Today, I’m highlighting one of my favorite color combinations: yellow and grey! This modern color palette makes a wedding instantly chic by combining a subtle earth tone with bright pops of color. With spring just around the corner, this trend will be one to watch throughout wedding season.

Here are some of my favorite examples from Pinterest of how to add yellow and grey elements to your wedding or event:

Do you have a favorite color palette trend?

{Photo Credits: Invitations: GreetDesign, Cake: MarthaStewartWeddings, Favors: Dana-Made-It, Macarons: food je taime, Flower Girl: TheKnot., Wedding Party: StephanieWilliamsPhotography}

Choosing your wedding stationery can be a difficult yet important task. When I guest receives your invitation, it should offer a taste of what’s to come on your big day, and it should reflect the overall tone and style you’re going for. If you’re hosting a vintage affair, your invitations will be drastically different than if you’re hosting something more modern.

Need help deciding? Here are a few of our favorite wedding stationery picks of the moment, sorted by wedding theme/style…

Modern

For the modern couple, we adore these “Dylan” announcements and corresponding pieces from Betsywhite! Available in a variety of colors, these fun invites are sure to set the stage for a fun, modern wedding extravaganza!

Vintage

For the vintage couple, we’re loving this “Lavishly Elegant” stationery suite by the Wedding Paper Divas, because it is simply that — lavishly elegant!

Seaside

Seaside brides: take a look at this ultra-fun “Waves” invitation set from Minted! If you’re hosting a tropical affair, these invites are sure to convey that tropical feel long before your big day.

Whimsical

This fun, funky invitation suite, called “Big Day” by Hello Lucky, features the bold funny reply cards and is perfect for the couple planning to host a wedding that’s just the same – fun! Did I mention it’s also letterpress?

Garden

Hosting a garden wedding? Fun, casual outdoor affairs are best suited with fun, light and floral invitations suites like this “A More Perfect Union” set from Minted.

Rustic

For a rustic wedding, letterpress is a really great option, so we’re loving this “Western” invitation suite from Paper Cup Design!

Disclosure: The Plunge Project is affiliated with the above retailers.

Wedding season is just around the corner, which means tons of brides are making some pretty big purchases both online and off. We all know weddings can be pretty costly, so in an attempt to help you save as much hard-earned money as you can, I decided to round up a few great wedding-related coupon codes at a few of my favorite retailers. Happy saving!

Beau-coup (favors & gifts):

• 10% off any order – use the code 4YOU; valid 2/24-26 only!

Wedding Paper Divas (invitations & other stationery):

• 20% off any reception & ceremony stationery – use the code REC20; expires tomorrow!
• 25% off orders of $199+ – use the code REC20; expires tomorrow!
• 15% off all bridal shower invitations – use the code INV15; expires tomorrow!
• Free shipping on any order – use the code FSALL; expires 2/26
• 10% off stationery orders of $49+ or 15% off $99+ – use the code TP15; expires 3/27

The Dessy Group (attire & accessories):

• Free tote bag with orders $25+ – no code required; expires 2/29
• Free shipping on all orders $50+ – use the code FREESHIP50; expires 3/1
• Free shipping on all swatch & Pantone orders $15 – use the code DGSWATCH; expires 2/29

InPink (jewelry):

• 30% off all jewelry – use the code PINK4274; expires 4/15

Luna Bazaar (decor):

• 5% off any size order – use the code LUNA5; expires 2/29

What A Beautiful Life (attire & accessories):

• Free shipping with a purchase of $79 or more – use the code DISCOUNT15; expires 3/14
• $50 off orders of $250+ – use the code TOPIN50WFD; expires 12/31/12
• $25 off orders of $125+ – use the code TOPIN25GWN; expires 12/31/12
• $20 off order of $65+ – use the code DISCOUNT20; expires 6/30
• $10 off orders of $50+ – use the code DISCOUNTEN; expires 6/30

Bachelorette.com (party supplies):

• Free priority shipping for orders $50+ – use the code SharePRI; does not expire

Disclosure: The Plunge Project is affiliated with the above retailers.

The french manicure is a classic bridal look, but what if you’re looking for wedding nails that are a little more daring? Personally, I went with dark chocolate brown nails to solve that problem, but thanks to Pinterest I’m finding out that there are tons of great and unique wedding nail options. Here are just a few of my favorites…

1. The New French. Put a new spin on the classic french with some color and silver shine like these nails found on We Heart It!

2. Covered in Lace. Lace is a key element of most weddings, so why not incorporate it in your nail design like this interesting trend seen on love polish?

3. Glitz and Glam. What bride doesn’t love a little glitter? Look seriously glamorous on your big day with these nails as seen on catbird.

4. Newspaper Nails. Talk about a unique idea! Take a cue from La Passion du Nail Art and use the newspaper to create some ultra-unique nail art for your big day.

5. Ombre. Remember that ombre trend we’ve been talking about lately? Now you can even carry the look through to your nails, like these seen on Belle the Magazine.

What are some of your favorite wedding nail trends?

Yogurt is such a great treat — perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. It’s honestly one of my favorites, so imagine my delight when I was asked to sample Dannon’s new Activia Harvest Picks yogurt (which I might add tastes AMAZING and comes in 4 delish flavors: strawberry, peach, mixed berries and cherry) and share some yummy recipes here on the Plunge Project!

From frozen treats to dips and drinks, here are five of my favorite ways to enjoy my yogurt…

Fruit & Yogurt Parfait

A fruit and yogurt parfait is definitely one of the easiest and quickest ways to enjoy yogurt. It’s also one of my absolute favorites!

Ingredients:

• 4oz. container Activia Harvest Picks yogurt (your choice of flavor; I went with strawberry)
• Granola
• Fresh berries

Directions:

1. Pour container of yogurt into glass or dish.
2. Top with layer of granola.
3. Finish with fresh berries on top.

Strawberry Yogurt Popsicles

Although it’s winter in many parts of the country, I couldn’t pass up sharing one of my favorite healthy summer treats!

Ingredients:

• 4oz. container strawberry Activia Harvest Picks yogurt
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 3 ice cubes
• Popsicle mold

Directions:

1. Blend together yogurt, strawberries and ice cubes until smooth.
2. Pour into popsicle mold, add sticks and freeze overnight.

Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Balls

I love making frozen strawberry yogurt balls to enjoy as an afternoon snack!

Ingredients:

• 4oz. container Activia Harvest Picks yogurt (your choice of flavor; I went with peach)
• Strawberries, hulled

Directions:

1. Dip strawberries in yogurt so they’re fully covered.
2. Place on wax or parchment paper on a plate.
3. Freeze.
4. If your original yogurt layer is not thick enough, re-dip after frozen and freeze again.

Peach Yogurt Fruit Dip

Need an easy and delicious snack? How about some fresh fruit dipped in this tasty peach dip?

Ingredients:

• 4oz. container peach Activia Harvest Picks yogurt
• 1/2tsp. vanilla extract
• Fruit of choice

Directions:

1. Mix yogurt with vanilla extract.
2. Pour into dish and serve with fresh fruit.

Strawberry Peach Yogurt Smoothie

Who doesn’t love a good smoothie? Not only are they delicious, you can also experiment with flavors and add supplements if you need. Michael and I actually regularly add vitamin C supplements to ours…

Ingredients:

• 4oz. container peach Activia Harvest Picks yogurt
• 4oz. container strawberry Activia Harvest Picks yogurt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup ice

Directions:

1. Put all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and enjoy.

Have you tried Activia Harvest Picks yet? What’s your favorite way to enjoy it?

New Activia Harvest Picks is a deliciously fruity and silky smooth yogurt. You will enjoy a Harvest of real fruit in every silky spoonful.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Activia via Glam Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Activia.

I’ve been experimenting with Mod Podge quite a bit lately, and it’s definitely becoming one of my favorite crafting items. The first project I created were these great, vintage-inspired coasters, which turned out to be a very easy project for the Mod Podge beginner like myself. They’re perfect for around your own home or to give as a gift; they would even make a great bridal party present! So…want to know how to create your own coaster set?

You’ll Need:

• Mod Podge
• Foam brush
• 4″ x 4″ tile (I grabbed mine from Lowe’s for just $.33 per tile)
• Tissue paper
• Cardstock
• A printer
• Tape
• Adhesive felt (either a sheet that can be cut, or dots)

To Create:

1. Tape a piece of tissue paper around a piece of cardstock. It’s easiest of you tape it around the sheet, with the tape on the back. This is so your printer will feed the tissue paper.
2. Print your 4″ x 4″ photos on your tissue paper and cut them out. You can now discard the card stock.
3. Paint a thin layer of Mod Podge on a coaster and carefully place a tissue paper photo on it. Let dry completely.
4. Once the tissue paper is glued to the tile, paint another layer of Mod Podge on top.

5. Making sure each layer is completely dry before another layer is put on (otherwise, the tissue paper will rip), paint on 4 more layers of Mod Podge.
6. When final layer is dry, spray coasters with clear sealant. Let dry completely.
7. Stick small circles or squares of felt on each corner of each coaster.

…and ta da — finished coasters for you to enjoy :)

Nothing big planned for Valentine’s Day this year? Don’t have a huge budget for a big, extravagant Valentine’s Day celebration? Here are a few great and inexpensive, last minute Valentine’s Day date ideas…because Valentine’s Day is about showing your beau how much you love him, not about going broke!

1. Cook Together at Home

Michael and I actually prefer cooking at home to going out to dinner, and it’s not just because he’s a chef. Making a nice dinner together is private, romantic and is a really great bonding experience. Add candles and wine to really create the atmosphere. The cost of the date is entirely up to you and what food you choose!

2. Treat Each Other to Dessert

After your dinner at home, create a change of scenery and go on a dessert date. Personally, Michael and I LOVE to go out for ice cream. It allows us to get some time out of the house and feel like we’re out on a date, yet it costs us under $10. It’s a great date compromise.

3. Find a Dollar Movie Theater

Many cities offer $1 or $2 movie theaters that play movies after they’re out of regular theaters, but still before they come out on DVD, which presents a great and inexpensive date option! Unlike paying $30 for a movie night at a normal theater, going to a dollar theater means a great date for about $10. Did I mention popcorn and drinks tend to be cheaper there too?

4. Go Ice Skating

Since the groundhog saw his shadow earlier this month, it’s still winter, and that means still time for an ice skating date! Depending on how cold it is in your city, head to an indoor or outdoor rink, grab your beau’s hands and skate around. When you’re tired, cozy up with a warm cup of hot cocoa.

5. Create an In-home Spa

An actual spa date can get pretty expensive, but being broke doesn’t mean the two of you can’t pamper yourselves — and each other! Run a bubble bath and give each other massages. Talk about a romantic evening in!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

How are you and your beau spending Valentine’s Day this year?

{Image Credits: WeHeartIt, FoodMayhem.com, Tumblr, Dreaming Out Loud, WeHeartIt}

In late December, we released the first annual Wedding Gift Guide, featuring great gift ideas for all those that make your big day special, hand-picked by the writers of the Plunge Project. Over the past couple weeks, we’ve been sharing our picks for bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearers, readers, and now we’re moving on to your wonderful mom…

1. Wedding Survival Kit from Exclusively Weddings
2. Languages of Mom Bracelet from Red Envelope
3. Silhouette Locket from Layla Grace
4. Mothers Bracelet from Layla Grace
5. Photo Frames from Mud Pie
6. Shadowbox Frame from Exclusively Weddings
7. Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker Perfume
8. Totes from the Wedding Chicks
9. Personalized Yankee Candle
10. Mother Daughter Letter Book from Uncommon Goods

For more great gift ideas, be sure to check out the full wedding gift guide…

I seriously adore a well-done rustic wedding, and with spring quickly approaching, I think we’re going to be seeing lots of really great rustic wedding photos appearing in our inbox soon, at least I hope so! If you’re in the midst of planning a rustic affair, here’s a little inspiration to add to your wedding binder…

1. Burlap Table Runners. If you’re a rustic-inspired bride, burlap should be your very best friend. Not only is it inexpensive, it’s also a great way to carry the rustic-theme through multiple avenues of decor. To create this look as seen on The Wedding Chicks, simply cut some long pieces and tie the ends. Easy, right?

2. Mason Jar Lanterns. Another staple of the rustic wedding is the Mason Jar. Of course, this inexpensive little beauties can be used a million ways in a rustic wedding, but these hanging lanterns as seen on Tory Larson’s Flickr page are certainly one of my favorites!

3. Baby’s Breath & Buckets. The great thing about a rustic wedding is that you can use some really inexpensive elements to make a really big statement — like these galvanized buckets filled with baby’s breath that lined the ceremony aisle of a wedding featured on the Knot!

For more rustic wedding inspiration, be sure to check out what I’m pinning on Pinterest!

It comes as no surprise that most men often have a vastly different take on weddings than women do. After attending many weddings with my husband and other male family members and friends, I continue to hear a few things repeated over and over. So listen up ladies, here are my tips to plan the wedding of your dreams, while keeping the male folk  entertained so that everyone has a truly memorable time.

1. Food Frenzy.

I seriously can’t stress this enough. It is all about the food with most guys. An easy way to ensure you have a male-friendly menu is to make sure your groom-to-be checks out reception venues, attends tastings and isn’t afraid to chime in with his culinary choices. Make sure you have appetizers that are readily available at the very beginning of your reception, as this is the first thing that most men want to do after a wedding ceremony. Don’t ask me why, but I’ve heard this again and again…and again! Another fun idea would be to offer a selection of late night snacks toward the end of your reception. Besides, who doesn’t need a carb or two after dancing up a storm?

2. Check the Calendar.

The right date that is! If your guy or your guests are sports enthusiasts, be sure to check the calendar for any important games that might fall on the afternoon or eve of your wedding celebration. While sometimes this is inevitable, it is important to take into consideration that your guests may be distracted — or worse, not even attend! (An extreme case of course!).  Do your homework! Your reception venue may even offer a bar area with TVs to play that all-important sporting event so that your guests can keep tabs on the game without missing the festivities!

3.  Let Boys be Boys!

Incorporate a few gestures for the gentlemen on your guest list. Set up a station at your reception featuring a sampling of cigars, specialty brews and premium liquors. Consider incorporating a few tables of Vegas-style Casino games during your cocktail hour to put a smile on the face of your male guests while the women “ooh” and “aah” about your centerpieces and table settings!

Let’s face it — some men simply dread going to weddings because they dislike the “pomp and circumstance,” dancing or emotional toasts. But by taking some of these tips into consideration, you will show your male guests that you have made an effort to ensure that they have a great time at your wedding!

{Image Credit: Beautifoto}