If you’re planning any kind of outdoor event at home or away, do what wedding professionals do: “dress the set. “  Specifically challenging can be gates and fences. Whether the barrier you’re facing is industrial chain link, cement blocks, charming wooden posts or white-painted pickets, we’ve got some fresh ideas pulled from the best weddings for putting your look together. Create the back drop of your dreams!

Starting with the tough stuff first, what are the newest DIY ways to dress a chain link fence? You may be having a backyard ceremony, reception or any kind of outdoor home-style blow-out. Perhaps you’ve chosen a fenced location that needs a little dressing up. There are two ways you can approach the subject: one way is to try and hide or disguise the chain link (or any other less-than-pleasing background) or you can embrace the look and thereby enhance it.

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It’s a well known fact that the eye stops on whatever is closest in sight, so hanging draperies in any kind of fabric is going to improve your view. Remember, your fabric additions don’t have to cover the entire breadth and width of a venue… just the parts you’ll be working in and around. Hanging drapes behind the wedding party dais, for instance, can create a delightful sense of intimacy in a large space, adding color and drama in the process.

Another technique, the opposite of hiding the fence, is to use it to your advantage. Chain link and other types of fencing are ideal for hanging all kinds of things including banners and photographs. There’s a real charm about including pictures as your background and it’s a hot DIY trend in the wedding and party planning arena… this works well for birthdays and anniversaries, too. Virtually any situation in which you’d like your guests of honor to actually be honored calls for a photographic display and fences or gates are a perfect place to do it. For a seamless look, try to pull in other elements of a similar nature, like big galvanized buckets that work really well as ice chests for drinks, and smaller ones for candy.

Did you know that paper lanterns are like balloons for grown-ups? You can use paper lanterns by grouping them in bunches (odd numbers make the best look) and attaching them to your fence railing. Paper lanterns are super great: affordable and even romantic when you want them to be. They come in lots of cool festive colors… and are a little classier than balloons. Unlike balloons, they won’t melt in the heat. It’s really sad when balloons are sagging before the party’s over! Not an issue with paper lanterns.

Maybe you don’t have a “problem” background that needs dressing up, instead you just want to bring some color and pizzazz to the setting. Try this tip: mason jars, simply but carefully wired to fence posts, filled with water and flowers and tied with pretty ribbons that blow in the breeze. For extra fun, add a few drops of food coloring to the water (do a test first so the color doesn’t color your flowers!).

The next time you’re planning an outdoor wedding or any outdoor event, think about the party perimeter and try some of these fun suggestions to “dress your set.” With very little trouble and expense, you’ll add an entirely new dimension to your event… and you’ll be glad you did!

Susanna Miles, from (kisswedding.com) and real wedding blog (kisswedding.com/blog) is a place for brides to go for simple wedding ideas that make planning a wedding on a budget a heck of a lot easier.  The Guide, the Workbook and now the eCourse however help brides de-stress by de-mystifying the wedding industry, simplifying planning, and uncovering alot of the myths surrounding inexpensive wedding ideas.

All of the elements of the K.i.s.s. brand are based on keeping it simple & special – the very things that kept me sane while planning my own wedding and thousands since

For more outdoor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

If you’re up to the challenge, there’s lots of creative freedom and huge savings when you DIY your beach wedding. With a little help from Mother Nature you can take credit for a story-book beach wedding anyone would want. Ready to get your feet wet?

One of the best things about getting married at the beach is the free-pass you automatically get to do whatever you want in terms of staging. After considering practical matters like shade and not wearing high-heels  in sand, a well-planned beach wedding gives you dramatic surroundings that need only a few simple touches: perfect for DIY.

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Gather your inspiration from the sea itself, whether you decorate an existing place like a permanent gazebo or you’re intent on building a structure of your own. Choose a lightweight, sturdy frame and assure that it’s built to withstand wind: you’ve got to have a space that’s architecturally sound. Silky fabrics affixed to corners will blow romantically in the ocean breeze and they’re glamorous yet not too pricey. Wrap fabric properly so it doesn’t catch you up!

Reflect shapes of the ocean by using flowers, greens and branches that are tall and graceful, like kelp floating in the sea. Take advantage of the limitless sky above you and design tall arrangements that punctuate your décor with vivid color. Stick with just a few high-drama arrangements — they’ll be highly memorable, cost-effective and easy to transport as needed.

Seashells and sea stars are easy to collect or find on-line, continuing a motif that’s timeless and charming. We love the idea of placing large sea stars half-deep in the sand to mark the aisles and end-chairs for your guests. This kind of special little touch reinforces your theme and lets your guests know they’re in for a treat. Add edible sea stars to your nautical wedding cake or sprinkle seashells across your tables, mixed with sea glass and a few plain tea lights in glass votives… the effect is elegant in an easygoing way.

Tempted by the endless blues and greens of the ocean, you may think your DIY beach wedding is limited color-wise to what the waves bring… but it’s the beach, so there are no limits, remember? In wedding cakes and bouquets, cool shades are stunning and you can’t go wrong picking up a nosegay of hydrangea in sky-blue or holding just a few deep purple/blue Iris with bright yellow centers.

Now take your cue from nature once again:  use that same sunny yellow color at key points throughout your decorative plan, from invitations to cake. Lime green, citrus orange and rosy pinks enhance your beach-y hues. Finally, if it’s your goal to dress up your beach wedding and conjure up a formal atmosphere, add liberal touches of black and white to your table-scape. You’ll get great prices by ordering white linens and adding black is always classic move.

Whatever you decide to DIY your beach wedding, keep things simple and make it yours.

Susanna Miles, from (kisswedding.com) and real wedding blog (kisswedding.com/blog) is a place for brides to go for simple wedding ideas that make planning a wedding on a budget a heck of a lot easier.  The Guide, the Workbook and now the eCourse however help brides de-stress by de-mystifying the wedding industry, simplifying planning, and uncovering alot of the myths surrounding inexpensive wedding ideas.

All of the elements of the K.i.s.s. brand are based on keeping it simple & special – the very things that kept me sane while planning my own wedding and thousands since

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Watch Stagetecture’s You Tube Channel for more DIY ideas

For anyone who has attended, planned or had a summer wedding, you know how truly inspirational they are! Summer wedding decor can be elaborate or as simple as everyday items found in the grocery store.

Today, my Guest Blogger, Susanna Miles from Kiss Wedding, shares with us beautiful inspiration for summer wedding decorations and the simplicity of capturing weddings with gorgeous images.

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Looking for fresh ideas for summer wedding decorations? Selecting decor that suits your style and budget can feel like running a race in high heels. It’s actually easy as pie. Work these ideas into your wedding planning and get the big day of your dreams.

There’s an art to choosing summer wedding decorations. The trick is to make incorporate them with the setting, theme and color scheme. From budget to blowout there are decor ideas that suit every bride’s bank balance.

Not sure which color scheme will work for you? Here are some wedding color combinations that’ll rock your world!

Summer Wedding Decorations: Seasonal Details

It’s all in the detail, ladies! Little touches make a big difference. Summer spells holidays, sun and lazy days at the beach. Channel the breezy, beach style with colored sea glass scattered on tables. Use driftwood for reception signage.

Get fruity! Summer fruits are zesty and come in traffic-stopping shades. Lemons and limes make stunning centrepieces.

And let’s not forget other seasonal foods like granny smith apples make fab summer wedding decorations and taste great too.

Try colorful cupcakes decorated with pretty summer flowers. Or strawberries and pineapple pieces that guests can dip into melted chocolate.

Paper fans tick two boxes; they’re decorative and help guests beat the heat. Hang them up in the reception venue or give them to guests as personalized favors.

Summer Wedding Decorations: Aisle Arrangements

Aisle arrangements can bold and beautiful or chic and simple. Or you could go for super romantic, frothy florals. There are aisle arrangements for every budget and theme.

Check out this gorgeous wedding aisle décor? The couple who planned this wedding kept it simple and special by sticking to just two colors in their color scheme. And the simple arches are a total hit too!

Summer Wedding Decorations: Lanterns & Lighting

Yellow tealights channel the spirit of summer and give a soft, warm glow.

Fairy lights are a bride’s best friend. Inexpensive and sparkly, they give a reception room that fairytale effect. Planning an outdoor wedding? Wrap clear fairy lights around tree trunks for a really romantic atmosphere.

Freestanding lanterns are awesome for backyard and garden weddings. As night falls and guests hit the dance floor, the lawn is illuminated in true vintage style. Gorgeous!

Hungry for more big bridal ideas? Try these suggestions for dazzling Wedding Reception Decorations

Susanna Miles, from (kisswedding.com) and real wedding blog (kisswedding.com/blog) is a place for brides to go for simple wedding ideas that make planning a wedding on a budget a heck of a lot easier.  The Guide, the Workbook and now the eCourse however help brides de-stress by de-mystifying the wedding industry, simplifying planning, and uncovering alot of the myths surrounding inexpensive wedding ideas.

All of the elements of the K.i.s.s. brand are based on keeping it simple & special – the very things that kept me sane while planning my own wedding and thousands since.

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy first day of June! Even though summer doesn’t officially start until June 21st, June has always been known as the wedding month. With warm weather outside, outdoor weddings, especially backyard ones can be beautiful, sentimental, and easier to plan.

Today, my Guest Blogger, Susanna Miles from Kiss Wedding, gives tips to consider for planning a backyard wedding. From the decor to favors for the guests, see how a backyard wedding can be a gorgeous event to plan and attend.

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Think you can’t afford a beautiful big day? Think again! Planning a backyard wedding at home could be the answer. You don’t need a bloated budget to get the fairytale effect. Throw the stuffy wedding rule book in the bin! Banish those budget calculators and planners that claim you need $25k to get hitched. All it takes is a little creativity and some smart outdoor wedding ideas.

We’re talking homey, relaxed and fun backyard weddings that don’t break the bank. It’s the way forward for budget-savvy brides who don’t want to compromise on beauty.

Why do it?

Planning a backyard wedding can be a stress-free and really rewarding experience. We’re all watching the dollars and cents right now. And instead of focusing entirely on budget wedding invitations, open or closed bars, or cheap wedding rings it makes total sense to save on your venue by holding your big day at home.

Backyard weddings get brides and grooms back into the driving seat. Get family and friends to pitch in and put your personal stamp on the celebrations. Have a big day that suits your style and your budget. You get exactly what you want, when you want it.

Backyard Wedding Ideas that Suit Your Style

What type of wedding suits your personality? Select a style and check out some backyard wedding ideas before you start planning a backyard wedding.

Are you a champagne and cupcake kinda gal? Do cocktails and canapés tickle your fancy? Maybe you’re an informal buffet bride? The great thing about backyard weddings their versatility. You can adapt ideas to suit all sorts of different styles. Enjoy an intimate sit-down dinner in the garden. Fire up the BBQ and crack open the hot sauce. Do English afternoon tea on the lawn. There’s a backyard wedding to suit every bride.

Tips for Planning a Wedding In Your Backyard

Here’s what you’ll need to do to prepare:

1.     Get out your green thumb and plant flowers. Choose varieties that bloom at the right time of year.

2.     Try to plant flowers over a course of a couple weeks to guarantee some bloom at the right time.

3.     Select flowers that fit with the wedding theme (both in style and color).

4.     Plant alot of annuals as extras. Plant early in the season and slightly closer to the wedding to fill odd spaces.

5.     Potted trees are a nice touch. If your budget doesn’t stretch to buying, ask a florist about hiring instead.

6.     Paint or stain decks. Don’t leave this until the last minute, ladies! Paint and stain give the best finish when applied in spring and fall.

Things to Buy or Rent

Planning a backyard wedding involves spending money wisely. The trick is to decide what really matters to you and spend accordingly.

Tents/canopies –these serve two purposes. They transform your garden into a reception space and provide cover for guests.

A dancefloor. We’re not talking a floor the size of a stately home ballroom here, girls.

Heaters – if you don’t want to buy you can always rent. Don’t forget the gas! Check if this is included in the hire price.

Chairs, tables and linen – choose a local rental company to cut delivery costs.

Plates, cutlery, glasses and coffee cups.

Lighting – lanterns and fairy lights give a gorgeous, romantic glow.

Citronella candles –these will keep bugs under control if you’re getting spliced in summer.

Games and puzzles for the kids. One of the best backyard wedding ideas ever! Inexpensive and will keep tears and grizzling at bay during speeches. ­­

Backyard Wedding Ideas: Food & Drink

Cookies and mini cupcakes are ideal for backyard weddings. They’re fun to make and can save you serious amounts of cash!

Invest in a couple of fun cookie cutters and choose freezer-friendly recipes. Freeze the dough then defrost the day before and bake. Saves tons of time!

If you are planning on serving savouries, buy in bulk from your local supermarket.

Have champagne for toasts and offer cider, coffee and soft drinks.

Inexpensive outdoor wedding ideas with the wow factor

Want to know the best thing about planning a backyard wedding?

The things you buy can be used again over the years. Trees and perennials look fab and bloom for decades. They’ll be a constant reminder of your big day.

Baby photos and pics of the parents and grandparents make beautiful displays and add the personal touch.

Vintage cake platters – they look fab and can be picked up for next to nothing from flea markets.

Mini pumpkins – a cost effective choice for the fall bride.

Susanna Miles, from (kisswedding.com) and real wedding blog (kisswedding.com/blog) is a place for brides to go for simple wedding ideas that make planning a wedding on a budget a heck of a lot easier.  The Guide, the Workbook and now the eCourse however help brides de-stress by de-mystifying the wedding industry, simplifying planning, and uncovering alot of the myths surrounding inexpensive wedding ideas.

All of the elements of the K.i.s.s. brand are based on keeping it simple & special – the very things that kept me sane while planning my own wedding and thousands since.

For more wedding ideas on Stagetecture, click here.