Lily Pulitzer Inspired Engagement Brunch
Wedding inspiration can be found in all different places, from different people, and different things. Something we make sure to share with our readers is budget savvy techniques for turning their inspiration into reality! Today we have an awesome, bright, and colorful styled shoot for you from Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning. Enjoy this Lily Pulitzer Inspired Engagement Brunch!
Lily Pulitzer Inspired Engagement Brunch
Styled Shoot submitted by  Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning
What was your design inspiration?
I love the bright colors of Lily Pulitzer’s designs. I wanted to infuse those colors and a fun, eclectic vibe into our celebration of Lauren and Brandon’s Engagement. Lauren shares my love of bright colors, so it was very easy.
Describe the flowers
The flowers are a bright mix of pinks, whites, and yellows, to reflect the vibrant tablescape. The small hand-tied bouquet that Lauren is holding in some of the photos is mostly soft peach peonies. The other flowers she is holding are wildflowers gathered in the park.
Describe the cake
The cake was a single layer cake, decorated with brightly colored icing to match our color scheme, and we added a custom topper that read “Future Mrs.”.
Tell us about the attire choices
Brandon donned a classic white button-down shirt and dark trousers. His preppy look was complete with a stylish pastel pink bow tie and pocket square. Lauren was stunning in a romantic, floor-length peach lace dress, with three-quarter sleeves, and jeweled sandals.
Describe any DIY, handmade, or personal items
Some of the dishes on the table belonged to my grandmother, as well as the cloth napkins, and the teapot that held flowers on the cake table. Also, the flamingo artwork was created by my daughter, Annika Lehman, specifically for this event.
Describe the tablescape elements
The dining table is a colorful mix of patterns and colors. I wanted to create a fun and fresh environment, with lots of visual interest. The cake table was covered in vintage linens and colorful treats. The gift bags in front of the table were for Lauren’s soon to be bridesmaids when they arrived at the brunch.
Tips for Hosting a Budget Friendly Engagement Brunch
By: Kimberly Lehman Owner of Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning
âCongratulations on your Engagement!â Chances are, you are hearing this a lot lately from family and friends. Or, perhaps you have not yet formally announced your engagement and would like to find a way to surprise everyone with the great news. An Engagement Brunch is a wonderful way to celebrate this exciting time in your life together, with your closest family and friends.
A brunch is usually less expensive than a multi-course dinner, and you can offer a wider variety of delicacies that will appeal to your guests. Fresh fruits, bagels, pastries and muffins, assorted juices, coffee, and teas will be the staples of your buffet. If you have a Keurig machine, you can have a variety of instant beverages, from cappuccino to hot apple cider, for your guests. Be sure to have some flavored creamers, and a can of instant whipped cream for a sweet flourish of taste.
If you plan your brunch after the announcement of your engagement, you have several options for the style of meal you will present to your guests.  One option is the ever-popular potluck meal, where guests may bring an entrÊe, side dish, or a dessert to your gathering. You may wish to offer a main dish, such as breakfast meats: sausage, ham, bacon, or thinly sliced steak. You could offer a made-to-order eggs or crepes station, or a waffle bar, with several toppings to choose from. Guests might decide to bring a fresh fruit salad or fruit pizza, or a cheezy breakfast casserole with hash brown potatoes. The latter is one of my favorites! Other fun choices might include frittatas, scones, cinnamon rolls, or classic donuts. Be sure to also offer options for those guests that have dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, keto, or vegetarian and vegan. You might consider having a personal chef to come and present a hands-on cooking class in your kitchen, and then enjoy the meal with everyone. Also set food and beverages out in several locations, prompting your guests to mingle and chat.
Mimosas and bellinis are also a great way to add some fizz and color to your brunch spread. You may use your favorite champagne, or sparkling cider or juice for a wonderful non-alcoholic option. Dip the top of your champagne glass in colored sugar, and add your favorite fruit juice, such as orange, peach, mango, or guava. Add a splash or two of the champagne and enjoy!
DĂŠcor should be simple, as this is not as extravagant as an evening dinner party. Fresh, bright colors, or soft and sweet pastels are always appropriate. If your grandmothers or other family members have vintage linens and tableware, see if you may borrow them. This is a great opportunity to showcase their treasures. Or perhaps you have a collection of funky handmade pottery that you have been itching to use. This is definitely the occasion to do so! Add some fresh flowers in one striking centerpiece, or small groupings, and you have instant color and depth to your table.  If you have had engagement pictures taken already, why not set out a few favorite shots in new frames, or as canvases on easels. They will certainly be a conversation starter, and give you a chance to chat about your photographer, or the location where they were taken.  You could also have a book of your favorite photos made, for your guests to sign. There are many companies that offer this service fairly inexpensively, such as Walgreens or Shutterfly.Â
A few ice-breaker activities will help your guests to relax and get to know each other. Often, a gathering such as this will be the first time that the families and friends of the engaged couple will meet each other. You could print up a sheet of easy trivia questions about each guest, and have the guests go around and fill in the blanks. Collect the sheets before the end of the party, and give a small prize for the person with the most correct answers. Another game would be Famous Couples, where each guest must draw a name of one member of a famous couple, for example, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, or Michelle and Barack Obama. Each guest must ask questions of other guests about their assigned celebrity, until they find their missing half. Donât be surprised if you hear a famous quote or two!
You could offer interactive activities such as a selfie station, or lawn games like cornhole, a ring toss, horseshoes, croquet or giant Jenga. If you have access to a swimming pool, thatâs even better. Donât forget the sunscreen!Â
Gifts for the couple are not necessarily a requirement at engagement parties, and should not be expected. If, however, a guest chooses to present you with a gift, be gracious, and always write a thank-you note after the party. Favors for your guests are a lovely reminder of your celebration. Small edible treats are perfect, such as cookies, or rice krispies bars. Or if you and your future spouse have a shared interest, such as gardening, a packet of wildflower seeds, tied with a ribbon and a personal note, make a wonderful memento.  Use your imagination and creativity. Have fun and enjoy this special moment!
VENDORS
Photography: Brittany Shelley Photography ⢠Venue: Sippo Lake Park ⢠Event Planning: Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning ⢠Floral: Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning ⢠Stationery: A Pink Sunset ⢠Wedding Cake: Giant Eagle Bakery ⢠Linens: Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning ⢠Tableware: Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning ⢠Decor Items: Love, Laughter & Elegance: Wedding & Event Planning ⢠Cake Topper: Ever Laser â˘Â Handmade Items: Annika Lehman ⢠Model: Lauren Simpson ⢠Model: Brandon Klaehn ⢠Submitted via: Matchology
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