Weddings By Lilly - Wedding Ideas, Wedding Trends, and Wedding Galleries

Wine Barrel Wedding Decor

November 29, 2016 by lilly

Barrel Bliss

Wine Barrels are the perfect choice to compliment any outdoor wedding, especially if you are going for a more country chic flair. They work beautifully as tables, whether it’s just for decoration, such as a resting spot for flowers and candles, or they are also becoming very popular as table legs for a dessert buffet or cake table.
Wine Barrel Stationary

Wine barrels are an obvious trend as a backdrop for a vineyard wedding (they are wine barrels, after all) but wine barrels are now becoming a big part of any outdoor wedding, everything from a barn wedding in the country to an outdoor wedding by the lake.

Wine barrels for a wedding are also the green bride’s choice! They are economical, cheap, and reusable even after the wedding. You can reuse them in your garden as flower pots or cut them in half and use them as side tables to go along with your outdoor patio furniture.

Wine Barrel Cake Table

Incorporating the wine barrels into the cake table or dessert buffet is my personal favorite use of wine barrels at a wedding. Just look at how incredibly charming a barrel made out of old wood and metal can be!

Wine Barrel Aisle Decor

You might also want to consider using wine barrels as part of your aisle decorations. You can place them behind the alter, and then top them with plush romantic flowers to soften the feel. Or, use them in any area that needs a little bit of sprucing up. Tall, flowing flowers and plants look amazing on top of a wine barrel, like the one shown below. You can also use fabric such as burlap and lace as a table cloth to add even more charm.

Lots of wine barrel wedding ideas! — Floral arrangement by: Marc Byrd Eventful Flower Design

WineBarrelStationeryWine Barrel Stationery

Found these wine barrel save-the-dates on Wedding Paper Divas:

Cute Ponytail Hairstyle Ideas

November 28, 2016 by lilly

Ponytail Inspiration

Ponytails are the classic and easy hairstyle choice for any occasion, from casual and messy to elegant and sophisticated. Everybody knows how to make a ponytail, but what about a ponytail with a little something extra? There are so many different and fun ways to wear a ponytail, you can have a new style for every day of the week.

Low Side Ponytails

wedding ponytails — Source: 100 Layer Cake

Low Side Ponytails

This type of ponytail is an especially good choice for women with full and long hair. With the hair pulled in the front of one shoulder, you see a lot more hair from the front view, almost as if you’re wearing your hair down. The most flattering side ponytails are with the hair parted far to one side, adding further interest and making those fly aways look like part of the style.

Before pulling your hair back, tease the crown using a comb and hairspray to add height and drama. Teasing your hair towards the roots creates volume and fullness in the hair, a step that most women skip, not realizing that it will change your look entirely, and will make your facial features appear a little more delicate. If you want a wavy or curly ponytail, use a curling iron and curl your hair in both directions for a more natural curl. For an even bigger ponytail, tease it after curling and then spray.

Wrap Around Ponytails

This is a popular style that adds sophistication to any ponytail, unlike the ponytail from your school girl days. Jessica Simpson is famous for always wrapping her ponytails. You will see it a lot on red carpet events or more formal affairs. It works best if you have enough length in your hair to get it to wrap around and cover your hair tie properly.

After you’ve got your ponytail styled just right, grab a small section of hair from underneath and wrap it around your hair tie, securing with bobby pins underneath. It’s best to use hairspray, especially in the part where your bobby pins are securing it in place.

Teased Crown Ponytails

Also known as a bumped ponytail, the bump adds a little bit of edginess to an otherwise boring ponytail, and it is flattering on all women, creating the illusion of a smaller face and more delicate features. After drying your hair, spray the roots at the crown and back comb your hair towards the roots. The more teasing, the higher the bump. You will then want to smooth out the top of your hair with a comb, and then pull it back. It takes a little bit of practice, but it’s actually a lot easier than it looks.

BIG Ponytails

The bigger the better is what I always say (*giggle), but this is particularly true for ponytails – poofy is pretty. You don’t need a thick head of hair to get this look, either. It works best on hair that isn’t freshly washed, but if you’ve just stepped out of the shower, use a lot of styling products to get more oomph. After drying, curl your hair with a large barrel curling iron and put your hair back in a ponytail with a hair tie. Now, spray and tease, tease, tease! After you’ve got the volume you’re looking for, spray some more to keep it lasting throughout the day and night.

Sleek Ponytails

Sleek is chic. Even though it’s quite simple, this is what I call the fancy ponytail because it looks fabulous with a glamorous evening gown and dark eye makeup. Kim Kardashion and Jennifer Lopez are known for sporting this style often. It does look best on women with feminine bone structures, small foreheads, and long ponytails, so if you can pull it off, go for it! Wrapping your hair around your hair tie looks great with this sleek style. Be sure to use plenty of styling products and hairspray, as this isn’t the style that calls for wispy fly-aways.

Braided Ponytails

Braids are all the new rage, and as you can see, a messy and less uniform braid is even more popular, creating a sort-of bohemian flair. There are so many different styling options when it comes to braids, so pick one that is most flattering on you. I’ve seen a lot of the messy side braids, probably because it’s so manageable to do on your own hair.

Messy Ponytails

Messy is sexy! And, not to mention, quick & easy. It gives you the I’ve-just-been-hanging-out-at-the-beach look; perfect for summer. So, in a hurry, just pull those locks loosely back and let the fly-aways and loose strands have their way.

How To Create A Side Ponytail French Braid:

How To Tease Your Hair:

[catlist name=”hairstyles”]

Messy Hairstyles

November 26, 2016 by lilly

Messy is the new sexy!

Women are starting to go for a more carefree and natural look, whether for a formal event or just a casual day out. With the right accessories and know-how, you can create a unique hairstyle to match your personality that’s easy and flattering.

A tousled up-do is one of my favorite hairstyles, especially if you have thick and unruly hair because you will get that natural volume while keeping that big mane under control. Just a few bobby pins and a hair tie will help you achieve this look. To add volume and interest you can use rollers or a large barrel curling iron before pinning it up. A layered haircut works best for a messy up-do if you want to have a few loose strands and flyways, and the bigger, the better! Volume, volume, volume. Tease it, twist it, curl it, and then spray it.

A messy, loose braided hairstyle is also becoming popular, especially the fishtail braid off to one side with lots of volume in the crown. A bohemian style braid is the perfect natural and easy-to-do braid for women with long, thick, and wavy hair.

Getting The Look

Wearing your hair down can be a little trickier to get that perfectly tousled style, depending on your hair type and thickness. For those of you ladies with thin hair, dry your hair upside down to get more volume. It isn’t necessary to dry it all the way either. Afterwards, tease the roots, and take a few select strands with your curling iron or rollers and give them a slight curl on the ends. Use a little bit of hairspray to keeps those curled strands in place.

For those of us with gobs and gobs of thick hair, you can blow dry your hair strait down and then use a comb to tease the crown if you choose to do so. With your thicker hair you can use a larger barreled curling iron or rollers to get the perfect amount of natural looking curl. Use plenty of products to tame any frizz. My personal favorite is It’s a 10, Miracle Leave In Product.

The great thing about a messy hairstyle is that it takes less time, and obviously doesn’t have to be perfect! You can experiment with your hair and have a new tousled style for every day of the week.

Lots of messy hairstyle ideas! — Side Fishtail

I got really inspired after making this post and decided to do my own messy up-do! So easy. After blow drying I used a 1 1/2 inch curling iron and quickly put some curls into large sections of my hair, teased the crown area, and then just used a single hair band to pull it back:

How To Create A Messy Side Swept Up-do:

Braided Wedding Hairstyles For Long Hair

November 5, 2016 by lilly

Braid Inspiration

I remember begging my mother to braid my hair as a child, loving the mother-daughter bonding time and the fact that I could tell my friends at school I had the coolest mom ever; my uniquely braided hair being proof.

I haven’t since ventured into braided territory, until recently, when braided hairstyles became the new rage. New soft, romantic braided wedding hairstyles for long hair have become very popular, especially for weddings and even formal events. They’ve transformed into something a little more sexy and grown-up. Check out some of these styles!

Braid Inspired Updos

Braided Bun

Elegant Braided Updo

Half Up Braided Hairstyle

Waterfall Braids

Messy Chic Braided Hairstyle

Easy DIY Braided Updo

One Sided Partial Braid

How To Do A Fish Tail Braid Tutorial By Lauren Conrad:

Unique Rustic Wedding Ideas

November 4, 2016 by lilly

Rustic Romance

A Rustic Wedding Theme can be put together for bride’s of all personalities, whether you’re laid back and simple or whether you like all the glitz and glamour that goes along with a traditional wedding. A rustic or country wedding is also a green and budget friendly wedding idea, with a lot of cost savings in the diy rustic wedding projects and the ability to use elements and decorations strait from nature.

Location

The first, and probably most important thing to consider when planning a rustic wedding, is your Rustic Wedding Location. An outdoor setting is clearly the easiest way to really get that rustic feel, such as a national park with lots of tall trees, a barn, or even the beach! The idea is to incorporate nature and all of it’s beauty into your special day. A Vintage Rustic Wedding is also a cute idea; mixing old and new. I love the idea of using vintage cars or trucks as props, and it looks particularly stunning in your wedding photos.

The Stationery

The Rustic Wedding Invitations that you choose really set the tone for your wedding, and give your guests an idea of what to expect. Be sure to choose something with a little bit of a rustic feel, but then add your own feminine touch to them with things such as lace, ribbon, and color.

Lots of unique rustic wedding ideas! — Top left: T&T Top right: Minted Bottom left: The Knot
Bottom right: Etsy

The Dress

Have you ever wondered what a Rustic Wedding Dress should look like? There really isn’t a particular style that you should go for ; this is the part of the wedding where you can really go over the top! Choose a dress that fits your personality, whether that means a wedding dress that is simple and casual, or a wedding dress with beading, rhinestones, lace, ruffles, and hand embroidery. Either way, I love the striking difference in the white gown next to the soft and natural colors of a rustic wedding.

The Flowers

Rustic Wedding Flowers are one of the most important wedding decorations, especially for this theme. They are nature’s most beautiful creation, and are easy to incorporate into everything from the rustic wedding bouquet to the rustic table centerpieces. I like the idea of using burlap & lace to wrap the stems as opposed to traditional ribbon. And, along with the flowers, use lots of herbs and plants, such as rosemary, mint, moss, or wheat.

The Decor

Rustic Wedding Decorations are my personal favorite, because not only are they economical and earth friendly, but they’re beautiful! You can really get into some fun rustic diy projects using items even from your own backyard, such as twigs and tree trunk slices. Some other rustic decoration ideas are with the use of cotton, wheat, burlap, twine, dried flowers, pinecones, hay, fruit, vegetables, and old vintage items like mason jars glasses.

The Cake

A Rustic Wedding Cake or Rustic Dessert Buffet tops is all off! Everybody loves something sweet, and the best thing about a rustic wedding cake is that you can do it yourself. I’ve noticed that a lot of the rustic wedding cakes use a simple white buttercream frosting, surround it with things from nature, and then rest it on top of a Rustic Wedding Cake Stand made out of wood. Gorgeously simple!

In addition to the cake, consider a rustic themed dessert buffet:

Wedding Buffet Menu Ideas

November 4, 2016 by lilly

Wedding Buffet Inspiration

The wedding reception menu has always been a big part of most weddings, from a sit down dinner of filet mignon and salmon, to a casual buffet with simple finger foods such as cheese, fruit and crackers. I, myself, like the buffet option better, not only because it’s more cost effective, but you can also give your guests quite an array of options to choose from; finding something delectable for every palate.

At my wedding, I let my caterers take care of the menu options, but now I wish that I would have had my own say in some of the menu items. I’m a little on the quirky side, so I would prefer to have a lot of fun food, like mini grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, or even french fries dipped in a ketchup shot glass – the comfort foods that everybody loves! If you like the mini food craze, you might also like this gallery of mini food, dessert and drinks ideas.

With a little bit of research and planning you can even create a do-it-yourself wedding buffet for a more casual home wedding. I just love the idea of making it more of a picnic rather than a gourmet meal. It sure beats the stress of over spending on food that your guests might not even appreciate.

Here are some of my favorite finger foods and wedding buffet menu ideas to help you get inspired. It’s not just about the food itself, but the presentation makes a huge difference. If you like this post, you might also like these Dessert Buffet Ideas.

finger-food-ideas-for-a-wedding.001 — Source: Peter Callahan has a ton of mini food ideas and recipes.

Mini Veggie Dippers

veggie-finger-food-ideas-wedding.001 — Source: Simple Bites

Mini Food

easy-wedding-finger-foods.001 — Source: Designer Blogs

Vase Ideas For Centerpieces

July 20, 2016 by lilly

Creative Vase Ideas

When it comes to your wedding, a vase is not just a vase; it’s most likely going to be the focal point on every table at your reception. Think beyond the traditional vase and let your personality prevail! Sometimes the most unusual of containers can make for gorgeous floral arrangements. Here are some creative vase ideas for centerpieces, and most of them are very budget friendly:

Vintage bottles with lace ribbon wrap

Elegant Tin Can Vases

Although simple, tin can vases can add unexpected charm to any outdoor or rustic themed wedding. For a little more of an elegant and shabby-chic feel, you might even consider painting them white or other soft colors, such as blush or cream.

Grouped Mini Vases

I love the idea of using small glass containers with a single flower, and then bundling them together in a group to form a dramatic floral centerpiece. You can wrap them all together in twine or ribbon, or place them in a crate or metal basket.

Painted Vases

Paint can completely transform the look of any glass container, whether it’s an old mason jar or empty Starbucks bottle. It actually looks quite stunning with the right color combinations, and it’s a lot easier than you’d think. Click here for Martha Stewart’s very simple tutorial.

A Vase Within A Vase

A vase inside of another vase! This is brilliant! This way you can decorate the vase with any filler that your heart desires, and still ensure that the flowers stay fresh in water.

Unusual Vase Containers

Think outside of the box with unique vase ideas such as vintage containers, small pitchers, jugs, tea pots, or even coffee mugs and tea cups. I would have never thought that a Quaker Oats canister or tea tin would make for such cute vase ideas. They really have a nice vintage feel about them.

Wrapped Vases

If you’ve read any of my other posts, then you know that burlap and lace is one of my favorite decor combinations, and I absolutely love this darling vase accessory! To Be Charmed has a great tutorial on how to make this easy diy vase wrap. It certainly adds a rustic appeal to any container.

How about wrapping recycled containers in things like twine or burlap? This really softens the look while adding a rustic ambience. Polka Dot Bride has a tutorial on how to wrap containers with sisal rope as well as how to make that cute little flag; perfect for displaying your table numbers!

These bark wrapped vases (actually recycled plastic containers, but who could tell) are amazing! They have an earthy feel that could warm up any table. Check out this awesome tutorial by Amber Lay. It has step by step instructions, helpful hints, and a lot more pictures.

You could restore even the ugliest of vases with a little bit of Mod Podge and either news paper or book pages. For instructions on this 5 minute vase craft click here. This is where your skills from elementary school finally come in handy.

Twig or stick wrapped vases are a clever and natural way to spruce up your flower vases! This earth friendly vase idea is certainly attractive AND budget friendly. You could even find the supplies right in your own yard!

Veggie Vases

Fruits and vegetables are a nice alternative and addition to your traditional vases, whether you use them as your actual container or incorporate them in with your floral arrangements. Click here for more vegetable centerpiece ideas.

Wine Bottle Vases

What? Yes! Wine bottle vases are such a creative way to display your flowers (and perhaps your love for wine). You can even keep the labels on for a vintage look, or remove them with soap and water. For instructions on how to cut a wine bottle visit Picklee. My husband would love to do this project. Anything that involves breaking glass and science – I’m pretty sure he’s all in.

Mixing In Paper Flowers

Don’t count out paper flowers! They’re fun to make and last longer than the real ones. You can also mix them in with fresh flowers for a whimsical quality. Even things like paper hearts glued to wooden skewers look delightful. Get creative and have fun with it!

1920’s Themed Wedding Ideas

July 19, 2016 by lilly

The 1920’s is the decade when fashion became more exciting and attractive. Women deserted the former constricting and modest clothing of former years and developed a style of their own. This explains why our modern era is inspired so much by this time period.

Because the 1920’s were such a prosperous era and social customs became more relaxed, clothing styles reached a whole new revolution, with fashion styles such as the flapper dress and extravagant hats and headpieces. These 1920’s styles make for beautiful and fun wedding inspirations!

For an outdoor wedding, consider using vintage 1920’s parasols (or sun umbrellas) for you and your bridesmaids. Luna Bazaar has a huge selection of parasols for every wedding theme:

A sequined flapper dress in different colors for each one of your bridesmaids adds a chic modern edge:

Don’t forget about the details! Your combined accessories will really pull your vintage look together. Women in the 1920’s never left their homes without a trendy hat, their character shoes, gloves, pearl jewelry, and impractical handbag:

1920’s inspired headpieces use items such as large feathers, pearls, and birdcage veils:

Fur cloaks and shawls were very popular in the 1920’s because they were a sign of prosperity:

Consider using 1920’s inspired vintage wedding invitations. They will set the tone for your entire wedding:

For your 1920’s wedding reception decorations, just think old! You can use things such as vintage books, vintage bottles, suitcases, cans, or birdcages – things that can be found used and on a budget at your local thrift stores, flea markets, and antique shops. Add a bit of glamour and romance with things such as flowers, feathers, fabric, rhinestones, pearls, etc…

Barrel Bliss

Wine Barrel Cake Table

Wine Barrel Aisle Decor

WineBarrelStationeryWine Barrel Stationery

Ponytail Inspiration

Low Side Ponytails

Wrap Around Ponytails

Teased Crown Ponytails

BIG Ponytails

Sleek Ponytails

Braided Ponytails

Messy Ponytails

Messy is the new sexy!

Getting The Look

Braid Inspiration

Braid Inspired Updos

Braided Bun

Elegant Braided Updo

Half Up Braided Hairstyle

Waterfall Braids

Messy Chic Braided Hairstyle

Easy DIY Braided Updo

One Sided Partial Braid

Rustic Romance

Location

The Stationery

The Dress

The Flowers

The Decor

The Cake

Wedding Buffet Inspiration

Mini Veggie Dippers

Mini Food

Creative Vase Ideas

Vintage bottles with lace ribbon wrap

Elegant Tin Can Vases

Grouped Mini Vases

Painted Vases

A Vase Within A Vase

Unusual Vase Containers

Wrapped Vases

Veggie Vases

Wine Bottle Vases

Mixing In Paper Flowers

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