Blog Posts by Lover.ly

By Mandy Chan, Lover.ly

Finding the perfect reception space is not as easy a task as it may seem. Some of the most common factors when finding the right venue are facility fees, location and overall look. If you're having a whimsical outdoor ceremony under a giant oak tree with glowing white lights, you're probably not going to find an outdated banquet hall attractive. Likewise, if you're planning a low key church wedding with family and close friends, then a giant ballroom in a fancy hotel is not going to suit your needs.

The balance of decor, price and location is somewhat of an artform for couples planning their big day. And sometimes with a guest list of over 200, choices in venue are somewhat limited. For brides on a budget, this proves to be the ultimate test of bargain shopping and crafting skills. We've got some great ideas in the slideshow for dressing up a large reception space and on a small budget, without sacrificing style.

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By Rachel Wilkerson, Lover.ly

When it comes to weddings, all that glitters can be gold...if you choose gold wedding decor, that is. Keep it soft and romantic by adding cream and blush details, or pair it with another bold color, like red or purple. We love gold charger plates, centerpieces, chairs, and even dessert! No matter what style of wedding you're having, bold gold wedding details are fresh and on-trend right now. Here are our favorite gold wedding decor looks.

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By Carly Totten, Lover.ly

What lies between chevron and tribal? One of our favorite up and coming patterns: ikat. We truly believe that patterns are going to be one of the trends to watch in 2013, and we're certain that ikat will be among the mix of the most popular.

Why are we fans of ikat, you ask? We love the distinct color blocking effect that happens as a result of the blending and weaving of the tie-dyed colors included. Another plus: ikat is like your favorite LBD - it's as formal as it is informal depending on how you choose to style it.

To demonstrate the undeniable "cool" factor of ikat, we've pulled our favorite looks together in the gallery. Which ones make your top three?

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By Mandy Chan, Lover.ly

There really is no middle ground when it comes to opinions on the money dance (also called the dollar dance/apron dance, depending on your location/culture). Some people think it's fun and hilarious, and others think it's tacky and rude. In a traditional money dance, the Maid of Honor and Best Man rally the wedding guests to line up and "pay" for a dance with the bride or groom. The guest usually pays $1.00 (or more!) and pins the money to the bride's dress or the groom's tie and the one who ends up with the most money money "wins." And while we are definitely in the "this is hilarious and I am pinning this money to your couture gown!" camp, we can absolutely see why this tradition might be viewed as tacky or offensive. It all depends on your location, really. If the money dance is something you are used to seeing at weddings where you're from, then your guests will probably be familiar with it as well.


Photo by: Caroline and Evan Photography on Caroline &

By Rachel Wilkerson, Lover.ly

While we love a great pair of wedding heels, wedges are a great choice. They are typically more comfortable than heels, meaning you can keep them on from the first dance to your big send-off. And they are an absolute must for outdoor weddings; whether you are walking down an aisle at a garden wedding or on the beach, you won't have to worry about stumbling in wedges. We suggest trying any of these pairs of wedding wedges on for size.

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By Mandy Chan, Lover.ly

When we think of brunch, in the traditional sense, our minds tend to think of a stuffy, yet casual meal between breakfast and lunch. But, here's the thing- a brunch wedding reception might just be the the #1 secret in weddings today. It's true that a mid-morning meal and service is significantly less expensive than a plated dinner after 7:00pm, but it can also save on bar tabs and other food related expenses. However, having your reception before noon doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style one bit! We envision the bride wearing a delicate lace gown with a simple silhouette, springtime floral decor and decadent food and beverage stations: fresh waffles and bellinis anyone? You can still keep it casual by making it buffet style, but add a wow factor by offering your guests a little something extra by way of fresh, local jams and honeys, and a gourmet coffee and espresso bar. Click through the slideshow for our favorite inspiration images from beautifully done

By Rachel Wilkerson, Lover.ly

Anyone who has been to Washington D.C. in April is aware of just how gorgeous cherry blossoms are; each spring, the city's trees burst with pink flowers. We love using the flower itself or just similar shades of pink in your wedding decor. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is currently underway in our nation's capital, but you can get wedding inspiration from it no matter where you live. Here are our favorite cherry blossom wedding details.

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By Carly Totten, Lover.ly

From structured and modern to whimsical and vintage, there is a pattern for every wedding, which is why prints are a trend to watch. Collecting floral china and mixing the pieces together is one way to add another layer of visual interest to your vintage fete, while opting for a black and white statement backdrop for your cake is our favorite feature for a modern affair. Are you torn between two prints? Including both is definitely an option if they incorporate the same (or very similar) colors. While we're on the subject of colors, consider adding a neutral or two (think white and beige) in order to allow the patterns to really become a focal point.

With all of these ideas in mind, we've included three of the most popular prints (hello, florals, chevron and stripes!) and more from Lover.ly in the gallery. Click through and let us know your favorite in the comments!

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