Hmm... if you want to bring in a bit of different texture - I'd go with burlap. You can also make the burlap more feminine with ruffles, if you want. I vote for burlap, but I could be partial because I'm using burlap too!
Here's a link to a tutorial I posted for burlap runners: HERE.
You're also welcome to check out my blog for inspiration, as we have a similar rustic vibe going: rustic-country-folksy.blogspot.com
Actually, your post was the reason I even considered burlap runners. I am caught between the two now, thanks to you, lol. I love the ruffles, but I love the simplicty of the kraft paper.
[attachment=1109779,139368] [attachment=1109779,139369] [attachment=1109779,139370]
I like how the kraft paper was cut in your last picture... that would take FOREVER though, so I wouldn't do that....
I might be worried that the burlap would be too much contrast with the black and white. I'm not a huge fan of mixing black and brown and maybe the kraft paper wouldn't be so different since it's already being used in your decor and invites. Although, you could get oyster colored burlap too, which is lighter.
tough decision.
I like burlap - just because they're a little more fun than kraft paper, plus you're using kraft paper in a varity of ways so using burlap will add another texture (especially since your using kraft for your favor lables).
I think if you have the resources and time to DIY them you totally should.
I am not a fan of brown and black either, but I think the kraft paper/burlap is lighter, so it works...sort of like khaki pants and a black top would work. I have seen tons of kraft paper invitations out there, and I think they look beautiful with black ink.
I agree, the decorative edge on the last picture is great, but like you suggested, I would drive myself batty trying to accomplish that look. I found some kraft paper at ikea that would work perfectly, and all I would need to do is cut the required length. I thought it could be cute to place pens or markers out there, and have the guests write us messages.
Although, the ruffles on the burlap are just so darn cute, lol.
I had the same decision to make!! :)
I just couldn't let go of the idea of the Kraft paper with the crayons/markers on the table to write with. too cute.. so I am covering the tables with kraft paper and using cream burlap runners.
BUT -- you already have your white linens chosen (which will look excellent)... if $ is not too big of an issue, I like the burlap better. But the Kraft paper is going to run you A LOT cheaper.. Check out http://www.uline.com/BL_1951/Kraft-Paper-Rolls
Including shipping, the kraft roll was less than $50 to have runners for every single table for me. AND - it would be precut to the width you need!
@gocubbies: Thanks for posting that site! I am trying to stay on a small budget, but money isn't too much of an issue when it comes to the runners. The burlap is not a bad price with coupons, etc. However, like you...I can't get the idea of message and doodles covering the paper (Love it!).
Do you have pictures of the tables covered with kraft paper?
Also, what sort of ideas did you have for the markers, pens, etc? I want to display them for use, but I want a cute cohesive look.
Oh, I have searched high and low for pics of paper covered tables with no avail. I got the idea from a friend (wish I could take credit! lol), sometimes I think I would be happier with regular linens, but this is just soooo much cheaper and our budget is pretty tiny.
I am doing mason jar centerpieces so I've asked a friend to keep baby food jars and I am putting the crayons in them. (I figure 1 jar per two people).
I have checked eBay.com for crayons and you can get them in bulk for pretty cheap! I have considered making some type of label for the jars, but I have no clue what it would say??
@gocubbies: I found these two cute ideas. I also thought about removing the labels from the crayons, or buying some cute custom crayons from Etsy.
@amariem25: I thought the same thing. However, that being said...our wedding is very casual. Do you think the kraft paper would be too casual?
I think either burlap or kraft paper could have the same effect. Obviously you would have to go for the kraft paper if you want people to be able to write on it.
I like the burlap better. Here is a blog some girl wrote and she did a burlad table runner for $7, plus she has instructions for sew and no sew runners. I think it still gives off a casual vibe and adds a lot of texture to your table.
http://livingwithlindsay.com/2009/10/the-7-burlap-table-runner.html
I'm glad you liked my runners! I love the idea of allowing people to be creative, too. Our guest book is going to be postcards that will be on the table with colored pencils in a mason jar. We're encouraging our guests to write or draw us a special message that we can save to look at later. Here is our cards and how we will have the colored pencils displayed. I also agree black ink looks gorgeous on kraft paper, I'm also including a pic of our fan programs - with awesome black images - love them! I think black and brown look great together... I mean, I wouldn't wear black shoes and a brown belt, but the most part, it can be a great combo. =D
I really like the kraft paper, but I am biased since that's what I'm doing. I'm looking for a site that sells colored kraft paper, hopefully pale pink.
This is my inspiration for the kraft paper runners:
http://www.stylemepretty.com/2009/10/09/backyard-party-by-jessamyn-harris/
@VagabondGurl: Could you post a front view of the mason jar? I love the programs btw. They are amazing. I have been playing around with the programs. I found the monogram I want to use, but I don't know what to do for the rest of it. I want something simple, so I need to be able to print it on 8.5 x 11 kraft paper.
@CattyMN608: That was a beautiful wedding. Something about the kraft paper is so simple and pretty.
I don't have a head on shot of the jar (that was just a mock-up, I'm not assembling them until I get back east) but here is a pic of the wording, if that is what you were looking for.
@VagabondGurl: That turned out cute. As of right now, I am not sure how I will tell guests to write on the kraft paper, but even if they didn't....I still love the look. I found another inspiration picture this morning.
[attachment=1111640,139670]
I don't have a personal preference but just some food for thought on the topic:
1. Is it a buffet or seated dinner? One might lend itself to more "scribble time" without plates around.
2. What is the environmental impact? A socialist at heart, what would you do with the burlap afterwards? Would your venue recycle the kraft paper? Is another bride interested in using the burlap after you? etc.
I happen to pick a runner fabric I have always loved so that I could wash it and make pillows, placemats, etc. out of it. Althought weddings are one day it's nice to carry the details throughout your life and into your home.
Just some things to think about!
@something.blue: We are having a buffet, and I was thinking the guests could doodle during that time. If all else fails, the kiddos could draw and color.
Also, if we went the kraft paper route, I had planned on cutting and framing a part of the kraft paper from each table and framing them to make a really awesome collage for our house. The rest would be used as scrapbook paper for my wedding scrapbook.
As for the burlap, I could use one or two for my dining room, because it would go with my decor. However, the rest, I would probably just end up selling or giving out to friends.
@Mamasita2004: I think it sounds like you are leaning towards the kraft paper. I think it's a great, unique idea and mixed with the lace won't be too casual. Plus with all the china on top it'll look dressed up!
@something.blue: You are right. I just worry that about the reaction I will get from many of the guests. Both of our families are used to big traditional weddings. Most things we have planned, are completely new ideas to them. I worry that it will be looked at as trashy or cheap. They are used to weddings at hotels or country clubs. We found our perfect venue in the downtown historical part of the city, and it has exposed brick, stained concrete floor, and a mix match of different chandeliers everywhere. They are used to dinners consisting of prime rib and pastas. We are looking at having Mexican food. The list goes on and on.
Ok.... I'm going to stop trying to convince you to use burlap! Haha... Here are some great pics of the kraft paper. I love how the first one is extra wide - more space for drawing! And the second one it looks like they punched some holes in the side and wove ribbon through. That would be a pretty and easy detail. Lastly, the bottom one is sew and punched sides - lots of work, but still pretty!
@Mamasita2004: I just read your last comment and I wanted to extend a hug your way and say that the way we're dealing with any potential nay-sayers is to say, "It's our wedding, it's going to reflect us." I think it's hard for a lot of older and/or traditional people to envision something non-traditional - but I'm hoping in the end they're going to have such a great time, that they're going to be happy we did it our way!
@VagabondGurl: The inspiration pictures are beautiful!!! It is helping increase my confidence that kraft paper can be chic. Also, I hadn't thought about possibly writing a message on the kraft paper itself, or stamping something on there. Hmmm.....
I was going to mention that we are screen printing our monogram above the ruffle, that will hang over the side of the table. You could do something similar, to make it "fancier". That is our hope, anyway! Trying to make burlap more wedding! Ha! Do you have a theme? Just an example, if you theme was pumpkins, you could buy a few different size pumpkin stamps and stamp them along the edge to finish the look. =D
@VagabondGurl: You put it quite well. I have got to quit stressing over what others might think. We love all the details we have put into our wedding, and that is all that matters.
As for a theme, we really don't have one. Is it bad that the colors in our Save the Dates and out wedding invitations don't really "match" with our wedding colors. All in all, we don't really have wedding colors, just an idea we are tryin to stay around.
The first picture is our inspiration board, and the second picture is our Save the Dates (sorry about the bad editing. I didn't know how else to blur out our last names, etc).
[attachment=1111925,139685] [attachment=1111925,139686]
Love your inspiration! And I don't think that the STDs and Invites have to match the reception decor, at all. The only likelihood of someone having brought those with them is if you mailed a map/directions - otherwise, I don't know anyone who brings their invites to the wedding for inspection! (Although, I just had a funny thought about bringing them for the bride and groom to autograph! Like concert tickets or something... heehee.)
Anyway, I just had a thought - I saw a pic somewhere that had bird silhouettes cut out of black cardstock and adhered to the window in the reception venue. It was cute, but naturally I can't find the pic. Below is a pic of the bird shape it was, just imagine a couple of those sitting in a corner of a window! It was subtle, but cute.
The other thing was, having seen your Mr. and Mrs. signs in your inspiration board, I just printed out the Bride and Groom signs from weddingchicks with black on kraft and it looks stunning! Thought I'd share this too.
http://www.weddingchicks.com/freebies/custom-goodies
@VagabondGurl: Ok, I adore the bird idea!!!! We have this really big window when you walk up to the venue. It is one of the first things you notice. That would be simple and perfect for the window.
I had downloaded the bride and groom from that site before, but I didn't know what to do with them. I am definitely going to print them on kraft paper now, but where could they go? Maybe on the back of our chairs?
Another question. Did you find 8.5 x 11 kraft cardstock?
I found 8.5x11 kraft cardstock at both Jo-Ann's Fabric and Michael's. The one from Jo-Ann's is not as smooth - better for absorbing ink from inkjet printers but our programs were photocopied (so the ink wouldn't run if they got wet) and the Michael's paper, because it is smoother, holds the photocopy ink better (the Jo-Ann's one rubs off some with fingers).
I think we're going to make a little banner of flags to hang on the front of our sweetheart table with the bride & groom signs - with our monogram in the middle. We have banners in a few other places (around the gazebo where our ceremony is going to be held and behind the cake table) so it should tie in nicely.
Not sure if you're considering banners, but I am also making paper lace doilie banners, ala Martha Stewart, to hang in my folks' backyard for our rehearsal dinner. They're simple, cheap (found them at Dollar Tree) and feminine. We're going to string ours whole on twine, but her's are halfed over the string. I thought the feel of them might work nicely with your wedding, based on your inspiration board - Rustic, Vintage, Elegant.
@Mamasita2004: About what you mentioned earlier, I think this style is a-typical in some areas and you have to realize that's OK! If you love it that's what's important. If you'll show up on your wedding day smiling at the details and then looking back at pictures loving people doodling away that's what matters, not the x amount of people who have a preconceived notion of what a wedding should be. That could only be a handful of people you're focusing on!
Do what you love and own it! (Within reason!) I love the idea to keep certain areas of the kraft paper, it's such a wonderful keep sake, like a living guestbook in your home! Just because most weddings are one way doesn't mean they all have to be this way. The way your location sounds I'm sure your guests will understand why you picked it!
@VagabondGurl: oOh no, I think you just added another project to my list and I have only a few more weeks. Kraft dolly banners would be to.die.for. thanks?? ha.
@something.blue: You are right!!! In all reality when it comes down to it, I am talking about like 20 people. That is a small fraction of our 150 guest list. I suppose I never thought about it in those terms before.
@VagabondGurl: Ok, now I have to have the doilies folded over the twine. That will fit right in with the look I am going for. Ohhh, this could be cute strung around the cupcake table, guestbook table, etc. Ohhhhh!!!!!! Love it!
I never thought of Kraft paper instead of burlap! I like the idea! Since I can't sew. :)
Your invites and centerpieces sound almost exactly like mine! I'm doing burlap but if you could get rolls of kraft paper pre-cut with that lacey edging it'd be really pretty.
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Our wedding colors are white and black, but more rustic than modern. We are having kraft envelopes for the invitations, kraft wedding programs, etc. Our centerpieces are clear wine bottles with black lace wrapped around them (3 per a table), and SUPER filled with baby's breath. We will be scattering clear glass votives with white candles throughout the centerpiece. Our wedding favors will be at each place setting: Clear rock candy on a stick, with a black ribbon tied on the edge, and a kraft label that says: Love Rocks!
So my questions are, what should we do for runners? Kraft paper or burlap? I adore both looks, but I just can't decide. Oh and the tablecloths will be white. Also, white or natural wood folding chairs? HELP!!! Lol!