In theory, wedding planning should be totally fun. Cake, stylish invitations, centerpieces… all things we love. But even if you’re the chillest of chill brides, all the grunt work can quickly become daunting. That’s why we’re all for a themed wedding! But not like the cheesy tropical kind. Think more of a crisp striped ceremony or a day dipped in gold. Adding a theme can make planning elements so much simpler. No longer will you blindly browse wedding invites — you need a geometric wedding invite, and you need it now. If you’re on the hunt for a sweet and simple theme, a polka dot wedding is the solution for you, my dear!
1. Dotted Darling: From afar this Valentino pattern looks like textured polka dots, but give it a closer look and you’ll see that it’s actually teeny tiny flowers. (via Boho Weddings)
2. Dapper Dots: Add a fun kick to the groomsmen’s get-up with a festive neckpiece that complements the theme in a sophisticated way. (via Ruffled)
3. Polka Dot Wedding Invitation ($73+): We love the human touch these imperfect dots give this invite. Not to mention the customizable envelopes and striped interior.
4. Polka Dot Mary Janes ($100): If you’re not up for a polka dotted dress but still want to incorporate the playful pattern into your outfit, shoes are the perfect way to do it. You can easily hide them under your dress or pull it up a bit to show them off!
5. Striped and Dotted Thank You Notes: Polka dots and stripes work together in a way that nobody can really explain. Both patterns are so simple, yet somehow when they come together it’s visual magic. (via Ruffled Blog)
6. Golden and Sugar: Gold can be an overpowering color if used too freely. This cake is a perfect example of how to incorporate the metallic shade in a subtle yet playful way. (via 100 Layer Cake)
7. Bridal Party Polka Dots: Because who says bridesmaids can’t wear prints? We love the idea of the bride glowing in white while her best gals sport flirty polka dots. (via Perfect Palette)
8. Pom Pom Balloons: Because nothing says party quite like balloons. Add some color to your wedding palette with this quick balloon DIY. Use all different colors for something playful, or just one for a more refined look. (via Design Improvised)
9. Polka Dot Lanterns: Ditch the disco lamp, these cute lighting fixtures are all you need for your big day. If you can’t find any lanterns in a polka dot print, just grab some paint! This would be a super simple DIY project. (via Perfect Palette)
10. Ombre Dotted Cake: A cake of cascading polka dots? It could taste like cardboard and we’d probably still love it. (via Mod Wedding)
11. Paper Vases: If you’re looking to make your own centerpieces, this is a cheap, easy option. Find a milk jug/mason jar/thrift store vase (whatever works!) and use a fun colored washi tape to attach a paper printout. (via Weddings by Lily)
12. Gold Foil Polka Dot Backdrop: Because everyone knows nothing fun happened unless you Instagrammed it. Give guests a fun backdrop for getting their silly on. To create your own, simply cut out gold foil or contact paper circles and arrange them on a colored background of your choosing. (via Brit + Co)
13. Polka Dot Garland: Holy Mother of color! Sometimes bright, large polka dots like this can look a little cartoonish, but it totally works here. If it’s still a little bright for your taste just tone it down by only using two or three colors. (via Style Me Pretty)
14. Light Purple Paper Straws ($2+): That open bar is great. But you know what would make it even better? If you could be slurping down those free gin and tonics with an adorable dotted straw.
15. Wooden Arrow: Direct guests to the ceremony and give them a taste of all the pretty polka dots to come. (via Style Me Pretty)
16. Table Confetti: Instead of a traditional tablecloth, scatter colored dots across the tables for a festive look that falls somewhere in between confetti and polka dots. (via The Sweetest Occasion)
17. Blusher Veil ($62): If you think veils are old fashioned, think again. This polka dotted headpiece will have you shielding your face in no time. (via Aisle Perfect)
18. Polka Dot Aisle: So you really want to go for the polka dot theme? Do it big with a spotted aisle! We’re not totally sure how this stays in tact while the bride struts to center stage, but it sure does look pretty. (via Colin Cowie Weddings)
19. Party Popcorn: Partying that hard is going to work up an appetite. Send guests home with a fun snack that stays on theme. (via Brit + Co)
20. Painted Candles: Here’s an easy dollar store fix-up! Grab some plain candle holders and paint designs that coordinate with your color scheme. (via Creature Comfort)
What do you think about a themed wedding? Any cool theme ideas you know of?
It can be intimidating to step out on your own and build a business from the ground up. As part of our collaboration with Office Depot, we're talking with Selfmade alum and solopreneur Colette Lawrence, the faith-based motivator and relationship builder behind The M.E.E. Movement, about ways in which women in business can find success.
B + C: How did you know M.E.E. Movement was your business to start?
The M.E.E Movement represents motivation, empowerment, and encouragement for women. It is what represents me. I did not know at first that it was my business to start, but then the thought of monetizing what I loved came to me. It scared me, however. I registered the business in July 2020 and have been slowly building my wings since.
B + C: What's one strategy that's helped you start your business?
Thinking through and researching what the requirements are to start my business, and then asking questions of people who are in the business. Not all advice worked; however, it helped me to figure out what I needed to do and not to do.
B + C: Did you always know life coaching would be your entrepreneurial path?
(Smiles) No, I did not. I 'stumbled" on it. I knew that people were always coming to me for advice and I found that I loved having conversations with them, especially with women, young and old.
B + C: What was your most valuable takeaway from Selfmade?
My most valuable takeaway was the first day of training: Get out of your own way. There were a lot of great moments and important takeaways from every presenter. However, getting out of my own way, pushing past doubts, was for me my most valuable takeaway. Doing something that I had never done before took courage. If I do not focus on what is happening with me mentally then I cannot deliver to my clients successfully.
B + C: What's one piece of advice you would give to female entrepreneurs on the brink of starting?
Get out of your head. You have something to offer. You have what you need to succeed so go ahead and do it.
B + C: How do you stay motivated?
I stay motivated by listening to music and listening to motivational speakers, and sometimes someone will just reach out and talk about the impact that I made in their life. That adds the extra juice or sauce I need to pummel through the day.
B + C: What's your best organizational tip?
Keep a diary and journal. It's the best way for me to keep organized and it also provides a source motivation as I record not only my "losses" but my wins as well.
B + C: Who inspires you in the entrepreneurial space?
Shirley Toliver – She motivates and empowers and makes me always want to show up.
B + C: What has receiving the Office Depot scholarship to Selfmade done to help you start or grow your business?
The scholarship was a blessing in that all the areas that were covered offered valuable information that I needed, from social media to HR. As a new business owner, I needed to know this to increase my own personal awareness in what it takes to run a successful business. The candidness of the presenters made it easy to see myself in their shoes and helped me to realize that I can also get there.
Thanks Colette! You can follow The M.E.E. Movement on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Want to feel motivated to take the next step for your business? Let Office Depot OfficeMax give you the confidence you need with a suite of business services & solutions to help you put your best foot forward. Make a good first impression with business cards & build the business pitch of your dreams with custom presentations. With Office Depot OfficeMax you'll find the tools to reach new customers with confidence.
Head to Office Depot's Selfmade page to check out even more amazing business resources (and discounts!) to help you accomplish more on your entrepreneurial journey. These offers are available for a limited time only, so be sure to take advantage of all this goodness while supplies last. Want to join the next Selfmade cohort this summer? Check out all of the scholarship details right here.