My Danish grandmother did beautiful embroidery work. I still have many of her pieces tucked away in my linen closet.  I don’t use them – but I would never part with them because they remind me of her.

Embroidery really epitomizes what so many of us love about ‘vintage’ and old-fashioned. It reminds us of our grandmothers, and of a time when handmade was the norm. A time when computers and gadgets didn’t monopolize our free time, and a needle and thread were the perfect way to relax.

The thing with vintage embroidered linens is that you can often buy them at second hand stores for a song. But what do you do with them?

You make wedding invitations!

UK stationery designer Vicky Trainor uses vintage embroidered linens in her fantastic “Made with Love” wedding invitation collection. She also adds some of her own embroidery.

“I have a degree in Fashion/Textiles – specialist Embroidery – so it is great to be able to use a slight hint here and there,” she says.

Using vintage linens, appliqued  florals, buttons, beading and embroidery Vicky creates linen wedding invitation booklets that are not only unique – but downright delightful. She will also be offering favour sewing cases, embroidered table numbers, lavender bags, linen and ribbon place ties, and name chair back ties to go with the collection, which will be available in January 2011.

The boxed booklet invitations start at $14.50 USD each – which isn’t a huge splurge if you are have a tiny guest list!

Photos: Rock My Wedding

I love how boutonnieres have become so creative in the past few years. Flowers are by far the only option! I’m also really impressed by some of the awesome DIY boutonnieres I’ve found on the web. Here are a few that caught my eye:

Herbal boutonnieres from Once Wed.

Love this leaf boutonnieres? Learn how to make them over at Martha Stewart.

Learn how to make these herb and leaf boutonnieres at Martha Stewart.

Learn how to make these DIY ribbon bouts at Martha Stewart.

Another ribbon boutonniere found at the Hip Hostess.

These poppy bouts ares so beautiful. You can find the tutorial at Indie Bliss.

A boutonniere made from panty hose. Learn how to make it at Craftzine.

DIY floral boutonnieres that you can make in three steps from Brides.com.

Have you ever dreamed about an upscale wedding in a New York City loft? What about a wedding on a penthouse deck that offers amazing 360° views of Manhattan?

The Prince Street Penthouse is a newly converted event space in the heart of SoHo operated by JPO Concepts. The loft, which is perfect for intimate weddings,  includes a full kitchen, finished hardwood floors, a furnished lounge and working fireplaces.

Best of all? You can have a wedding with up to 100 guests at the Prince Street Penthouse for $10,000. Your wedding includes:

(5) Hour Event + Setup Time
Rooftop Ceremony
Hors D’oeuvres & Stations
Reception Flowers & Bridal Bouquet from Stem NYC
Staffing, Serving Ware & Candles

The head chef, Manuel Honrado, offers dozens of hors d’oeuvres and stations to chose from ? all prepared fresh on?site with full staff. Great package add?ons are offered as well at discounted rates.

Interested? You have to book by 3/1/2011 to receive this special package.

For more information go to JPO Concepts.com

Sponsored Post

You’re thinking about having a small wedding but there’s part of you that wonders if you are making the right decision. What if you offend the people who are not invited? What if you upset  your parents – who are expecting something bigger and more inclusive. And what if, well, it somehow seems less special.

I’ve featured dozens of real intimate weddings on IW  and rest assured – not a single couple regretted their decision. In fact, many of the couples said it was the best wedding-related decision they made (aside from who they chose to marry, of course).

In case you’re still feeling the angst of whether or not to trim the list, here are some words of advice from a few of our featured couples:

Darla and David had a misty North Carolina wedding with only 18 guests. Their advice?

Go for it! It is your day, so do what you want! I have no regrets whatsoever of making the whole event special and meaningful to David and I and our families. I understand a small wedding is not for everyone, but it was perfect for us and our situation. I never had any worries if everything would go as planned because that was not important to me. Those unforeseen moments are what make it memorable.

Candice and Mike had a DIY wedding in Florida with 58 guests.  According to the couple, it’s your wedding, so go ahead and trim that list!

Make your wedding what you want it to be. Make it personal. Make it special.  I look back at our wedding and can still remember so many of the special little moments we had with each other and with our guests because we weren’t frantically running around trying to tend to 200 people.  It’s your wedding, it’s your day, and you only get one shot at it. If it’s truly what you want, then put your foot down and let your family know upfront that this is something that is very important to you.  You have that right. It is your wedding after all!

Lauren & Geoff had an intimate wedding at The Grange of Prince Edward Winery. Here is their advice:

I would suggest choosing a venue that you find magical and building the wedding from there. Don’t pick your second-favourite venue because it will fit more guests — pick the venue you want and then build the guest list. Our experience was that the perfect venue makes all of the other choices easier.

Laura and Jeff also had a winery wedding. They also cite the venue as being important.

Finding the right venue should be at the top of your list, and (in my opinion) keep things simple.  Our location truly was magical, and just right for us, and yours should be for you, too.  I think keeping your most special day intimate, with the most special people surrounding you, is really the best experience ever.

Christine & Jimmy had a vineyard wedding in Georgia. They have some savvy advice for couples on a budget:

Remember that this is for you, so don’t feel pressure to do things that are not you. As far as budget, make sure when you talk to your vendors to get an itemized list or a price break down of what is included in the cost. You’ll be able to see things to cut that you don’t need or could use less of. And if you need help finding vendors, a wedding planner comes in handy; they know everyone in the business.

Genesis and Kevin ran away to Paris to get hitched. Their advice?

Follow your heart and listen to your intuition. And have a good answer prepared for the mothers! You’ll know if you are meant to have an intimate wedding.  If it is you, make the day yours.  Stretch your imagination to make the day exactly how you envision it to be.  The memories you make that day will be with you forever.

Looking for autumn wedding escort card ideas? I’ve rounded up some free printables!

Pretty autumn escort cards from The Tomcat Studio that are free to download.

I love these tags that can be used as escort cards created by Lollychops. Download free here.

Free downloadable leaf patterns from Aylee Bits.