite of them all!  I love how they used so many bold prints (stripes, trellis, dots) in different colors.  And they mesh perfectly together.  Although the prints are bold, they work well together because they all utilize white.  And, clear chavari chairs!  (Swoon!)  So much style in this wedding decor.

So what are some things we can take away from Mr. Adler and the inspiring photos?
1. Don't be afraid to use prints and stripes.
2. Use classic design elements in bold colors to keep a balance of formal and modernity. 
3. Use these prints and colors throughout the decor (and elements of the attire) to keep things cohesive.
4. Consult a color wheel to keep the color pallet harmonious.
5. The patterns don't all have to be the same scale.  Mix a bold wide stripe with a small dot, etc.
6. You're wedding should be your style, so if you want it to be bold and modern, go for it!

Happy Designing!

Interviews with Baltimore Wedding Vendors

Over the past year and a half, I have had the opportunity to interview some great Baltimore wedding vendors.  I got the inside scoop on their businesses, plus some fantastic advice that every bride needs.  I wanted to make sure you guys (my awesome readers) didn't miss the opportunity to get the 411!  So, read up!  (Interviews are linked in purple).

Tara Parekh Photography

 Early this year, I had the chance to interview Tara Parekh of Tara Parekh Photography.  You don't want to miss this interview!  Tara gives us lots of tips on choosing a photographer and getting great wedding photos.

Balance Boudoir

I had a great two-part interview with Balance Boudoir Photography.  Rissa Miller, professional photographer, and Ashlee Riddle, hair stylist and owner of Up Do’s for I Do’s, tell us all about what they do at Balance Boudoir Photography.  Plus they gave us lots of tips for making the photo shoot experience comfortable and fun!

Julianne Smith, The Garter Girl

I loved talking to The Garter Girl, Julianne Smith, because her garters are handmade and a lot of what she does is custom.  Not to mention beautiful and eco-friendly!  Smith is also one of the editors of United With Love, a wedding blog for the D.C. area. 

Maria Louise High

In my interview with Maria Louise High, owner of Little Blue Studio, we talked about her lovely handmade fabric flowers.  The perfect accessory for the wedding day (or rehearsal dinner, or well, any day)!


I'm not sure if this "counts," but I did write a bit about my creative process , if you would like some insight into Alexandra Webb Jewelry (me)!  Of course, I am always posting about my custom bridal jewelry.

Garnish Boutique

I also got to sit down with my friend, Mia Antalics, owner of Garnish Boutique.  We talked about her business, trends in bridesmaids attire and tips for brides. 

Madeleine Homes, La Papillon Spa

I took a trip to La Papillon Spa in Lutherville to interview Madeleine Homes, spa owner, make-up artist, and "eyebrow whisperer."  We talked about all of the wonderful services she provides to brides and their maids.  In Part 2 of the interview, Homes gave us some great ideas on how to prepare for your wedding day and working with a make-up artist.

 Felicity C Weddings

I also got to interview Felicity Carmody of Felicity C Weddings.  She explains the role of a wedding planner and all of the ways she can help in the planning process (plus make the day of the wedding much easier for everyone involved).  In Part 2 of the interview, Carmody gives us some wedding planning tips, plus her favorite Baltimore wedding vendors!

Are you a Baltimore area wedding vendor?  Would you like to offer my readers some advice?  Please email alexawebb@gmail.com. 

iDo: Brides Wedding Genious App for your iPhone

My oh my!  It's been a while...I apologize, dear readers.  I have been one busy gal!  I barely had time to check my email, let alone bring you any fresh wedding inspiration.  Which got me thinking- how do you do it?  How do you have the time it takes to plan a wedding?  And, more importantly, in age of technology, how can it be any easier? 

Just last month Conde Nast, publisher of Brides Magazine, brought out a new app for the iPhone: Brides Wedding Genius. 

Apparently the former version had some bugs which have been remedied.  So, I downloaded version 2.0.  So far, so good.  The basic version is free, but has some great upgrades for nominal fees.  If you're all about keeping your life organized in your phone, this app is for you!

 

The basic (free) version offers galleries of wedding gowns, bridesmaids dresses, engagement and wedding rings, and travel destinations.  It's not terribly helpful.  But, if nothing else, may be a great way to peruse some ideas while sitting in line at the MVA.  Plus, if you see something you like, you can put it in your "Inspiration Folder" or share it with family and friends via email, twitter or facebook.

The upgrade gets you the "Task Tracker," a planning calendar based on your wedding date.  It offers a variety of features including assigning tasks to people (via email), status updates, and tips for each suggested task.  For example, you can pick a dress, find a local vendor (based on your location), and schedule an appointment to try it.  You can also sync data with their website and share that information with others, such as your wedding party.  Check it out, let me know what you think!  Happy Planning!