Spring Yellow Wedding Theme

Doesn't it feel like the first day of spring to you? We've got lovely golden sunshine in London town, and I'm going to take myself down to Colombia Flower Market and go bulb crazy. There's nothing prettier than planters of fresh daffodils, and I'm feeling hugely inspired by this heart-warming yellow shoot from inspirational e-zine Utterly Engaged.  The stylists have brilliantly illustrated how you can carry your theme from the invitation to cake, without going overboard, and yellowing people out. Plus picking flowers of all the same colour is a great way to add drama without ratcheting up the cost.

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Before the Big Day Wedding Theme - Butterflies

Choosing a wedding theme should be fantastic fun. You can let your imagination run wild, and pick something that reflects your personality, lifestyle and venue. If you're looking for a fashion-forward wedding, buttefly-themed weddings are seriously on-trend for spring and summer 2011. They've fluttered their way onto dresses, wedding cakes, stationery, wedding favours, and now on to wedding blogs! For plenty more Before the Big Day wedding theme ideas, click here.

{Above} Butterfly wedding dress by Alice Temperley, Papillon wedding dress by Jenny Packham

{Above} Butterfly Wedding via wedding blog Brooklyn Bride

{Above} Butterfly-printed silk wedding gown from Colleen Quen Couture, Butterfly Bouquet via wedding blog Brooklyn Bride, Butterfly Stamps & Favours, created by Amber Karson Events via wedding blog Ruffled

{Above} DIY Butterfly Cake via Before the Big Day

{Above} Butterfly Bouquet pictured by Adrienne Maples via wedding blog Style Me Pretty

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Wedding Theme Idea - Big Balloons

Time for me to come clean - I'm obsessed with balloons. Specifically white, round balloons. There's something so complete about them, and I love the airy feel they give a wedding reception. The best thing about them? They're way cheaper than flowers, which means you can fill your venue without breaking the bank. For wedding inspiration see the pics below, and for stockists, click here, or here or here.

Photo Credits {clockwise from top left} - Martha Stewart, Jen Sedillo, Amy Atlas, Caroline Tran, Once Wed

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Before the Big Day - Original Wedding Themes

One of the best things about wedding blogs, is finding original themes and wedding ideas for your big day. We all want to make our wedding stand out from the crowd - after all, once your friends start getting married, the weddings come thick and fast. We've got 8 to go to next year {can't wait}! As a wedding blogger, you'd think it would be easy for me to choose a wedding theme, but it's been really hard. My brain is flooded with too many fantastic ideas from all the Real Weddings on the wedding blogs, and I was worried my big day would end up a big jumble of ideas. I did eventually pick a Secret Garden theme, which I love, but I still get occasional trembles when I see another fantastic theme and think, should I have gone for that instead?

So this post is all about the original wedding themes I've featured on Before the Big Day over the last couple of years. You might not have spotted the list that runs down the side of this site, and I just wanted to bring it to your attention! I'm adding to it every day, so if you're looking for a wedding theme, check it out!

Original Wedding Theme - Ladybird Ladybird

Original Wedding Theme - Feeling Fruity {Photo Credit: Amorology Weddings}

Original Wedding Theme - I do like to be beside the sea-side

Original Wedding Theme - Spot of Tennis?

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Fruity Weddings

Totally inspired by Cathleen and Eric's wedding, and their use of cherries as decor + favour, I went in search of some more fruity inspiration. The good news is it's everywhere. The better news is that it's a cheap and chic way to decorate your wedding tables. Enjoy!

 Photo Credits {above}: Amorology Weddings

 Photo Credits {above}: Martha Andrews


Photo Credits {above}: Lori Gail Photography
 

Photo Credits {above}: Gia Canali Photography
 

Photo Credits {above}: Henry & Masci Photography
 

Photo Credits {above}: Custom Event Group
 

Photo Credits {above}: Cynthia Martyn Events

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Secret Garden

Wedding themes can be based on anything - a favourite necklace, a film, a book you've read, or every colour of the rainbow. I've chosen a Secret Garden for my theme, partly because our venue is a walled garden, and partly because of a vintage key I picked up in New York and my Alex Monroe bumble-bee necklace, which my mum gave to me as a 30th birthday present. Once you've chosen your theme, the best way to come up with ideas is to search Etsy - it's a collection of the world's most creative minds, and it's chock-a-block of gorgeous products. Here are just a few of my finds - what theme have you chosen?

Product Credits {clockwise from top left} - 1. Creations 4 Brides, 2. Which Goose, 3. Tulaloo, 4. Paper Platypus, 5. Chloe AND Maddie,  6. Which Goose

Product Credits {clockwise from top left} - 1. Silver Lining, 2. JL67, 3. Enormous Champion, 4. SMV Designs, 5. That Final Touch, 6. A Remark You Made

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BBD Theme: L♥ve London

If you work in London, you might not think it's the most romantic place to celebrate your big day.  But if you start seeing the city through tourist's eyes, you'll start to change your mind.  Just think of all those gorgeous old buildings that you could use as a grand venue, and the stunning vistas over the river - perfect for dramatic shots of the two of you post-ceremony. 

Imagine mocking up tube tickets as Save The Dates, rocking up in a Routemaster bus, and using the A-Z to identify tables.  There's almost too much London iconography out there.....  Here's a little collage to whet your appetite.  And if you'd like more ideas for venues, then check out Your London Wedding magazine.

Photo Credits - London Eye & Wedding Day Bus by Nikole Ramsay
Product Credits - Tower Bridge Cushion, London Cushion, Box of London Biscuits & London Taxi-Toy: Not on the High Street, London Car Set: Cox & Cox

BBD Theme: By the Sea-Side

I'm off on holiday on Monday and I'm excited! Don't worry, I'll keep up with the blog, if anything, I'll have more time on my hands to seek out inspirational ideas. In the meantime, my thoughts are winging their way to the sea-side and all the wonderful motifs you could use to theme your wedding by the waves.

Product Credits - {from top left} 1. Beach Grass Cottage, 2. Lollipop Workshop, 3. Buddy & Bean, 4. Iris Jewelry Design {from middle left} 1. Nauti & Co, 2. Rapunzels Gold, 3. Timeless Paper {from bottom left} 1. Night Sky Products, 2. Sewn Natural, 3. Sanskripts, 4. Buddy & Bean

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BBD Theme: Blushing Bride

Baby pink is a huge favourite among this season's brides, with rosy details turning up at nearly every wedding. An exciting twist as we head into autumn is the trend towards pastel dresses. Choose pink if you worry that white washes out your complexion and ivory is too old-fashioned, and if you're keen to challenge tradition and surprise your guests. Then throw in some of my detail discoveries for a perfectly-pulled-together pink wedding style. Plus, don't miss the special offers from the vendors, listed below.

Product Credits - {from top left} 1. CR Boggs Designs, 2. Little White Dresser, 3. Helenes Dreams, 4. Minty Fresh Fusions {from top left} 1. Arete, 2. Minty Fresh Fusions, 3. La Camelot, 4. Bellina Bridal (from bottom left) 1. Something Jeweled, 2. Hopelessly Devoted, 3. Fatale Femme


Product Credits - {from top left} 1. Kemba Celebrations, 2. Jillianns, 3. Andie Specialty Sweets {from middle left} 1. Sweet Petal Bakery, 2. Imeon Design (from bottom left) 1. Sunshine Bakes, 2. Ivandy 27, 3. Vintage Twee

We ♥ Offers - just mention Before the Big Day at check-out to get your discount.
Bellina Bridal are offering 10% off all orders.

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BBD Theme: Nautical But Nice

Iconic themes are classy, there's no two ways about it, and the nautical theme is the classic oldie but goodie. There's just so many iconic motifs associated with the sea-side, that if you use it as the theme for your big day, you just know all the details will hang together just right. Just pick a few designs, be it anchors, shells, sailors' knots, starfish, crabs or stripes, and work it from there. Only choose a couple though, or else your wedding could end up decorated like a fish and chip shop in Blackpool!

Product Credits - {from top left} 1. Beach Grass Cottage, 2. Lollipop Workshop, 3. Buddy & Bean, 4. Iris Jewelry Design {from middle left} 1. Nauti and Co, 2. Rapunzels Gold, 3. Timeless Paper {from bottom left} 1. Nigh Sky Products, 2. Sewn Natural, 3. Sanskripts, 4. Buddy & Bean

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BBD Theme: Ladybirds

There's something romantic about ladybirds. I'm not sure what it is, but I think they're a sweet, fun and feminine motif to use on your big day, particularly if you're having a garden reception. Tradition suggests that your wish is granted if a ladybird lands on you, and seven-spotted ladybirds are the best, because the spots are said to symbolise seven joys. For a dramatic look, choose red and black as your wedding colour palette, and throw in a couple of the gorgeous products below.

Product Credits - {from top left} 1. Silver Lining, 2. Imeon Design, 3. Naomi Lingerie {from middle left} 1. Raqie Woo, 2. Stella McCartney, 3. Zoe Sadler {from bottom left}1. Zoe Sadler, 2. Law Bags, 3. Dingbat Press

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Love Lobster

So I'm not sure why you might want to theme your wedding around the symbol of a lobster, but for some reason, I've fallen in love with it. There's something so bold and red and nautical about it. My only defence is that lobster does taste good, and a lobster dinner would be a fantastic {if messy} way to celebrate your big day. Also...I'm not the only one - check out this wedding for evidence. All this is proof that you can pick whatever you like as a symbol of your wedding, even a whiskery, stinky crustacean, and it'll still be cool. *Update* Don't miss the exclusive offers for Before the Big Day readers below.

Product Credits {from top left} 1. Creative Ris, 2. D Dots, 3. Royal Kane {from bottom left} 1. Mad Meringue, 2. Becca Michele, 3. Royal Blue Papers

We ♥ Offers - mention Big Day at check-out to receive the discount
Royal Kane are offering 10% off their whole range, including t-shirts and pillow cases
Royal Blue Papers are offering 10% off their stationery.

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BBD Theme: Tennis

Wimbledon kicks off on 21st June, and the tennis tournament at Queen's starts on 7th, so I'm already day-dreaming about sunny afternoons drinking Pimms. But how about a wedding inspired by tennis? It's not such a crazy idea, after all you play doubles, the first score is Love, and green plus yellow makes for a gorgeous colour theme. Dress your bridesmaids in cute tennis dresses and your groomsmen in cool white trainers for a perfect match {sorry!}, and put little nets across the tables at your reception. You'll want to serve strawberries and cream and deuce-juice, and you could have a fancy dress box of tennis accessories to entertain your guests. Such a fun idea - don't miss the details below of special offers for Before the Big Day readers.

Product Credits {from top left} - 1. Beau-coup, 2. Brown Pigeon, 3. Raw Art Letter Press {middle} Adidas by Stella McCartney, {from bottom left} 1. Candice n' Katie's Art, 2. Here and There Vintage 3. QA Create

We ♥ Offers
Brown Pigeon are offering 10% off their custom stamps
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BBD Theme: Olive Oil

Olives are the ultimate symbol of Provence - everywhere we went on our venue-hunting trip, we passed fields of ancient, gnarled trees. Inspired by their beauty, I'm considering minature olive oil bottles as favours, encouraging the chef for my wedding reception to use local grown olives in the cooking, and even using olive green as the signature colour for my wedding. How would you use it? Don't miss the special offers from the vendors, listed below.

Product Credits - {from top left} 1. La Vieja Tun Tun, 2. Kimonos, 3. Chic Allure, 4. Twisted Crystals, (from top middle left} 1. Jenni Bick, 2. Pamela Grace Design, 3. Nomsa {from bottom middle left} 1. Milkpod Studio, 2. Sarah Shannon Designs, 3. Buttered Toast, 4. Maihar Design 5. The Peach Tree, {from bottom left}1. Milkpod Studio, 2. Vaivanat, 3. Timeless Vixen Vintage

Product Credits - {from top left} 1. By V Jewelry, 2. The Jewelry Bar, 3. K Bonikowsky, 4. Tutti Amici, 5. My Blue Tulip Design {from middle top left} 1. Divine Lioness, 2. Golden Silhouette, 3. Bi Design {from middle bottom left} 1. Golden Silhouette, 2. It's The Little Things Ut, 3. Starz Selection, 4. Karen Yee {from bottom left} 1. Lauren Alexab 2. Voleur de Bijoux

We ♥ Offers - just mention Before the Big Day to get your discount.
Kimonos are offering 20% off all items, including sale items
Voleur de Bijoux are offering 20% off all items
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BBD Theme: Hot Coffee

Okay, so I know that coffee isn't entirely Provencal, but on our recent visit to search for wedding venues, we drank a lot of lattes, so I'm using that as an excuse to include it in my foodie theme week. Coffee is also a luxurious colour, flattering to most complexions, and ideal for bridesmaids' dresses. Coffee-beans and personalised mugs make for brilliant wedding favours, and if you're known for needing your daily cup of joe, then what better way to personalise your big day? Check out all the lovely vendors below, and don't miss the discounts!

Product Credits {from top left} - 1. A Wedding Less, 2. Amy Olsaver, 3. All That Zazz, 4. Creative Bride {from middle left} 1. Gingeroni 1, 2. So Fino, 3. Dutch Pearl {from bottom left} 1. My Shining Lights, 2. Nata Jane, 3. Happiest Day Designs

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BBD Theme: Provence Honey

Inspired by my recent trip to Provence to search for wedding venues, all this week I'll be featuring foodie Before the Big Day wedding themes. Let's start this Bank Holiday Monday with honey. A sweet addition to your wedding, you can use pots of it as favours, honeycomb and bees as a motifs and shapes, and the rich yellow colour for your bridesmaids' dresses. I'm loving the products below to add a touch of honey to your big day - don't miss the special discounts for BBD readers, listed below!

Product Credits - {from top left}1. Beautiful Soaps, 2. Cultivar, 3. Nomsa, 4. Luxe Deluxe {from middle left} 1. Shop Rhubarb, 2. EM Wedding, 3. Ello There, 4. Beautiful Soaps {from bottom left} 1. MN Hince, 2. EM Wedding, 3. Belles For Her, 4. Lazy Giraffe

Photo Credits - {from top left} 1. Once Wed, 2. Jelson Jargon via Brooklyn Bride, 3. The Knot {from bottom left} 4. Brooklyn Bride, 5. The Knot

Product Credits - {from bottom left} 1. E Rosas Jewelry, 2. BriGuys Girls, 3. Lucky Duct, 4. Shop Rhubarb {from middle left} 1. Happy Hound {from bottom left} 1. Roundabout, 2. Timeless Paper, 3. Forest Candle Studio

We ♥ Offers - just mention Before the Big Day to get your discount.
Happy Hound & Lucky Duct are offering 10% off. 
Lazy Giraffe is offering 10% of their gorgeous jewellery.
MN Hince is offering free shipping on orders of their exquisite earrings and jewellery over $20.

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Before the Big Day Wedding Theme: Pinwheels

If you want to add a touch of childish whimsy to your wedding, why not use pinwheels? They're super-versatile, super-cheap, and come in every size, style or colour. If you made them right, they'll even spin in the breeze. Either as favours, placemarkers, as an alternative to bridesmaid bouquets, or lining the aisle, they're bound to spark smiles. Learn how to make your own at Style Me Pretty or Hello My Name is Heather, or if you're not the artistic type {nope me neither}, buy them from one of the lovely suppliers below. Don't miss the special discounts for BBD readers!

Inspiration photo credits all via Style Me Pretty {from top left} Jessica Moores, Kirsten Ellis {from bottom left: Kirsten Ellis, Rule 42, Lisa Lefkowitz


Product Credits - {from top left}Green Pinwheel: Twirlie Whirlies, Giant Bridesmaid Pinwheel: Rule 42, Invitation: Crossroads Cottage, Cupcake Pinwheels: Twirlie Whirlies {from middle left} Green Cupcake Pinwheels: Crossroads Cottage, Pinwheel Placemarks: Giggles Apu, {from top left} Spotty Cupcake & Blue Pinwheel: Twirlie Whirlies, Favour Bags: Crossroads Cottage, Peach Pinwheels: Twirlie Whirlies

We ♥ Offers
Giggles Apu are offering a 20% discount before shipping until June 1st. Just mention Before the Big Day!
Rule 42 are offering 10% off their custom pinwheels wih the code "BTBD10"
Crossroads Cottage is offering 10% off an order of $100 or more with a mention of Before the Big Day.
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BBD Theme: Polka Dots

Playful, cheeful and downright cute, polka dots are a micro trend this season for spring and summer weddings. They've become hugely popular because they're so easy to use. Big or small, multi-coloured or monochrome, they're super-flexible. You can either design your entire wedding around a theme of spots, or you can use them as a last minute addition by going dotty with your accent colour. Check out these products for inspiration.

Product Credits - {from top left} Daisy Clip: Lourux, Favour Cone: Orange & Blossom, Spotty Bird: The Girl in Yellow, Stationery: Designed By Me {from middle left} Polka Dot Stationery: Trendy Cards, Bow Tie: Me & Matilda, Cupcake Wrappers: The Cupcake Wrapper Co {from bottom left} Cupcake Stand: Cupecakeology, Bow Tie: Twirly Tots Bowtique, Wedding Invitation: Just Peachy Paperie, Pom Pom: Prost to the Host

Product Credits - {from top left} Material Bouquet: Kotton Kandy, Ring Cushion: Whistle Thistle Bridal, Bridesmaid Card: Print Your Party, Candle Cover: The Posh Event, {from middle left} Place Marker: ISDM Printing, Bridesmaid Dress: My Black Dress, Envelope Wraps: The Posh Event {from bottom left} Invitation: Decadent Designs, Material Flags: Possibly & Perhaps, Save the Date: Kiss & Tell Cards, Table Number: The Posh Event

Product Credits - {from top left}: Pinwheel Boutoniere: Rule 42, Invitation: A La Mode Bride, Flower Fascinator: Mischa M, Pom Poms: Pom Love

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BBD Theme: On Yer Bike

Have you noticed that one of the major motifs for weddings this spring/summer season is tandem bicycles? They're everywhere! There's definitely a romantic side to cycling off into the sunset with the man of your dreams, although getting your gown caught in the chain would definitely be a worry. So whether you're a cycling fan, or just love the whimsy of a tandem bike, this is the feature for you. Check out the suggestions below, and if you're still short of ideas, take a look at Bicycle Paper Designs. And by the way...heart-shaped bike lights and personalised water bottles ARE a step too far.

Product Credits - {from top left} Save the Date: Felice Design, Ties: Projector, Customised Stickers: More and More Originals, Bicyle Cards: Kindred Knits {from middle left} Mug: Vicki Hartman Clay, T-Shirt: Dark Cycle Clothing, Biycle Stamp: Doodlebug Design {from bottom left} Ceramic Heart Pot: Acero Studio, Bicylce Stationery: Paper Wheel


Product Credits - {from top left} Invitation: One Reverie, Bicycle Stamp: Doodlebug Design, Handbag Mirror: Pressed Orange, {from middle left}Green Invitation: Kiss and Tell Cards {from bottom left} Save the Date: Cheerup Cherup, Just Married Card: Paper Michelle, Biycle Cake Topper: U R A Star House

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BBD Theme: The Royal Peacock

One of the micro-trends for this summer's weddings will be peacock feathers. Dramatic, colourful and romantic, they're a super-versatile design detail to add to your big day. You could use them as a graphic on your invitations or add actual feathers to your bouquet and buttonholes. Or for a more subtle effect, pick out the iridescent colours to theme your bridesmaids' dresses and flowers. You could even have real life peacocks strutting their stuff in the gardens around your venue. Check out the wedding below for more inspiration.

{Product Credits - from top left: Giant Feather Fan: Mamaz57, Feather Shoe Clips: RadoKri, Hair Clip: Vie Moderne, from middle left: Feather Stationery: Meant to be Sent, Peacock Dress: Vrreis, from bottom left: Earrings: Boutique Peony, Feather Hat: Liaison, Badge: NY Jole Jewellery, Hair Fascinator: Vie Moderne, Stationery: Apple Berry Ink

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10% off  RadoKri accessories