Inspiration to Reality: Sparkle & Blush

Hello Bona Fide Bride readers! I’m Gaby of Cap Classique (a blog all about weddings in Cape Town, South Africa). I’m super stoked to be guest posting for Kristin here, and since her blog is all about showing how to put inspiration into practice, I thought I would create a buyer’s and DIYer's guide to one of my inspiration boards, Sparkle & Blush. The idea behind this board was to incorporate the current trend towards glitter and metallics in a soft, romantic way. I ended up using a palette of pale pastel pinks and greens, accented with gold, and I absolutely love it! Here’s how to recreate the look for your wedding.

Top row (l-r): Bride and groom (Jose Villa); teacups (AveryHouse); glittery dresses (Edyta Szyszlo); cake with crown topper

Row 2: Bride with gold bracelet (Our Labor of Love); glitzy table setting; escort cards (AveryHouse); bride with sparkly shoes (Kellie Kano); pink lemonade (Alice Hu Photography)

Row 3: Cherry blossoms; macaroons; glitter; hearts (Joielala Photographie)

1. Sparkly gold shoes are everywhere at the moment, and these are three of my favourite in different price brackets. {Top} Ash from Miss KG by Kurt Geiger {Centre} Christian Louboutin Lady Glittered Peeptoe Pump {Bottom} Miu Miu Gold Glitter Peep Toe Pumps
2. Bling up your wedding dress (or your bridesmaids) with a gold bolero or shrug. You can pick up some very cute ones on eBay from time to time, but I love this little number from Etsy seller Isla New York.
   {Gold sequined bolero shrug} Isla New York
3. Gold crowns make charming cake toppers (see my full feature on these here) and are a signature look for photographer Elizebeth Messina, who took the picture in the original inspiration board. These aren't easy to come by, but I've found this pretty option available on eBay - hm, may have to buy one of these myself!
4. For the featured picture, a square of sparkly gold material had been found, and you may have some luck searching through your local fabric shop. As an alternative, try making place cards or a runner from gold glitter card (available here or at all good craft stores). You can see an example of how lovely it looks here.
5. How pretty is this pink lemonade? You can find it at Trader Joe's. Or, if you'd like to make your own, Martha has a recipe. Place it in a large glass jar (pretty free downloadable labels here) or bottle it yourself, adding these printable labels.
6. These shutter escort card holders are so pretty, and you can make them yourself using these instructions.

Other DIY elements:

• Vintage teacups: The ones pictured can be hired here, if you're in or near Chicago. Otherwise, check out local vintage rental companies, charity shops, yard sales, eBay and the back of your relatives cupboards to create your own pretty collection of teacups for display or for guests to use. Or you could turn them into teacup candles and spread them out on the tables as part of the decor.
• Bead bracelet: If you love the look of this bracelet tied with ribbon, why not try making it yourself? This tutorial is for necklaces, but could easily be adapted, and there are lots more online.
• Pistachio macaroons: Lovely, delicious macaroons. But I'll warn you, they're difficult to make! (Which is probably why they're on the expensive side to buy.) If you still want to try, you can find a recipe here.
• Sparkle hearts: These are easy to create yourself. Either buy some of the glitter card mentioned above and cut hearts into them, or go old school and dust glitter over card hearts that have had a layer of glue added to them. You'll get glitter everywhere, but feel like a kid again. :) Add sticks and use as drink stirrers or place settings or even escort cards.

Thanks Gaby!

xoxo Kristin