Guest blog: Kelsey Bowen with littlethingsfavors.com

Fresh air, earth inspired colors, the presence of nature all around you…sounds relaxing and inviting, doesn’t it? Perhaps that’s the reason why rustic weddings are becoming such a hit among brides! This wedding theme is already proving to be a huge trend in the upcoming season, and it’s no secret as to why: a rustic wedding is homely and unrefined, yet chic with a touch of vintage appeal.

While more brides are leaning towards this nature inspired look, you may wonder how to pull off it for your own nuptials. The key to achieving rustic ambiance is by using natural, earthy elements (think burlap, twigs, moss and other woodsy materials). You can use burlap to cover tables, as an aisle runner, and even as your wedding favors! Our “Rustic Renaissance” Burlap Favor Bags are generously sized to hold anything from candy to coffee packs or other small gifts and will look charming on your reception tables. Mason jars are perfect for bringing that dash of vintage allure to your event; consider incorporating them into your centerpieces, to serve drinks to your guests, or simply illuminate your table decorations by putting candles inside.

Chalkboards are a must have for rustic weddings also make a delightful addition to your wedding decor, whether you use them as directional signs, table numbers or use them to display your menu. And the designers at Kate Aspen have proved that chalkboards also make unique wedding favors! From glass jars to chalkboard coasters, these whimsical favors are catching everyone’s heart. Plus, they can double as your seating assignments if you use a chalk marker to write guests’ names and table numbers. If you’re just looking to add just a small touch of country charm to your reception, try decorating your tables with our “Rustic Romance” Faux-Wood Heart Place Card Holder/Photo Frame (we promise they look just like the real thing!).

Rustic inspired weddings aren’t just reserved for the spring through fall months – a rural inspired soiree can happen any time of the year!  For the warmer months, keep your color palette lively with warmer nature inspired colors in lighter shades of oranges, yellows, cream and champagne.  For the cooler months, add depth to your rustic affair by using richer hues of these shades.  And for rustic winter weddings think of adding white birch, evergreens and berries to your décor.

Remember, your event doesn’t need to take place in the middle of a forest or in a barn to have a rustic feel.  The rustic ambiance that you see in bridal magazines and on blogs are very attainable for your own wedding just by selecting materials, colors, decorations and favors with this charming feel.  The possibilities are endless and are only limited by your imagination!

Kelsey Bowen is the Assistant Manager of Little Things Favors . Since 2003, Little Things Favors has been helping brides select the perfect favors and accessories for their weddings.  They carry the complete line of Kate Aspen favors and gifts including all the Kate Aspen rustic favors mentioned in this blog!

mason jar candles

table number 4

cake

barn with curtains

This Saint Patrick’s Day, we are skipping the rainbows and going straight for the gold. With “Emerald” Green dubbed the Pantone color of the year, we found the perfect picks for a St. Patty’s Day celebration. Here is some elegant inspiration for a wedding filled with Emerald and gold – a subtle nod to St. Patricks day – we suggest skipping the green beer!

Pictured:

Gold Favors – Kate Aspen

Bride – Cuppa Photography via Brides.com

Macarons - Macaron Cafe via Martha Stewart Weddings

Shoes – Kate Headley via Santa Barbara Chic

Garland -Parties And Potty Training via Ruffled and Jasmine Nicole Photography

Cake – The Cake Whisperer via Ruffled and Dallas Curow Photography

There are beautiful bridal accessories for every season and winter is no exception. Today is the first day of winter and we have some warm wedding inspiration for you! Bundle up in a fur wrap or a cozy cardigan. Whether you’re wearing grandma’s vintage shawl or a faux replica, we love this romantic look. These accessories can be a part of your wardrobe long after your big day too!

Pictured: Bride and Groom (Punam Bean Photography via Ruffled Blog), Faux Fur Wrap via Alex Bridal, Cardigan via BHLDN

Happy Planning!

If you feel like being bold and want to brighten up your palette, there’s an ultra cool new green you can try – Pantone’s Ultramarine Green.  It’s a great color to accent featured pieces. A chevron pattern in green on a cake can really bring some pop to the reception. Pair it with some of Kate Aspen’s favors like the “Love Songs” Stainless-Steel Measuring Spoons or even the “Blossom” Ceramic Salt & Pepper set to bring just a hint of a minty undertone to the decor.

This amazing green is even being used in some wedding invitaions and as you can see, it really makes a statement. Accent your wardrobe by wearing it in jewelry, or even use the color as a prop in photography. Try it in your make-up or let your bridesmaids have fun with the color. Ultramarine green is the perfect blend of mint and jade and is one of the most wearable colors this season.

Image credits: wedding cake, tear drop earrings, wedding stationary,  green macarons, bridal shoot, bride and bridesmaid

Happy planning!