Ciao Summer ~ Tablescapes

Carrying on with the theme of the week, Ciao Summer, we highlight one of our favorite event items to oooh and ahhh over - TABLESCAPES! Now, more than ever before, tables are seen as works of art for an event. Bouquets of flowers no longer sit lonely on a white linen. Colors, textures and trinkets that represent YOU are brought in to stimulate the guest and catalyse conversation.

Similar to our suggestion from yesterday with attire, take full advantage of the ability to use bright and bold colors of the season!

 This tablescape is delectable, in fact most of the materials in the centerpiece are edible! Their use of tropical fruits with gords (typically reserved for fall season decor) embedded in the hollow tree trunk truly catches your eye. Their blend of seasonal decor allows this to remain unique and unexpected.
**BELLA COSA FAVORITE**



This centerpiece highlights a less complex way to incorporate fresh fruit into your centerpiece. This caught our eye because of the beautiful round silhouette created by the apples and the way that the red and pink flowers pop against this natural color.
Bella Cosa Tweak: Replace the lining of the vase with red fruit to offer more contrast and color to the centerpiece.

 





One of a kind! We all know that fruits are trending in centerpieces, but have you ever seen a crudite centerpiece? We adore this idea for a farmers market or farmland wedding! So colorful yet so Green!

 

Interested in the idea of fruit but don't want to lose your traditional ambiance? Add fruit to the base of your centerpiece vase to add depth and texture. Consider implementing this design feature throughout the day, perhaps attaching escort cards to matching fruit; it's a detail that won't go unnoticed!

Bella Cosa's dear friend and fellow planner extradonaire, Natalie Laskowski of Belle of the Ball, used wax candles to achieve this look, which were then given as favors to wedding guests.

These single stems make this table appear bountiful, yet clean. This is a great idea for DIY or budget conscious brides!  

  



While the guests' attention usually goes to the elevated items on the table, why not draw your guests eye to a part of the tablescape that is often forgotten - the table runner! This hostess used vintage tiles to create her runner; she kept her centerpieces low so as not to distract from this interesting detail. This runner is gorgeous in its simplicity!





 

Layer your tablescape with different trinkets that represent you, your relationship, traditions and family. Not each table has to be the same, keep it eclectic but be mindful of not going "over-board". Use a runner to help you maintain a clean surface, keeping each item within the boarders of the runner.



World Market, Anthropologie and Pier 1 Imports all carry small vases and lanterns that will help you achieve this look. Or, be bold and venture out to your local flea-market or wholesale district to find pieces with real history.


{Photo Credits: Elizabeth Anne Designs Martha Stewart ~ Manolo Brides ~ Studio This Is ~ The Party Dress ~ Southern Living



Ciao Summer ~ Wedding Attire

Today marks the first day of summer, so as a nod to the offical start of the season, we'll be blogging about inspiring summer wedding details all week!

Today's highlight, the age old dilema of What to Wear!  

Grooms, ditch the tuxedo and opt for a suit that can only be worn in this season! Tan, Seersucker and Blue Jacket Suits are always a favorite! Get creative and add a colorful tie that accompanies the signature color!

  

 Embrace bright colors when selecting the Maids' dresses and allow them to be creative when accessorizing their look. Start thinking about props for photos that will enhance the color of the dresses - Think parasols, candy, pinwheels and message boards!

And for the Bride-to-Be; your wedding dress is one of the few tangible items from your Big Day that you get to keep forever, so selecting a dress that you love should be your first priority! It can be easy to get swept away in the opinions of others, but stay true to what you love! Today, we highlight the designer that Bella Cosa loves, Monique Lhullier and some of her show-stopping gowns from her Spring 2011 Collection...all of which inspire a beautiful summer bride!

{photo credits: Jenna Walker Photography, Denver via The Knot ~ Kate Murphy Photography ~ Rodeo & Co Photography via The Knot ~ Vineyard Vines ~ Creative Montage ~ Lula Kate ~ Phung Photography ~ Rachel Walter via Etsy ~ Jamie Hammond Photography ~ ClarkandDiversity via Etsy ~ Martha Stewart Weddings ~ Monique Lhuillier

PUPPY LOVE

Ciao Bellas! As the old saying goes, "Dog is a Man's Best Friend"; so why not let him stand by you for your vows? If anything, it's the perfect way to inject light humor into a day that is filled with inevitable nerves.

With dogs so often being viewed as a member of the family, this trend is truly taking off amongst lovable pet owners tying the knot.

We adore the way these pets have been included and will show you just how to pull it off for your big day...none of which involve your single sister escorting Fido down the aisle...that's just cruel!

We love these non-traditional, fancy dog outfits!

Adorn the collar with synthetic flowers to match your 'maids

(ask the girls to save the extra fabric from their alterations to make into rosettes)

OR

Style your dog after the ring bearer with this DIY ring box collar

(we suggest having a human attendant carry the rings, so that Spike doesn't loose them; although it's never a guarantee that the Best Man will hold on to them either!)

Can't you just see this on a yellow lab in Martha's Vineyard?



A few tips to help you pull of this trend successfully!

1. Does your venue allow pets? 
2. Consider how poochie will make his debut. Does he need an escort or can he go it alone?
3. Offer your dog a treat or toy that will distract him throughout the ceremony
4. Who will look after poochie before and after the ceremony?

Can't have your furry friend particpate in the wedding festivities? Here are a few alternatives!

~ In lieu of a favor, make a donation to your local Human  Society or favorite dog rescue league

~ Include your dog in your Engagement Photos and display them at the reception

{image credits: Project Wedding; Our Formal Dog; Leash and Paws; Blush Paperie; Elizabeth Messina; Birds in Chandeliers; Etsy.com/pecanpiepuppies; Martha Stewart Weddings, Robert Hock, Our labor of Love; Nicole Cassano}

Department Store Bliss

Ciao Bellas! Today's entry was inspired by a dear friend and Bella Cosa BRIDE-TO-BE, Anna.

Anna embodies the calm, care-free bridal style; so it's no surprise that her dress shoping experience was just that! Anna manged to find a BCBGMaxAzria designer gown for under $400 (for day-of "wow" effect, the dress is not posted today)!

This dress could easily fool the average eye for that of a high-end, multi-thousand dollar gown. Kudos to Anna and Mother of the Bride, Myra for finding such a bargain in a fabulous wedding dress!

Planning a wedding on a budget?
Want to wear multiple gowns the Big Day?
Spending less on your dress to spend more on your favorite band?

You too can find a bargain in a fabulous gown by looking in the right places...Department Stores!


Check out some of Bella Cosa's favorites for wedding dresses that won't break the budget.

Nicole Miller Strapless Gown w/ Cascading Asymmetric Ruffles
$1,100 at Bloomingdale's

Note the similarity to this Dior gown on Eva Mendes for 2009 Golden Globe Awards
Take a page out of Eva's style book and pair your gown with colorful jewelry!







This romantic, whimsical gown was made for a beach wedding!
BCBGMAXZARIA Strapless Ruched Center Gown
$398 at Bloomingdale's



  The backside of this Nicole Miller dress is our favorite detail, along w/ the refreshing departure from strapless!

$750 at Bloomingdale's

 

Of course, saving the best for last...for the bride that envisions herself as a Princess...

JS Collections 'Duchess' Gown
$698 at Nordstrom





Thought you recognized that JS Collections Dress? It is stunningly similar to Kate Middleton's wedding dress.
Now if only you can find a Lady in Waiting like Pippa!
image courtesy of Getty Images

The Girl Behind the Plan...

Ciao Bellas and welcome to the blog site created by Bella Cosa Events! With this being our first blog entry, it's only fitting that we give you a chance to get to know Meredith Sorkin, Creative Founder & Chief Planner of Bella Cosa Events.



Our planning style is directly adapted from Meredith and her inspirations, so take a peek to see how Meredith "filled in the blanks" on her dream event this summer....

SUMMER SETTING

If I could plan any party this season it would be a summer soiree theme, where guests would sip grapefruit cocktails  and nibble on fresh sushi & watermelon salad.

image courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

image courtesy of Modu-Systems

image courtesy of Eating Out Loud

As the hostess, I would wear a peach colored Maxi Dress by Max Azria with chunky jewelry .



image courtesy of Max Azria via Bloomingdales



image courtesy of Anthropologie; Forever Darling Necklace

The event would begin at sunset, under the soft glow of lanterns with shabby chic decor in the palettes of beige with pale pastel accents.



image courtesy of Bella Southern Decor Design

  

image courtesy of La Sweet Settings

image courtesy of sTori Book Weddings via Heavenly Blooms





Tables would be decorated with pink & white peonies and peaches in bell jars; candles would scatter the yard. The mood would be celebratory and light  with a musical mix of folk revival with pop-jazz.

image courtesy of Cottage Living

image courtesy of besthealthsecrets.com



image courtesy of jasfitz via sfgirlbybay



This is my idea of the perfect Summer Soiree - what's yours?