Drape them from the ceiling, announce your new nuptials, or tie them to your chairs – we adore garlands in any and all forms. They represent a quick, effortless, yet completely beautiful way to add pops of color  and unexpected touches to weddings of all styles. From bunting and flowers to ribbons and more, here are just 10 of our favorite garlands from Lover.ly:

Photo by: Prudent Baby on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly

 Photo by: Vine & Light on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

 Photo by: Apartment Therapy on Heart Love Weddings via Lover.ly

Photo by: Rothwell Photography on The Brides Cafe via Lover.ly

Photo by: Handmade Weddings on Polka Dot Bride via Lover.ly

 Cream Wedding garland, ivory lace bunting From Etsy Shops via Lover.ly

 Wedding Garland Paper Flowers Orange, Ivory Peach Pink Book Pages 22 feet From Etsy Shops via Lover.ly

 Photo by: Leah McCormick on Snippet and Ink via Lover.ly

Photo by: Jen Huang on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

  Just Married Banner From Etsy Shops via Lover.ly

XO,

Carly and the Lover.ly team

Want more wedding inspiration?

• We couldn’t include them all: dozens of gorgeous garlands.
• Stop by the Lover.ly Shop and browse for accessories.
• Pink is our favorite color. What’s yours?

Do it yourself: three small words that have the potential to excite some and put fear in the eyes of others. However, it’s safe to say that whether you’re creative or not, you probably have spent moments wondering if there are details simple enough for you to create on your own to keep your budget on track. The answer is yes! Here are 10 ideas from Lover.ly we are sure you can accomplish for your wedding even if lets-hire-a-pro is your idea of fun:

Aquarelle Wedding Invitations by Paper Plains From Minted via Lover.ly

Invitations: Stop by the Lover.ly Shop for the best stationery options. Also, Minted is a great paper source because you can order predesigned suites online. Place them in self-addressed envelopes and pop them in the mail.

Photo by: Kate Ann Photography on Bayside Bride via Lover.ly

Hair + Makeup: Loosely curl your hair and pin twisted sections away from your face for an easy and pretty way to wear your hair down. Also, think about doing your own makeup. Visit a makeup counter for tips, turn your everyday look up a notch, or opt to go au naturel.

Photo by: Caroline Joy on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

Centerpieces: Placing citrus fruits in baskets or tall cylinders is an easy way to DIY your centerpieces. The same is true about lining your tables with single blooms in bud vases. Another option? Candles!

Photo by: Jessamyn Harris on Bridal Guide via Lover.ly

Signs: Do you have great handwriting or do you envy that of your BFF? Put your talent to work and create signs for your ceremony, seating chart, or menu! Chalkboards and mirrors both work well.

Photo by: Tanja Lippert on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

Cake: Believe it or not, your cake does not have to be purchased from a bakery. Your favorite homemade recipe (or even a box cake) will work just as well. We love this white cake adorned with simple flowers.

Photo by: Wedding Chicks on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

Backdrop: Perfect for a photo booth or as a highlight behind your cake, backdrops are not too difficult to create. We love this ribbon backdrop complete with DIY instructions. Garlands are another favorite!

Photo by: Meet The Burks on Every Last Detail via Lover.ly

Entertainment: Create a playlist to use while you’re getting ready with your ‘maids or turn on your iPod for your reception. If you’re hosting a backyard wedding, bring out your favorite lawn games, like corn hole and ladder ball.

Photo by: Korie Lynn on Bridal Guide via Lover.ly

Favors: Present your guests with sweet treats to enjoy after your wedding, especially if your family is famous for a recipe.

Photo by: Jacki Bruniquel on Wedding Chicks via Lover.ly

Sendoff: Place sparklers in a mason jar for guests to grab as they head outside, fill packets with confetti, or create your own ribbon wands for your exit.

What has been your favorite DIY product while planning your wedding?

XO,

Carly and the Lover.ly team

Want more wedding inspiration?

• Visit the Lover.ly Shop and explore!
• Searching for more DIY inspiration?
• We adore wedding sendoffs!

There’s just something so pretty about a table set with vintage decor! Your reception tables will look sweet and romantic when topped with vintage dishes, antique teacups and other found objects, and delicate flowers, all in a sweet, retro color palette. Here are our favorite looks from Loverly.

Pretty pink vintage dishes will instantly set the mood.

Mint, jade, and pistachio green details all help create a vintage vibe.

We love these mismatched dishes for your dessert table or even a wedding shower.

Mix in teacups and other found objects for an eclectic vibe.

XO,

Rachel and the Lover.ly team

Want more wedding inspiration?

• Sweet vintage wedding gowns
• The prettiest floral print dresses and accessories
• More vintage wedding ideas

There is something special about seeing your name written on an escort card with a table number. It’s not everyday that you see something personalized just for you. As much as we love traditional cards scrolled in elegant calligraphy, we went on a search for new creative ways to help your guests find their seats. Here are some of our favorite options from Lover.ly…

Photo by: Berrytree Photography on Chancey Charm Weddings via Lover.ly

Photo by: Jerry Yoon on Engaged & Inspired via Lover.ly

Photo by: Kella MacPhee on Oh Lovely Day via Lover.ly

Photo by: Abby Grace Photography on Bayside Bride via Lover.ly

Photo by: Bella Pictures on Landlocked Bride via Lover.ly 

Photo by: Jessica Lorren Organic Photography on Every Last Detail via Lover.ly

Photo by: We Are The Rhoads on Every Last Detail via Lover.ly

Photo by: Nancy Neil on Snippet and Ink via Lover.ly

Photo on Snippet & Ink via Lover.ly

Photo by: Meg Smith amp Associates Kristen L on Snippet and Ink via Lover.ly

How are you personalizing your wedding?

XO,

Carly and the Lover.ly team

Want more wedding inspiration?

• How will you escort your guests to their seats?
• Are you serving a signature cocktail?
• Find inspiration for your stationery!

When it comes to choosing wedding colors, what if you…didn’t exactly? With a neutral color palette, an absence of strong colors creates a beautiful look. Ivory and beige details can create anything from a clean, modern look to a romantic, ethereal mood. Here are our favorite neutral wedding ideas from Loverly.

Neutral decor works for a country club, a rustic wine cellar, a chic summer wedding, and so much more.

Neutral paper goods are simple and lovely.

Mismatched neutrals for bridesmaids, the bride and groom, and the bridal party will create a gorgeous effect.

The dessert table is the perfect place for creamy hues.

We love these pretty, pale weddings!

XO,

Rachel and the Lover.ly team

Want more wedding inspiration?

• White wedding flowers you’ll love
• Blush bridesmaids dresses that look great on everyone
• Browse ivory wedding gowns

Maybe it’s the whole “lovebirds” thing, but birds make for great wedding decor. And there are so many possibilities! You can do sweet songbirds for a vintage wedding, earthy nests at rustic chic wedding, or exotic feathers for a formal wedding. Here are our favorite bird decor items.

Set the tone with bird stationery and paper goods.

Try birdcages in your wedding decor — you can put candles in them on tables, hang them from the ceiling, or just use them as a pretty prop in engagement photos.

For a modern wedding, fold colorful paper into cranes.

Dress up your dessert table with bird details.

Peacock feathers are surprisingly versatile!

Let birds inspire your wedding jewelry and accessories.

Which of these is your favorite?

XO,

Rachel and the Lover.ly team

Want more wedding inspiration?

• Feathered wedding fashions
• Our favorite blue wedding details
• The prettiest birdcage veils

As brides, not all of us are lucky enough to have a gorgeous, natural setting as the backdrop of our wedding either due to finances or just simply location. We don’t all live near beautiful, rolling hills with lush wild flowers or a 100 year old cathedral, and even if we did, sometimes it boils down to the bottom line. Luckily, we can all get our creative juices flowing and DIY (or, buy…whatever works for you!) the picture-perfect background on our most special of days. These brides warmed up their wedding day space with the help of different fabrics, textures, colors and crafts and put their own personal stamp on what might be an otherwise blank space. And bonus—imagine all the fun and funky DIY photobooth pictures that would result! Here’s a round-up of our favorite backdrops!

Too many white walls? No problem! Dress them up with a fabric-wrapped board, complete with glitter and your favorite flower!

Although I love planning weddings for others, there are few details I have actually decided on for my future celebration. Except one: tea will be involved. My grandparents crossed the Atlantic over 60 years ago in order to immigrate to the United States from England. A cup of tea and conversation go hand-in-hand in my family, and as a way to honor my grandparents who have been married for 70 years, I have to say I would adore a tea themed bridal shower complete with pinks, peaches, and vintage details.  It’s unlikely that I would ever plan my own shower, but if asked for my input, something like this with help from Lover.ly would be lovely…

Royal wedding revisited? Fascinators, hats, or flowers would be optional:

The Sabine – Tulle and Feather Headpiece From Serephine Shop via Lover.ly

Brunch is a great time for tea, and there’s no better setting than a table in a garden:

Photo by: Meghan Christine Photography on Engaged & Inspired via Lover.ly

One of my favorite vintage looks is mixing different china patterns together. The pop of teal in the cup is my favorite detail:

Photo by: Eric Kelley on Snippet and Ink via Lover.ly

Earl Gray, English Breakfast, Raspberry, Peach – there are so many different type of tea, so I would brew a pot of each and line them on the table to encourage friends to try them all:

Photo by: Meghan Christine Photography on Engaged & Inspired via Lover.ly

Intermixed with the pots of tea would be bud vases filled with bright roses picked from the garden:

Photo by: Josh McCullock Photography on Every Last Detail via Lover.ly

Tea sandwiches are a must…

Photo by: Cyn Kain Photography on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

…as are traditional English scones with butter, jam, or clotted cream. My grandmother’s recipe is my favorite:

Photo by: Steve Steinhardt on Laura via Lover.ly

Because a party can never have too many sweets, cupcakes in teacups may have to be served too:

Photo by: Gaby J Photography on Munaluchi Bridal via Lover.ly

Iced tea would also be on hand, especially if the weather was warm:

Photo by: Magnolia Pair on Southern Weddings via Lover.ly

I love the idea of offering tea infused bubble bath to guests as they leave along with a couple of tea bags to enjoy later in the day:

Inspired by Bedtime Bubble Bath From Inspired By This Shop via Lover.ly

How do you plan to honor family members at your wedding?

XO,

Carly and the Lover.ly team

Want more wedding inspiration?

• Bouquets, Boutonnieres, Centerpieces – roses are always appropriate.
• Planning a garden party?
• Bundle your bridal shower ideas together!

Candlelight is perfect for weddings — it’s super flattering and creates an incredibly romantic and dramatic atmosphere. From lanterns to hanging candles to classic pillars, here are our favorite ways to incorporate candles into your wedding decor.

Photo by: SugarLove Weddings on Polka Dot Bride via Lover.ly

Photo by: Elle Decoration UK on Sparkle & Hay via Lover.ly

Photo by: Erin Johnson on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly

Photo by: The Youngrens on Scratch Weddings via Lover.ly

Photo by: Odalys Mendez Photography on Style Unveiled via Lover.ly

Photo via Polka Dot Bride on Lover.ly

Photo by: Lynne Brubaker on Easton Events via Lover.ly

There always seems to be a certain element mystery when it comes to getting married in the Catholic church, regardless of if you happen to be a Catholic bride or not. Some of the most common questions that couples have revolve around the infamous set of rules, both set in stone and unspoken. Today we’re going to cover a few of those “rules”: attire and modesty, Pre-Cana, and location guidelines.

Photo by: Kimberly Photography LLC on Every Last Detail via Lover.ly

1. Bridal Party Attire

As brides, one of the first things we start to plan is the dress. Whether it’s the ballgown we’ve envisioned since we were little girls, an understated sheath, or something somewhere in between, it has to be said that wedding dress shopping is one of the most exciting parts about planning our big day. Our grandmothers would probably gasp at the thought of a bride wearing a strapless gown in church, but while most parishes (or, locations…which seem to slightly differ in terms of guidelines) are no longer requiring brides to cover their shoulders during Mass, you still want to check with the Priest or Deacon who will preside over your ceremony. The official statement from the church is to avoid dressing in a way that distracts from the liturgy. A good rule of thumb: find out for sure before you buy that see-through corset gown.