Category Archives: Alternative Themed Wedding Ideas

Modern Event Reception in Turquoise and Yellow (with a Touch of Paisley)

Posted in Alternative Themed Wedding Ideas, Corporate Events, Party Inspiration, Wedding Inspiration by

Years ago, and I mean YEARS ago, back when I started sharing these weekly wedding and party inspiration boards, I created an ideas board for a turquoise and yellow wedding, with a hint of paisley. That was 4 years ago, FOUR.

I like to think a lot has changed in the fluidity and cohesiveness of my boards. My inspiration has changed, and my interests have switched from weddings to more social and fundraising events and themes. Periodically I like to go back and look at some of my earlier work, revamp it, and take a stab at it with all of the new ideas being shared these days.

This week, I look back at my turquoise and yellow event, and bring it into a more modern and warmer design concept, with turquoise blue, bright yellow, and chartreuse green all mixed in. A little paisley print thrown in with the linens adds interesting contrast, while the colorful lounges and additional solid linens help balance out all the colors.

Here’s what I had in mind for this modern take on a turquoise and yellow event with a touch of paisley and wood:

Modern Event Reception in Turquoise and Yellow (with a Touch of Paisley) by Unique Pastiche Events

Be sure to see where each element of this reception idea’s and inspiration board were found:

  • Turquoise Blue, Yellow and Dark Royal Blue Event Reception Lounge – furniture by AFR Events
  • Chartreuse Green, Turquoise Blue and Wood Colorful Dinner Reception and Tablescapes – linens by BBJ
  • Tall Modern Centerpiece with White Vase and Yellow Flowers – shared on Style Me Pretty
  • Yellow and White Centerpieces on Turquoise Tablescape – spotted on Pinterest
  • Yellow, Blue, Green, and White Paisley Tablescape – shared by Blueprint Studios

Love some of these elements? Pin your faves for future reference!

Which do you like better? My original idea board from 2013, or the 2017 version?

 

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Classic Cars of the 50’s Party Ideas

Posted in Alternative Themed Wedding Ideas, Birthday Party, Corporate Events, Party Inspiration by

This week we are taking it back to the fifties, party people! That’s right, a classic cruisers of the 50’s party ideas board awaits you!

A few weeks ago when I was working on my mechanic’s garage car themed party, I stumbled onto a ton of fantastic car related decor, for all sorts of different styles. Now, of course I pinned my favorites to my car and racing party ideas board on Pinterest, but I save a few just for this week’s classic car themed party.

Amazingly, I happened to have stumbled onto a venue that actually looks like a classic garage already – complete with cars! From there I built up the rest of the classic cars party decor ideas that would complement the space, without being too distracting. To me, the 50s era for party decoration was not as layered and intense as some of today’s modern parties, and with that I think it’s important to try and reflect that in the event decor, even if it is all hypothetical! That’s why there is a lot of simple white linens and flowers, with a few colorful accents here and there. Let the classic cruiser cars be the highlight, I say! Let the cars shine and the music play, as they will do more for setting the mood then any flower arrangement or tablecloth will. Here’s what I had in mind:

Classic Cars of the 50’s Party Ideas

Don’t forget to check out where the elements of this week’s party ideas board for all this classic cars of the 50’s were found:

Vintage Car Favor Boxes – featured on Kara’s Party Ideas

50s Car Food Display and Buffet – spotted on Pinterest

Classic Car Keys Invitations – shared on Wispy House

Rick’s Classic Cars Party Venue – shared on BizBash

50s Rockabilly Centerpiece with Vintage Car, Coke Bottle, and Record – featured on Rock n Roll Bride

Pin your favorites for future reference, you never know when you may need them!

Do you like more of the classic car themed party? Or do you prefer more of the high energy, racing style?

Colorful Wildflower Party Ideas

Posted in Alternative Themed Wedding Ideas, Baby Shower Ideas, Birthday Party, Bridal Shower Inspiration, Corporate Events, Dinner Party, Engagement Party, Party Inspiration, Wedding Inspiration by

Normally I try to have a really thoughtful and heavily themed party decor ideas board to share with you. But this week, I don’t! I’m just so inspired by these colorful and free flowing wildflower elements I’ve found lately, that they really don’t NEED to be in some themed event. They ARE the theme. Having big arrangements of long stem wild flowers with lots of greenery but with every color of the rainbow involved, makes it such an eye catching and energy infused event, whatever the event is for.

To me, this colorful wildflower party ideas board gives off this boho glam garden party. No one is really sitting on the floor, maybe there is one of those beautiful white tents on a lawn, but there is also no formal tea service and scones getting handed out by fancy butlers. I could see this working for a lovely daytime wedding, baby or bridal showers, or maybe even a fundraiser luncheon.

Enough dreaming up in the clouds, let’s take a look at this colorful wildflower party decor ideas board:

Colorful Wildflower Party Ideas

Be sure to see where I found each element from this week’s garden and wildflower decor board at:

Wine Ice Bucket with Frozen Flowers – shared on Flickr

Wildflower and Greenery Boho Tablescape with Candles – spotted on Pinterest

Massive Colorful Wildflower Arch Grand Entrance – shared on Wild at Heart

Colorful Wildflower Dessert Table Display – spotted on Pinterest

Chivari Chair with Sequin Cover and Colorful Wildflower Swag – also spotted on Pinterest

Naked Tiered Fruit Cake with Fresh Colorful Flowers – shared by Blossom Sweet

Don’t forget to pin your favorites for future reference:

Do you like this take on a garden party? Or do you prefer more of a manicured garden party?

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Navy Blue and Sunshine Yellow Summer Soiree Ideas

Posted in Alternative Themed Wedding Ideas, Baby Shower Ideas, Birthday Party, Bridal Shower Inspiration, Color Palette, Corporate Events, Engagement Party, Party Inspiration, Wedding Inspiration by

Some things just go together, like chocolate and peanut butter, or salt and pepper. In a not so foody sense, so does blue and yellow. One of my most favorite color combinations for the summer in blue and yellow, because I find that it tends to be greatly underused. It can be feminine or masculine, formal or informal, but still retain a quality to it that makes it appropriate to be used for guests of honor of all ages. It’s all about how you incorporate the colors!

Texture is always at the top of my mind when I am putting together this party idea boards, so when I was dreaming up this navy blue and sunshine yellow summer soiree ideas board, it was important to me to figure out where the texture and dimension would be. For this particular event, I opted to have the smaller scale texture double as the yellow, as lots of fresh sunshine yellow flowers are used to run down the table and make perfect centerpieces and room decor. To help create a larger sense of texture, but also integrate the navy blue, I decided to use oversized tissue paper pompoms that included yellow, navy blue, but also some neutrals such as gray and white via additional paper lanterns.

With such a colorful table full of contrast, and a well decorated dessert spread, it’s easy to host this summer soiree party, without it looking too nautical or themed. Here’s what I had in mind for this navy blue and sunshine yellow summer soiree:

Navy Blue and Sunshine Yellow Summer Soiree Ideas

Be sure to see where each element of this summer soiree ideas board was found:

Single Tier White Textured Cake with Yellow Ranunculus Flower – created by Sugar Bee Sweets Bakery

Navy Blue and Sunshine Yellow Summer Party Dessert Table – shared in a roundup post by Deer Pearl Flowers

Sunshine Yellow and Navy Blue Tablecloth Estate Table Decor – shared on The Knot

Navy Blue, Mustard Yellow, and Gray Pom Poms – created and sold by DellaCartaDecor on Etsy

White Square Vases with Yellow Flower Arrangements – also shared on The Knot

Yellow, Navy Blue, and Gray Pom Pom and Paper Sphere Decor – shared on Indulgy

Don’t forget to pin your favorites for later:

What is your favorite color combination for summer?

Disco Ball Party Decor

Posted in Alternative Themed Wedding Ideas, Birthday Party, Corporate Events, Engagement Party, Party Inspiration, Wedding Inspiration by

You know how sometimes, people say “Let’s host a summer luau party” and a lot of the time the initial reaction is “EEEHHHH” because it’s been SO commercialized and become less and less authentic, and incredibly predicable and cheesy? I think the poor disco ball has also waltzed into that arena. It’s hard to work with disco balls and make them look high end. The proportions, proper lighting, and necessary ambiance needed to really pull them off is hard to do. Then there are the other questions that come up, such as what type of party is this? Is it a neon party themed? Or just disco balls? Can you even use disco balls without other decor?

This week I’ve put together a disco ball party decor ideas board to help navigate and inspire your inner decorator. I think the key is to work with lots of quantities, you can’t just have one big disco ball over the dance floor, and to work with lots of different sizes. There is a reason people are fascinated with the disco ball; it’s just so shiny! So to keep the focus where it should be, I’ve opted to make the focal “color”, if you will, white. It’s not really a focus, but it’s what everyone else will be seeing in the areas not touched by the disco ball decor. Plus, white is an excellent background to make the disco ball effects pop on!

Here’s what I had in mind for my disco ball party decor:

Disco Ball Event Decor Ideas by Unique Pastiche Events

Be sure to see where each element of this dazzling disco ball party was found:

Bubble and Disco Ball Hanging Event Decor Installation – shared on BizBash

Giant Disco Ball Event Decor – spotted on Pinterest

The Silver Belles Stilt Walkers with Disco Balls Event Entertainment – featured on Contraband

Hanging Disco Ball Installation (would be fantastic as something that hangs over the entrance!) – shared by Lisa Edoff

Tiered Disco Ball Centerpiece – spotted on Pinterest

Disco Ball Mirror Mosaic Curved Bar in White – also found on Pinterest

Disco Ball Table Top Event Decor – spotted on Pinterest

Disco Ball Hand Balancer Event Entertainment Show – featured on MishMash Management

Don’t forget to pin your favorites for future reference:

From wedding reception, to modern gala, to holiday party, I think this theme could translate into any celebration, don’t you?

 

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Colorful Streamers and Ribbons Party Ideas

Posted in Alternative Themed Wedding Ideas, Baby Shower Ideas, Birthday Party, Childrens Party, Corporate Events, Dinner Party, Engagement Party, Holiday Inspiratoin, Party Inspiration by

Is it too much to ask for a summertime party that is colorful, doesn’t look cheesy, and also doesn’t cost a fortune? I don’t think so! While it’s easy to get swept up in beautiful tropical oasis soirees and exotic paradise island themed parties with all the inspiration on Pinterest, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to have all those specialty plants and decor to make a summertime party that wows. With some imagination, ribbon, streamers, and some string lights, you can create colorful party decor without it looking cheap or overdone. Here’s some ideas to get you started:

Colorful Streamers and Ribbons Party Ideas

Some of the key takeaways for this colorful streamers and ribbons party ideas board would be:

  • Keep your color range in the same hues – so do all warm colors, or all pastels, just don’t mix them together!
  • Length is key! Make sure you play with proportions and height for optimal impact.
  • Think about where there is movement. The great thing about using streamers and ribbon is they have natural fluid movement. Use that to your advantage with perimeter decor, hanging from trees, etc., and be careful of too much movement in traffic areas such as the entrance.

Be sure to check out where each of these inspiration images for a colorful streamers and ribbons party decor ideas board were found:

Hanging Rainbow Ribbon and Streamer Table Decor – shared in a roundup post by Felt Magnet

Colorful Outdoor Ribbons in a Tree with String Lights – shared in a roundup post by Decozilla

Rainbow Streamer Decorated Arch Entrance – shared in the Style Me Pretty Vault

Multi-Color Streamer Ribbon Photo Backdrop with String Lights – spotted on Pinterest

Vibrant Reception Lounge with Hanging Ribbon and Streamer Installation – featured on BizBash

Save and pin your favorites for future reference:

Do you think it’s possible to create party decor with streamers and ribbons without it looking too juvenile?

Simple Succulent Event Decor Ideas

Posted in Alternative Themed Wedding Ideas, Birthday Party, Corporate Events, Party Inspiration by

You know the saying “sometimes less is more”? I so rarely agree with it, but this week I make the exception, and agree less can be more. When I’m putting together an event decor concept board, I love to design event concepts that are rich and dynamic. Something that will continually wow guests as the event unfolds, from hidden elements mixed into perimeter decor, to thoughtful additions in the place settings. I’m the first one to advocate for bold colors and wild prints, textures everywhere with layers of details.

But you know what? Something just hit me this week, swaying me towards a more simple design direction. Make no mistake, it may be simple in concept, but there are still plenty of unique and specific design elements at play here in this simple succulent event decor ideas board. While there may not be as many layers and targeted wow features, there is still a continuity of design here that resonates beautifully throughout.

Where I would normally go all out with a high impact entrance, I went for a white will with strategically placed air plants. Where normally a focal bar would sit, I switched gears and went for a succulents arranging bar, where theoretically guests could create their own little arrangements and take them home.  It would be fantastic to have a horticulturist on site to help recommend combinations and placements, and give guests care tips for their new plants. The table that I normally love covered with linens and colors and perfect silverware with matching stemware, is simple neutrals with succulent accents. Even the lounge is a clean white, with sandy floors and pillar candles.

I could see these simple succulent event decor ideas working from events such as weddings, to luncheons, and even social events. The succulents are powerful enough to be the focus of the event decor, but not so dominating that they couldn’t be made the second focus of the event, so there would be room for whatever the message or goal of the event was.

Here’s what I had in mind:

Simple Succulent Event Decor Ideas

Simple Succulent Event Decor Ideas

Be sure to see where each element in this simple succulent event decor ideas board was found:

Entrance of Air Plants on White Wall – shared in a roundup post by Tickled Pink

Modern Event Lounge with Succulents and Candles – shared in a roundup post by The Knot

Succulent Photo Backdrop – shared in a roundup post by BuzzFeed

Simple Succulent Table Decor and Centerpiece – spotted on Pinterest

Tall Centerpiece with Candles and Succulents – shared in the Style Me Pretty Vault

Succulents Arrangements Bar – shared by SF Girl by Bay

Small Succulent Party Favors in Glass – shared on Martha Stewart Weddings

Don’t forget to pin your favorites for future reference:

How do you like to see succulents incorporated into event decor?

 

 

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Modern Mirror Event Decor Ideas

Posted in Alternative Themed Wedding Ideas, Birthday Party, Corporate Events, Party Inspiration by

Looking for a clean and modern event decor concept for an upcoming event? Have you considered creating something that will really stand out, like a modern geodesic mirror theme? With plenty of wow elements, balanced out by clean, modern lines, this concept is sure to have guests talking for days. I love the idea of a dramatic entrance that gets guests thinking they are in for one thing, and then have that massive impact moment when they realize it’s the exact opposite of what they thought they were going to walk into, which is exactly what happens in this week’s modern mirror event decor ideas board.

Guests walk in through a dark but dimensional room, with hints of the geometrical mirror, and then the next thing they know, they are out in the open of a bright outdoor space, layered in sculptural mirror elements and complimentary white furniture. To me, this decor design concept could easily translate into a hyper-modern conference reception, scaled to fit any sized summer wedding, or even be thrown for a unique birthday or social celebration. It’s the sculptural, multi-faceted mirror decor that really creates the “wow” in this event, which lends this theme to all sorts of creative functions.

Here’s what I had in mind for each element in this modern mirror event decor concept:

Modern Mirror Event Decor Ideas

Modern Mirror Event Decor Ideas

Be sure to see where each element of this modern mirror event decor ideas board was found:

Dark Geodesic and Mirror Grand Entrance – shared in a roundup post on Contemporist

Modern Geometric Mirror Bar – shared by Alchemy Fine Events

Dimensional Mirror Coffee Table – sold on Horchow

Modern White Event Lounge Seating Arrangement – available through AFR Event Rentals

Multi Mirror DJ Booth – available through Revelry Event Designers

Geometric Mirror Vases – spotted on Pinterest

Mirror and Multi-Dimensional Mirror Sculpture Backdrop – spotted on Pinterest

Square Mirror Dance Floor – shared in a roundup post by IDOJOUR

White, Glass, and Mirror Simple Cube Centerpiece – shared in a roundup post by Bodas Novias

Don’t forget to pin your favorites for later!

What do you think of this week’s party decor ideas board? Do you like the new layout of all the images?

 

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Unusual Ways to Incorporate Green at Your Next Event

Posted in Alternative Themed Wedding Ideas, Corporate Events, Party Inspiration by

Have you ever seen something that was just so weird, so unusual, maybe so out there – that it just worked? And maybe at another point in time in the not too distant future, you find yourself looking at something that is incredibly predicable?

The later of those two thoughts happens far too often, at least for me, at events. Someone tried to be trendy by making a table full of “Greenery”, because Pantone made it the color of the year. But they just over did it. At the beginning of the year, I shared THIS post on how to include greenery into your corporate event. Like many corporate events, I took a very clean but modern approach to this decor. And I stand by it. I can think of a lot of corporate events that would do well by those concepts.

But what about the high end galas, which are counting on wowing guests for donations? Or the social event for a great cause? Or, the brand that is launching their new line and really want to make an impact at the launch party. These types of events are often burdened with the sometimes overwhelming task of what theme to channel. Sure, there are a million “Night in Paris” or casino themed events. I’ve said it a million times before, and I’ll probably say it a million more, but I continuously challenge planners, creative directors, and designers to try something new!

With shades of green, and of course greenery, being on point this year, I thought I would start to see a lot more unique and unusual green event decor circulating. But I haven’t! So to help get your creative ideas firing, I’ve put together some of my favorite unusual ways to incorporate more green at your next event. I’ve included my favorites from high impact receptions, entertainment, and clever uses of lighting. All green, and all unique.

Here’s some unusual and unique ways to incorporate more green at your next event:

Unusual Ways to Incorporate Green at Your Next Event

Unusual Ways to Incorporate Green at Your Next Event

Be sure to see where each of these great ideas were found:

Green Fern Bar with Green Lighting – shared in a roundup by BizBash

Woodsy Green Forest Patch for Photo Opps – also shared in a roundup on BizBash

Green Woods Tent and Ceiling with Green Fern Lamps – shared in a roundup post by Food52

Green Draped and Illuminated Entertainment Cube – shared in a roundup post by BizBash

Garden of Eden Themed Greenery and Foliage Decorated DJ Booth – spotted on Pinterest

Hovering Floating Land with Green Grass and Wood – created by Daniel Ost

Don’t forget to pin your favorite ideas for later:

Need more ideas for your events? Check out my Pinterest board “Entertaining by Design” for lots of big picture event ideas.

How do you incorporate unique decor into your social events?

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Industrial Glam Party in Copper and White

Posted in Alternative Themed Wedding Ideas, Birthday Party, Corporate Events, Dinner Party, Engagement Party, Party Inspiration, Wedding Inspiration by

You know what is delicious? A Moscow Mule!

I have been thoroughly enjoying this new trend. The drink itself – goes down so smooth, there is plenty of variation options out there so you never get tired of it, but you know what I love too? The mug! It’s got just enough shimmer to it, but could be held by men and women alike without fear of judgment. It’s easy to hold, and not a pain to walk around a busy room with. And bonus points: the copper mugs are not breakable.

My mind can’t help but wonder if the drink/mug combo became trendy because of its two winning elements, or if it caught on so well because the industrial themed slash steampunk inspired party and wedding is on the rise? Referencing industrial age design, event planners, decorators, and brides have been making their own twists on this theme for the last few years, with the concept gaining lots of momentum.

I have to suspect, that a huge part of the reason for this momentum gain is the sheer flexibility and scalability the steampunk and industrial theme allows for. It can be very vintage and grunge inspired, or it can be very modern and clean. It could be used for corporate decor, weddings, events for men or women, day or night, and really, any season. Check out some of the cool pins I’ve saved that are industrial themed or steampunk inspired.

For this week’s industrial glam party in copper and white idea board, I’ve chosen to go a more modern route, inspired by the Moscow Mule mug, with touches of nature brought in through small clusters of fresh foliage and greenery accents. In my head, this industrial glam themed event is for an evening corporate dinner, but I could just as easily see it transitioned over to a more social event, like a wedding reception.

The major elements to this party theme are:

  • Copper mugs and accents
  • Edison bulb lighting
  • Small clusters of fresh green foliage

Here’s what I had in mind:

Industrial Glam Party in Copper and White

Industrial Glam Party in Copper and White

Be sure to see where I found each element for this industrial glam themed party in copper and white:

Geometric Copper and White Modern Place Setting – spotted on Pinterest

Copper Industrial Modern Place Setting – shared on 100 Layer Cake

Copper Trellis with Greenery and Edison Bulbs Tablescape – shared on Inside Weddings

Industrial Centerpiece of Glass Tubes and Copper – also shared on Inside Weddings

Marble Vellum Invitation Wraps with Copper Wax Seal – created by Written Word Calligraphy

Copper Cups Display with Greenery Border – spotted on Pinterest

Industrial Edison Bulb Wall with Metallic Draping – shared by In The Event

Modern Industrial Metal Bar with Copper Bulb Lighting – shared on Contemporist

Moscow Mule Copper Bar Station – shared on Salve A Noiva

And if you are using this industrial glam party in copper and white for a wedding, might I suggest this as an altar idea:

Industrial Wedding Arbor in Copper with Green and White Floral Accents – featured on Flowers by Janie

 

Don’t forget to pin your favorites for future reference:

Are you more into a modern industrial themed event, or would you prefer a steampunk inspired set of decor?

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