Indie Wed - Wedding Planning Redefined

In another life, I’d have loved to be the kind of person who owns a sailboat and knows how to operate it. Growing up in the middle of Illinois my whole life made that slightly difficult, but the great thing about a wedding theme is that it gives you the chance to create a world for yourself and your fiance that incorporates a little fantasy. For those of us living vicariously through the fancy families on the coast, here’s an inspiration board full of ways to bring ocean life to any part of the country.

image credits {clockwise from top left} : yellow rose via Style Me Pretty / cake via a bicycle built for two / shoes via tumblr / vases via etsy / bridal party via destination weddings / stationery via minted / table number via wedding wire

I’m back with another fun DIY project.  Yay!
So I’m totally stuck on this Silhouette machine I bought a few months ago and have been trying to figure out how to make a lot of different things with it, especially ones that could be used for a wedding.  The Silhouette folks were nice enough to send me some of their heat transfer material to play around with and I came up with a fun project that I can’t wait to do for my next dinner party… personalized napkins.

Couples are always looking for ways to add personal touches to their nuptials.  These cute napkins are one way.  And if it seems too overwhelming for a whole wedding, just focus on the head table.  Or think about smaller, related events such as the rehearsal dinner or even an engagement party.  Incorporate initials or a monogram like I’ve done, or use some other design element from your wedding; silhouettes, a pattern, text… the possibilities are endless.

The transfer material comes in all sorts of colors (including glitter and some fuzzy flocked colors too) and once ironed on can be washed (with some care).

First I drew out my design in the computer.  You have to make sure the design is then mirrored so that it cuts backwards.  Trust me, it will work in the end.  Once you have your design all set, feed your heat transfer material into the machine and send it through.

Once your design is all cut out, you peel away the material covering the negative space.  They even make this handy little hook that helps getting all the little bits from any nooks and crannies.

The remaining transfer material is on this slightly sticky piece of plastic.  Take that and place it onto your napkin so the design is now going the correct way.  Lay a piece of fabric over the transfer press firmly with an iron for 45-60 seconds.  This is where it can get a little tricky. You have to start peeling back the corner and see if it is all stuck down.  If not, you apply more heat and recheck until the plastic comes off cleanly.  With my project, it worked great except for one little part of the vine where it was the thinnest.  It didn’t transfer as well and I had to fidget with it more.  But with more practice I think it would be super easy.

For my napkins, I used raw linen that I cut and sewed into a napkin.  Obviously you don’t have to go that far.  You could easily buy pre-made napkins and add the transfer.  Heck, you could do the same on the tablecloth as well.  Or a vintage hankie tied around a wine bottle for a centerpiece.  Or canvas totes for guests. I could keep going…

Overall, I think this project was super cute.  I really liked the look of the black against the linen with this particular design but I could totally see doing something really wild with color.  Lucky for you, there is a promotion right now for you to try out the handy dandy heat transfer material yourself.

Silhouette has a promo going on right now where you can get either the Cameo or the Portrait plus the heat transfer starter kit for a huge discount.  Personally I’m a little jealous since it is cheaper than what I paid for mine.  If you already have a Silhouette machine you can just by the transfer materials for a buy 1 get 1 free deal.  (The free item is the one that is equal or lesser value).  Just follow this link and use the promo code INDIE for the discount.  Have you used the heat transfer material before?

Happy Hand-Made Monday, folks! I know there have been a few silent Mondays lately, but I am so, SO excited to introduce you to one of my favorite wedding vendors!

{Red Floral Tie}

In an era where grooms are getting more involved in the process of planning their weddings,  it would seem only natural that there would be a rise in the availability of unique wedding-based menswear. Enter The Grunion Run Groomsmen Shop, an online retailer of unique, dapper (& SUPER affordable) menswear items, from bow ties and pocket squares to shirts and suspenders.

Yun-Yi Goh, Co-founder and Creative Director at The Grunion Run, was kind enough to answer some questions (AND offer a giveaway) for me. Check out our interview below and see the details of the giveaway after the interview!

CV: Tell me about the beginnings of The Grunion Run. How did it start? Where did the idea come from? What is the story of the name?

{Blue Stripe Bow Tie}

YG: The Grunion Run was launched in March 2012 but the seeds for the shop were planted in 2006 when Kevin and I got married and couldn’t find exactly what we wanted for our guys at a price point that was affordable. I was working in a different industry at the time but as the years passed it became clear that while the wedding market was vastly changing, the menswear segment remained largely stagnant and I grew very excited at the prospect of creating something new and interesting for grooms + groomsmen.

As for the name, we wanted something unique that would reflect the SoCal roots of the shop. The Grunion Run seemed perfect not only because it’s the name of a special mating ritual for a fish species that is native to these parts, but also because it combines the words groom + union which seemed appropriately symbolic!

{Purple Gingham Tie}

CV: Where do you draw inspiration for your work?

YG: I am design-obsessed and look for inspiration everywhere from street-wear to road signs…you never know when something’s going to hit. The other day I was out for a walk with my baby and saw the most perfect shade of green in the trees on one street (thank goodness I turned down that street!). I’m now obsessively trying to find a fabric to match because I know it’s the perfect color for wedding neckties.

CV: What three words best describe your work?

YG: exhausting. obsessive. worthwhile.  =)

CV: How would you describe your ideal customer/the person you design for?

YG: I love designing for anyone who wants to have fun and get creative with a more casual, less traditional look. We offer a range of pieces in similar color palettes that can be mixed-and-matched for a cohesive but individual look for groomsmen.

{White w/ Black Stripes Suspenders}

CV: Do you create custom pieces?

YG: As of now we don’t, though we do offer custom monogramming for our ties and pocket squares.

CV: What is your favorite piece(s) you’ve created, and why?

YG: It’s like being asked which child is your favorite but if I was forced to choose I’d have to say that our lavender and pale yellow neckties are two of my favorites because those are the exact (non-shiny) shades of ties we were looking for for our own wedding and never found.

CV: What tips do you have for couples who are choosing their groomsmen’s attire?

YG: Groomsmen outfits don’t often get the same attention as the bridesmaids but don’t forget the guys still make up half your wedding photos. It’s always great when guys have one statement piece be it a tie, a vest, or a pocket square that will pop in the photos. Of course, with all the other details that go into a wedding, I also always stress that you should first have fun and relax.

{Striped Pocket Square}

CV: At IndieWed, we love small/alternative wedding businesses. Are there any small wedding-related businesses you’d like to give a shout-out to?

YG: One of the great things about being in the wedding industry is getting to know the many other fantastic vendors involved; in particular other small business owners who are trying to make things happen like us! We’ve had a great collaboration recently with Chris + Gina Holt who are the photographers behind Chris Holt Photography, and more importantly are such a lovely couple to work with. And while I haven’t met her personally, I must say I really admire Rhiannon of Hey Gorgeous Events because of the way she has grown her business over the years and really connected with her audience over social media. It’s very impressive.

CV: Are you working on anything new or exciting at the moment?

YG: Oh yes! We are playing around with more patterned fabrics and looking at new shapes for our bow ties, among many other fun things we have in our pipeline!

CV: GIVEAWAY DETAILS! One lucky reader will win a necktie of their choice from The Grunion Run’s new collection of neckties! Here’s how you enter: visit the New Arrivals Page, and leave a comment on this feature telling us which necktie on that page is your favorite (and leaving your email address)! A winner will be selected at random on Friday! Personally, I love this Blue Paisley Tie and this Pale Green Floral Tie!

Thanks, Yun, for spending time and giving away one of your amazing neckties! Be sure to stop by The Grunion Run’s website, Facebook, Twitter & Tumblr accounts!

Corinne Van Arsdale is a Wedding Coordinator based in Madison, Wisconsin and serving Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago. Check out her website, blog, Facebook and Pinterest. If you know of a small business/hand-crafter you’d like to recommend for a feature on Hand-Made Monday, email Corinne at corinne@canvaswedding.com.

Traditionally, silver and white are hues reserved for a winter wedding. Personally, I find this a shame because the combo creates such an opportunity for a light and airy atmosphere. You can see below that none of the images feel cold or icy, but instead refreshing and bright.

Sorry, winter, we’re claiming silver and white for spring.

image credits {clockwise from top left} : hotel lobby via Wedding Chicks / getaway car via The Knot / bout via Style Me Pretty / cake toppers via The Perfect Palette / wedding dress via Loverly / bouquet by Robyn Thompson via Bridal Snob / mercury glass vase via Savvy Deets Bridal

With all the hype around The Great Gatsby leading to inspired shoots with art deco design and black/gold/silver jazzy palettes, I fell pleasantly in love with leading lady Carey Mulligan’s recent Vogue cover. The gorgeous green hue of her dress was so unexpected and so fantastically chic. 

Putting this lime green/pistachio/chartreuse color in the middle of a glam setting felt like such a fun, summery idea. Lots of glass and lots of sparkle around make for the perfect compliment.

image credits {clockwise from top left}: wine glass setup via Style Me Pretty / green cocktail via Formal Fringe / floral accent via Inspired by This / bouquet via the frosted petticoat / cake via love the day / bout via Style Me Pretty / green dress via Fashion Flood

6/2/2013 Update: We have received a lot of applications but are still taking more for the Blog Contributor and the Event Staff positions.  Attention all you fans of weddings, small businesses, and overall indie goodness… Indie Wed is expanding our little family and we need you to make that happen.  I’m looking for someone(s) to fill a variety of roles within Indie Wed.  My ideal candidates are creative and smart with a knowledge and passion for all the things Indie Wed encompasses (weddings, supporting small businesses, marriage equality, etc).  I’d like to find someone who is detail-oriented, well-spoken, can work independently but enjoys input and collaboration.

Positions available:

Blog Contributor(s) – Contribute regularly (bi-weekly, monthly etc) to the blog with topics we come up with together.  Would love to find a variety of “experts” in various fields to contribute columns relating to your interests.  These can include DIY projects, stationery, special events, wedding industry updates etc… Anything of interest to brides and grooms as well as wedding vendors.  Proficiency with writing is required.  This is a non-paid position but will be a good opportunity for exposure (especially if you are in the wedding industry).  Remote position with flexible hours.

PR Coordinator – Contact media outlets with press releases related to our various events.  Must have good communication skills and experience in PR is a huge bonus.  Knowledge of wedding media outlets is also a plus.  This position is seasonal in the few months prior to each event.   Seasonal, paid position with flexible hours.  Work remotely from home though knowledge of local Chicago area media is a bonus.

Advertising & Sales Manager - Responsible for managing sales for online web ads, print ads, and membership in our online directory.  Researching and scouting potential vendors with an eye towards those businesses that fit within the mission and brand of Indie Wed. Preference towards someone in the wedding industry or with a passion and knowledge for all things weddings.  Professional and courteous communication skills a must.  Experience with WordPress is a bonus.  This position is remote, paid, part time (about 5-10 hours a week) with flexible hours.  Some availability during regular business hours may be necessary from time to time. 

Special Event Staff – Hands on help at our actual events in Chicago. This includes everything from registration to vendor set up.  Looking for energetic people who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and do it all with a smile on their face.  The live events are fast paced but are a blast.  A positive attitude and a good work ethic are a must.  Position may be for one day here and there at our live events but possibly include travel to other events and more.  A good way to get your foot in the door.  Paid, part time position. Seasonal, dependent upon our upcoming live events.

If you are interested in any of these positions, please email us at info@indiewed.com by May 24th ongoing with the position(s) you are interested in, as the subject heading.  Please include a brief personal bio (including hobbies and interests) along with answers to the following questions:

1. Your 3 top blogs (wedding or non-wedding are fine) and why

2. Your current favorite wedding or design trend

3. Some of your favorite indie artisans or vendors (they don’t have to be wedding specific)

All positions require access to a personal computer.  No equipment is provided. Residents of the United States and Canada are welcome to apply.  I look forward to hearing from you!