2013 Wedding Trends

A new year means big changes for weddings.  Here are some of the top 2013 wedding trends.

Lace is EVERYWHERE.

Lace adds a certain elegance and femininity to everything it touches and is a top trend for 2013 weddings.  The modern twist to this traditional material is that it’s not just for dresses anymore.  Lace designs will appear on wedding invitations,cakes, bouquets and more.  Whether in classic tones or dyed to match the wedding colors, lace will be big this season for rustic, vintage, formal and casual weddings.

Pockets on wedding dresses

For years brides have asked for a wedding dress with pockets and finally designers have listened.  These small pockets are perfect for lip gloss or your cell phone, for when you make it Facebook official.

DIY grows up.

While DIY elements will still be big for 2013 weddings, they get a decidedly more mature design.  Brides will still go to Pinterest for inspiration, but more brides are looking to professionals to help them create the look they want, freeing up their time.

(Thinking about which projects to DIY?  Click here.)

Old Hollywood returns

Movies like Anna Karenina and The Great Gatsby set the stage for the return of Old Hollywood glam and art deco elements.  Dropped waistlines, vintage jewelry, classic lace and shades of ivory and candlelight will be in fashion for 2013 weddings.  As will pearl and gold jewelry.  Art deco patterns featuring chevrons and black with gold accents top tablescapes for 2013 wedding receptions.

A Formal Affair

2013 weddings move to more formal events.  The glamour of the event is enhanced by crystal decorations, full length gowns and gold touches such as silverware and chargers.  Chandeliers and candelabras are popular for wedding reception decor.   Black and white patterns with pops of the 2013 color of the year, emerald, will be popular.

Plated dinners

As a nod to the increased formality of 2013 weddings, more dinners will be served plated.  While dinners may be smaller to save money (one entree rather than two) dinner is being served on more sophisticated plateware.

Fun with food

2013 wedding receptions will feature food presentations that make your wedding reception an experience for guests.  Creative food stations, snacks like s’mores and popcorn stations and food trucks add to the fun of your wedding reception.

Peonies

The flower for 2013 may be the peony.  Lush colors of oversized blooms tied with lace are sure to make their way down the aisle this year.  Bouquets will be compromised of one color, but still have lots of texture due to the use of berries, ribbons and other embellishments.  Peonies have a short bloom season; use garden roses as an alternative.

Love birds

Birds were popular in 2012 but are even more so for 2013 weddings.  Birds will be used on invitations, cake toppers, invitations, and bird cage card holders.  This year they also are showing up in jewelry and feather inspired decor.

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Announcing Your Engagement

The holiday season is the busiest time of year for engagements.  So, how do you share the big news without your announcement getting lost in the shuffle?  Try some of these ideas:

Post It!  Sure you can change your relationship status to “engaged”, but how about posting a video?  You can be serious and share the big news in a straightforward video, or you can “punk” your friends by giving the video a fun title like “At least it wasn’t a Christmas sweater”.

Say It In a Song.  Are you karaoke fans?  While out with friends, sing songs like “Going to the Chapel”, “White Wedding”,  and “Put a Ring On It”.  Wonder how long it will take your friends to catch on?

Kids Say the Darndest Things.  If you have a family gathering coming up, tell the youngest member of the group.  Not only will they feel special, but they’ll probably blurt out the big news in the cutest way!

Claim Your New Name Early.  If you’ll be changing your name, have a shirt printed that reads “Future Mrs. (your new name)”.  Next time your with friends, proudly wear your new shirt.  You can even change your profile image to show off your new shirt and declare your engagement.

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Tips For Pre-Ceremony Photos

Choosing the location for your pre-ceremony photos probably doesn’t appear on many wedding planning task lists, but it can make the difference for these important photos. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your pre-ceremony photos.

1. Location is important.

You’ll love your pictures when they are taken in a room that is orderly, not cluttered, and has some natural light options.  The light pouring in from a window is much more flattering that overhead fluorescents that can create shadows and tint skin with a yellow tone.  Ideally, you and your fiance will get ready in locations near each other, making better use of the time you have for your photographer.  Simply put, less travel time equates to more pictures.  The similar backgrounds and architecture help to create a cohesive feel in yourwedding album too.

2. Schedule the photographer for the right time.

When you are creating a photography plan with your photographer, discuss the type of images you would like captured.  It is recommended that your photographer arrive after your hair and makeup are completed (or nearly), but before you begin dressing.  It is important to note that most delays occur during the hair and makeup preparation, so you’ll want to plan accordingly and build some time into your wedding day timeline.  While your finishing touches are being applied, your photographer can capture your wedding day details like the dress, shoes, jewelry, and other items.

3. Have items to be photographed available.

Your wedding day is a flurry of activity, so planning in advance for the items you want photographed is essential.  It’s common to capture photos of thebride’s bouquet, jewelry, shoes, dress, handkerchiefs, invitation, something old, new, borrowed and blue  and other personal items.  The groom’s cufflinks, pocket watch, boutonniere and attire is also commonly photographed.  Any items you will give to your parents or bridal party attendant gifts are also photographed during this time.  It’s easier for you and the photographer if your getting-ready items are available and not tucked away in bags or left at another location.

4. Let the subjects know they are needed. 

When you have decided what images are to be captured during this time, let the subjects know.  It is common to get pictures of the you and your attendants, each of you with your parents and other important family members (such as siblings) during your pre-ceremony time.  It’s not uncommon for family members to begin visiting guests or attending to other issues.  Letting them know in advance that they will be needed for a few photos, keeps everyone on the same page.

5. First Look.

More couples are choosing to meet in private before the ceremony, allowing for some beautiful and intimatephotography and videography to be captured. It can be a private event for the couple or shared with close friends and family. This time is a low pressure, yet highly emotional, way to spend a few special moments as a couple before walking down the aisle. If your wedding day timeline is tight a first look session can allow you to create amazing images, without sacrificing time with your guests. Most often, the groom is positioned so that his back is to his bride.  Your photographer and videographer can then capture your approach to the groom and the moment when he gets the first look.  Another twist is to have the bride positioned on one side of a door way and open the doors for the reveal.  Some couples opt to keep the first look at the ceremony location by positioning the groom at the end of the aisle with his back to the bride as she approaches.  If you wish to involve close family or friends, they can be seated in the pews for this approach.

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Winter Weddings

Summer weddings remain the most popular, but winter wedding dates are gaining.  Here are some of the top reasons for their surge in popularity:

Wedding colors pop against the stark background.  The soft pastels of spring and the color blasts of summer give way to jewel tones, black and white themes and reds.  Winter wedding pictures pop against the black, whites and grays of the natural landscape.

Winter whites are the perfect setting for your photographs. The serenity of a winter day can make you the center of attention. Black and white Ansel Adams prints are popular for a reason – they pull in your focus! Additionally, the snow acts as a reflector, creating a soft glow in your images.

Winter weddings can be a budget saver for many reasons. Many venues and vendors will offer additional discounts when you select a winter wedding date. Many ceremony locations and venues will also be dressed for the holidays, allowing you to enhance already existing decorations – requiring less wedding budget too. Candlelight twinkle adds to the nostalgic feeling experienced during the winter and make for some inexpensive wedding reception centerpieces.

Winter weddings are often smaller, more intimate affairs. Some people are reluctant to travel during the holiday season. If you were looking for an easy way to pare down your guest list, the holidays can become a great way not to extend invitations to out of town or distant relations.

It is a reprieve from the winter blues. Everyone needs something to look forward to during the winter so having awedding during this time makes it the social event of the season.  Knowing the weather is chilly back home adds to the enjoyment of a tropical honeymoon too!

Click here to start planning your winter wedding.

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Bouquet Toss Songs

The tradition of the bride tossing her bouquet to the single ladies at her wedding reception is often a favorite moment at the reception.  In recent years, however, the popularity of this event has begun to wane.  Here are some pros and cons to the wedding reception bouquet toss:

Pros of hosting a bouquet toss

1. It’s Tradition.

Some in attendance are waiting for this moment during your reception.  The bouquet toss is a benchmark for older generation.  When a tradition is observed, their expectation is fulfilled and a certain comfort level borne of familiarity is reached.

2. Guests get involved.

If plenty of singles are at your party, the event generates suspense for your wedding guests.  If some of the singles are well-mannered but rowdy friends, you can expect great enjoyment and fun.  Hosting the toss in the midst of your dance party is a great way to get singles to meet on the dance floor.  All guests want to feel the thrill of the moment, and a great Master of Ceremonies will include married couples in the event, too.  Professional DJs draw on their experience and follow simple techniques that engage your guests and elevate the excitement of your reception’s most memorable moments.

3. Great photo and video opportunities are made.

You can expect great shots of your friends wearing spontaneous smiles and their Sunday best.  The camera will capture their laughter and looks of surprise, embarrassment and goofiness, as they carry out the traditions of the bouquet toss.

4. Bouquet tosses can be fun.

If the singles at your reception are in the spirit of the moment, then these rituals that bring people together will be fun and exciting for you and your guests.

Cons of hosting a bouquet and garter toss

1. Many guests may not want to participate.

It’s customary for the Bride to help gather the singles in attendance and invite them to get involved in the bouquet toss.  If singles are reluctant to participate, but go along to be polite to the Bride, the events won’t be fun for them and may make them uncomfortable, a feeling which is sure to spread among the guests watching them.

2. There’s less party time.

If your dance floor is rockin’, why screech the party to a halt? Even small traditions, like the bouquet toss, take a little time to organize.  You can expect to spend 10 to 12 minutes gathering the participants, and watching rowdier singles prolong their moments in the spotlight.  While others are distracted, guests who aren’t caught up in the moment may take this opportunity to leave.

3. Do you really want a picture of this?

Since the bouquet and garter toss are mostly staged events, we all know what to expect, with certain variations on the old theme.

4. Some guests may act inappropriately.

Why take the chance of subjecting your guests to potentially ill-advised and outlandish actions?

Bouquet Toss Songs

If you choose to have a bouquet toss at your wedding reception, you’ll want your wedding DJ to set the mood with the right song.  Here are a few popular choices.

“Single Ladies” – Beyonce

“Just A Girl” – No Doubt

“This One’s For The Girls” – Martina McBride

“Oh, Pretty Woman” – Roy Orbison

“Material Girl” – Madonna

“Jump” – Van Halen

“Wannabe” – Spice Girls

“Teenage Dream” – Katy Perry

“Don’t Cha” – Pussycat Dolls

“Where My Girls At” – 702

“Short Skirt, Long Jacket” – Cake

“American Woman” – Lenny Kravitz

“Man, I Feel Like A Woman” – Shania Twain

“She’s A Lady” – Tom Jones

“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper

“Hey Ladies” – Beastie Boys

“One Way Or Another” – Blondie

“Ladies Night” – Kool & The Gang

“Whatta Man” – Salt-NPepa

“Wishin’ & Hopin’” – Dusty Springfield

“You Sexy Thing” – Hot Chocolate

“Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend” – Marilyn Monroe/Moulin Rouge

“Wild Thing” – Tone Loc

 Will you toss the bouquet at your wedding reception?

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Holiday Advice For Newlyweds

The holiday schedule of shopping, parties and more can be stressful already, but when you add in wedding planning or deciding where to spend your first Christmas, they can be downright awful.  Follow these tips to help keep the holidays happy.

Decide as a couple.  Before you were engaged (or married) you probably had family traditions you participated in each year, but so did your fiancé.  Decide as a couple what events you will attend before either of you commit to family events.  If you will have to decline an invitation, be sure to say “we are sorry we will not attend” so that the other doesn’t shoulder the blame for the change.

Be united.  When we are single, our priorities are to our individual families.  Once we commit to someone else, they are now our priority.  Sometimes that change is a difficult adjustment for parents.  You may have to gently remind others that this is now the case.

Be respectful. Your in-laws are your family now too.  It’s not just your spouse’s responsibility to honor and maintain the relationships.  Your in-laws want to include you in their family plans – say yes as often as you can.

Get the facts.  Before you set off on your holiday debut with the in-laws (or soon to be in-laws), you want to make sure you ask your significant other for the inside details in the family. At this stage in your relationship you probably know the basics, but dig a little deeper so conversation comes easily, you don’t really want to be dealing with those awkward silences.  Ask about any traditions, personalities, dos and don’ts.  The holiday is not the time to bring up politics, social issues or other touchy subjects.  It’s helpful if you are aware of any particularly painful family dynamics.  If possible, save big wedding budget or planning discussions until after the holidays when everyone is less stressed

A gift to share.  Once you’re caught up in the family gossip, you’ll want to ask your better half for help finding your hostess a gift, preferably one the entire family can enjoy or a dish to pass. Assorted gift baskets with wines to share, goodies from your home town, or a skin care basket are always a favorite and will ensure that you start off on the right foot.

Practice grace.  Anytime you have a collection of people, there are bound to be a few hurt feelings or misunderstandings.  When you notice you may have disappointed someone, ask for forgiveness.  If you feel slighted, practice grace and forgiveness quickly.  Resist the temptation to keep a list of wrongs.  This is your new family, don’t start your lives together in bitterness.

P’s and Q’s.  Just because you feel like family this holiday season doesn’t mean your manners should. Remember the basics: Always say please and thank you, offer to help whenever possible, try to get up a littler earlier then usual to participate in any family outings, and keep your space neat! This includes making your bed or the couch in the morning and not hogging the bathroom.  If family is staying with you, be patient when they help.  They may not do things just the way you would want them, but they are trying to please you.

Bonding.  You’ve covered the basics with manners and gifts, but now is the time to jump in with two feet. They’ll notice your effort and appreciate the extra helping hand, but they’ll grow to love you even more when you join in the annual family Scrabble tournament, tossing the football, or going on an outing.

Goodbyes.  Love it or hate, the celebration will come to an end. Don’t forget to thank your hosts and tell them how you had such an amazing time. Be sure to send a thank you note in the mail when you get back home.  The added thanks and praise will remind them how much they loved having you.

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Planning Your Cocktail Hour

Your wedding cocktail hour is an event that is for your guests comfort and convenience.  Many couples do not attend their cocktail hour as they are often photographing their Romantics session or want to make their first appearance during their grand entrance.  Your guests will spend that hour visiting with each other and nibbling on hors d’oeuvres and sipping on drinks.  Here are a few tips to make sure they enjoy it:

Create Ambience

After your ceremony, your guests next step on your big day is the cocktail hour.  If your venue has the option of a separate space, this will allow your reception area to still have it’s own unveiling.  Many venues will offer you a terrace, lobby or separate room for the cocktail hour.  Regardless of where it will be, make sure that the layout of your cocktail reception is easily accessible, offers a few seating areas or tall tables to set glasses or empty dishes.  Low tables with chairs along the exterior and high tables in the middle create an inviting atmosphere.

Decor

Provide your budget some relief by keeping the decor minimal during the cocktail hour.  Guests will be busy greeting one another, not paying attention to your decor.  A few small flower arrangements and low candles are all that you need.

Bar Service

If possible, offer guests a drink as they enter the cocktail reception.  This will help to minimize bar crowding.  Servers can offer wine, champagne or your signature cocktail.  Avoid placing a drink station near the entrance or guests may feel crowded as they enter the area.

It is not necessary to offer a full bar during cocktail hour.  Craft beers, white wine, red wine and non-alcoholic offerings are sufficient and budget friendly.  In general, guests will have two drinks during the hour.  To avoid service delays, it is best to have one bartender per 100 attendees.

Food Service

Cocktail hour is not meant to be a mini dinner.  Vegetables, cheeses and a few finger foods are plenty during this time.  If possible, avoid items requiring forks and knives unless you have ample seating and tables for guests to sit.  A few servers passing hors d’oeuvres and a small area where guests can serve themselves is a convenient option for your guests .

Set The Mood With Music

The cocktail hour is a great time to play some of your favorite songs.  While it may be “normal” to play light jazz or standards, there is no rule that you must follow.  If you love acoustic artists, they make a great soundtrack to the mingling of your guests.  If you’re hoping to have a fun wedding reception, you can start the evening off with favorites from the 80s.  Anything goes for your cocktail hour.

Contact us at 248-689-0777 or email us to start planning your wedding reception.

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