Pantone describes honeysuckle as “Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing ‘everyday’ about it.”

{Images from: Ami Designs, Michael Muramoto, Sir Tom, Sweetly Fallen}

Incorporate this subtle red and vibrant pink into your wedding in several ways. Dress your bridesmaids in a sharp honeysuckle dress and they’ll look flirty and devastatingly gorgeous. This rich shade also works great as an accessory—think shoes, jewelry, and handbags—for that extra little pop the day of.

{Images from: Tecpetaja Photo and Trendsetting Wedding}

As the bride, keep things simple and go for a classic and simple gown and pair it with a pair of vibrant heels. Spicing up your wedding-day look can be as simple as wearing a pair of colored shoes, putting a flower in your hair—honeysuckle, of course—or adding a bit of flair to your wedding dress. The possibilities are endless.

{Images from: Fairy Tale Favors, Razvan Photography, Project Wedding, Hostess With the Mostess, Koyala Wholesale, Pom Tree}

Dress up your reception with help from honeysuckle. Simple pomanders situated throughout your space will brighten up the ambiance. Pick shades of pink to appear throughout your tables and it’ll instantly create a romantic mood. Choose the sweet honeysuckle as a centerpiece and send your guests home with a gorgeous rose-colored candle as a favor.

But if using a solid hue of honeysuckle isn’t really your style, pair it with a different color altogether. Honeysuckle and yellow and honeysuckle with navy are two unpredictable pairs that compliment each other extremely well.

{Images from: Brown-Eyed Belle Julie and Amanda Wilcher Photography}

Play with color combinations and different shades of honeysuckle to see what works best for you. If you’re a fan of pink, this 2011 color trend will make your wedding that much more special.

Did you know that favors aren’t limited to weddings or birthday parties for kids under seven? Even if you’re throwing a small soiree with close friends or a large holiday get-together with extended family, sending your guests home with a parting gift is more than a nice gesture, it’s an act of friendship and love.

What could me more perfect than going to a winter party and going home with delicious warm drink to share with your loved one (or enjoying both servings for yourself)?

Couple's Cocoa

Chocolate lovers will love the Couples Cocoa that comes complete with marshmallows, sprinkles, and delicious hot chocolate, and they would swoon over the personalized hot chocolate packet just for them.

Holiday Cappuccino

If classic hot chocolate isn’t your style, pick out and personalize a convenient package of premium cappuccino. It comes with a mini whisk that your guests can—and will—use time and time again.

These favors are not only tasty, but they’ll make your party a hit even after the shindig is over!

The Wall Street Journal

I don’t know about you, but I am completely captivated with the notion of a royal wedding in 2011. And now that Prince William and Kate have set a date for a spring wedding—April 29, 2011—it seems so much more enchanting; it’s a real-live fairy tale right before our eyes. Oh, was that too cheesy? Eh, it’s a royal wedding, so things are allowed to be a little over the top!

When Kate first snagged the prince, I remember thinking how elegant she looked. Of course, I was green with envy that she was dating Prince William, but all jealousy aside, she really did strike me as a modern-day princess. Today is no different, because every time a new photo of her pops up the word “classic” springs to mind.

At the moment, all I can think about is what type of dress Kate will wear in her spring wedding. We’ll have to wait until a few more months to find out, but I imagine it will culminate Kate’s modern style, but still be appropriate to wear in front of the Queen. The type of dress a bride wears can really set the mood for the entire celebration.

Stephanie Allin

When I first started thinking about the dress she could wear, my mind immediately went to London designer Stephanie Allin. She creates gowns that are simple, charming, romantic, and fit for a (soon-to-be) queen. I just love the lace boleros that give a soft touch to the whole ensemble.

Then again, Kate strikes me as a fashion-forward type of girl who always likes to take today’s trends and run with it.

Annika Marie by Maggie Sottero, Frieda by Vera Wang, and Fiorella by Maggie Sottero}

One-shoulder straps are forecasted to be hot for bridal attire in 2011, and don’t those gown just look perfect for a royal wedding?  No matter which designer she chooses and what gown she picks, one thing is certain: Kate Middleton is going to make a stunning bride.

Fresh In Love Photography

Creating the right look is easy just by adding yellow and gray throughout your ensemble. Have the men dress in gray suits and dress them up with yellow ties, which will look sharp standing next to the ladies. Your bridesmaids will look great in gray or yellow dresses, and you can be the ray of sunshine by sporting yellow-hued heels, wearing a yellow cardigan, and holding a bouquet full of bright yellow flowers. Not a fan of that much color? Opt for a yellow headpiece or hints of yellow in your jewelry.

{Images from: Wedding Chicks, Land-Locked Bride, Tying the Knot, La Partie Events, and Art and Copy}

Look for additional ways to incorporate soft shades of slate and bright lemon tones to your scheme. Instead of having your ring bearer carry a plain white pillow, make your own with yellow and gray fabric. And as for the guys, pin a yellow boutonniere on in the same flower as the girls’ bouquets.

{Images from: Bklyn Pillow, Rock My Wedding, Elizabeth Anne Designs, and Love and Lavender}

Setting a reception scene in bright colors will automatically make your guests more cheerful, so consider including either bright table runner or yellow napkins, then include silver place card holders to complete the look.

As for dessert, let your guests have it all. Offer some scrumptious cake, of course, then provide them with a wedding favor box or tin and let them help themselves to a candy buffet! Your fun treats can include lemon heads, yellow-colored M&Ms, different shades of jellybeans, and other yummy snacks.

{Images from: Save the Date for Cupcakes, Once Wed, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Captured Moments by Amy}

When all is said and done, gray and yellow can be the perfect subtle and fun combination for any wedding

Cakes You Can Bake

A close friend of mine is getting married in a few months and while she’s crossed almost everything off her to-do list, there’s still a matter of finding the perfect wedding cake topper. And with so many choices out there, who can blame her on not being able to pick the perfect one?

For the non-traditional couple, skip the figurines and go straight for a pair of animals. A pair of “love birds” would look just adorable on top of a cake, and if the bride and groom have pets—or maybe pet names for each other, this is the perfect way to include them in your wedding.

{Images from: Ann Wood Handmade, Emily Porter Photo, Garden4Arts, and Red Light Studio}

Or maybe you’re looking for something really unique. Whoever said a cake topper is boring hasn’t seen these. These toppers are so original they’ll have your guests talking about it far after the wedding is over.

{Images from: Robot Cake Topper and I Do Cake Toppers}

But if having figurines of actual people sitting atop a cake are more your style, why not opt for a custom-made topper made to capture your personality or mirror your image. And if you keep these around for years to come, you’ll have a fun excuse to use it again for a milestone anniversary down the road.

{Images from: Ginger Babies, Mark12148, Mud Cards, and Star House}

Then there are those classic wedding cake toppers that are just so perfect they’re hard to pass up. Especially when that traditional topper gets a little creative and gives that classic design a little twist.

{The Love Pinch Cake Topper, Winter Skiing Cake Topper, Motorcycle Getaway Cake Topper, Western Couple Cake Topper, Destination Wedding Cake Topper, Traditional Cake Topper}

However you decide to top it, your cake is going to look delightfully delicious. If these don’t tickle your fancy, skip a figurine completely and include flowers on top of your cake—continue your color scheme and use the same flowers from your bouquet. And if you’re not a huge fan of flowers, have no fear, your cake will look just fine without a topper.

Susan G. Koman’s website says more than 200,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women this year. And  since 2007, more than 1.3 million new cases of breast cancer were expected to occur among women worldwide. That number is staggering, and it probably means that you know at least one person who has or had breast cancer.

If you’re planning your spring or summer wedding and are trying to figure out what favors to have, consider picking a favor honoring breast cancer. Sure, you could include shades of pink into your color scheme for additional awareness but take it one step further and offer a favor that directly benefits breast cancer and is environmentally friendly.

In Favor of a Cure Pink Ribbon Plantable Wildflower Favor

The Pink Ribbon Plantable Wildflower Favor is embedded with wildflower seeds, so when your guests go home and plant the ribbon, beautiful wildflowers will sprout and grow soon after. Not only that, but 10 percent of the net proceeds from this breast cancer favor is donated to two charities supporting breast cancer. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

In Favor of a Cure Pink Ribbon Photo Frame Favor

And if your wedding includes guests whom are breast cancer survivors or family members who lost their life to the disease, how about gifting them with a special Pink Ribbon Frosted Glass Photo Frame? Honoring and recognizing the memory of those who have/had breast cancer will make your guests feel distinguished, especially since you made it a point to think of them on your special day. And just like the other favor, 10 percent of the net proceeds will also be donated to charities.

Personalized Ceramic Keepsake Plates: Baby Shower Gift

I’m happy to report that I went to a baby shower this weekend for a friend of mine and she loved the plates. But something else surprised me while I was there. Instead of “oooing” and “awing” at the cute little baby clothes and toys, it was the favor that captivated our attention. (Okay, the teeny tiny onesies and itty-bitty shoes and socks were absolutely adorable, too!)

The grandma-to-be purchased all of the favors and passed them out just before we left. She handed each of us a package that looked like a stove with burners, knobs, and even a timer on it. And inside the “stove” was a sweet cinnamon scented candle in the shape of a honey bun—complete with gooey-looking icing covering the top. It was priceless watching the group giggle as they realized the cute pun.

Bun in the Oven Baby Shower Favor

The “Bun in the Oven” favor was a hit with everyone at the shower, and I know that baby shower favor will be at the top of my list whenever I have my own bun in my oven.

I recently stumbled on this photo my heart went pitter-patter just thinking of how perfect they would be for a bridal party. And the best part is that the girls would definitely wear them again—with shoes that cute they’d be crazy not too!

Dog-n-Bird

If you’re wondering how to pull off a multi-color ensemble, pick one main color and let the girls pick different colored accessories—shoes, necklaces, earrings, hair pieces, etc.— in big, bold colors.

Love The Schulzes

And don’t forget about the men! They may not like to admit it, but they wear accessories, too. Dress them in funky attire with clashing-colored socks, mismatched ties, or different shades of shirts.

Polka Dot Bride

One of the easiest ways to incorporate a splash of color into your winter wedding is to pick a variety of colorful flowers. Who says your bouquet is limited to one variety? Spruce up this shindig with not only different colored flowers, but put several different flowers in with the bunch. A simple, colorful bouquet will pop against the traditional white gown.

{Images from: One Charming Party and Kim Jackson Photography}

Whisk Kid

As for another visual treat, skip the classic white wedding cake and opt for a vibrant sweet treat. When it comes time for the cake cutting, everyone will be talking about how smashing it looks, and your guests will yearn to have a piece of it all to themselves. But if you’re set on a traditional white-cake route, consider mixing the layers inside with the colors of the rainbow. Guests will flip over how great it looks, and then compliment you on such a great selection.

Images from: Beth Armsheimer, Philly Wedding, and Land Locked Bride}

If you’re looking for a simple way to let your party continue after your guests have left your wedding, send them along their way with a keepsake wedding favor jar filled with colorful candies. Jelly beans, M&Ms, candy corn, mints, or any other tiny treat will work. Just pick a few different colors to include in the jars.

Personalized Mini-Glass Wedding Favor  Jars and Personalized Wedding Favor Candy Jars

But if adding vibrant hues to your big day is a little to extreme for your tastes, fear not. Pose for photos against a colorful wall and all eyes will be set on you.

{Images from: Hi-Fi Weddings and Fizelwink}

Kiss The Groom

There’s nothing I like more than a good play on words, especially when it involves several of my favorite things: fall, food, and love. So when I saw the cute phrase, “Apple of my Eye,” it got me thinking about an apple themed wedding and how deliciously sweet it could be. And the best part about this inspiration is that it isn’t just for a fall wedding; this would be perfect for a spring wedding, too.

Whether you’re having autumn nuptials or a springtime affair, incorporating green and red colored apples into your color scheme can be a piece of apple pie. Choosing green as an accent color—it goes great with black, chocolate, white, and the right shade of red—can really make details from your wedding pop. Try mixing different shades of green in your bouquet or wearing a pair of green stilettos under your gown for a sweet hint of color.

{Images from: Wedding Chicks, Love and Lavender, and Cap Classic}

But don’t stop there! Incorporate shades of green throughout your wedding. Pick out lime green linen or napkins for the table decor. For a fall wedding, pair the green with darker shades for added warmth, and for a spring wedding, couple the green with white for a fresh, clean look.

{Images from: Jennifer Skog and Project Wedding}

Let your guests know where they’re sitting with apple place cards. This idea is great any time of year, since apples are always plentiful, and not only is it a budget-friendly and easy D-I-Y project, but it fits perfectly with the theme. And for an additional burst of color, leave an apple wedding favor—like a mini candle apple or salt and pepper shakers—on the table for your guests to take home.

{Images from: Ceramic “Apple of My Eye” Salt and Pepper Shaker, Bellz & Whistlez, Sylvie Gil Photography, and “Apple of My Eye” Mini Candle}

If you’re having a cocktail hour, spice things up by serving a special concoction of caramel apple martinis and mini caramel apple treats, or if you’re hosting a winter wedding, provide warm apple cider to help keep your friends and family warm.

{Images from: Martha Stewart and Good Life in the City}

And when it’s time to cut the cake, consider serving apple pie cupcakes, slices of apple pie, integrate your color scheme as decoration on your cake, or actually incorporating apples as part of the cake.

{Images from: The Cupcake Blog, Kicca Cakes, and Taste Selects}

Picking apples—green or red—will make your wedding memorable, not just for you, but for everyone involved with your special day.

{Image from: Wedding Chicks}

{Images from: Overexposed, The Loveliest Day, Mike Lesnick, K.Holly Photography, and Grey Likes Weddings}

But when I let my mind wander around the idea of a perfect winter wedding I actually thought about Matthew McConaughey. If you’ve seen “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” you may know what I’m talking about. McConaughey’s character, Ben, is working on an advertising proposal for diamonds and he comes up with the slogan of “Frost Yourself” to advertise diamonds for women. Frosting yourself is all about donning diamonds, being glamorous, and bringing out the bling. And a wedding is the perfect place for a bride to sparkle from head to toe.

{Images from: Kay English Photography, Brooke Courtney, Weddingbee, Rhinestone, Style Me Pretty, and Project Wedding}

Keep the glitz and excitement alive throughout your winter wedding celebration by dazzling guests with enchanting decor. There’s nothing like keeping cozy inside when it’s chilly outside, so here are a few tips for a charming winter reception: turn the lights down low and light up the room with romantic twinkle lights, place strategic up-lighting around the room, and burn some candles for an extra touch of romance.

{Images from: Forever Photography, Animated Cupcakes, Bride.ca, FS Photography}

As snow blankets the city, bring the elegance indoors for your reception. Choose a white color scheme and accent it with hints of ice blue and silver. Keep things classic by decorating your tables with white linens and simple china. For an added bonus, let guests know who is sitting where with a snowflake ornament doubling as a place card holder, and they’ll think of your winter wedding every year.

{Images from: Martha Stewart, Unique Wedding Cake Topper, Snow Ornament Favor and Place Card Holder, Martin and Munoz}