Tips for Planning the Perfect Fall Wedding

We love autumn weddings! (Well, we just love weddings. Period.)

Fall weddings are at once classic and elegant, but sometimes brides are at a loss as to how they can tie the bold, rich colors of fall into their wedding ceremony and reception. Here are some ideas you can use that are both traditional and contemporary:

Use A Striking Accent Color

Deep reds, browns, golds, and oranges are all beautiful colors and symbolic of autumn. But you don't have to go overboard with color. Choose just one or two of these bold accent colors paired with a soft neutral. Your accent pieces will really pop, yet the overall effect will be classy and chic. Browse our Pinwhirls pinwheel paper selections for your favorite fall colors.

Mix In a Part of the Harvest

For wedding favors and decorations, we recommended steering clear of pumpkins and gourds for your centerpieces, place settings and aisle decorations, as they are a touch cliché. Instead, try incorporating wheat, grapes, apples, and leaves into your wedding décor.

Use Warm Metallic Elements

From napkin rings to candle holders, you can use warm metallic decorations for added elegance. Copper, bronze, and gold colors add shimmer and light to your wedding and reception while keeping with your fall or autumn wedding theme.

Add the Warmth of Candlelight

Candlelight not only brings coziness and warmth to the intimate setting of your wedding, but it also enhances the room by adding a golden glow. The flickering of candles can also add movement to the setting. Go for pillar candles in the neutrals and accent colors you have chosen for your wedding.

Fall wedding planning isn't difficult. In fact, we think it's inspiring! Use your imagination to play with different combinations of fall wedding colors and then bring that palette to the rest of your wedding from the bouquets to the wedding cake!

Fun and Safe Tips for Celebrating this 4th of July

Summer is our favorite time of year here at Pinwhirls. With the 4^th of July just a couple of weeks away, we thought it would be a great time to share some backyard party and cookout tips. As always, we'd love for you to share your tips and ideas (or just tell us what you've got planned this 4^th of July) with us in the comments.

Fireworks: Make Your Celebration Fun for All Ages

Adults and children alike love the fun of fireworks. Sparklers are always a great hit, but sometimes little ones are scared of these fireworks or they're just too young to handle them on their own. For the younger kids, we recommend handing out summer toys like our Pinwhirls pinwheels. The twirling motion will be captivating, entertaining, and safe. Plus the kids can take them home when the party is over.

Be Weather-Wise

July can really be hot and muggy. Beat the heat at your party, cookout or picnic by seeking out shaded locations for your event. Or you can create your own shade with tents, awnings, or patio umbrellas. 

Bring plenty of sunscreen. If you're going to be poolside this July 4^th, monitor how long you're in the water. Many sunscreens need to be reapplied in order to offer full protection.

Remember Food Safety

The extreme heat can make your favorite foods spoil quickly. Make sure your cookout or picnic foods are safe to eat. If you need to brush up on your food safety tips, visit FoodSafety.gov. Right now, they're highlighting Barbecue Basics.

If you're looking for recipe ideas, we recommend stopping by the Real Simple website and checking out their Cooler-Friendly Picnic Recipes. They've compiled a list of 14 yummy recipes that are great for picnics or cookouts.

So what are your plans for the 4^th of July holiday weekend?

How to Celebrate Dad All Day Long This Father's Day

A father carries pictures where his money used to be.  –Author Unknown

Our fathers sacrifice a lot to make sure that we have everything we need. Even with mostly empty wallets they raise us and provide for us, and that's cause for a special celebration!

Father's Day is right around the corner, and we've got some tips to help you plan a full day of celebration. You don't have to spend a lot of money to celebrate your Dad this year, but you can make sure the whole day is a great one for him!

Happy Father's Day from Pinwhirls.com!

How to Celebrate Your Dad All Day Long

Celebrating Father's Day in the Morning

·      Let him sleep in! There is no better way to start a great day than to feel fully rested and refreshed. Make sure the house is quiet until it's time for Dad to rise and shine.

·      Make his favorite breakfast. When Dad finally makes it to the kitchen, have the table set, his coffee waiting, and his favorite meal piping hot at the table. (You could even make a centerpiece with Pinwhirls you customize just for your dad. 

Celebrating Father's Day in the Afternoon

·      Make plans to do something your dad really enjoys – maybe a walk at the park, followed by a picnic or a few hours of fishing at his favorite spot.

·      Take care of Dad's chores for him. Whether it's time to clean out the garage or mow the lawn, make sure Dad has the day off from chores.

·      Give your dad a special gift and or a Father's Day card. It doesn't have to be pricey, but it should be thoughtful – something your dad is sure to appreciate.

Celebrating Father's Day in the Evening

·      Plan a fun activity at home. You can have a family game night and let Dad pick his favorite game, or you can watch his favorite movie and break out the popcorn and candy.

If you can't be with your dad this Sunday, make sure you give him a call Sunday morning.

Tell us what makes your dad great!

6 DIY Tips for Planning Weddings on a Budget

Do-it-yourself – or DIY – options can be a great way to optimize your wedding planning budget. If you want to have the perfect wedding with money to spare for the honeymoon, we've got some tips for you!

Most brides don't have unlimited wedding funds, and they have to plan their ceremony, reception, and honeymoon on a strict budget. And sometimes it can be difficult to find that perfect medium where your dreams and your limited financial resources aren't constantly at odds with each other.

Many brides learn how to steal a little from one line in their budget in order to splurge a little in another and you can put this practice to use too. For instance, when you find the perfect dress but it's $250 over your dress budget, you might find that you can make up the difference by saving money on things like flowers or makeup.

6 DIY Tips to Save Money on Your Wedding


Wedding Flowers – Silk flowers can be arranged by a novice because they hold up to the trimming, placing, and arranging it takes to get a bouquet just right. Plus they are cheaper than fresh flowers and can even be sold or donated when you're finished with them. Look for pictures of arrangements you like, and duplicate your favorite styles. However, give yourself plenty of time to work on your arrangements so that your finished product is something you truly love.

Wedding Favors – Look for items to enhance your guest tables that you can craft on your own to save money. We don't mean to brag, but we think our DIY Pinwhirl kits aren't just classy and fun, they are an affordable way to create beautiful favors for your wedding!

Wedding Invitations – You don't have to go through an overpriced printer to have customized invitations. With specialty paper and a home printer you can create your own wedding invitations or save the date cards.

Cupcakes – If you're a bride who likes less conventional wedding desserts, you can try making and decorating your own cupcakes. The cakes freeze well so you can plan ahead, and icing them is much easier than decorating the traditional tiered wedding cake. After some practice, you can decorate like a pro. (Check out some great cupcake recipes and toppers.)

Wedding Makeup – We know not every bride wants to do her own makeup. However, if you're willing to skip on some extra pampering, you can save money by foregoing the cost of a professional makeup artist. Get a free makeover at a cosmetic retailer, buy the necessary items in your colors, and apply it yourself or ask a friend or family member to help you with the application if you're too jittery with nervous energy.

Photomontage – Compile your own photomontage rather than hiring your photographer or videographer to handle the job. With today's technology it's easy to put together a slide show or video on your home PC.

What DIY wedding planning ideas can you think of to help brides save big on their special day?