Etsy Wedding: Music & Neutrals

I was in Anthropologie the other day and overheard someone say "I don't like mixing my neutrals." And I thought, why? Black, gray, cream, brown... they can all be mixed together successfully if you pick the right shades. Today's Etsy Wedding does just that and adds an interesting theme of music. Yes, music. I saw this unbelievably gorgeous DIY project on Ruffled and was inspired to add a vintage style music twist to this palette.

Here I'm mixing vintage style with classical music elements. The bridal party can wear simple gray dresses and the men can wear tweed suits with a feather boutonniere. For the bride, a beautiful feather barrette like this one from Kirsten Kuehn Designs. Intersperse a few of these delicate sheet-music roses for an interesting bouquet element. The stunning fine art violin photos would make fitting backgrounds for table numbers. I love the music tea-light holders, especially if peaking out from behind vintage instrument cases overflowing with flowers. For stationery, Raspberry Creations' music inspired save-the-dates. Print your menus on faded vintage sheet music and provide a program turned favor CD holder with a disk of all your favorite love songs.

{1. Music Tea Lights by Carolina Cottage, 3. Music Poster Itinerary by Raspberry Creations, 4. Bridesmaid Dress by Parsimony 5. Wedding Program and CD Sleeve by Power and Light Press, 6. Vintage Violin Case by 12Karri, 7. Vintage Sheet Music by The Nites Meow, 8. Feather Barrette by Kirsten Kuehn Designs, 9. Feather Boutonniere by Pomp and Plumage, 10. Vintage Radio by Kelley Street Vintage, 11. Music Poster Save the Dates by Raspberry Creations, 12, 13 & 14. Vintage Violin Photographs by Brief Moments, 15. Sheet Music Rose by Ragnazidnar}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

As Seen on Etsy: Raspberry Creations

Tomorrow's Etsy Wedding is going to be centered around music and while I was searching out stationery for this concept, I found Raspberry Creations. This Etsian creates fantastic, bold, graphic invitations, save the dates, place cards... anything you may need as far as stationery goes! This is by no means traditional but rather for the couple that really wants to make a statement. Tomorrow, I'll be using the music poster-inspired invite! And I just had to throw in two of their housewarming invites. What really sold me on this company was this paint swatch inspired beauty, and I think it could even make a unique wedding or shower invitation. If you're bold and want a graphic array of stationery for your wedding, this is place to start!

{All Images via Raspberry Creations' Etsy Shop}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: Saffron and Goldenrod

It's a busy week here in DC for me so I've condensed this lovely color palette in to one to-die-for inspiration board. I made paella a few weeks ago and ever since I have been wanting to use the delicious saffron color in a wedding palette... and what color better to pair it with then the beautiful golden yellow color it produces? Yes, it's a saffron and goldenrod palette on this fine Tuesday!

My favorite element of this board is the bridesmaid look from Etsy's Sarah Seven. It may just be my favorite 'maid look I've featured. And that beautiful bouquet of maroon and raspberry hued flowers, popped with yellow poms, what a great contrast! Dress your tables in amber glasses and goldenrod blooms.. and for drinks? Can you say, sangria? What better a drink for a Spanish inspired color palette! I had to throw in a few vintage elements, like this wagon and retro bike. Finish it off with my all time favorite, red velvet cake and for favors, perfectly hued jam. I know, we're mixing cultures and decades here, but isn't that what weddings are all about? This is one color palette you won't see at every click of your wedding-surfing mouse.

{1. Bike Shot via Style My Pretty, 2. Jam by Bovine Bubbles via Etsy, 3. Red Velvet Cake via Houston Wedding Blog 4. Bridesmaid Look by Sarah Seven via Etsy, 5. Flower Girl Dress by Janie and Jack,  6. Drink Shot by Karen Wise via Grey Likes Weddings, 7. Wagon Shot by Mimmo + Naz via Style Me Pretty, 8. Table Shot via Perfectly Put Together, 9. Bouquet Shot by You Look Nice Today via Ruffled, 10. Mercury Glass Centerpiece by Flores Del Sol via Etsy, 11. Yellow Shoes Shot by Two Pair Photography via Ruffled}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Notables: Fragrance Bars

I talk a lot about dessert bars, candy bars and even showed you a spice bar here... but have you ever thought about a fragrance bar for your wedding? There are a million and one options for any price point and it's one "bar" that you won't see at every other wedding you attend. Here's two of my favorite options, modify as you please!

{Use this image from Los Angeles' Scent Bar as inspiration!}

If you want to go for the extreme, choose a create-your-own style perfume and cologne bar. To monitor it: hire a professional perfumer or have a friend or family member take a perfume making class (yes, they offer them!). Then, provide a selection of essential oils and allow your guests to design their own fragrance. They can choose the scents they want included (with suggestions from the professional) and watch a travel-sized version of their own perfume or cologne come to life! Be sure to provide vintage glass bottles, like these from Etsy, for guests to cart their fragrances home in!

{Essential Oils by Fig Leaf Soap}

{Miniature Glass Bottles by SteampunkAsunder}

Want to offer more options than just perfume and cologne? Why not create an aromatherapy bar. Rather than allowing guests to mix their own scents, provide a wide selection of bath products, home sprays and traditional fragrances for them to choose. Purchase therapeutic candles, soaps, colognes and home fragrances on websites like Etsy or create your own using readily available recipes, like the ones found here.

{Oakmoss Blend Botanical Soap by Oak Moss}

{Essential Oils by Rose City Soap & Supply}

{Aromatherapy Spray by La Conchita Naturals}

What do you think? Would you consider a fragrance bar at your wedding? I think it makes a great addition to a cocktail hour as an interactive activity, with a useful favor to take home! There are endless options... you can stick to scented soaps, pre-made fragrances or offer any mixture of the above suggestions. And it's no secret that everyone could use a little spritz of fragrant goodness after dancing all night long!

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Translation, Weddings: Aqua, Marigold, Wood & Wheat

Today's translation wedding is inspired by this lovely bedroom with shades of aqua and marigold and accents of wood and wheat. Though there is no wheat in the room, when I saw the large statement mirror that is instantly what I thought of. Wheat makes an excellent, organic addition to a wedding as simple boutonnieres or accents on chair tie-backs. These wood chairs perfectly imitate the cut-out wood headboard. Emily Ley's custom wedding logo is a near identical replication of the sculpted valences over the beds. The rounded lanterns inspired pearl earrings and the dramatic curtains paved the way for, well, dramatic dresses. Tabletops should be lined with rich, textured yellow floral arrangements (accented with wheat) and aged aqua candlesticks, like these from Z Gallerie. Tada! Dramatic, sculpted bedroom turned dramatic sculpted wedding. Yes... it is that simple! Happy Weekend!

{Inspirational Room via La Dolce Vita, 1. Custom Monogram by Emily Ley Paper, 2. Wheat Boutonniere via InStyle Weddings, 3. Chair Photo by Sherman Chu via Project Wedding 4. Bowls via Anthropologie, 5. Bridesmaid Dress by J. Crew, 6. Aqua Candle Holders via Z Gallerie, 7. Floral Display by Martha Stewart Weddings via Made by Jess, 8. Pearl Earrings via Martha Stewart Weddings}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Etsy Wedding: Brick Red, Cantaloupe and Robin's Egg Blue

Yesterday I told you I was completely inspired by this image from Serinissima, a stunning shot of a ferris wheel with an antique air to it. So I took the colors, a brick red, cantaloupe orange and robin's egg blue and created a fun, whimsical vintage carnival wedding. I'm really in love with this, it's great for a couple who just wants to have a good, no... a great time at their wedding.

The wedding party's attire mixes fun childlike prints with sophisticated vintage elements. Polka dots, seersucker and stripes any one? Yes, you can have all three and make it work! Ground these over the top elements with exquisite bridesmaid dresses from Sarah Seven and darling vintage-inspired jewels. We're going for anything but typical here so replace a ring pillow with a bright vintage tin and switch out traditional floral bouquets for pinwheels!

{1. Bridesmaid Dress by Sarah Seven, 2. Multi-chain Necklace by White Owl, 3. Flower Girl Dress by The Uptown Baby, 4. Tie Tack by Lin Designs, 5. Mini Ruffles Pins by Heart of Light, 6. Earrings by Bliss in a Teacup, 7. Vintage Candy Tin by Great Findz, 8. Pinwheel by Twirlie Whirlies, 9. Vintage Bow Tie by Street Sophisticated, 10. Boutonniere by Peppermint Cloud}

For the reception I've brought in several repeating elements: stripes courtesy of bakers twine and retro straws, carnival stationery like hand stamped tickets and ferris wheel save-the-dates and vintage trays, containers, suitcases (pretty much anything you can find). Every table should be different, completely different. Take one of your collected containers for each table and fill them with carnival elements (like more pinwheels or cotton candy) and brightly hued flowers. Stamped paper lunch bags make appropriate and adorable favor containers, especially tied with a manila tag and bakers twine.

{1. Carnival Photo by Serinissima, 2. Vintage Cake Box by Bellalulu, 3. Vintage Buttons by Eco Vintage Supplies, 4. Thank You Tags by Charmed Beginnings, 5. Samsonite Suitcase by Buy Golly Miss Molly, 6. Tag Kit by Annie's Paper Boutique, 7. Retro Paper Straws by Merry Mae, 8. Striped Beverage Flags by A Fabulous Fete, 9. Red Metal Tray by Old Crow Farm, 10. Ferris Wheel Save the Dates by Lehan Paper Design, 11. Favor Bags by A Fabulous Fete, 12. Believe Hand Stamped Tickets by Moonfaces}

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

As Seen on Etsy: Serinissima

Today's As Seen on Etsy vendor was sole the inspiration for tomorrow's post, which I know you will all love, but more about that later! Serinissima is a little Etsy gem selling fine art photography, one of the best sources for wedding inspiration. Every image is dripping with gorgeousness and full of built in, stunning, color palettes.

{All Images from Serinissima's Etsy Shop}

You may be wondering, "But how do I actually incorporate this into a wedding?" Well, you can chose to solely use it as your inspiration and by that I mean, purchase your image of choice, hang it up and look to it whenever your at a loss for an element of your wedding. Pull out a color (like the purples and grays of the rain image), a feeling (whimsy evoked by the teacup shot) or even an entire element  (the boots as centerpieces overflowing with flowers). Even better, use one of these beautiful pieces of art as your inspiration and then frame it with a wide mat around it. Then, use it as a guest book at your wedding, having guests sign around the edges, making a beautiful and memorable artwork to hang in your home someday.

Back to tomorrow's post for a bit... it's based off the center image. I created a wedding inspired by a vintage carnival complete with a brick red, cantaloupe orange and robin's egg blue color palette. It's a must see so come back tomorrow for the full concept!

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: Black, Cream and Blush

We've been having a lot of fun here this past week. There's been a rainbow colored children's reception and adorable, huggable pets walking down the aisle, but now I'm going to take a dramatic turn and bring you the inspiration from the ultimate, classic and elegant woman in US history. Have you figured it out yet? Yep, it's a wedding inspired by Jackie O's very own nuptials to John F. Kennedy!

What better a palette for this classic concept then black, cream and a pale, pale blush? I took a cue from Jackie's gorgeous gown and brought you an updated version of it from Dolly Couture, topping it with an exquisite cage veil. A simple black bridesmaid dress to match and bouquets of blush and cream roses that pop against the dark background. And can you even handle how adorable that ring bear ensemble is?

{1. Cage Veil by Batcakes Couture via Etsy, 2. Wedding Dress by Dolly Couture via Style Me Pretty, 3. Bridesmaid Dress by Chloe and Reese via What Junebug Loves, 4. Ring Bearer Photo by Kristin Vining Photography via Style Me Pretty, 5. Flower Girl Photo via Style Me Pretty, 6. Boutonniere via The Knot, 7. Bouquet via The Knot, 8. John and Jackie Kennedy's Wedding via LIFE}

For the reception think long tables with dramatic pink arrangements and elegant candles gracing the center. Pop the light florals with black stemware and place settings, and tie oversized black bows on the back of each and every chair. Center your cake table with a tall tiered creation whose layers are overflowing with roses. Finish it with pastel poms hanging above and tiny treats to supplement. For favors, personalized mini bottles of champagne topped with a tiny pink rose.

{1. John and Jackie Kennedy's Wedding via LIFE, 2. Chair Bows via Green Wedding Sheets, 3. Tablescape via Ellen Degeneres, 4. Cupcake Photo by Bonnie Tsang via Snippet & Ink, 5. Floral Decor via The Knot, 6. Black Stemware via The Bride's Cafe, 7. Cake via Cake That, 8. Pink Pom by PomLove via Etsy, 9. Champagne via The Knot}

I don't often go for elegance here on Notable Inspiration, but I love it nonetheless. Even if you aren't the biggest Jackie O fan, it's hard not to find something you love about her.

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Notables: Puppy Lovin'

Whether you love it or hate it, I decided to bring you some light hearted puppy love as you all recover from yesterday's Valentine's Day festivities. Just like our kids & weddings theme last week, people tend to have strong opinions about whether pets should be allowed in a wedding. Well, judging by this post you can probably tell my opinions on it. I think pets make a great, fun, personal addition to any wedding party, and who doesn't want a smooch from their pooch at their wedding? So here's a look at some adorable four-legged friends strutting their stuff on their owners big day!

{Photo by Erwin Wijanto via Green Wedding Shoes}

{Photo by Anna Kuperberg}

{Photo by Tiny Water Photography via Wedding Chicks}

{Photo by Whitebox Weddings}

{Photo by Rebekah J. Murray via Weddingbee}

{Photo by Maria Dawlat via This Is Glamorous}

{Photo via Funny Wedding Photos}

And why not include them in your engagement photos too? 

{Photo by Caroline Tran}

{Photo by Olivia Leigh Photographie via Trendsetting Wedding}

Be sure to check back tomorrow as Notable Inspiration switches from fun loving to classic sophistication with a Jackie-O inspired black, white and blush affair!

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Weddings, Etc.: What to Serve at Your Children's Reception

To close out Kids & Wedding week, I'm bringing you some delicious, bite size food options that the kids at your wedding are guaranteed to enjoy. In fact, your adult guests will probably appreciate these treats too!

Dinner

If you are having a casual, outdoor wedding why not buy cute lunch boxes and personalize them for each child. Then, fill the lunchbox with their meal for the celebration. Favors and a meal all wrapped up in one! I suggest a sandwich, a mini water bottle, and a special little snack. Remember, kids like simplicity. They won't be disappointed with mini PB & J, even if their parents are getting a four course meal. Especially when you supplement it with a dessert or candy buffet (see below!).

{Lunchbox Favors via Martha Stewart Weddings}

If you go for the sandwich idea, think about getting this fun puzzle sandwich cutter, it comes with four different shapes and adds a little something extra to any sandwich.

{Puzzle Sandwich Cutters via The Spoon Sisters}

If sandwiches just won't cut it for your wedding style, why not serve mini cheeseburgers and cones of french fries. I know, I know... we're not going for the health award here, but there's no better occasion then a wedding to let everyone splurge.

{Mini Cheeseburger Recipe via My Recipes}

{French Fry Cones Shot by Kate Webber Photography via Style Me Pretty}

Snack Time

Think popcorn. Not just one kind of popcorn, but a whole array of popcorn in a special popcorn bar. Caramel corn, popcorn drizzled with chocolate and of course classic movie-butter popcorn. It's the perfect snack and you can display it in adorable containers, either decorated paper lunch bags or classic striped containers.

{Popcorn via Style Me Pretty}

{Movie Popcorn via Flickr}

{Caramel Corn Shot by Carla Ten Eyck via Style Me Pretty} 

Dessert

Now, on to dessert! If you didn't go for PB & J sandwiches, why not serve PB & J cupcakes! This recipe looks delicious and will definitely be a crowd pleaser.

{PB & J Cupcake Recipe via Betty Crocker}

Mini milkshakes are a great complement to a kid-friendly dessert bar. Make sure to finish each one with a fun twisty straw!

{Mini Milkshake Recipe via Martha Stewart}

And of course, for our Kids & Weddings week finale, you must check out Amy Atlas's unbelievable, to-amazing-for-words, candy and dessert bars. I've been pushing the "insert food of choice here"-bar all week and had to end it with some inspiration from Amy's famous creations. No matter what style your wedding is, what colors are in your palette, or what age your younger guests are... everyone will love (and remember) a darling dessert display.

{All Images via Amy Atlas}

That's a wrap! I hope you all enjoyed the theme this week! I certainly had a ton of fun! Would you like to see more children's receptions incorporated into my weekly posts? I am always looking for suggestions! But don't worry, if this wasn't your thing, I'll be back next week with some fab wedding inspirations, minus the PB & J cupcakes and crayons! We're finally starting to thaw out, after three feet of snow here in DC, and I couldn't be happier... enjoy your weekend!

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Etsy Wedding: A White & Pastel Children's Reception

On Tuesday I brought you a bright, "Up" inspired children's reception but today I've toned things down a bit with a white and pastel Etsy children's concept. The idea of this inspiration board is to keep thing simple. Stick to a basic palette of white and add in your wedding colors with entertainment items.

White poms and bunting flags along with white furniture creates a clean slate to "pop" with your colors. I had to bring back these Ball jars from Midwest Finds as great containers for crayons and colored pencils or lollipops or cotton candy. Pastel organic play dough provides endless hours of fun for kids. And what about having them create their own little guest book for the bride & groom by writing words that make them think of love on little cards like these from Whimsical Paper Dot. Make s'mores with gourmet marshmallows and keep cupcakes on hand in these pastel wrappers. For favors fill these cute pom pom containers with candy or even pastel colored sidewalk chalk. 

{1. Paper Flower Garland by Millalove, 2. Organic Fun Dough by Blissy by Brittany, 3. Blue Tags by Whimsical Paper Dot, 4. Ruffle Cake Stand by Vessels and Wares, 5. Cupcake Wrappers by Sugar Cat Studio, 6. White Bunting Flags by Blue Moon Studios, 7. Vanilla Marshmallows by Cupcakes in Jars, 8. French Vanilla Pom by Party Poms, 9. Pom Pom Favor Kit by Blossom Lane, 10. Ball Jars by Midwest Finds, 11. White Paper Butterflies by Jaime Mancilla}

Tomorrow marks the final day of "kids & weddings" week and I'll be bringing you a deliciously delicate, kid-appropriate menu of goodies!

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

As Seen on Etsy: Kids & Weddings

Today is your lucky day! I'm not just bringing you one fantastic Etsy vendor, I'm bringing you FOUR! To keep with our kids & weddings theme this week, I've found several Etsy vendors that can bring fun, child-friendly entertain, food and decor to your wedding!

I came across Studio of Whimsy and just fell in love! They make a collection of darling felt play food that would be completely adorable adorning the tables of a children's reception. Scrumptious looking cupcakes and "freshly baked" cinnamon rolls make for great entertainment that is much more wedding appropriate then the traditional plastic play food kind.

{All Images via Studio of Whimsy}

Whimsical Paper Dot has dozens of fun paper products in youthful prints, perfect for children's reception decor. Pink and green pinwheels, mini envelopes, printed gift tags and delicate butterflies... something is guaranteed to coordinate with your color palette!

{All Images via Whimsical Paper Dot}

For real food at the reception try these fun frosted cookies from Holiday Candy Lane, great finger food and fun colors. My favorites are the tiny flowers and whimsical cupcake shapes!

{All Images via Holiday Candy Lane}

To save money, try supplying the reception with entertainment that doubles as favors. These Gaddy Nipper Crayons come in shapes like stars and funny mustaches, cars, cupcakes, hearts and more! Buy a set and give one or two to each child, they can play with them at the wedding and take them home with them afterwards!

{All Images via Gaddy Nipper Crayons}

Be sure to come back tomorrow for an all-Etsy children's reception!

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly

Color Inspiration: An "Up" Inspired Children's Reception

Disney is one of my all time favorite companies and I have been wanting to do a children's reception inspired by Disney Pixar's "Up" for so long! It is my all time favorite Pixar movie and after seeing this unbelievable party, I knew I had to translate it into a wedding appropriate theme-- for kids of course.

So behold, a rainbow colored, balloon filled, candy decorated concept for the children of your guests to enjoy. Let me preface this with the fact that in yesterday's post I said you could either go all out FUN for your children's reception or you could make it an elegant part of your wedding with kid friendly elements. Clearly with this I went for all out fun, but not to worry, Thursday's Etsy post will cover your other option with more demure pastels.

{1. Rainbow Party via Oh Happy Day!, 2. Candy Bar by Clau! via Hostess With the Mostess, 3. Rainbow Cake Tutorial via Hostess With the Mostess, 4. Bowls by IKEA, 5. Washy Squashy Modeling Soap via The Spoon Sisters, 6. Lollipop Photo via {frolic!}, 7. Lollipop Centerpieces via Rachael Ray, 8.  Crayon Rings via Birthday Girl Blog, 9. Confetti by Snowy652 via Etsy, 10. Balloon Gift Tags by Tiny Prints, 11. Hula Hoop Photo via Flickr, 12. Oversized Balloon by i luv sugar via Etsy}

I truly can't even handle the balloon table in this board, anybody that doesn't want to go back to their childhood and have a birthday like the one above must be out of their mind! If you really want to please your younger guests, all you have to do is think like a kid and think back to all those birthdays you loved.. because a children's reception really isn't all that different from a birthday celebration, except there's no birthday girl or boy! So for this over-the-top concept I've chosen centerpieces made of lollipops and a candy bar & rainbow cake to match! For entertainment try striped hula hoops, crayon rings and modeling soap (like modeling clay but with cleanly benefits)! The bowls from Ikea are only $2 for SIX! Can't beat that price, and of course finish the event with some bright confetti and balloon gift tags!

DISCLAIMER: I will not be held liable if your guests choose to attend the children's reception over the adult one! Who wouldn't want to have this much fun?

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly 

Notables: Children's Reception Week

Notable Inspiration has been up and running for about a month now! I'm so thankful to all of my readers and hope you enjoy reading the blog as much as I enjoy creating it! This week I'm trying another something new that I've been thinking about prior to launching Notable. About once a month (give or take!) I'm going to incorporate "theme weeks" to break up my daily postings and really focus on topics I think are important in today's wedding world.

(via Flickr)

First up is a focus on children's receptions... yes, you read that right. Most couples stress about whether or not to even invite children to the wedding, but for some people there is no choice. I'm here to show that not only can you invite the kiddies to your reception, you can create a space just for them to keep them (and their parents) happy! So every day this week I am going to provide ideas and inspiration for these children's receptions.

(via Flickr)

First of all! Let me break down a few options you have for children-specific receptions and spaces. This of course depends on your venue and your budget.

• Ideally, budget and venue aside, you can hire a few babysitters and set aside a separate space or room just for the children within your venue. Here, the parents can come back and forth to check, but they can also enjoy themselves in an adult setting, knowing their children are in good hands.
• If your wallet doesn't provide for this luxury, you can set up a table or two in a corner of your venue where the children can gather, even an "activity area" if so allowed. Hire two sitters or college students to supervise and you still have seperation, but not to the same degree. 
• If your a couple that just can't comprehend having kids running amuck at your formal reception, rent out a hotel room or small meeting room where your guests are staying and allow the children to stay behind (with their sitters, or sitters you've hired) but still have a reception of their own.

Now that we have that covered, I can begin to show you how to make these little receptions a part of your wedding, not just an afterthought. They can incorporate your wedding style and palette or you can go all out and give the kids a palette of your own, stay tuned this week for more ideas on that! In the meantime here are my top five tips and ideas for a children's reception that'll keep everyone happy!

1. DIY the Decor: The children's reception is one of the easiest places to DIY because as long as kids are having fun, they don't care what the place looks like! Use cotton candy for edible centerpieces and make paper pom poms to hang over the table. Set up a fun kid's photo booth like these pictured below. Either tailor it to your theme or create a mock "bride & groom" cut out and have your photographer snap a few shots, leaving the rest of the picture taking to the sitters.

{Paper Pom Poms via Martha Stewart, Wave Photo Booth Shot by Jessica Peterson via Snippet & Ink, Dress Up Photo Booth via Birthday Girl Blog, Cotton Candy Decor via Martha Stewart Weddings}

2. Think IKEA: The word IKEA can bring joy or horror to one's mind, but one word everyone associates it with is CHEAP! Where else can you get a coffee table for $30? They also have a great children's section with items that may, or may not, be cheaper then rentals (depending on how many kids you're having!). The stool for example is just under $8 and the table and chair set is a mere $25. Even if you get just a few to set up around a craft area for the children, you can't beat those prices and can sell the items afterwards or keep them for your own kids one day!

{All Photos via IKEA}

3. Keep Them Busy: If you're entertaining the children within your main reception area, allow them to do this adorable scavenger hunt and give them each a disposable camera to take pictures of what they find! Print off these flags and have the children update your guests on what event is happening next (First Dance, Cake Cutting, Toast, etc!) to help them feel like a real part of the wedding. If they have their own space to run around in, make homemade play dough and set up a clay station or allow them to make their own silly smiles and mustache faces to bring to the photo booth.  

{Scavenger Hunt via Martha Stewart Weddings, Message Flags via Martha Stewart Weddings, Homemade Play Dough via Cooking on the Side, Smitten Sticks via Twig & Thistle}

 

4. Minimize the Mess: Usually when kids are asked to stay behind, it's because couples are worried about a mess. Well, there's no guarantee when it comes to kids but there are certainly several ways to minimize the damage! Offer fun aprons and dress-up napkins to keep their fluffy dresses and handsome suits looking good. For the tables, roll out paper overtop them for write-on/draw-on table cloths. And stick to colored pencils and crayons, no markers or paint! Display the machine-washable friendly mediums in old Smuckers jelly jars and voila! A table they can draw on and you can roll up and toss away.

{Paper Tablecloth via Ritzy Bee, Colored Pencil Shot Belathée Photography via Once Wed, Aprons via Moolka, Dress Up Dinner Napkins via The Spoon Sisters}

5. Have Fun with the Favors! Give the kids their own special favors, wrapped in DIY packaging like this from Martha Stewart. You can buy bubbles in bulk and print out custom labels for them. Or, if the kids are of age, give giant gum balls or let them to make their sundaes in personalized ice cream dishes!

{DIY Flower-wrapped Flavors via Martha Stewart Weddings, Bubble Favors via Martha Stewart, Gumball Favors by I Luv Sugar via Etsy, Ice Cream Parlor Buffet via Eat Drink Chic}

Tomorrow I'll be bringing you a brightly colored Color Inspiration for a complete children's reception! The rest of the week will entail Etsy products for kids and of course an Etsy children's reception. And don't miss Friday for a kid-friendly menu of PB&J cupcakes and puzzle sandwich cutters!

Aspiring to Inspire,

Kelly