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A few weeks ago on Style Me Pretty the lovely Abby asked readers to submit inspiration boards designed to help answer some reader mail. The bride in question has booked a vineyard for her ceremony and reception and decided on a raspberry and white color scheme and a shabby chic, vintage preppy feel with DIY details and surprises. I submitted this board.

The Details
First row, left to right:
Ruffly, fluttery flowers like peonies, ranunculus, and garden roses fill a bouquet fast and have an heirloom feel, while a polka-dot ribbon wrap adds a preppy touch {Brides.com}; a tiered cream cake lends charm to dessert, especially if you can get ahold of a relative’s topper {Martha Stewart Weddings}; square tables with brown cane chairs and simple cream cloths become magnificent when arranged in front of a stunning vineyard view {photo by Allyson Magda via the Little Black Book Blog}

Second row, left to right:
For simple and elegant table decoration, set out glasses of delicately-hued wine at the cocktail hour or line the center of the reception tables with full bottles – tie herb springs around the necks for an added touch {Brides.com}; pearls and a puff veil lend a vintage preppy vibe {Weddingbee}; a stroll in the vineyard for portraits is an obvious choice {photo by Allyson Magda via the Little Black Book Blog}

Third row, left to right:
Hunt for vintage urns with patina at flea markets then fill them up big blooms (try hydrangea) – they can also be put to use as a guest book {photo by Katie Moos via Style Me Pretty}; dress your maids in raspberry dresses. For a handmade touch, monogram their initials on vintage linen hankerchiefs {Martha Stewart Weddings}

Fourth row, left to right:
A monogrammed umbrella adds a pop of color to portraits and is a simple DIY project {photo by Jennifer Davis Photography via Style Me Pretty}; a polka-dot tie in black and a hydrangea boutonniere echoes the bride’s bouquet’s wrap and flowers {The Knot}; mason jar lanterns hung with twine, another simple DIY project, can light up the reception into the evening for little expense {photo by Leigh Miller Photography via Style Me Pretty}

And lastly, besides the DIY details I pictured, I would suggest rustic wooden signs to direct guests and a sweet or savory treat to send revelers off at the end of the night (donuts and coffee, mini chocolate chip cookies and milk, or personal pizzas and vintage bottles of coke or lemonade would do the trick).

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This board was inspired by the raspberry punch photo in the bottom row, then filled out with shades of orange and pale blue and pink. A morning brunch or early afternoon luncheon filled with dainty, elegant details like cucumber sandwiches cut on the diagonal, small chandeliers hung from low-hanging tree branches, and cheerful bunting strung from the porch roof set the tone for this intimate bridal shower, baby shower, or birthday soiree.

The Details:
First row, left to right:
Cut up old floral or striped fabric and sew to ribbon to create cheerful bunting {Country Living}; if you’re using this palette for a wedding, consider a soft, lush bouquet of pale orange, pink, and green {by Ariella Chezar}; petite, brightly colored macaroons piled on a milk glass cake stand make a pretty centerpiece and a delicious dessert {via Black*Eiffel}

Second row, left to right:
Letterpress might be out of the budget for an intimate get together, but your invitations can still include over-the-top calligraphy {CECI New York via Style Me Pretty}; vintage glass containers can be used to hold a variety of berry-infused lemonades or iced teas {photo by Sarah K. Chen}; set out papers and stickers in coordinated colors for a memorable guest-book {Martha Stewart Weddings}

Third row, left to right:
A vintage croquet set is an excellent after-lunch diversion {photo by Jose Villa}; fluffy, ruffly flowers like dahlias, ranunculus, peonies, and vintage roses look marvelous in simple mason jars {Country Living}; serve light food and take time to display it carefully, as with this salmon and spring pea side {photo by Francine Zaslow}; start collecting vintage embroidered hankerchiefs to pass out as favors at the end of the day {photo by Lifework Images via Style Me Pretty}

Fourth row, left to right:
A twisted ribbon adds extra panache to a simple favor box {Martha Stewart Weddings}; serve punch in a vintage bowl – be sure to throw in plenty of pretty sliced fruit {via Classic Bride}; hang vintage chandeliers from low-hanging branches for shabby chic ambience {photo by Katie Moos via Style Me Pretty}

P.S. Sorry this is a day late!

This board is for J’s cousin Heather, who is getting married next June in Ohio. I have no idea what details she’s decided on, but this is my vision for a laid-back affair focused on friends and family. Yellow and green complement a morning wedding and early afternoon luncheon, while charming details like mix-and-match dessert plates, croquet, and hand-painted signs round out the festivities. Something like this looks pretty delightful right about now, don’t you think?

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The Details
First row, left to right:
Short yellow dresses (like these, these, or these) will put your ladies in a sunny mood {photo by Daria and Andy Bishop via the Little Black Book Blog}; set up tables under a tree then hang candle-filled mason jars tied with twine from the branches {photo by Leigh Miller Photography via Style Me Pretty}; try sangria, mimosas, lemonade, or classic punch for refreshment {The Knot}

Second row, left to right:
Weathered wood and white clapboard make beautiful portrait backgrounds {photo by Joseph Milton Photography via Southern Weddings}; hand-painted signs are an easy DIY project {The Knot}; instead of cake, ask relatives and friends to bring their favorite pie, then arrange the different varieties on cake stands along one table. Instead of renting dishes, borrow similarly hued pieces from loved ones or scour eBay, flea markets, and garage sales {Martha Stewart Weddings}

Third row, left to right:
Make corn relish and pickled asparagus (or your favorite jam) in large batches, then cover the jars with squares of patterned fabric for delicious favors {photo by Red Ribbon Studio via Style Me Pretty}; instead of dancing, hire a bluegrass band to entertain guests throughout the afternoon. Set up croquet or badminton for even more fun {photo by Orchard Cove Photography via the Little Black Book Blog}; one bonus of church weddings: you get to ring the bell! {via Style Me Pretty}

Fourth row, left to right:
Crisp white and black invitations are a nice counterpoint to other more lighthearted elements {photo by Heather Forsythe via Style Me Pretty}; a mixed yellow bouquet with plenty of greenery is appropriately casual {via Hello!Lucky}; for a twist, dress your maids in white eyelet {Martha Stewart Weddings}

Fifth row, left to right:
Greet guests with refreshments in a retro wagon either directly before or directly following the ceremony {Brides}; garnish drinks with DIY stirrers proclaiming “Oh Happy Day” {photo by Daria and Andy Bishop via the Little Black Book Blog}; for the groom, pair a khaki suit with a green patterned tie and a yellow orchid boutonniere {photo by Andre Niesing via Style Me Pretty}

P.S. As if this board didn’t give you enough reasons – you must check out the real wedding galleries on Style Me Pretty! They are packed with page upon page of drool-worthy inspiration.

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So sorry for the late post, but I couldn’t stop tweaking this one!

Anyways, I’m ready for a little summer – how about you? This board is inspired by the Willow Ware plates recently gifted to me by a great aunt, and works as my antidote to the dreary January weather outside. It celebrates pattern – checks, swirls, flowers, and stripes – and the beautiful royal blue of the iconic china. Enjoy!

The Details

First row, left to right:
This beautiful two-color letterpress by Ceci New York sets a classic, upbeat tone from the start {check out the fun wording on the Ceci New York site!}; use mix-and-match blue and white china found at flea markets and tag sales to set the table {Matthew Mead}; dress your maids in a bright royal blue to pack a design punch {photo by Sarah K. Chen via the Southern Weddings blog}

Second row, left to right:
Blue tumblers make for great centerpieces – use them to hold the bouquets after the ceremony as decoration for the cake or guestbook tables {photo by Leigh Miller via the Duet Weddings blog}; send guests home with homemade {or store-bought!} blueberry jam {Martha Stewart Kids}; groomsmen {or just the groom} will look especially dapper in blue-and-white striped bowties {photo by Jessica Claire}

Third row, left to right:
A hand-painted sign directs guests and adds to the elegant rustic feel {photo by Melissa Schollaert via Snippet & Ink}; colorful checked pinwheels and paper crackers in shades of blue are easy projects that add color without eating the budget {both by Rebecca Thuss}

Fourth row, left to right:
Add yet another pattern with an embroidered hankie sewn into a ring pillow {photo by Lisa Lefkowitz}; blue flowers can be hard to find, but this delphinium and viburnum berry hand-wired bouquet does the trick {Martha Stewart Weddings}; one more place to add pattern is in the groom’s attire, as with this checked shirt and striped tie {Martha makes it work!}