Bouquet Trends To Make Every Wedding Special

article courtesy of 1-800-Registry

Now that wedding season is in full bloom, here are some bridal bouquet trends from wedding expert Linda Williams, Vice President Marketing, Wedding Services at 1-800-Registry {the first full-service wedding advisory for brides and grooms for weddings and honeymoons}.

Below is a list provided by Linda Williams on some of the latest bridal bouquet trends for the fall wedding season:

One Large Bloom – This season brides are walking down the aisle with bouquets that make a dramatic and elegant statement.  By using only one large bloom, such as peonies or dinner plate dahlias, and minimal green, brides succeed as well as being cost effective, since there’s minimal floral.

Left: Petal and Print {photo by Flutterglass Photography} | Right: Martha Stewart Weddings

One Flower En Masse – This season, as opposed to mixing and matching different floral pieces for bouquets, brides are using one flower grouped together. For example, a bouquet solely of pink roses is both gorgeous as well as being a great statement piece alongside a simple, white gown. In this case, brides are taking the “simple is more” approach.

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A Glamorous Yellow and Pink Wedding Candy Buffet with Pearls + Beads

Remember when I said this month was all about the colors yellow, grey, black and maybe another color thrown in for fun? Well, we're ending the month with an amazing candy buffet that features yellow and a bit of grey with a hot pink background. Such a striking color combo. This spectacular display comes from Kristina of Princess Wedding Co. Kristina joins us today to share a few tips on creating a great candy buffet yourself. I will now turn it over to Kristina . . .

I have been a fan of candy buffets for many years and I thought that I would share a few tips on creating a great candy buffet if you want to do it yourself.  However, there are some companies nationwide that provide the services for you. 

Main thing to remember when creating a candy display is to stick with 1- 3 colors. It will create an elegant and chic look. Choose many clear glass containers that are different shapes and sizes. Also use colored ribbon around vases to add accent.  You can use any candy for the buffet (TIP: lollipops, m&m’s, and round gum always look fabulous). Candy can be used as yummy favors for your guest to take home and adds fun for the guests. So remember to provide containers for your guest to put candy in. Those containers may be Chinese paper boxes (TIP: add silk ribbon, for extra effect), mini metal bins, or mini glass containers. 

Candy buffets adds a beautiful touch to any event. Be creative and have fun with it.

Vendors:
Photography: Mayya Dolis, Princess Wedding Co.
Design: Kristina Breffitt, Princess Wedding Co.

Hot Trends for Fall Weddings

Article Courtesy of Susanna from K.i.s.s. Wedding Ideas

Fabulous fall is upon us, and it's time to fall in love… with all the great new styles, shades and decorations we’re seeing at fall weddings! This season, forget the typical tired old fall fashions – it’s all about hot colors and even hotter ideas. The weather might be cooling off, but the mercury on our trend-ometer is going through the roof!

Fall Wedding Colors
Cool turquoise and sunny yellow might have been the hot choices for summer, but I’m guessing we’re going to see a move towards a much richer palette of jewel tones this season. Think luscious emerald, glittering garnet and rich, romantic ruby. Think dark and delicious and hot, hot, hot!

Fall Themes
Vintage is the catchphrase this season… I’m imagining the Mad Men era, with its elegance and classic charm. Can’t you just picture it? Cigars, whisky bars and sultry tunes – what could be classier? I’d give the bridal party a real 50s look, have some gorgeous pics taken in a classic car, and use real vintage pieces sourced from antique shops or flea markets to create centerpieces and favors. Click here for more fabulous wedding reception decoration ideas.

Food for Thought
Foodies are the new yuppies, I reckon, so you really can’t cut corners on your fall wedding menu. I think there’s going to be an emphasis on seasonal fare and dishes created out of typical fall foods – pumpkin, squash, nuts, apples, and so on. That goes for serving too! I love innovative ways of dishing up each course, and what could be cuter than pumpkin soup in mini hollowed-out pumpkins?

Shabby Chic Centerpieces
Forget perfectly coifed centerpieces – they’re so 2010. Instead, I’m envisioning a move towards a really unique look, a kind of mix-and-match of vases, glass jars and other eclectic finds. The look is funky and unusual and definitely not run-of-the-mill. Best of all? It’s cheaper, and easier. Remember ladies – keep it simple and special. You can’t go wrong.

The great thing about a fall wedding is that you can move away from conventional flowers and really get creative with pumpkins, candles, squashes, sheaves of wheat, nuts and leaves. Looking for inspiration? You’ll find some great fall wedding centerpieces here…

Bridal Looks
Just as vintage style dresses are making a comeback, so too are retro hairstyles and accessories. No more too-tight chignons ladies – the look for fall is long, loose and curly. If you're set on an up-do, make it a simple one… a loose bun with a few curls pulled out is perfect. And who says you need a full-on long veil? I'm anticipating a lot more brides are going to go for chic Art Deco hairpieces, with feathers and pearls and crystals. Classy and contemporary – what’s not to love??

K.i.s.s Wedding Ideas, created by Susanna, is full of inspiration and tips to help you keep it simple and special for perfect weddings on any budget.

The Rise of the Rustic Wedding

Attend nearly any wedding these days and you're bound to see some rustic, country touches. A full 44-percent of brides plan at least some rustic elements in their weddings, according to The Wedding Report. And some go full-bore.

Here are several ways to incorporate the rustic look into your wedding while making it personal and within budget.

1. Barns
Rustic barns are the quintessential location for a rustic wedding. Dress it up with sweeping curtains (sew together fabric drop clothes from a home improvement store) and hanging lights (borrowed white Christmas lights work, too). A farm, open field, country church or plantation home can also provide the perfect backdrop to your themed wedding.

photo courtesy of The Round Barn Farm

2. Painted Wood Signs
Add some personality to the big day with whimsical or romantic painted signs that signal to your guests what's happening where. Look locally for free reclaimed or salvaged wood to add rustic charm and eco-friendliness.

photo courtesy of Pacific Weddings

3. Burlap
Nothing says rustic like burlap and this versatile fabric can be used in a number of ways. Use it as table coverings, then top with smaller borrowed vintage tablecloths. Use it as a background to frame table numbers for your reception. Use it as an aisle runner or atop haystacks for extra casual seating.

4. Mason Jars
Mason jars are perhaps the most-seen wedding accessory these days -- and for good cause. They ooze charm, they're economical, they come in a variety of sizes and they go with just about anything. Throw a handful of wildflowers into a mason jar and you've got an instant centerpiece. You can also use them to hold utensils or candy at the reception. Fill them with something sweet and top with burlap and ribbon for wedding favors.

left: photo by Polly Wreford, found via Santa Barbara Chic | right: Your Home Based Parties

5. Chalkboards
Like painted signs, chalkboards add a fun element to wedding day signage. They make perfect menus, Mr. & Mrs. signs on the back of the couple's chairs, seating charts and directional signs. Paint a vintage frame the color of your wedding, then paint over the glass with chalkboard paint for an instant showpiece.

6. Homemade
A rustic wedding is not complete without something homemade. And there's no better place to feature homemade than the reception. Pies are a big trend in weddings this year, and local vendors are making it easier to find baked goods and more with that down-home taste. Decorate the dessert table with bowls of eggs, flour and honey for that extra home-made feeling. Handwrite favorite family recipes on index cards to use as wedding favors.

photo by Ashley Rose Photography, planning by Sugar Branch Events

7. Registry
Guests can contribute to the rustic theme through gift-giving. Register for gift cards at CardAvenue.com for retailers who specialize in rustic products, like J.Crew, Timberland, Restoration Hardware and Bass Pro Shops.

8. Music
More than decorations, music tells the story of the rustic wedding and instantly sets the mood. Whether it's country, bluegrass, folk or a combination, your choice or musicians, deejay or soundtrack will complete your theme and leave your guests tapping their feet for days to come.

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About the Author: Weddings expert Cara Davis is the author of Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot and blogs from her home in Orlando, FL, about cheap ways to spend and save at CheapWaysTo.com.

Autumn Wedding Trends Not To Be Missed

article courtesy of Simply Perfect by Melissa

Brides will Fall For These Seasonal Must-Dos

Gone are pink carnations, strappy sandals and outdoor weddings and back are cozy, warm colors and foods to give weddings that perfect seasonal touch. Expert Wedding Planner Melissa Phillips of Simply Perfect by Melissa is giving us the latest and greatest of Fall Wedding Trends to look out for:

Pies: Pies are taking over the wedding cake or cupcake trend. Dessert tables will display different seasonal pies for guests to satisfy their sweet tooth.

photo from Jeanne Oliver Designs

Navy + Charcoal: Navy is the new brown and charcoal is the new black. These deep colors will be seen in bridesmaid dresses and wedding color themes alike.  

Metallics: Metallics are taking over accents. Coppers will be seen in shoes, small accents in decorations and more. These accent colors will really tie in with the navy and charcoal.

Soups: People always feel like the first course needs to be a salad, but salads are going by the wayside to make room for seasonal soups. People will also use unique bowls like a mini squash or an apple hollowed out to serve a hearty fall soup in. Many can also opt to serve a smaller soup to accompany a smaller salad.

photo from Food Network

Sleeves: Wedding dresses are going to leave the trend of strapless and spaghetti straps to show more sleeves. Bolero Jackets will also be added to dresses to give off a warmer fall look with a wedding dress. This is a trend we are seeing based on the Royal Wedding this past summer.

photos from bhldn | handmade by fasOla

About Simply Perfect: Simply Perfect by Melissa works for and with their customers to deliver exceptional event coordination solutions. The customer focus helps them to understand and deliver your event vision. They offer exceptional service, value, extensive industry knowledge, and quality vendor relationships to create your Simply Perfect event. Their relationships with clients, colleagues, and partners are based on collaboration, communication and integrity. The services Simply Perfect by Melissa offers is a range from complete wedding planning months prior to your wedding day to sudden problems or challenges that occur the day of your wedding.  For more information on Simply Perfect by Melissa visit www.simplyperfectbymelissa.com. 

7 Ways to Recession Proof Your Wedding

As businesses brace for the possibility of a double dip recession, brides and grooms should plan for the unexpected when planning their wedding day: job loss, vendors going out of business, rising prices and traveling limitations.

While weddings still take place even in a down economy, brides and grooms are scaling back and trimming the excess from their celebrations. The numbers show the dramatic shift:

photo courtesy of Birdsong Photography

The average cost of a wedding dropped $10,000 in a year after the recession began. Last year the cost began to recover, rising from $19,581 (2009) to $23,867, according to The Wedding Report. But the latest figures show weddings are taking a hit again, with the average cost of a wedding for the first half of 2011 sinking to $21,277.

Scarcity of jobs, a sour housing market and high fuel costs are making wedding planning a challenge - for couples and vendors alike. Florists, caterers and bakers are feeling the pinch of rising prices and are passing those costs onto their clients.

But, there are ways to recession-proof your wedding and make your day of celebration a little easier on the wallet for everyone involved. Here are several ways.

1. Go off-peak. Choose an off-season month (January, February or November) to get married, and an off-peak day and time. Saturday afternoon and evenings are the most desired spots, so go for Saturday morning, or Friday or Sunday night to save money on venues and services.

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Outdoor Events, In This Heat??

article courtesy of Simply Perfect by Melissa, www.simplyperfectbymelissa.com

Stay Cool at the Hottest Summer Events

It’s been hotter than hot these last few months of summer and in the current heat wave the nation in experiencing, even the most put-together make-up mavens experience foundation slide from time to time.  With these handy tips, expert event planner Melissa Phillips of Simply Perfect by Melissa helps all of us - hosts and guests alike - to avoid those embarrassing yellow sweat stains and dark eyeliner circles:

• Keep a stain stick in your bag – not only will this make laundry easier later, but it will help you avoid sweat and grass stains in the park too (no easy task). Melissa recommends Tide To Go Mini, Instant Stain Remover

• Get your hair off your neck – there are plenty of creative styles other than the simple ponytail, so no need to feel boxed in, but it really is worth being able to feel a breeze behind the ears. Melissa recommends a chic top knot or a side bun

• Choose cool fabrics – linen is not the only summer fabric out there – light, breathable fabrics and breezy silhouettes can make the day feel if not 10 degrees cooler than it actually is. Melissa recommendations cotton, chiffon or silk

• Wear and carry sunscreen – this one seems like a no-brainer, but it is amazing how many people either forget that sunscreen needs to be reapplied frequently (especially when it seems like all your skin wants to do is sweat it off), or deliberately ignore this rule hoping for a tan and wind up burnt. Melissa recommends Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55

• Keep flats in your purse – even if you can wear heels all day during the winter, sweaty summer feet are prone to blister and nobody likes a whiner, so even if you don’t think you’ll use them, it’s always best to have a footwear plan B. Melissa recommends Dr. Scholl’s Fast Flats

• Paper fans are on their way back – a much chicer alternative to those nerdy battery-powered fan units, these will keep you looking and feeling cool and come in super-cheap and luxe models, so whatever your budget or style, go get your hands on one (or one in every color).  Hosts – fans also make great creative decorations, so set some out for your guests to use.

• Set your makeup – Set your makeup, set your makeup!  Feel free to skip the moisturizer; a good primer makes all the difference in hot weather. If you don’t want your eye shadow down by your chin or your foundation running down your neck, using a setting spray after you apply your makeup is a fool proof trick to look flawless all night! Melissa recommends Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15 With Dermaxyl Complex by Smashbox and All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray by Urban Decay

About Simply Perfect: Simply Perfect by Melissa works for and with their customers to deliver exceptional event coordination solutions. The customer focus helps them to understand and deliver your event vision. They offer exceptional service, value, extensive industry knowledge, and quality vendor relationships to create your Simply Perfect event. Their relationships with clients, colleagues, and partners are based on collaboration, communication and integrity. The services Simply Perfect by Melissa offers is a range from complete wedding planning months prior to your wedding day to sudden problems or challenges that occur the day of your wedding. For more information on Simply Perfect by Melissa visit www.simplyperfectbymelissa.com. 

Photo Credits:
silk chiffon dress from J. Crew, bun from onsugar, paper fans from Beau-coup, flat shoe from Footzyrolls

Beau-coup and Footzyrolls are affiliates with Best Wedding Sites

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