A Modern Take on Traditional

To make this thing traditional and still keep it loose and original my goal is to uber simplify the details. I know it is every control freak’s ideal to have hands-on jurisdiction to each and every element for their big day, and that’s a feeling I certainly have to resist as I continue through the wedding planning process. The event coordinator in me, however, is screaming for simplicity and I’ve realized that streamlining as much of this particular event as possible will really keep things stress free.

With no vision in mind, my first step was to pin, pin, pin. Anything and everything that appealed to me on the web and Pinterest would be pinned to a board like rapid fire. Doing this helped familiarize me with the typical wedding day accouterments that I surely would have otherwise overlooked.

Now, let me just say, there are pros and cons to using Pinterest as your main resource for wedding planning.

Pros:

“Pinspiration”
DIY Help
Easy Access to Web Resources
Quick Compare and Contrast Capabilities

Cons:

Information Overload
Creates Pressure to do it all
Original Sources Become Lost

Once I made the initial “board blast,” I invited my mom and sister to the group, to help talk me out of certain complicated or frivolous things that I had pinned. Needless to say, pins started dropping from the board like flies. Having the ladies in my life contribute to the board is also a big help since, knowing they will be the two main people helping me bring these ideas to fruition, we can confer about who will contribute what to each concept right there on the board.

Here are 4 of the ways I was able to simplify and Anna-fy some of the more traditional minutiae that we want to incorporate.

1.

My bridesmaids, or “bridesbaes” as I call them, could have purchased any dresses they wanted and as long as they felt fearless I would be happy. But they wanted a little more direction from me, so I gave them a few examples of what I envisioned. The concept of having mismatched bridesmaids dresses in neutral colors jumped out and grabbed me right away. So far we’ve had 2 of 3 satisfied dress purchases—without my supervision! I love that.

2.

I’d like votives on the tables, but to avoid that “cookie cutter” look and keep costs down I’m calling on my super thrift powers to find the cheapest, most random clear glass votive holders in town. Then, using this DIY Pinspiration, I plan to gold dip them to create a motif.

3.

Instead of spending loads of cash on full floral centerpieces, I’m spreading things out by throwing a few sprigs of seasonal blooms and other local trimmings into some glass lanterns, similarly to what you see in the image above.

4.

DJs and dancefloors did not make my list of desired wedding elements. Instead I will need a spot for the Family Talent Showcase! A really simple way to create a stage that will blend in nicely with the luncheon space is to create a sheer backdrop. Utilizing inexpensive tulle and white string lights allows for a quick setup and take down and creates that flashy setting for any song, dance or stupid human trick that will be showcased the talent exhibit.

Staying traditional is important for me, but I know there are ways to make a traditional wedding seem unique to my thoroughly modern life. With less than two months to go, I’ve got quite a few projects to share with you in the upcoming weeks, so stay tuned!

What are some ways you’ve kept things traditional and added modern influence in your wedding?