After picking a venue, the ideas for ceremony and reception decor became a bit overwhelming... The 1830's farm house at the Conservancy screams for vintage touches. It has bright, airy spaces that lend themselves well to so many of the vintage wedding pictures I've seen online.
Seriously, it makes me want to buy a bunch of vintage furniture and have flowers in vases all over my house... That would never actually work because my cats LOVE chewing on plants and knocking things over. But, I think we can manage to make the look happen for a day (especially if it's not at our house).
So, vintage it will be.
But, what kind of vintage?
Flowers in mason jars or tea tins? Bunting? Lace? Mix matched china? Vintage luggage?
Some of these were instantly appealing to me - I won an American Tourister Tiara round train case on eBay and I can't wait to set it up with some lace and other small additions as our card box.
Other than that, I was kind of lost. Then, I realized that I could combine the "vintage" with some of the Mexicana aspects I'd hoped to include.
I love the way papel picado looks strung up for a reception area. It is delicate and simple and a nice way to incorporate traditional Mexican decorations.
Next, I saw some pictures of loteria cards used as escort cards. I loved the colors and youthful feel to this. And, the FI remembered playing loteria growing up - he was on board with this idea right away.
I stared scouring the web for loteria cards. But, none of the ones I found felt right. The colors weren't what I'd hoped for. They were too bright and new. Definitely not vintage.
Then, I turned my attention to
etsy. I found this gorgeous set:
The colors were perfect and the style of pictures was awesome. I bought a copy of the files and I'm so happy with them. I reduced the size of the cards to 85% of the originals, put five images on a page and had them printed as invites by
vistaprint. The minimum number to order was ten and there are eight guests per table; so it seemed like a good solution.
I think they look great (personal pic)
Now, I just have to finish cutting the cards out and decide exactly how to present them at the reception. I'm thinking about vellum envelopes with guests names stood up individually with mini clothespins.
Those are the first few items I've decided will incorporate our first theme: vintage Mexicana. I still have a long way to go but I'm feeling better now that I have some direction.
Next up, our second theme and why it has become a bit of an inside joke.
Do you think a wedding needs a theme?
