wedding decor Archives - Sharon Naylor

Wedding Decor: Symbolism of the Dragonfly

May 7, 2017 By Sharon Leave a Comment

Dragonflies are everywhere…particularly in decor motifs for Save the Dates, wedding invitations and programs, placecards and as themes for nature-inspired bridal showers.

Since weddings carry a great deal of symbolism from the meanings of different flowers to wearing veil, I’d like to share the symbolism of the dragonfly.

According to Animal Symbolism experts, the dragonfly represents a number of fabulous things that apply especially beautifully to the occasion of your wedding. Here’s the list:

* Dragonflies represent change, since they are creatures of the ever-changing winds. So you could say that the ever-changing winds of the future will carry you to unexpected and beautiful places.

* Dragonflies are creatures of the water, and water symbolizes the most essential element of life, as well as the subconscious, so you can expect pleasant dreams.

Other symbols attached to the dragonfly are:

* Prosperity

* Good luck

* Strength

* Peace

* Harmony

* Purity

These meanings are inspired by Native American and Asian lore, and some tribal educators say that dragonflies carry messages requiring deep thought, so ‘pay attention to your deepest wishes.’

Not to be morbid, but a dragonfly lives a short life, so it’s a reminder to live life to the fullest as well.

If you’re choosing a dragonfly for your wedding motif, or a bridal shower motif, you might be delighted to learn these symbolic meanings, and you’re always free to ascribe additional meanings to it, for your own personalization. You might think, “There are no limits to where the dragonfly can go,” and “We’ll be explorers of our world.”

I’ve got the scoop on all types of animal symbolism, so just let me know which ones you’d like to see in an upcoming post!

Visit my site www.sharonnaylor.net for free wedding worksheets, checklists and a look at my newest books!

Wedding Symbolism: The Seahorse

May 3, 2017 By Sharon 1 Comment

You all are going crazy for my reports on the symbolism of different sea animals, so let’s keep going with my new report on the symbolism of the Seahorse, so that you might consider this cute little curved guy (or gal) for your wedding themes, wedding décor, invitation motifs and sea-themed bridal showers or wedding favors.

With all things coastal and nautical being super-hot wedding trends right now, the seahorse is one of those under-the-sea motifs that’s rocking the gift world right now, which means you’ll find plenty of adorable seahorse-themed cheese spreaders and platters, party plates and even cake toppers. Seahorse motifs are big for save the dates, invitations, wedding programs, place cards, table signs and even chocolate seahorses might be your take-home favor.

This seahorse invitation available at Etsy

But let’s look into the symbolism of the seahorse so that you know a bit about what it represents:

The seahorse was thought to have mystical significance among Ancient Greeks, Romans, Asians and Europeans, with the ancient Greeks and Romans tying the seahorse in to their sea gods Neptune/Poseidon, thus attributing the symbols of strength and power to the seahorse. So, by choosing the curly seahorse as your motif, you could bring the symbols of strength and power to your partnership.

Other symbols attributed to the seahorse, and also as good luck symbols for your marriage are:

Good luck (Sailors have long considered seahorses to be portents of good luck, as did ancient Chinese culture)
Patience
Friendliness
Protection
Generosity/Sharing
Contentment

Seahorses are calm and gentle, happy with being simply ‘on their way’ to their destination, not rushing, not frantic, just enjoying the journey. On the flip side, seahorses can be known to wrap their tail around a stationary object to anchor itself when the waters get rough, which some people say is a trait of stubbornness. I say it’s a fabulous symbol of a great marriage! When the ‘waters’ get rough, the seahorse hangs onto its ‘rock’ – that would be each of you to the other – and stays safe.

Oh, and you also might have heard that it’s the male seahorse who gets impregnated by the female, carries the babies to term, and gives birth. A creative interpretation of this sealife fact could be that you’ll share the responsibilities of whatever you both may create – whether it’s babies or a business or a home – and understand each other’s positions in any discussion or hot topic, for avoidance of or a quick end to arguments.

Wedding Symbolism: The Finch Brings Happiness, Joy, Health and a Fun Celebration to your Big Day

May 1, 2017 By Sharon 1 Comment

Photo: TopAnimalSites.net

Weddings are full of symbolism, bringing good luck and all kinds of wonderful, positive things to a marriage. So it’s no wonder that brides choose hummingbirds, dolphins, dragonflies and all kinds of lovely symbolic motifs into their wedding invitation designs, their wedding décor, their bridal showers, and even their personal wedding websites. Each of these symbolic animals – also known as ‘totems’ in some cultures – add a touch of good luck to the couple’s happily ever after.

Right now, birds are a top trend in wedding motifs, and I’ve chosen for this new Wedding Symbolism post a pretty, bright little bird: The Finch. Here are the symbolic meanings of the Finch:

Appreciation
Diversity
Enjoying the Journey
Happiness
Healthful Diet
High Energy
Honoring Resources
Joy
Simplicity
Variety

Legend has it that finches symbolize ‘bright times ahead’ or ‘bright days on the horizon,’ which couldn’t be more perfect for a wedding.

Native American culture holds the finch as a bird of happiness, since they’re so brightly-colored, and their flight patterns are joyful, ebullient, a bouncy, joyful pattern of bobbing through the air in complete delight. As a symbol for your marriage, think ‘We won’t always go from Point A to Point B in our marriage, but we’re going to make the journey a fun, playful one.’ The lesson of the finch is this: enjoy the journey!

Native American symbolism also calls the finch a harbinger of upcoming celebration, which again fits so perfectly with a save the date card or wedding invitation – a great celebration is on the way! And looking ahead at your many years of happy marriage, even more upcoming celebrations are ahead of you. So says the finch.

Getting a little deeper, animal symbolism also calls the finch’s birdsong to be an invitation to listen to your own song, and to sing it out loud. Don’t hide your brilliance from the world.

If you’re confused about the healthful diet symbolism of the finch, here’s where it comes from: a finch’s bright color comes from the food that it eats. The healthier its diet, the more vibrant it is. So that old adage ‘You are what you eat’ is reflected in the finch, as a lesson to make healthy living a top priority in your future together, so that both of you can be bright, happy, energetic, radiant and at your best.

Since finches are known to nest in a variety of places, the symbolism for the finch is ‘make a happy home,’ or ‘thrive where you are,’ or ‘appreciate where you are in life, and make your place your own.’

Finches brighten the day of anyone who sees them, and since they’re not a rare bird, they’re pretty much visible everywhere, and very often. So show up and make someone’s day even brighter…which you and your groom will definitely do on your wedding day!

Here are some of my additional Animal Symbolism posts for your wedding décor and wedding theme planning:

Seahorse: http://sharonnaylorweddingbooks.wordpress.com/2013/02/05/wedding-symbolism-the-seahorse/

Dolphin: http://sharonnaylorweddingbooks.wordpress.com/2012/09/13/wedding-themes-the-dolphin-and-its-magical-symbolism/

Dragonfly: http://sharonnaylorweddingbooks.wordpress.com/2012/07/24/wedding-decor-symbolism-of-the-dragonfly/

Visit my website www.sharonnaylor.net to get my newest books for brides, bridesmaids and the moms, use my free worksheet, and find out where I’m going to be appearing next!

Fab Find! Ten23 Designs Circular Monogram Decal

January 18, 2013 By Sharon Leave a Comment

I LOVE Ten23 Designs, designer and creator of some of the most gorgeous monogram decals I’ve ever seen. The intricate details are breathtaking, and their prices are really, really affordable.
When I spotted this unique use of a monogram decal placed on a mirror, I immediately thought, “That would be so amazing for an engagement party or at-home bridal shower!” It’s an easy-apply special detail that will impress guests and add a spectacular level of design to your party.
You’ll see that the party planner used it on the mirror above the dessert buffet, which I think is just brilliant!

This event was planned by Luxe Event Design, LLC (www.theluxeplanner.com ,) and owner Talia very graciously granted permission to show this fabulous party detail here on my blog. So reach out to both of these amazing wedding pros to see what they can do for you, and here’s the link to Ten23 Designs’ gorgeous circular monogram measuring 22” tall and wide: http://ten23designs.com/item_51/Elegant-Circle-Personalized-Wedding-Monogram.htm

I can also see this fab circular monogram used on signage at the wedding’s entrance, on the floor at the start of an indoor wedding aisle, on a glass sliding door for an at-home party, on a mirror at your reception site (with permission, of course) on the front of a portable bar…help me out here: where would you showcase your own circular monogram decal?

In Love With This White Wedding at Jumby Bay, a Rosewood Resort

December 7, 2012 By Sharon 1 Comment

See more images of this dreamy destination wedding design at my Jumby Bay Weddings blog, where you’ll see the airy, ethereal look of all-white wedding design transforming into golden hues as the sun sets over this beach wedding scene. I’ll be posting image-by-image in the coming weeks, sharing the Jumby Bay design team’s best details and stellar work in creating a magical beach wedding setting!