Articles

Great Advice for Wedding Planning

Event of the Year

by Ivette Manners

One Fine Day Photographers

10 TRENDS THAT'LL MAKE YOUR WEDDING ONE-OF-A-KIND

No matter what type of wedding you're planning, we know that you'll want it to be extraordinary and timeless; but even trendy concepts and contemporary elements can make your fete a unique classic. Couples are focusing more on details and style rather than themes to set their grand affair apart. Here are ten of the best trends that will helpyou plan a personalized and unforgettable bash.

1. BREATHTAKING CANOPIES

One of the biggest trends in weddings is actually the return to tradition; and as traditional nuptials are favored again, romantic settings for the ceremony are becoming a highlight of the event. The happy couple framed by gossamer-like fabric, bursts of flowers, or enchanting lanterns as they exchange their vows makes for dreamy photos. Customize your ceremony and keep your guests engaged in the meaningful moment with a tulle-draped arch, garland-wrapped altar, or flower-adorned chuppah. A decorated canopy works for both indoor and outdoor affairs and lends to dozens of options and ideas. You can keep it simple- with a basic structure fringed with cascading flowers or ribbons- or go all out, by including elegant floral structures or a chandelier. Either way, make it the focal point of your ceremony, which will set the mood for you and your guests to feel the excitement of the day.

2. LUSH DÉCOR

There's a major boom in wedding floral decor with more brides no longer skimping on their flowers. Delicate blooms like roses, lilies, and peonies are still the popular petals of choice for dressing up aisles, altars, and tables; but now lush natural greenery is also being worked into the design. Compact flower displays are out and soft presentations are in - think enchanting arrangements suspended over banquet-style dining tables, elevated tablescapes, and whimsical chandeliers made out of flowers or greenery. "Little details like a mini flower arrangement or sprig of greenery attached to a handwritten name makes for a charming place card adornment on each napkin and finishes the table design beautifully," says Lindsey Relyea Richardson, owner and creative director of L'Relyea Events.

 3. LOTS OF TEXTURE

Mixing metals and textured elements with lush flora is the new way to add dimension and glamour to wedding decor. Incorporating unique flatware, decorated glasses, and stylish serving platters steps up your table design and helps showcase place cards, menus, and signs. "Bountiful green foliage alongside beautiful textured elements like vintage sterling silver flatware and crystal glassware creates a romantic look," says Relyea Richardson. 

4. ROSE-GOLD DÉCOR

Rose gold details are the latest accessory for brides- not just to enhance their dress, but also to adorn their event, says Sarah Finlayson-Banasiak, chief creative officer of The Revel Group. Pink-toned metallic touches- from tabletop pieces and chairs to desserts and favors- add warmth and glimmer throughout an event's design. This glitzy look is more subtle and sophisticated than the previously favored high -drama sparkle; and because this lustrous hue complements almost any color palette it's easy to incorporate. Be creative and accent your affair with surprising details like foil -pressed invitations, shimmery dinner napkins, and rose-gold dusted petit fours.

 5. LIVELIER COLORS

While blush and white will always be beloved wedding hues; and neutral palettes of delicate greys and earth tones are still in vogue, a more colorful palette with soft shades like Robin's egg blue, icy lemonade yellow, and misty pink are becoming big bridal requests. Brides are also choosing stronger hues of blue, green, and red for their wedding decor. "The infusion of these new bridal color choices has brought a fresh spin on wedding decor and opened many different possibilities for ideas," says Jacin Fitzgerald, owner and creative director of Jacin Fitzgerald Events. "Brides are now looking to their favorite colors, home decor, and fashion for inspiration rather than other couples' weddings to come up with their color scheme."

 6. LASER-CUT DETAILS

Laser-cut embellishments evoke the look of lace, so no wonder it's currently all the rage for weddings. Depending on how you incorporate the intricate cutout details, it can make your event classic and tailored or modern and fun; and because it's so versa tile you can work it into almost every element of your wedding design. Some great ways to use laser-cut details throughout your event are in your invitations, table numbers, menus, aisle runner, place cards, candleholders, and even the icing on the cake.

7. BRUNCH WEDDING RECEPTIONS

Couples today are always thinking of creative ways to plan inviting, intimate dining settings for their wedding, and what could be more delightful and exclusive than a cocktail-filled brunch reception? Brunch receptions, usually held between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, are rivaling dinner affairs, especially since they let brides play with festive menu offerings that include rose wines and champagne, gourmet breakfast-food passed hors d'oeuvres, and decadent dessert buffets. Keep the look of the event formal by using fine china, lots of flowers, and classy signature drinks; and the atmosphere mellow with soft music and a pretty lounge space.

 8. SMALL CAKES

Tall, over-the-top wedding cakes have long gone the way of the trademark three-layer bridal confection, and now displaying a pretty petite cake with an array of desserts is chic. Couples are loving the idea of serving several small cakes or displaying just one with a variety of cookies, candies, and pastries. You can also choose to serve mini individual cakes to each guest, which makes for a gorgeous presentation and just the right amount of dessert. 

9. COUPLE'S MONTAGE

All of your guests will want to know how you and your groom met and how he proposed, and of course you're happy to tell all. Instead of a long video of baby photos and milestones in each of your lives, amuse your guests with a professionally done video that artfully narrates how you fell in love. Couples are also working with their photographers and videographers to incorporate an engagement photo or video session in the montage, which makes the presentation even more special.  

10. VIDEO BOOTHS AND PHOTO VIGNETTES  

The photo booth has become a popular staple at almost every wedding, offering entertainment for the guests, time for socializing, and a memorable keepsake for the bride and groom. As with all great ideas, they can always be made better. Photo booths have given way to the video booth, which also comes complete with props so that guests can record messages for the newlyweds. The next big thing in wedding photo ops is actually an old idea- a vignette set up for the guests, bridal party, and couple to take portrait-type photos. Style a vignette or set up a fun kissing booth that'll coordinate with your wedding's decor and vibe. Even trendy details can be meaningful and enduring; as long as you choose elements that reflect your personalities and tell your love story, you'll wow your guests and design a truly extraordinary day.

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10 TRENDS THAT'LL MAKE YOUR WEDDING ONE-OF-A-KIND

No matter what type of wedding you're planning, we know that you'll want it to be extraordinary and timeless; but even trendy concepts and contemporary elements can make your fete a unique classic. Couples are focusing more on details and style rather than themes to set their grand affair apart. Here are ten of the best trends that will helpyou plan a personalized and unforgettable bash.

1. BREATHTAKING CANOPIES

One of the biggest trends in weddings is actually the return to tradition; and as traditional nuptials are favored again, romantic settings for the ceremony are becoming a highlight of the event. The happy couple framed by gossamer-like fabric, bursts of flowers, or enchanting lanterns as they exchange their vows makes for dreamy photos. Customize your ceremony and keep your guests engaged in the meaningful moment with a tulle-draped arch, garland-wrapped altar, or flower-adorned chuppah. A decorated canopy works for both indoor and outdoor affairs and lends to dozens of options and ideas. You can keep it simple- with a basic structure fringed with cascading flowers or ribbons- or go all out, by including elegant floral structures or a chandelier. Either way, make it the focal point of your ceremony, which will set the mood for you and your guests to feel the excitement of the day.

2. LUSH DÉCOR

There's a major boom in wedding floral decor with more brides no longer skimping on their flowers. Delicate blooms like roses, lilies, and peonies are still the popular petals of choice for dressing up aisles, altars, and tables; but now lush natural greenery is also being worked into the design. Compact flower displays are out and soft presentations are in - think enchanting arrangements suspended over banquet-style dining tables, elevated tablescapes, and whimsical chandeliers made out of flowers or greenery. "Little details like a mini flower arrangement or sprig of greenery attached to a handwritten name tag, makes for a charming place card adornment on each napkin and finishes the table design beautifully," says Lindsey Relyea Richardson, owner and creative director of L'Relyea Events.

 3. LOTS OF TEXTURE

Mixing metals and textured elements with lush flora is the new way to add dimension and glamour to wedding decor. Incorporating unique flatware, decorated glasses, and stylish serving platters steps up your table design and helps showcase place cards, menus, and signs. "Bountiful green foliage alongside beautiful textured elements like vintage sterling silver flatware and crystal glassware creates a romantic look," says Relyea Richardson. 

4. ROSE-GOLD DÉCOR

Rose gold details are the latest accessory for brides- not just to enhance their dress, but also to adorn their event, says Sarah Finlayson-Banasiak, chief creative officer of The Revel Group. Pink-toned metallic touches- from tabletop pieces and chairs to desserts and favors- add warmth and glimmer throughout an event's design. This glitzy look is more subtle and sophisticated than the previously favored high -drama sparkle; and because this lustrous hue complements almost any color palette it's easy to incorporate. Be creative and accent your affair with surprising details like foil -pressed invitations, shimmery dinner napkins, and rose-gold dusted petit fours.

 5. LIVELIER COLORS

While blush and white will always be beloved wedding hues; and neutral palettes of delicate greys and earth tones are still in vogue, a more colorful palette with soft shades like Robin's egg blue, icy lemonade yellow, and misty pink are becoming big bridal requests. Brides are also choosing stronger hues of blue, green, and red for their wedding decor. "The infusion of these new bridal color choices has brought a fresh spin on wedding decor and opened many different possibilities for ideas," says Jacin Fitzgerald, owner and creative director of Jacin Fitzgerald Events. "Brides are now looking to their favorite colors, home decor, and fashion for inspiration rather than other couples' weddings to come up with their color scheme."

 6. LASER-CUT DETAILS

Laser-cut embellishments evoke the look of lace, so no wonder it's currently all the rage for weddings. Depending on how you incorporate the intricate cutout details, it can make your event classic and tailored or modern and fun; and because it's so versa tile you can work it into almost every element of your wedding design. Some great ways to use laser-cut details throughout your event are in your invitations, table numbers, menus, aisle runner, place cards, candleholders, and even the icing on the cake.

7. BRUNCH WEDDING RECEPTIONS

Couples today are always thinking of creative ways to plan inviting, intimate dining settings for their wedding, and what could be more delightful and exclusive than a cocktail-filled brunch reception? Brunch receptions, usually held between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, are rivaling dinner affairs, especially since they let brides play with festive menu offerings that include rose wines and champagne, gourmet breakfast-food passed hors d'oeuvres, and decadent dessert buffets. Keep the look of the event formal by using fine china, lots of flowers, and classy signature drinks; and the atmosphere mellow with soft music and a pretty lounge space.

 8. SMALL CAKES

Tall, over-the-top wedding cakes have long gone the way of the trademark three-layer bridal confection, and now displaying a pretty petite cake with an array of desserts is chic. Couples are loving the idea of serving several small cakes or displaying just one with a variety of cookies, candies, and pastries. You can also choose to serve mini individual cakes to each guest, which makes for a gorgeous presentation and just the right amount of dessert. 

9. COUPLE'S MONTAGE

All of your guests will want to know how you and your groom met and how he proposed, and of course you're happy to tell all. Instead of a long video of baby photos and milestones in each of your lives, amuse your guests with a professionally done video that artfully narrates how you fell in love. Couples are also working with their photographers and videographers to incorporate an engagement photo or video session in the montage, which makes the presentation even more special.  

10. VIDEO BOOTHS AND PHOTO VIGNETTES  

The photo booth has become a popular staple at almost every wedding, offering entertainment for the guests, time for socializing, and a memorable keepsake for the bride and groom. As with all great ideas, they can always be made better. Photo booths have given way to the video booth, which also comes complete with props so that guests can record messages for the newlyweds. The next big thing in wedding photo ops is actually an old idea- a vignette set up for the guests, bridal party, and couple to take portrait-type photos. Style a vignette or set up a fun kissing booth that'll coordinate with your wedding's decor and vibe. Even trendy details can be meaningful and enduring; as long as you choose elements that reflect your personalities and tell your love story, you'll wow your guests and design a truly extraordinary day.

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