Out of Office

Thank you for visiting our site. Details by Sarah Elizabeth will be out of the office for the next 6 months or so due to medical reasons.

London 2012

Today the post is going to take a more personal approach– behind the curtain of Details by Sarah Elizabeth, and shedding light on my Olympic obsession. Every four years I’m filled with excitement and anticipation. Nope, it’s not the election– it’s The Olympics! I just love watching athletes compete with such pride in their country, it’s truly a wonderful thing. My husband and I were talking during the opening ceremonies about how the Olympics are the closest thing we come to world peace, and I can’t get enough. It’s fun to watch things that I normally wouldn’t (road cycling, kayaking, indoor volleyball) and of course the big ticket events like swimming and gymnastics! What are your favorite events?

I saw this design on my favorite site for personalized greeting cards, Treat Greetings, and just had to share! You’re likely familiar with Tiny Prints and Treat is a spin-off.  The Treat site focuses on personalized greeting cards whereas Tiny Prints is doing more party invitations and announcements. *They didn’t pay me to write this post, but considering the amount of cards I order they should have!*

Heat Proof Your Wedding: The Cake

In our “Heat Proof Your Wedding” series, I talked about your dress and food. Along the lines of food, here’s how to make sure your cake doesn’t turn into a melted disaster.

Buttercream Wedding Cake

The most important heat-related choice you’ll make regarding the cake is the icing. Butter cream is my personal favorite (who can resist the deliciousness of butter?), but if you’re getting married in the summer you’ll need to make friends with fondant. While fondant might not have the tasty nature of butter cream, it has the texture and weight to stand up to the heat. Not to mention, fondant can help create some beautiful 3-D designs which wouldn’t hold up in any other frosting. Here are some examples:

Fondant Cake Designed To Resemble Bride's Dress

 

Pink Fondant with Gold Polka Dots

 

Fondant Cake with White Flowers

Another way to make your cake heat proof is to consider a refreshing filling. While citrus fruits are actually considered a winter crop, nobody can deny their refreshing qualities. Just thinking of white cake with yellow filling makes my mouth water!

White Cake with Lemon Filling

Do you have any favorite cake + filling combinations for warm weather? Share what you did at your wedding, or what you’re planning to do.

 

Heat Proof Your Wedding: The Food

Yesterday I covered how to heat proof your wedding– starting with your dress. Today, I’m going to give you some tips for a summer approved menu. You’ll want to give your guests food that will leave them satisfied, not sweltering. Variety is important, and always have enough beverages (other than alcoholic) for warm weather events.

Your guests won’t be pulled towards a mashed potato bar– it’s much too heavy for a summertime affair. Instead, stick to light, cool, treats that will fill their bellies and keep them cool. Here’s some of my favorites:

 

Action Stations

Instead of having something heavy like mashes potatoes, risotto, or a carving station– consider a lighter touch. Try pan seared scallops made to order. It’s a great way to get a warm, filling protein without getting weighed down.

Pan Seared Scallops

Passed Hors D’Oeuvres

Chilled soup shots, mini Salads, and chilled shrimp cocktail are all a great choice for passed appetizers. A soft cheese spread within an endive is also a great option. Mini anything is super trendy right now– what about mini BLTs? I love the idea of taking a summer classic and making it bite size!

 

Mini Greek Salads

Chilled Zucchini Shooters

Display

Fruit and veggies are a must in the summertime! Not only is it refreshing for your guests, but it’s another great way to get some hydration as well. But don’t count them out as being boring! Fruit and veggie trays are generally accompanied by a cheese & cracker tray– if your event is outside, we’d recommend forgoing the cheese. However, if the cocktail hour is indoors (and air conditioned), feel free to use cheeses.

Incorporate Fruit

Heat Proof Your Wedding: The Dress

Whether you’re on the west coast, midwest, or south– you’ve definitely felt the heat of this summer. The weather during your wedding month is certainly something to consider when planning. It’s hard to think about a sweltering wedding day when you’re trying on dresses in November or December, but don’t forget it’ll be a different season on your big day! This week I’ll be focusing on ways to heat proof your summer wedding. First up- the dress!

 

Heat Proof Your Wedding: The Dress

Length

The most obvious way to stay cool is to mix up the length of your dress. If you’re having a casual afternoon ceremony, a tea length dress is certainly appropriate. Not only is the tea length style fashion forward, but it’ll also help keep you cool.

Olay Bridal

Fabric

If you’re set on having a more traditional dress length, don’t worry. There’s still plenty of options to help you keep your cool! Look for a dress with lightweight fabric such as cotton, linen, or chiffon, and steer clear of heavier fabrics like satin or polyester.

 

Parris Whittingham Photography. The Cotton Bride by Chris Kole.

Style

A sheath (or column) dress will be the coolest option for you. There’s not a large train to pull around, and there generally aren’t many layers of fabric to weigh you down.  This style is most popular at beach weddings, and for a good reason. A low back is incredibly feminine and can be sexy– without showing too much.

J. Crew Vivienne

Reception Dress

If you simply can’t part with your fabric, length, or style– consider a reception gown! This trend is incredibly popular, and is a great way to have a little bit of fun with the second half of your wedding day. When else can you change dresses mid-party? It’s a good idea to save your reception dress for after your first dance, you’ll want your ceremony dress for those photos.

Amsale Little White Dress: Sasha

 Did you factor the weather into your wedding dress selection? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

A Prada Bow

How stunning is this satin Prada gown, worn by Gwyneth Paltrow? I love the statement bow, and this would be a sure way to turn the ceremony aisle in a runway on your wedding day. This dress would be perfect for a dusk/early evening ceremony with lots of candlelight. Can you just imagine the light flickering off of that fabric? Oh my!

Are you the type of bride that wants to make a fashion statement on your wedding day? Or will you be taking a more traditional route? I’d love to hear!

Mexican Wedding Banners

I am tickled pink with the details for our upcoming August wedding! It’s been a blast to design two completely different events. From the technicolor Mexican fiesta welcome party, to the muted rustic vintage wedding day– it’s going to be amazing to see it all come together. And it’s so soon!

Isn’t this banner the sweetest? In my quest for decor, I stumbled on this Etsy shop that makes custom Mexican banners for any special occasion. I’d love to see this used at a wedding, then the couple could frame one of the pieces and display it in their newlywed home. Do you like the idea of displaying an item from your wedding day?

Happy 4th Of July

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
Over the land of the free and the home of the brave!

 

I’m so thankful for the men and women who have fought for and defended our country, and especially those that have made the ultimate sacrifice of life. Details by Sarah Elizabeth wishes you a Happy 4th- spent with family and friends.

Details for Rustic Vintage Wedding

Our August wedding is quickly approaching, and I can’t wait. My bride’s vision was a palette of neutrals, peppered with wildflowers and vintage accents. Her wedding ceremony is outdoors in the late afternoon, and the reception is in the pavilion at the beautiful Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort.

Pavilion At Mt. Princeton Hot Springs

Here are some of the details we’re working with for their wedding day–

Display of Seasonal Pies

 

Wood Rounds for Adding Height to Wildflower Arrangements

 

Bridesmaids Dresses in Shades of Neutral Colors

 

Burlap Overlays on White Linens

At The End Of The Day

 

 

Now these are words to live by while planning your wedding– not to mention a great reiteration of why to hire a professional wedding planner. She can help ensure your vision comes to life, while you focus on the prize– marrying the love of your life!