15 Creative Wedding Canopies Perfect for Your Big Day

May 10, 2015

Your wedding ceremony is the most meaningful part of the big day, and also one of the most beautiful. That’s why, if you’re like us, you’re probably putting a good amount of thought into how you can best decorate the space to reflect your personal style and set the stage for the heartfelt vows to come. From colorful chuppahs to magnificent mandaps, these 15 canopies each provide a picture-perfect spot for saying “I do.” Recreate your favorite, or let these ideas inspire your own original design. Either way, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a stunning ceremony that’s unlike anything else your guests have seen.

1. Colorful Piñata Canopy: Turn your wedding into one big fiesta with a canopy or arch featuring faux flowers, festive ribbons and playful piñatas. This vibrant color scheme of pink, red, orange and yellow lends instant brightness and fun, whatever the location. (via Anahi Weddings)

2. Elegant Floral Canopy: With elegant draping, romantic roses and a chic chandelier, this canopy that looks like something straight out of a celebrity wedding. Steal the style and enjoy being the star of your own love-filled adventure. (via Jeff Tisman Photography)

3. Neon Green + Pink Canopy: Neon pink and green details look bold yet sophisticated alongside a white cloth, bamboo columns and dangling orchid-filled terrariums. Add a set of stately thrones, and you’ve got a mandap fit for any modern-day king and queen. (via Cory Ryan Photography)

4. Paper Pinwheel Canopy: Fun-loving couples can’t go wrong by decorating their chuppah with paper pinwheels and ice cream cones in a rainbow of carnival-like colors. Heart-shaped balloons off to the side and a cute pom-pom garland up above will further enhance the creative look. (via Lara Hotz)

5. Rustic Orange, Yellow + Green Canopy: Channel a rustic vibe by selecting an earthy color palette and erecting your mandap in a forest of towering redwood trees. We love the way this couple incorporated orange, green and yellow details, including a lovely floral garland backdrop. (via Third Element Photo Co.)

6. Ribbon Streamer Canopy: You may already know that ribbon streamers make for fun photo and grand exit props, but how about going a step further and showcasing them during the ceremony? This color-popping canopy brings the vision to life with ribbons featuring a variety of happy hues. Plus, how cool is that quirky blue and white chandelier? We think it adds the ultimate finishing touch. (via Dear Wesleyann)

7. Tree Tunnel Canopy: Will and Kate wowed the world with their tree-lined aisle during the royal wedding in 2011, and now you can too by making your entrance beneath a tunnel of trees decorated with tiny twinkle lights. Or, if that seems a bit too over the top, simply place a smaller tree-branch canopy up front for you and your sweetie to stand beneath. (via Valentina Glidden Fine Art Photography)

8. Ribbon Tent Canopy: A tent made of fluttering ribbons provides the perfect setting for a small and intimate ceremony. Positioned at the end of a wildflower-lined aisle, this one is practically too beautiful for words. (via Samantha Bonpensiero Photography)

9. Rustic Romance Canopy: Who says rustic weddings can’t still be classy and chic? Whether used during the ceremony or to show off the sweetheart table throughout the reception, a canopy like this delivers the perfect combination of country charm and classic elegance. (via Duke Photography)

10. Orchid Garland Canopy: Dressed up with garlands of orchids and even some colorful dots, this simple wooden frame looks anything but basic. Make the look your own for an instant infusion of tropical flair. (via Mi Belle Photography)

11. Ombre Garland Canopy: Just in case you haven’t guessed it by now, we’re huge fans of the floral garland. This ombre-inspired creation is no exception, and we especially love the pairing of hot pink flower heads and cream-colored drapes. (via Closer to Love Photography)

12. Pink, White + Green Floral Canopy: If there’s one thing we love just as much as flowers, it’s gorgeous greenery. This canopy delivers both in the most beautiful way possible, making it a versatile choice for spring and summer weddings. (via Troy Grover Photographers)

13. Dramatic Draping Canopy: Formal affairs call for opulence and visual drama at every turn. This tented white canopy, accented with crystal chandeliers and pink-peach floral arrangements, definitely doesn’t disappoint. (via Caroline Tran)

14. Flowing Fabric Canopy: From the flowing fabric to the exquisite flowers, this stunning canopy has us swooning big time. If we had to pick our favorite part, it would definitely be the tiny gold stars that would also make for great cake toppers or centerpiece accents. (via Mirelle Carmichael Photography)

15. Paper Flower Canopy: Paper flower garlands look whimsical, while a blush tablecloth and collection of candles really help dial up the romance factor. Use this type of canopy during the ceremony, then enjoy wining and dining beneath it at the start of the reception. (via AK Studio + Design)

What’s your favorite wedding canopy design? Share some creative ideas below.

7 “Impressive” Whole Foods Deals Will Save You Major Cash On Your Grocery Bill

I truly feel like I’ve been living under a rock when it comes to what’s good at Whole Foods. Turns out, they’ve been hiding some really impressive deals on groceries in the shadows, but I’m here to shed some light on ‘em. Whole Foods offers savings every week, and I’m fully convinced that my local Whole Foods will be seeing a whole lot more of me from now on.

Scroll on for details on Whole Foods’ top deals to shop starting today!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

1. BOGO 50% off packaged soups (Tuesdays)

Tuesdays and Fridays are the main days of the week that Whole Foods offers savings on their groceries. The first amazing deal for Tuesdays is BOGO 50% off packaged soups – perfect for this time of year!

They’ve got every kind of flavor from minestrone and chicken noodle to Italian wedding and broccoli cheddar. Their packaged soups average out at about $9 per 24-ounce tub, so saving 50% on one when you buy one is pretty good, especially for meal prep purposes.

Lukas / PEXELS

2. $2 off classic and organic rotisserie chickens (Tuesdays)

You can take $2 off two kinds of Whole Foods’ rotisserie chickens every Tuesday. Their classic rotisserie chicken goes for $9 while the organic version sells for $13. I love using rotisserie chicken for soups, sandwiches, wraps, and pastas, so getting a whole chicken to use for recipes all week long for just $7 is so nice!

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

3. $8 large cheese pizzas (Friday)

Sometimes you just do not feel like cooking on a Friday evening after work – that’s where this Whole Foods savings hack comes in! Every Friday, you can get a large cheese pizza for $8. While there’s nothing wrong with a plain cheese pizza (nostalgia galore!), I’d take advantage of this deal then bulk up my slices with various toppings like peppers, pepperoni, and olives.

Nadin Sh / PEXELS

4. 12 for $12 wild caught oysters (Friday)

Ooh, fancy! Every Friday, Whole Foods’ wild caught oysters go for $1 a pop. Buy a dozen for just $12, and you’re golden. This deal would be perfect for a bougie at-home date night.

Pixabay / PEXELS

5. BOGO 50% off packaged sushi rolls (Friday)

This is another great date night pick! Buy one packaged sushi roll, and get another 50% off on Fridays only. From rainbow rolls to California rolls, this Whole Foods savings hack has my cravings going crazy.

Minchephoto Photography / PEXELS

6. $10 family-sized tiramisu (Friday)

Got a hankering for a sweet treat? Don’t fret – you can shop a whole family-sized serving of tiramisu at Whole Foods for just $10 every Friday.

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7. $12 bottles of prosecco (Friday)

The death of the work week and start of the weekend is obviously a cause for celebration, and Whole Foods has you covered with $12 bottles of Presto prosecco every Friday. Cheers!

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Elle Fanning "Uncontrollably Sobbed" During One Of Dakota's Movies As A Kid

As much as I love celebrity couples, I love celebrity sibling relationships even more. And Elle and Dakota Fanning are two sisters I've grown up watching since I first saw Dreamer in 2005. Considering Elle Fanning is only five months older than me, and I have a sister of my own, this is one relationship that feels particularly familiar. And while Elle has also watched Dakota Fanning act since we were kids, Dakota just revealed seeing Elle onscreen is just as special for her.

Here's why Dakota & Elle Fanning get emotional seeing each other onscreen.

Elle remembers "sobbing" during one particularly emotional Dakota Fanning movie.

“When Elle’s in anything, it makes me feel it deeper,” Dakota Fanning said at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit on December 3. “She never can fully disappear into a character totally for me as her sister. She obviously does an amazing job, but I’m always gonna see my little sister a little bit.”

And Elle is just as touched by Dakota's roles, and remembers "uncontrollably sobbing" after seeing Now Is Good, a movie where Dakota's character was dying of cancer. “Because it was my sister, I had a real traumatic reaction after that premiere and the screening,” Elle says. “Obviously the acting, but it was something felt on a deeper level.”

“I’m doing this job, I’m an actor because my sister started before me and I watched her,” Elle continues. “I wanted to do exactly what my big sister wanted to do.”

And their movies have also made an impact on everyone who watches them.

When Brit + Co caught up with Dakota Fanning at the world premiere of The Watchers, I had to ask about one of her most iconic movies: Uptown Girls. "I love it," she says of TikTok memes and edits giving the movie new life. "It's nostalgic for people who are kind of around my age, who grew up watching that movie, I think it's like a comfort movie for people. And so I love that people are still revisiting it and loving it. And maybe now that everyone's older [they're] understanding different things about it."

Dakota starred opposite Brittany Murphy, who also had roles in movies like Clueless, 8 Mile, and Girl, Interrupted. Brittany passed away in 2009 when Dakota was 15. "I loved Brittany so much and I still miss her," she says. "So anytime that she has, you know, a moment where people think about her is also nice."

You can see Elle Fanning in A Complete Unknown, in theaters December 25, and you can also stream Dakota Fanning's new show The Perfect Couple on Netflix now.

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13 Yummy Christmas Cookies From Around The World

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

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