ABOUT · SUBMISSIONS · VENDORS · CONTACT

landlocked bride® | midwest + mountain west wedding inspiration

plan a modern wedding in the middle of the country

One way a bride can really get creative and add a small touch of personality to her reception decor is through table numbers. These numbers don’t have to be the dry, run-of-the-mill ways to merely get your guests to their table destination. Use your imagination, the sky is the limit in utilizing a number of objects and ideas to tie in your wedding theme in a unique way. We’ve collected a few of our favorites below to get your imagination flowing!

 

 

Back in October I had posted about making a statement, accessories for the big day. This time around, we’re going to focus on the men! These days it seems as though men have just as many options as women in terms of making a statement with their neckwear. Different colors, different patterns – even the option of combining different tie shapes within the wedding party. These guys really have me impressed (or perhaps it’s the brides I should applaud).

bowtiewedding3 bowtiewedding4 Aaron Shintaku Photography via JL Designs

Vineyard-Vines-Wedding-Bow-Tie-600x395

Jen Fariello Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

marvimon_wedding_mb_04

Mark Brooke Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

03_tlawphoto_lp_creatives_360

T Law Photography via Wedding Obsession

Concept-Photography

Concept Photography via Occasions Online

jagger-wedding-09

Jagger Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

orange-ring-bearer-bow-tie-550x366

Allison & Chris Britton Photography via United With Love


The men should have just as much fun as the women do when picking out their day-of attire, don’t you agree?

Brides are making bolder choices to personalize their weddings these days, and one big way they’re doing it is through patterns; and one pattern scheme that seems to be really exploding right now is geometric patterns. Everything from jewelry to table decor can have a hint of geometric goodness. If paired with bold colors, it makes an even bigger punch of personality. It really gives a clean modern feel to any celebration. We’ve gathered a few things to inspire you on how to incorporate it into your big day:

 

How would you incorporate geometric patterns into your celebration? Are you more of a neutral pattern fan or do you like the bolder color choices?

Your family and friends are traveling near and far to be with you on your special day, so why not show your gratitude and surprise them with a bag full of goodness upon their arrival. These bags don’t have to break the bank, just keep them unique and thoughtful. Below are some tips on the necessities to include as well as additional options for making these bags memorable, not to mention the perfect introduction for whats to come on your wedding day!

BAG  The Necessities

  • Welcome letter: Something short and sweet from the bride and groom thanking guests for helping celebrate your special day.
  • Weekend Schedule/Directions: Some guests are likely to forget to bring along your invitation, so provide them with a plan B in case this happens.
  • Local Activities: If you know your guests will be staying more than one night, or there may be some down time in-between the ceremony and the reception – provide your guests with some local activities or a list of your favorite local establishments.
  • Bottled water: If you’re feeling extra crafty add your own monogramed or personalized wrap.
  • Snacks (Salty): Throw in your favorite brand of chips, pretzels, or nuts – whatever it is, your guests will be happy to have something to snack on upon their arrival.
  • Snacks (Sweet): Chocolate… because who doesn’t love chocolate?!

Slide1

 Wedding Itinerary: Simple Simon Design on ETSY| Wedding Map: Magnolia Papers on ETSY | M&Ms: Photographed by Charlotte Geary Photography

A Little Something Extra

  • Stay local: Include items that are near and dear to you and your fiance, or to the location you will be married. Getting married in Wisconsin? Throw in some of your favorite Cheese Curds! 
  • Stay Personal: Did you meet your fiance when you were in elementary school? Throw in some personalized #2 pencils. A cute poem or description of why certain unique items are included is also a great addition – or add this to your welcome note.
  • Have fun: Custom hotel door hangers (a personal favorite) or mini champagne or wine bottles are additional ways to wow your guests and let them know what exactly they are in for – a wonderful celebration for 2 of their favorite people.
  • Personalize the bag: Although paper bags are completely acceptable, take it one step further with personalized tote bags that your guests can reuse once your wedding has conclude

Slide1 Tote: Wedding Chicks | Wisconsin Cheese Curds | Pencils: The Common Grade on ETSY    | Door Hanger: Lucky Girl Paper on ETSY


What fun and unique items do you plan to include in your oot bags?

Edge painting can add a beautiful touch or a bold pop of color to your wedding invitations. Since so much importance is placed on the colors of your wedding – from bridesmaid dresses to flowers, linens to other day-of details, why not place the same importance on your wedding invitations. Your invitation is likely to be the first thing your guests see and truly sets the stage for what’s to come, what to expect, and what to look forward to. Edge painting is a wonderful technique because it can fit any wedding theme, any time of year. Add a pale green edge to match the look of your outdoor rustic wedding, a metallic gold edge that mimics the interior of your hotel reception venue, or a red edge detailing that showcases the party vibe in store for your New Years Eve reception – whatever the case, this is a detail that will get noticed, and will be remembered.

ohsobeautiful paperfinger ligature Paper Finger – Ligature

charlotte charlotteee

Bella Figura: Charlotte

dauphine calistoga

Dauphine Press – Calistoga

invitationsbyjalon invitations by ajalon 2 Invitations By Ajalon

perkybros llc invittioncrush

Perky Bros


Do you plan on including this memorable, unique technique to your wedding invitation suite?

I’m super excited about today’s contributor. She’s long been a fan of Landlocked Bride and was jumping at the bit to share her ideas and inspiration with our readers. I’m thrilled to have her on board and hope you love her weekly posts as much as I love reading them. Please give Ashley a heartfelt welcome to the Landlocked Bride family.


One trend that we can really get on board with in the Midwest is camping. It showcases the natural beauty of majestic forests, soaring peaks and pristine lakes that people flock to the region for. This trend is especially on point for the couple that has enjoyed the beauty and adventure together through dating and courtship, giving your celebration a personal touch that leaves a lasting impression on your guests and a sentimental touch for the couple.

If you’re a down-to-earth gal (or guy) looking to incorporate a bit of elegance and less rustic to your camping theme, try “glamping.” Popularized by stars such as Matthew McConaughey and NCIS Los Angeles star Eric Christian, couples can mix camping touches with the glamour that comes with weddings. We’ve collected a few items that can be used to incorporate a bit of nature and the rustic yet elegant camping feel into your big day. .

camping-wedding-inspiration-1 Rusticcreek | Custom Love Gifts

camping-wedding-inspiration-2 Lime and Ruby Design | Mannia&Titta 

camping-wedding-inspiration-3 The Rasers Photography | Rusticblend

camping-wedding-inspiration-4 The Rasers Photography

What are some things you’ve seen or would like to incorporate into your wedding celebration that involve a love of nature and/or camping? Feel free to share your stories about how camping/nature brought you and your sweetheart together as well! We’re a sucker for a good love story and maybe it’ll get your brain waves flowing for inspiration on how to incorporate this trend into your celebration

This is probably my most favorite and least favorite post in quite some time. Why? Well, the heart and soul of this post is all about food. Writing this post was like researching Pinterest for recipes – everything looks so delicious, but then you want to eat. it. all.

Kelly Dillon Photography via SMP | Beaux Arts Photographie via Santa Barbara Chic | Perez Photography via SMP

It’s no secret that a true foodie wouldn’t skimp on the food for their nuptials. But, that doesn’t mean you, as a “non-foodie” should skimp on food. Let’s be honest, if the food at your reception is bad, guests will remember. So, as you plan your menu and work with your caterer, remember that food is part of the overall experience – just like your gown, the flowers, and the venue.

So, how do you make your menu memorable? It’s easier than you think:

Helene DuJardin via Inspired By This | Heather Roth Fine Art Photography via SMP

Think seasonally.
When produce is in season, it’s fresher and more full of flavor. Not to mention, choosing in-season foods means your food bill could be lower.

Elizabeth Messina via Kiss the Groom | The Schultzes via Southern Weddings | Forte Catering & Events via Polka Dot Bride

Lean on your caterers + chefs.
Much like a florist would love for you to give them full creative reign, a chef would to. Use them as a resource to help create a menu that is seasonally inspired, unique and memorable.

Tapenade via Bridal Musings | The Nichols via Southern Weddings | Justin Marantz via SMP

Cohesion.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in “this all tastes good so let’s just go with it” mentality. But, you want to ensure that everything from the appetizers to the salad to the entree pair well together. Think if it much in the same way a sommelier would plan a meal around a bottle of wine – you want everything to cohesively work and taste great.

Jackie Wonders via Inspired By This | Cameron Ingalls via Inspired By This

Taste test.
This one should be a given, but make sure you TASTE your proposed menu. Not only is it an opportunity to try everything before the big day, but it also gives you an opportunity to tweak the meal. From the sauce, to the vegetables or main entree. Plus, most caterers allow at least one complementary tasting when you work with them.

How important was food on your big day?

Let’s face it, we’re not all getting married in a house of worship.  So, how do you make your ceremony location stand out in a unique way? Flowers are the old standby.  Now, brides, stylists and planners are scouring for fun and unique ways for the altar to pop. Through color, textiles and found objects, the mission is accomplished.

Felix Gonzalez-Torres via Green Wedding Shoes

Having an evening warehouse / loft wedding? Hang strands of light from the ceiling for a simple yet dramatic look (with the added detail of ambient lighting).

Focus Photography via Green Wedding Shoes

Your grandfather loved clocks? Honor him with an eclectic collection of vintage clocks as your backdrop. Not only is this quirky and fun, but it’s a nod to your beloved family member.

The Nichols via Style Me Pretty

Jason + Anna Photography via Style Me Pretty

Having an outdoor ceremony? Add streamers to the trees to create a colorful backdrop, and a dramatic element when the wind blows.  Or, use found objects, like Allison did with these old doors, and string a fun phrase to frame the shot.

Paige Newton Photography via 100 Layer Cake

Want to add a pop of color? Aim for something dramatic using colorful textiles and votives, hanging them against a muted wall, from a tree or wherever the color will shine.

Jenny Jimenez via Style Me Pretty

Are you a teacher, or just a lover of chalkboards? Create this backdrop using design cues from your stationer. Not only does it make a fun ceremony backdrop, but it also is the perfect background for your photobooth.


Your ceremony backdrop is the perfect opportunity to add a little flair and personality. How did you (or will you) spruce up your ceremony spot?

Extravagant centerpieces, delicate linens and romantic up-lighting can make quite the statement on a reception space, however, there are numerous other elements that can make just as big (if not bigger) of a statement while also staying budget friendly. I love the ability to give traditional wedding elements a modern twist with items that can even be found in or around your own home.

pine cones

 Kate Osborne Photography

  Kate Osborne Photography

 photo via projectwedding.com | photo via Martha Stewart Weddings | Willa J Photography

Wheat

 Amanda K Photography featured on Style Me Pretty; floral by Martha E. Harris Flowers & Gifts

 Anna Sawin Photography | Beaux Arts Photographie via Style Me Pretty

 Jerry Yoon Photographers

Paper

 Studio Castillero | Angelica Peardy Photography | Jolly Jules Designs on ETSY

Simply Silhouettes Weddings on ETSY| Megan Hamilton on ETSY

Sugar and Soul Photography

 Cotton

Color and Dust

Color and Dust

  Pasha Belman Photography | Color and Dust | Jasmine Star Photography via Green Wedding Shoes


There are a variety of other ‘natural’ element to choose from in addition to the ones noted above; moss, feathers and seashells are just a few others to consider.  Do you have a wedding setting or theme that include these natural components?

 

I love statement pieces, especially when they are incorporated into a wedding.  From rings and bracelets, to necklaces and earrings, these beautiful pieces are a great way to not only show off your personal taste and style, but they can truly transform your look from the ceremony to the reception. These pieces will make a statement on your wedding day and will continue to for years to come.

Alicia Swedenborg via  Pretty Chic Blog

 necklace: The Crystal Rose on ETSY

necklace: Ezza Exclusive on ETSY

 Tec Petaja Photography

Brooke Courtney Photography via Postcards and Pretties

Austin Gros via The Wedding Chicks

 Paul Morse Photographs

Sedona Bride via Style Me Pretty | Erich McVey Photography via Style Me Pretty

 Docuvitae via Lovellabridal

necklace:  All Things Tinsel on ETSY featured on Style Me Pretty by Jasmine Star Photography | Gabriel Ryan Photography via Style Me Pretty 

 Katherine Stinnett Photography

 White Rabbit Studios

Michelle Lindsay Photography


Will you or your bridesmaids be making a ‘statement’ on your wedding day?!