Season's Stylings

‘Tis the season! If you haven’t already been swarmed by save the dates and invitations- prepare yourself for the onslaught. As the first day of spring passed us several weeks ago, weddings are blooming right and left. And whether you are a guest at one, or the star attraction, this season’s trends are sure to stop you in your tracks. Vintage-style weddings are still the rage, but the key is to be more subtle in the details- and mix modern elements with new. Popular wedding dresses continue to be of the romantic era. Look for soft fabric with vintage designed lace, ruffles and unique necklines like off the shoulder and one-shoulder. Also consider dresses with shorter trains. To finish off your look- pair your vintage dress with a modern statement piece necklace- and don’t be afraid to use a pop of color. For your hair- keep it simple. Loose, wavy hair is a classic counterpart to this style.

katyelliot.com

weddinginspirasi.com shibawi.com faveprettythings.blogspot.com ohdarlingblogspot.com

thelilbee.com

Want to awe your guests and ensure that your bridesmaids don’t have the classic “I hate my dress” syndrome? Instead of going for the matching dresses of every other wedding, stand out and find vintage dresses for your bridesmaids. You can stick to a color theme or just let them choose something classy and elegant. Think Carey Mulligan in An Education. A special, vintage dress, is definitely something that your maids would wear again- and your pictures would be one of a kind. vintagepromdress.net ruffledblog.com

Hot colors this year are peach and fuchsia- ultra girly and feminine but not garish. These are flattering colors on almost anybody, and flowers in these colors are in abundance. Keep the rest of your wedding neutral with blacks, greys and beiges.

Seating your guests at your reception is one of the most stressful and time consuming tasks throughout the whole planning process. Is it open seating? Reserved tables? Reserved seats? It all depends on what you and your groom are comfortable with, the theme and style of your wedding, and what you think your families would be most comfortable with. A modern twist to tables at a reception is mixing square and round tables. The flow of conversation is uninterrupted and guests can enjoy a totally different feel than any other wedding they’ve experienced. And isn’t the whole point to give your guests an experience?

myweddingnigeria.com

:

Lynn Michelle Photography

One of the biggest trends that’s happening currently is ‘green’ weddings. Earth conscience couples are incorporating their beliefs into their special day, inspiring their guests in the process. Going green is easy: look for local, organic foods and flowers. There are catering and floral companies in all major cities specializing in this- not only because it’s popular, but also because it’s better for the environment. Another way to be earth friendly is to use recycled paper for your invitations, programs, menu cards and thank you cards. Even put a little note in your program highlighting the fact that you’re using recycling paper, and if the guest does not want to keep their program, to return it to the front so that you can recycle it on your own.

One wedding style that is still in fashion is having an outdoor wedding. This theme is also great to incorporate the ‘going green’ element. Beautiful gardens, rustic ranches and unique locations like a zoo are all fabulous venues to have your special day. One thing to consider is how hot it’s going to be at the time of your wedding- you do not want your guest to be baking. So consider the time of day, heat, and shade issues. And if your day turns out to be unseasonably warm- plan on some refreshing beverages to cool you down!

elizabethannedesigns.com weddingreceptioncenterpieces.net

Jeremy Gilliam Photography

One hot ticket trend for today’s weddings are after parties. Make your day last as long as possible by offering close family and friends a private after party, after you say goodbye to your guests at your reception. While it can be as simple as all of you going to a separate location, brides are now having a secret section of their reception transformed into a ‘lounge’ feel with late night snacks, specialty drinks, and even continuous music. You can create whatever vibe you want: swanky with a Rat Pack feel, or posh and club-like. Or transform the space into a western dance hall! Make it special and make it fun! This allows you to wind down and spend a bit more time relaxing to those closest to you- away from the pressure of being a host.

weddingbee.com

No matter your culture or religion, ethnic themed weddings are becoming more and more in fashion. But keep it personal: if you were proposed to in China, do an Asian themed reception. If you’re going on Safari for your honeymoon, bring in some African influences. Food is an obvious way to incorporate a theme. But go beyond that. There are always ways to incorporate ethnic inspired décor without being cheesy. Choose items with a critical eye, and don’t be afraid to edit if it doesn’t feel right.

attention2detail.blogspot

Weddings today are all about being unique. But one way to start ahead of the class is to have an alternate gem stone for your wedding ring. And it doesn’t have to be your birthstone. Bride’s today wear Aquamarines, Citrine, White Topaz and Sapphires.

groomsadvice.com

zimbio.com

A cute personal touch for your wedding is to create personal notes on chalkboard- it creates a homey, intimate feel. From directions to your ceremony site to your menu- this trend is unique and simple to do. If you don’t like your own handwriting, have a creative friend help out!

ayleebits.com

elegala.com

Trends come and go. Remember to select things that excite you, not the masses. If you’re happy and love it, so will your guests. And a glowing bride is always in style. Sources: http://www.yourweddingcompany.com/ http://www.onewed.com/ http://www.manolobrides.com/