Free Design Ideas

When searching for a way to organize photos for posting on either of my two blogs, I discovered Bridal Canvas. Simply put it's an online tool for organizing photos in collage fashion or better yet, it can be used as inspiration for brides while designing the look and theme for their wedding. The best part of Bridal Canvas is brides can see how their ideas, colors and details coordinate in one cohesive photo. They can play around with backgrounds, images and themes until they've captured the perfect design.

I've put together some of my own canvases from real weddings which you will see as the last image, but the top three are samples off inspiration boards. The uses and ideas are endless and best yet, it's free. Take a look at some of these canvases by real brides...some depict bridal fashion, jewelry and accessories, while others focus on just cakes or just reception decor. There is no right or wrong way to create your own canvas.

There is a helpful tutorial to get you started but the more you play with it, the easier it becomes. Bridal Canvas makes anyone look like a professional designer...Good luck and happy designing.

Design Tips

I admit I'm a freak about specialty linens and can spend hours touching, draping and experimenting with hundreds of luxurious linens at some of my favorite suppliers such as Linen Effects, Aarcee Classic Events & Festivities. I have to force myself to leave or risk being arrested as a squatter. No really...it's that serious.

But not every bride loves linens like I do, nor can every bride afford some of the price tags on these beauties - locally expect to pay $35 ea or more for high end tapestries and damask or as little as $12 for solid colors. Even $12 linens make a huge difference in pulling together all elements of design by serving as the foundation for the "look".

If renting linens, even basic white or ivory, I recommend 120" round for 60" round tables. This gives the linen a nice drop to the floor and covers the unsightly table legs. For 72" tables go with the 132" linens and for 6' or 8' banquet tables try the 90" x 156" conference cloth. These tend to be oval but with 4 florist pins and table pad, the corners can be pulled up and pinned into an elegant drape.

If floor-length linens aren't in the budget, try something I learned years ago...double up your linens. In other words, two 81" x 81" square linens for one table. Most banquet facilities use just one per 60" round table with the points strategically placed at the legs but the look is more industrial with the linen draping at guests laps instead of the floor. However using two per table allows for creative folding with draping then to the floor. So far you haven't spent an extra cent but have the look of floor length linens. Now for the finishing touch - use table runners down the center of the table to cover the seam and to add extra depth and dimension to your table.

Table runners can be rented at much less than specialty linens, or do what I do, shop at antique stores or Ragstock. Ragstock has an amazing selection of Obi Sashes used in traditional Asian kimono dress. These sashes tend to be 12" to 18" wide with sufficient length to elegantly drape over the table. What a great way to add interest and color to each table without breaking the budget.

Hope this helps.