Dessert Buffet Labels

I finally decided that it was time to get the design shop in high gear. And by that, I mean it's time for me to get a move on (or "hubba, hubba" as my grandma would say) and get some DIY projects done now before the time crunch hits later this fall.

--Save the dates: Check (see them here)

--Dessert buffet plan: Check (see it here)

--Labels for dessert favor bags: Check (see them here)

I tried to tie in some graphic elements from our stationery, such as the flourishes and the fonts, but I gave them a little fun personality with the little swirly-doo at the top:

I think it looks like a vintage candy shoppe label, and coordinates with the other elements of the wedding.

I'm planning to hang them on the lids like the cute labels from this gorgeous Amy Atlas design:


Aside from actually baking the cookies and cupcakes (which can't happen until the week of the wedding), I think the dessert buffet is good to go. Oh, except for the fact that I haven't ordered ANY of the candy yet. I am planning to wait until fall so that I won't have to pay for expedited shipping or cold packs. I do; however, have a list of items and online retailers to make the process a little faster!

Candy Favor Labels

Check another thing off my list-- now I've completed the label for the favor bags that will accompany our dessert buffet. I've decided on plain white tin-tie bags that I got from Nashville Wraps for $16.95 (for 100):

I wanted to create labels that matched our stationery design motif, but was a little different to have its own personality.

This is what I came up with:

That makes 3 completed projects (well, completed when my new paper punches arrive and I actually print them out).

--Save the dates: Check (see them here)

--Dessert buffet plan: Check (see it here)

Whew the design shop is in full swing today!

Puttin' on the Ritz

So the boys are all squared away. We weren't sure what they were going to wear for a while. We went back and forth: suit or tux? brown or black? vest or no vest? bow tie or straight tie? what color tie?

Armed with a color swatch for the girls' dresses, we headed off to Men's Wearhouse. Our sales consultant was very patient and guided us through the process of trying on tuxes. I thought Wayne looked exceptionally cute in all of them, but ultimately he decided that he liked the chocolate brown tux.

Since our wedding is a backyard affair, we knew that we wanted to go a little more casual, so we opted for a straight tie and no vest. The red tie; however, looked a little too "Prom, circa 1992." Our clever consultant had another idea up her sleeve. Instead of a rented tie, we could just purchase ties for the men and she found a gorgeous textured tie that was exactly the right color! So, after all that deliberation, here's where we are right now:

We haven't decided on footwear just yet. The brown tux shoes were a bit yuck-ola, so we're considering these:

Or maybe something like this:

What do you think?

Cookie Condoms

Since this is my personal blog, I can call this post whatever I want. So "Cookie Condoms" it is. You'll see why I developed this inappropriate moniker in a bit.

When I began work on our OOT bags, I admit, it was with much gusto (My obsession has been chronicled here and here). I've been laboring over contents, design, distribution, etc. I've begun the process of collecting items, which has involved a great deal of internet research to find cost-efficient options. I found these adorable boxes of cookies:

at The English Tea Store. They had both key lime and coconut, which are such great choices for our OOT bags.

While the boxes are very cute, they don't match our colors. Now, admittedly, I have a problem. I'm a classic over-thinker (to borrow a line from The Office), so I decided to create a label to dress up the cookies. I didn't want to wrap the whole box like a present, because I thought it would be bulky and a bit amateurish. Ultimately, I decided to make a wrap out of kraft card stock.

So I pulled out my paper trimmer, bone folder, and scoring blade and went to work. Here are the wraps and cookie boxes, before they met:

Now sliding the wraps around the boxes was a bit trickier than I had imagined. I measured very carefully so that they would fit snugly, and boy did they ever (Hence my name for this post). I persevered; however, and triumphed over cardboard. I know I have a problem. Not everything has to have our logo and/or motif. But I can't help it; they are just so darn cute.

I created labels and printed them glossy photo paper, wrapped each box with brown ribbon, and affixed the label to the front:


Here they are, a box full of label addiction:

Next, I'm working on hot cocoa packets, lip balm, and sunscreen. Stay tuned as I continue to be my own worst enabler...