Dear Inspiration Board

[DISCLAIMER: Design inspiration overload ahead. You've been warned.]

Dear Inspiration Board,

(source)

How I heart thee. You've helped me conquer the big-picture decisions that go hand-in-hand with wedding planning. Do we want a modern, clean-lined reception at a minimalist hotel? How about a rustic, wood-adorned affair in the forest? Maybe a seashell and starfish-themed event by the ocean? Or, a farm-inspired barns, hay bales, and BBQ bash?

(source)

Just when I think I have everything figured out, I come across a new version of you beaming with crafty, unique, and creative details I've never seen before. Darn you for totally making me re-think everything I had going. But, thank you for making me swoon, too.

(source)

Color schemes, accessory options, bouquets, cakes, dresses, and jewelry. You cover it all. In one perfectly. neat. little. square. Oh, how I wish wedding planning was as easy as throwing one of you together. You seem so comprehensive yet you are actually just one little, non-concrete step in this process. You're merely a vision.

(source)

A vision beyond my crafting (if you can call it crafting) means. I've made one of you on Polyvore, but it neither helped me win the contest I made it for nor became useful in my wedding planning besides, well, here. This should really be an ode to the masters-of-inspirations boards like Snippet & Ink and Ritzy Bee.

(source)

So, please, as much as I hate turning into an internal game of tug-o-war over wedding details when I come upon a new version of you that speaks to me, please don't go away. Your links lead me into a black abyss of 'net surfing and, as much as I hate to admit it, I could do that all day long. But, you can go away once I start tackling DIY projects, purchasing invitations, table numbers, lanterns, and ring pillows.

(source)

Until then, oh inspiration board, I'll heart thee and those who create you. Even if you make me more indecisive than I already am.

(source)

XOXO,

Ms. Cowboy Boot.

P.S. I thought I'd include my favorite versions of you within this letter. Enjoy!

How have you used inspiration boards in this process?

Top Ten Wedding Blogs

When I first got engaged, I had no idea that there were so many design decisions that went into a wedding. I had only been to about three weddings and I never noticed what sort of details and decor went into that wedding to make it unique or special. But then...I started surfing. Yep, that's right. Surfin' the 'net. More like the black hole; Once you start with one wedding blog, you get sucked in. Soon you're clicking on links to different design blogs which lead to more links which leads to complete design overload.

(Snippet and Ink)

There is so much inspiration out there, it's overwhelming. Do I want to go modern (wheatgrass in wooden boxes with Gerber Daisies "growing" out of them), romantic (lush hydrangea-and-rose bouquets teeming over vintage coffee cans), or will it be more whimsical (birch branches with birds hanging from them)? The options are endless and it can make you more confused that ever.

So, here's my guide to the ten blogs that make me swoon in my desk chair (when I should be working).

1) Snippet & Ink: Besides inspiration boards that are extremely helpful with choosing a color scheme for your event, Kathryn posts tons of Real Weddings that are often country-inspired. My favorite thing to do here is type a color into the search engine and see what boards pop up.

(Snippet and Ink)

2) 2,000 Dollar Wedding: More anti-design than design, this blog is a reminder about what's truly important about the wedding: friends, family, food, and dancing. This couple pulled off a secluded, wedding-in-the-mountains for 2 Gs (a hard feat). The blogger details her process and posts about good deals going on in the wedding world.

(The Dress: 2,000 Dollar Wedding)

3) Elizabeth Anne Designs: My real love for this blog is in their "Link Love" section. They have the most comprehensive list of wedding blogs (something you can surely lose yourself in for days). Just know you've been warned.

(DIY Daily: Sewn Doily Garland. Elizabeth Anne Designs)

4) Etsy Wedding: A selection of wedding-appropriate findings from Etsy.com--a treasure trove for handcrafted goods such as jewelry, soaps, invitations, dresses, anything really. As their tagline says: "Offbeat Finds for the Eclectic Bride." My favorite feature? The top ten vintage wedding finds of the week. 

(Handmade Scrapbook Tins: Etsy Wedding)

5) Once Wed: Whether you're looking for Anthropologie-style design inspiration or a pre-owned wedding dress, this is your hub. I actually found the dress I thought I wanted on this website for a lot less than the store was asking and in my size. You can find the gamut of designers here: Vera Wang, David's Bridal, Lela Rose, and Nicole Miller.

(Real Wedding: Once Wed)

6) Oh So Beautiful Paper: Out-of-the-box invitation inspiration. 'Nuff said.

(Today I Love by Oh So Beautiful Paper)

7) The Ritzy Bee Blog: Details, details, details. Flowers vessels, place cards, lighting, invitations, bowls, cupcakes, and buttons, and all of the little things that us brides-to-be just can't get enough of (but, most likely, no one else will notice). Sigh.

(A whimsical boutonniere: Ritzy Bee)

8) Style Me Pretty: Real weddings galore. All with creativity and soul. This is the blog that will make you want to design away--just so you're worthy enough of possibly being on it one day.

(Style Me Pretty)

9) WeddingBee: Duh.

10) Junebug Weddings: Wedding-centric, Junebug brings ideas in from outside the matrimonial realm which can be quite helpful in straying away from the norm. Flowers, food, fashion, and creativity in a nut shell.

(Navy, cream, and fall fruit palette: Junebug Weddings)

Which blogs have you turned to for design-inspiration?