Wedding Finally settled on a theme

[bensbride]

So, we chose the contemporary lovebird cake topper, which kind of started the whole bird theme. At first, I didn''t think the whole reception needed to have a theme, but FI was insistent that there was something that carried through all the little touches. Soooo, he suggested birds. At first, I was a little alarmed that there would be fake birds mounted on every surface if I agreed to the bird theme. However, its coming along quite well. I found these lanterns on ebay and will use them in the centerpieces.

 

[bensbride]

The cake topper that stared it all. I like the lanterns above because they kind of look like birdhouses, but are much more cost-effective than piecing together antique birdhouses, which was my first idea. Plus, birdhouses tend to be too tall for centerpieces, in what I found.

 

[bensbride]

I also found these labels for our candy buffet bags. I think they are sweet. I haven''t 110% decided on colors yet, but we''re leaning toward some shade of pink (debated over and over) and a green (shade would depend on the final pink color choice). FI likes something bold like fuschia but I think something softer goes better with the theme.

 

[bensbride]

We haven''t agreed upon invitations yet, either. There are several cute designs out there. Weddingpaperdivas has their "little bird" invite that I love if we go with a softer mauve. White Aisle has "Birds of a feather" which I really like in the green color.

 

[swimmer]

bensbride,
Oh, so nice! Excellent to have a partner in planning who is into themes and such. I really like those lanterns, kept seeing them around and thinking they were perfect for decor, but couldn''t work it for my situation. Just wanted to chime in that your planning looks great! Here is another bird invite, I loved how the bird is raised up, just a neat bit of texture, and the response cards are the cutest things ever. linky Just a thought!

 

[bensbride]

So what do you guys think? Is it too much? I am not against the theme, but I want it to look nice and not overly literal. Color ideas?

 

[bensbride]

Date: 7/21/2008 5:01:33 PM
Author: swimmer
bensbride,
Oh, so nice! Excellent to have a partner in planning who is into themes and such. I really like those lanterns, kept seeing them around and thinking they were perfect for decor, but couldn''t work it for my situation. Just wanted to chime in that your planning looks great! Here is another bird invite, I loved how the bird is raised up, just a neat bit of texture, and the response cards are the cutest things ever. linky Just a thought!

Ooooh, those are darling! Thanks so much, swimmer!

 

[swimmer]

Clearly I totally love it, am perusing PS with a friend whose wedding we are working on and she suggests this birdcage for the gift table link We LOVE the bird theme, there are so many awesome quotes you could use too. Yes, some South Asian cultures hold that birds are bad luck, but so are calla lillies to some folks, candles to others... So do what you and yours will love.

 

[bensbride]

Well, we aren''t asian...we''re pretty much good old Iowa folk, so I doubt many would worry about the bad luck thing. Thanks for the heads up, though!

 

[bensbride]

We do have a groomsman with a fear of all animals that fly, but I think it is related to a childhood experience with a bat. I''m telling him to deal with it. There won''t be real birds around, so I''m hoping he can wear his big boy pants and be able to face the sticker labels like a man. Haha.

Awesome card holder....and on sale, no less!

 

[zoebartlett]

Date: 7/21/2008 5:02:35 PM
Author: bensbride
So what do you guys think? Is it too much? I am not against the theme, but I want it to look nice and not overly literal. Color ideas?

I LOVE it! It''s not too much at all. I won''t be much help recommending colors because I don''t have a decorator''s eye like some people do, but I wanted to chime in and say that I love everything you''ve posted so far.

 

[SarahLovesJS]

I love the theme!!

Looks great! And I am very tempted by that cake topper every time I see it. It may become mine as well if you don''t mind too much!

 

[bensbride]

Of course you can use it if you like it! Its been on backorder forever, so I suspect quite a few people are using it. I think its cute, whether you''re doing anything else related to birds or not. I never had a clear vision of exactly what I wanted, so it just served as a great jumping off point in terms of theme. This is our reception venue. Its at a country club. The tables won''t be in this configuration (as long as I can keep the guest list from getting too ridiculous) and I''m considering chair covers to tone down the forest green going on. I''m hoping we can have the square tables that seat 8. That''s how the room was set up when I toured. I really like the windows. Its outside of town so you get that awesome Iowa country landscape that you have to know to love. Luckily, I love it!

 

[Pandora II]

Love the idea, and those invitations are gorgeous.

Don''t worry about the bad luck thing. In the UK callas are funeral flowers and peonys mean shame. In Italy it''s chrysanthemums. My polish cleaning-lady was nearly in tears last week because I have pearls on my dress and they mean that tears will flow in your marruage in Poland!

 

[SarahLovesJS]

Ooh I like the windows as well!! Looks like a great venue!

 

[claireabelle]

I love this theme - so gorgeous! I tore out and filed a really cute bird themed styling guide from one of my bridal mags which I''m sure will give you some great ideas.... color wise, I think purples and blues are gorgeous, fresh and very calming.... I think hydrangeas work really well with the bird theme, too...

i just love the cake!

 

[claireabelle]

perhaps you could get some cute cages from second hand stores and hang them in the trees near the entrance??

 

[claireabelle]

the colours are really beautiful... and I love those little cut-out bird decorations!

 

[claireabelle]

see the hydrangeas near the bird house? So pretty!

 

[claireabelle]

anyway that''s the lot - hope they give you some inspiration!!

xxx claire

 

[HaloAngel]

LOVE the caketopper - where is it from?

 

[WishfulThinking]

I love the birds! I think the touches you have chosen so far are subtle and not over the top, and they look really good- not "too much" or tacky in the least! There is also something sort of organic about the theme... the branches on the invitation you liked, the outdoorsy-ness of the birdcage-like lanterns, etc.

Have you considered using little wooden bird houses for anything? I am not sure for what, but they might be smaller and less expensive than larger metal ones.

I can''t wait to see more of your ideas!

 

[ChargerGrrl]

ebree did a bird theme. do a search for her FAB pics.

 

[CJ2008]

I think your friend''s gonna freak if he sees those bird cages! haha

The theme is coming along nicely - I really love the cake topper - it''s so delicate.

 

[bensbride]

ZoeBartlett and SarahLovesJS - Thanks for the sweet words of encouragement!

Pandora - I agree on all the superstitions. If I believed in superstitions, I''d already be in trouble. We dated 13 months before we got engaged, and we''re getting married 13 months to the day from when we became engaged.

Claireabelle - Thanks so much for the lovely suggestions! I want to include birdhouses somewhere, I''ll have to investigate the reception site to see where I can put them. I will use a birdcage as a card holder on the gift table, for sure. I agree that hydrangeas are awesome and I really hope to use them in my bouquet and possibly in the reception decor.

HaloAngel - The cake topper is at quite a few websites. It is backordered on most. It is even on ebay. If you google "lovebird cake topper" you should find some great listings.

Wishfulthinking - I would love to use wooden birdcages, but I haven''t been able to find many anywhere. Its heading toward mostly fall decor at a lot of the shops, maybe I''ll search online. Thanks for the idea!

ChargerGirl - I''d love any inspiration you can find. I''ll search for ebree''s pics. Thanks!

Claudinam - I am going to have to slowly start introducing the birdcages into his life. I think I''ll sneak one onto his patio some night and have him "discover" it as a test.

 

[WishfulThinking]

Haha, the part about putting the birdcage on his patio made me giggle!

You might be able to find some wooden birdhouses at a craft store like Michaels or something. They often have plain wood ones that can be painted in different colors. If you''re a DIY type of person that might be a great way to have the birdhouses incorporate your colors into the theme. Hope that helps!

 

[allycat0303]

I think it is very, very cute (I am a big bird lover, so I love the little touches)

 

[swimmer]

Not necessary at all since you have the white lanterns, but here are white decorative birdcages on sale link

in brass link

white with painted pink flowers link

love claireabelle's pictures of the cages hanging from tree branches...
OK, I've had my morning PS fix, have a great day

 

[violet02]

I love these bird favors. I saw them in a magazine and they seem to go out of stock a lot. If you can get them though they are super cute. I''d love to have used them in my wedding somehow!

 

[HaloAngel]

Thanks Bensbride for the cake topper info! You were 100% correct, it is on several sites - but most easily availble on eBay - best price too!

Violet02 - those favors are pretty! I want a set for myself (since we already have our wedding favors)....where are they from?