{Swoon}

Thanks Badgley Mischka!

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Mood Board

Beaker Breaker: Modern twist on floral glassware will make for a great centerpiece. {Urban Outfitters; $24}

Cupcake Chemistry: Wrap up your little cakes with these clever cupcake wrappers {Jenny Wenny’s Flickr}.

Unicorns are Real: To incorporate the love of Lisa Frank: glitter, unicorns and ridiculousness was required in some form {Google Images}.

Invitation

I recruited a talented artist ::enter Regina from Cereal Saturdays:: to design the invitations. Add several layers of textured cardstock, silver cord and confetti and VOILA. Science themed baby shower invites are ready for the journey through the postal maze.

Pictures from our Science-themed Baby Shower 

One of the party guests framed the sparkly invitation for the honored mama.

Paper Straws: Compostable paper straws with science themed sayings like, “C2H2OH free zone”, “Unicorns are scientifically proven” flags

Best Wishes Banner: Congratulations is composed of elements from the periodic table. To create a more personalized banner, incorporate words that are meaningful to you.

Mr Roboto: What is a party without delicious robot coated sugar cookies. This fabulous contribution was brough in by a party guest.

Science-y Centerpiece: A large graduated beaker was used instead of the traditional glass vase to help center the banner and decorate the present table. Pomettes flanked the curly willow branches for some added interest.

It was a fun shower and I am glad the guests and mama-to-be had the time to gather together and celebrate such a wonderful moment before baby arrives. What is a unique baby shower theme you’ve seen/attended?

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Location: Miami, Florida (backyard)
Colors: Goldenrod, Cobalt and Ivory
Theme: Spanish Rustic with touches of vintage
Budget: $2000

Two tiered cake bedecked with navy ribbon held down the candy bar. Apothecary jars filled with ivory sweets gave guests a boost of sugar for the dancing to come. {Sweet Cakes}. Sweeping goldenrod linens dolled up the sweet station {Hitched event Rentals}.

Focus on what is important to you and your partner. Surround yourselves with the ones you love and the day couldn’t be more happier.

Smooch! A silk strapless silhouette from {David’s Bridal} stretched the dollar to areas of greater importance.

DIY Details

Fino Wino: Customize your wine bottles with wine labels (a la Wedding Chicks).

Rock, Paper, Scissors: Patches of moss and rocks flanked the guest book and escort card station. Warm amber tea lights flickered throughout the night.

Paper Products: Off white paper pom poms and lanterns were strung on the trees surrounding

Top Cake: A quick ship (4 days!) for customized {Naked Peggies} adorned the top of the wedded confection.

Bucket of Brews: Rustic copper tin of beverages chilling before the ceremony.

Posh pintuck linens in cobalt blue from {Hitched event Rentals} dazzle the dining area. Chivari chairs were in the budget due to the small guest list. In addition, chivaris in black tends to be the most affordable color.

Clean Cloak: Minimal ivory fabric draping around the tent created a more intimate and finished space. It also hides the hideous metal pipes.

Bright Light: A rustic chandelier added a classy addition to the outdoor space. Bringing elements from the indoors to the outside space helps elevates the space by adding warmth.

Duel Dresses: A quick change from the structured silky strapless dress into a flowy one-shouldered goddess gown will helped the bride get ready for a easy, breezy celebration mode. Angie was able to find a bargain at Macy’s. What  a great shopper!

Remember to savor the moments with your love. The day will melt away as quickly as it came, so taking a few alone will help keep you two conscious of the moment so it doesn’t disappear.

Thank you A + B for sharing your day with us. It was intimate and personable and truly an event! Share your event with Prost (email: prosttothehost@gmail.com).

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The color of a wedding dress can give direct insight on the cultural influences of the bride (or groom). In Western cultures, white is the standard color is white. While in China, India and Vietnam the wedding dress is often red, to represent good luck. Before the white fad, brides would wear their Sunday best to the alter. It wasn’t until Queen Victoria was married in a white dress in 1894, making white an option that was not yet considered. The color white was (and is for me) an impractical color and reserved for the elite. Or if a white dress was purchased, it was often dyed to another color after the wedding for more practical reasons.

If you decide to add some color to your dress, be forewarned, you may have some naysayers and traditionalists who are quick to give their opinion.

Branch Out: Increase the drama of the dress by adding a long olive green sash that trails behind. A cuff neckline is the only detail in this simple a-line dress. {David’s Bridal; $349}

Green With Envy:  Stop & drop traffic with a bold and bright halter ball gown in citrus. Dropped waistline is accented with silk satin ruching. {Peter Langner; $3000+}

Au Natural: Unbleached silk chiffon and organic cotton flows naturally on the body. Handmade floral accents the waist and the bubble hem. {Thread Head; $699}

Grass Is Always Greener: V-neckline conforms to the bodice and torso. The revealing back shows off nature’s best feature. {Tara Keely; $1400}

Tulliciously Green: Sweet tulle confection peeks from under the hand tucked skirt. Pleated bodice and springy green sash places an emphasis on the natural waist. {Vera Wang; $4300}

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In the Clutch of Time: Silky and fabulous. Roomy enough to keep all your baubles without toting along heavy luggage. {Murwati; $25}

The Edge of Ruffle: This reasonable cake plate will elevate the cake to a standing ovation. A simple ruffled edge adds class with flirty appeal. {Williams Sonoma; $53}

Fluffy Fleurs: Peonies are naturally ruffled and have layers of soft petals. The Parrot tulip is another flower that replicates the look of layered fabrics. {Brian Adams Photographics}

Flirty Femme: Allow your bridesmaids to look fabulously fresh in a layered look. Choose dresses that will flatter your girls’ figure and wallet. {J Crew; $70}

Bridal Bliss: Beaded lace bodice provides structure and contrast to the free flowing ruffled skirt. {Watters; $1350}

Pretty in Petals: Bedeck the backs of the chairs for added flair. A variety of textures and colors will sure to make your reception incredible. {Chameleon Chairs}

Step by Step: T-strap with sky high 5 inch heel is accented with a feathery flower. {Badgley Mischka; 215}

Layered Cake: White  chocolate layers the sides of the cake, creating a rough edge. The rolled chocolate flakes are bunched together to create a bouquet of ruffles. {Nicky Grant}

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Potent and bold colors like red and purple are combined to make a very strong wedding palette. This mood board sets the tone for a fabulous evening fete set downtown, surrounded by the warmth of your guests and candlelight.

Float On By: Set the mood for your outdoor ceremony with the flicker of candlelight bouncing off the water. {Source}

Tower of Power: Dramatic and demanding, this cupcake tower with a two tiered cake makes for a great centerpiece for a buffet of sweets. {Source}

Appletini: To cut cost of the bar, feature a personalized cocktail. If you got in engaged in NYC, call it the Big Apple. Or if your fiance loves jokes, call Monkey Business and hang little plastic cocktail monkeys. Talk to your venue or bartender about creating a unique drink and showcase your style on your day.

Calla Me Bad: A bouquet of dark and succulent purple calla lilies. A bouquet with the same flowers, especially all of striking callas, will be a dramatic statement. {Source}

One Hit Wonder: Sumptuous satin  {After Six; $150}

That’s Clutch: House your necessities (lipstick, bandaids, Tylenol etc) in a fashionable clutch. {Dessy; $16}

By Candlelight: To follow the floating candle theme from the ceremony, line your reception tables with large glass vessels filled with water and topped with a floating candle. Calla lilies are exquisite flowers, but also carry a hefty price tag. To cut costs, use one stem and immerse in water. {Source}

Three’s Company: Add a trio of candles to your buffet tables and reception tables for warmth and decorative touch. Line them up for a more striking visual. {Ikea; $3)

Stick Your Neck Out:  Silk shantung cravat will dress up the neck of you favorite men. Cravats are an alternative to bow ties and ties. {Dessy; $30}

Glass House: Hang these bulbous glass mini-houses from large branches to help frame the reception room with a romantic glow {CB2; $4}

Table Manners: Layered linens show off contrasting colors to add another dimension to the space. Gossamer fabric covers the chair mimic the draped look of the table. {Source}

Invite Only: The invitation is the usually the first thing your guests will see. This helps set the tone for your backyard bash or upscale gala. This particular invitation is not longer available (or hidden, as I can’t find the source). However, just browsing through Etsy and other invitation ships (Invitation Consultants), I found a several substitutions, which may be a better option.

Peep Show: White shoes are no longer the standard. For pictures and the ceremony, show off your tootsies with a peep toe. The constrast of the white dress with a bright colored shoe makes for a fab photo. Then, treat your feet to a comfortable shoe so you can dance the night away. {Zappos; $85}

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Rin Tin Tin: Pack your guests goodies in this festive storage tin. Or check out your local craft store or dollar store for affordable storage containers. (Ikea;$8)

Cup of Joe:  Bright and cheery red and white stripes had a punch of style to your warm drinks. (Crate & Barrel; $5)

Rosey Posey: Fresh and vibrant roses make this easy centerpeice a sweet choice. Line candy canes to add festiveness to your fleurs. Simple DIY directions are available from My Eco Chic Wedding.

Tagged: These tags are multi-functional. Use them for gift tags, coasters or place settings. Or use them to label the cookie options to help your guests from guessing the goods. (Adonai Jayde; $3)

Cut it Out: Affordable favors can be found at your local craft store for about a dollar or less. Wrap up with a thick satin ribbon and tie off with a candy cane tag (above) for a simple favor that will be used for next year’s cookie exchange.

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http://www.inspiredbride.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/allbuffet1.jpg

Maddy, from Inspired Bride, use a simple color palette of ice blues and whites to avoid taking the focus away from the display. Check out Maddy’s tips and easy directions to inspire your next dessert buffet.

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Bundles of Joy: Buying bottles of pink juices (Trader Joe’s, World Market or your local grocer) will help keep with the monochromatic scheme. Wrapping the bottles in fun colorful print and sealing with oversized pink diaper pins will bring bring out the baby themed without being tacky.

Tree of Life: A simple DIY project will make a boring gift table come to life. Once the tree is painted and set in the foam, it is ready for decorations. If dried Manzanita branches are out of your price range, use Mitsumata branches instead, they are more affordable. Embellish with pink baby pacifiers ($1.99), pink safety pins ($1.99) and pink ribbon bows. All can be found at your local Joann Fabric.

Waterlogged: To keep things simple in this overloaded pink party, submerse your flowers in large glass vases. Scatter them through the party space to keep the table clear for your guests’ food plates and drinks.

Pillow Talk: Tossing a few throw pillows around the seating area, will really make it cozy with color. Lovely ruffles that accent the hot pink and baby pink pillows are a great way to incorporate color and feminine frills to the party. (Hettle; $17)

Banner: Etsy can be a non-stop stop for most events. This is the ultimate way to welcome your guests and Jami, your guest of honor. Frills, ribbons and pink colors are all featured in this customized banner. Send a personal request via Etsy convo, as her shop is currently away due to an influx in orders. (Burley Girl; $30)

Tabled: Using linens that are aligned with the party’s colors will really make the party over-the-top. Layering a hot pink table runner atop of a light pink or white table cloth is more dramatic than just a table cloth. If you really want to push the pink limit, only use linens in shades of pink (ie napkins, runners, table cloths etc). (Table Cloths Factory; $2.99)

Cuppy Cake: Cupcakes are delicious alone. But add a cupcake wrap to add more color to the delicious dessert. Cupcake wraps come in a variety of colors and designs. You will definitely find one that will fit your needs. (Paper Orchid; $13)

Shades of Pink: While you’re at Ikea, pick up some very affordable pink vases. The chubby round vase ($3.99) can be used to run down the table runner on the table, while the tall skinny vase ($1.99) can be used to flank the food table. Both come in your party’s colors. (Ikea)

Ring of Love: These lovely sparkalicous napkin rings can be found at an Etsy shop (surprise!). Tie your napkins in these rings to really add some drama to your tablescape. Wait, did I just use tablescape. Oh, Sandra Lee. (Divine Design; $12)

Floats Your Boat: Kari lives in Portland (love) and our local Ikea is having a 50% off on all Grodby candles. With a set of 10 floating candles (in various shades of pink), float the candles in vases of water. The party will be during the afternoon, there may be no need to light the candles. However, if it is a normal Portland afternoon, it could be cloudy and candles bring instant warmth and comfort to a space. (Ikea; $1.99)

Feather Your Nest: Feathers maybe over the top, but they do add a bit of fun to the setting. If feathers are not your thing, giant wooden letters (also found at Joann Fabric) can be used to welcome Jami’s newest addition. Using the baby’s last name or baby’s initials are a great way to personalize the event.

Menu
To keep things simple, I would suggest ordering from a local deli. My favorite is Elephants Delicatessen and there is a location close to you as well. Their menu includes party platters that make hosting a snap. It also helps that their food is made with local ingredients and kills your hunger immediately with their fresh and simple.
If you are want to cook and prepare the food. Here are a few ideas:

Antipasto platter
Cheese plate (3 types: goat, Gouda and blue)
Seasonal fruit tray
Quesadillas de Camarones
Bacon Wrapped Jalapeños
Puff Pastry Paneer Wheels (Sub paneer with cheddar or Swiss for the mama-to-be)
Olive Cheese Bread

Dessert
Cupcakes from St Cupcake
Lemon bars (or something not too sweet)

Drinks
Frozen Grapes for a splash of color (use raspberries as well)
Melon Cooler (sub watermelon for the cantaloupe)
Various pink drinks

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Don’t forget to enter to win cupcake note cards, cupcake toppers and tissue poms for your next party. Cheers!

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