Board Modern Vintage Circus

Once again I've repeated a few favorites here, namely the large balloons with number tags from Randi Brookman Harris' wedding, and the black and white bouquet by Artfool (now Matthew Robbins Design). What can I say, they're favorites! I actually started with the intention of creating an all-white winter wedding inspiration board based around this gorgeous dress by Elizabeth Dye, but I think what I ended up with here is much more fun. Inspired by vintage circus ephemera and details, from the balloons to the souvenir card to the popcorn, this is a modern take on that look. Mostly white, with just a few well-edited dabs of black for contrast, it's both whimsical and chic.

Mood: chic modern whimsy, with a touch of vintage circus inspiration
Palette: glassine white, ink black

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Top row from left: white dress with ruffled waist by Elizabeth Dye, balloons with number tags from Martha Stewart Weddings, Papermade stationery with black and white twine photo by Max Wanger via Style Me Pretty

Row 2: coconut chocolate cupcake photo by Victoria Pearson, white lemonade with straw flags from Amy Atlas

Row 3: black and white bouquet with sweet peas and privet berries by Artfool, vintage souvenir postcard, balloon ceremony photo by W. Scott Chester

Row 4: popcorn in glassine bags styled by Erin Quon, white piano from Janny Panns' flickr, milk glass cake stands from Martha Stewart via Classic Bride, vintage alphabet garland from Chronicle Books

This inspiration board is, I hope, further evidence that having a simple, and even budget-friendly,* wedding doesn't have to mean sacrificing style. The decor is mostly large white balloons (which can be found for under $3 each), some touches of black and white twine ($15 for 240 yards), and milk glass cake stands (check eBay and flea markets for these). The only flowers are in the bride's bouquet (and possibly the groom's boutonniere). Even the darling alphabet garland is only $13, and which could be used for any number of things (and used again and again after the wedding!).

A reception with cupcakes, lemonade or punch, and popcorn will cost far less than just about any other option. There is no rule that says you have to serve your guests a full meal (though if you don't, make sure to hold your wedding in between meal times); in fact, for the longest time, a cake and punch reception immediately following the ceremony was standard. I think it's tough these days when, so often, many or most wedding guests are coming from out of town to attend, and it seems as though you ought to serve them a full meal at the reception - this is certainly something my honey and I have struggled with. But if that's not your style, or if it's just not in your budget, cake and punch, or dessert and champagne, is perfectly acceptable, especially if it means you can afford to have all of the people you love there with you to celebrate.

(*In fact, "simple" and "budget-friendly" are not the same thing. It can cost an awful lot of money to have a simply elegant wedding, and it can cost no money at all to lose sight of simplicity.)