Whiskey Barrels and Burlap

              Out with old, and in with the "older"? That seems to be one of the biggest trends for 2013. "Rustic", "weathered" and "worn" seem to be at the top of the list when a bride starts to think of a theme. We're throwing out with the diamonds and champagne flutes, and bringing in the burlap and mason jars. "Barn weddings" have taken over. With the help of  ETSY and Pinterest,  the DIY bride is finding out just how much she can do on her own (with the help of a bridesmaid or two) and she is doing it.

                                            Top 5 Rustic Wedding Must Haves

1. The "Naked Cake"
When I first read about naked cakes, I was a little taken aback. "A naked cake?? The frosting is the best part!" But then it dawned on me. I hate fondant. And, while I do love a butter cream frosting, 99% of the time, I end up scrapping the majority of it off anyways. These cakes are so beautifully simplistic. And while putting together a rustic wedding may not be simple... the over all idea is to have a very simplistic look and feel.

(Photo credit: Kennedy Events)

2. Burlap Banners
It would not be a rustic wedding if there were not at least  1 burlap banner. Whether it is draped behind the bride and groom, or hung over the dessert bar (another trend we will get to soon), the burlap banner has been a HUGE trend for 2013. This could have something to do with the fact that as a DIY project, it is definitely on the easy side. Pretty much any bride (or groom) with a some burlap, some stencils and a little paint can conquer this project in no time! And it is relatively cheap! Another plus.  (Love this banner?? Check out  The Glittered Barn's ETSY store)



 3. Whiskey Barrels

Whiskey barrels (minus the whiskey) are KEY to having a rustic wedding. What once was trash, is not only treasure in the rustic wedding world, it is a necessity. As shown on David Tutera's "It's a Bride's Life" , whiskey barrels can be used in SO many different ways. From the table that holds the guest book, to a table base for the bride and groom, these barrels are just the right touch for a rustic wedding. Don't be afraid to give into a wine barrel if it is cheaper! They look almost exactly the same. The main difference is that it is made from a different type of wood. And you know if David Tutera is talking about it... then it is definitely hot.

4. Mason Jars

Let's get serious here for a minute. Does it get any more rustic than a mason jar?? Not in my book. Mason jars are hitting the scene hard and brides across America are loving them. Talk about simplicity! What once held your homemade jams and preserves, has now turned into a staple in the world of rustic weddings. Talk about versatility. No longer just for your centerpieces, mason jars are being used through out the ceremony and reception. From lining your aisle with candles, to holding your guest's name cards mason jars on taking over. And forget the champagne glasses. Grab your jar and fill it with your favorite tea or beverage.  

5. The Dessert Table

Forget your run of the mill, 4 tiered white on white wedding cake. Pies, cupcakes and more are taking over. And I have to say, this is one trend I absolutely LOVE. When you have tasted one wedding cake, you have tasted them all! And who doesn't love a little variety in their life? These table are SO beautiful, they are almost as important to the decor of the wedding and they are to the actual dessert portion. Cupcakes and pies are a huge trend right now as well. They have a more rustic and laid back feel than a typical wedding cake. This is definitely a trend that I hope stays around for a while!

(Photo Credit: 100 Layer Cake)








 Still need a little bit more inspiration?? Check out my Pinterest page for Rustic Weddings. With almost 500 pins (adding more every day), you are sure to find the inspiration you are looking for!  

Growing Up.

                I have finally decided what I want to be when I grow. I know that I am a little late with this. But, better late than never, right? I started as a business major. Realized I had to take accounting courses, and new then that a business degress wasn't for me. I moved on to Elementary Education. I love kids. I should love to teach, right? Wrong. I never liked school growing up, why would I want to spend every day there working? I then decided it was time to dive into something creative. Graphic design it was. Well, for a semester at least. I love to create what I want, when I want. Graphic design was not  for me. Took a step back from school for about 5 years. Life happened. I lost my focus and started working for a company doing sales. I HATE sales. But, I was pretty good at it. I decided to stick it out for a while because, well, "if its not broke, don't fix it.". Well, eventually, it broke. For many reasons, personal and professional, I decided that I just couldn't do it anymore. Since then, I have been in limbo. Struggling to find out where exactly I belong. Its been a pretty scary year. A ton of changes in both my professional and personal life. I can definitely say that 2013 will forever stand out as a year that really changed the direction of my life.

            The one thing that has always remained a constant in my life has been my idea of love. I am a self proclaimed hopeless romantic. As far back as I can remember, I have know that love was THE most important thing in life. Love is what heals people. Love is what connects people. Love, in my opinion, is why we are here. And it wasn't until this year, well, just a few months ago, that I decided it was time to really take a deep look into what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. And one day, it hit me. I was decorating and setting up my daughters birthday party. I made about 90% of the decorations, I baked everything. I was having so much fun creating and planning her birthday. And it hit me. Why not make my passion my career? I don't want a "job". I want a career. And as soon as I admitted to myself that "Yes, I could make this happen." and "Yes, I could be amazing at it.", I knew. This is where I needed to focus my energy. I am so excited to say, that starting January, I will be going to the "New York School of Art and Design" for event and wedding planning. I am also going back to school to get my degree in Entrepreneurial Business Studies.   

      Where am I going with all this? I know that I still have so much to learn, and Perfectly Kismet Event Styling and Design Inspiration is going to serve as a way to inspire people with what I learn about the wedding industry. It is my hope, that brides to be will come to my page for inspiration.

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