Showing posts with label 2013 wedding trends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013 wedding trends. Show all posts

Saturday, January 4, 2014

What to Wear to an Engagement Shoot

One of the best parts of getting engaged - besides having found someone special to love! - is doing an engagement photo shoot. You usually get to do these before the real stress of wedding planning takes over. But what should you wear? What things should you take in to consideration?

I found a great article on the Jonathon Ivy blog - it gives you some wonderful advice and things to think about to get the best out of your photos.

Click here to read the full article.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Five 2013 Wedding Trends We Loved (And Want To See In 2014)






Good morning Missies! I hope you are sufficiently stuffed and enjoying the festive holidays! With 2014 almost within touching distance, and maybe your wedding just around the corner, I'm taking a look at five 2013 wedding trends that I would like to see stick around into 2014.



1. Floral crowns

Never underestimate the power a simple floral crown and glowing locks on your wedding day. This is one trend we are happy to continue to see!


2. Back detailed wedding gowns

When you choose a wedding gown with lots of detail on the back not only are you obviously up on the latest bridal trends, but you’re giving your guests something interesting to look at during your ceremony. We’re excited to see which designers continue to bring this trend into 2014.



3. Outdoor ceremonies by the sea

In other words, Mr. Weather Man,  we need another blissful, balmy summer! We hope 2014 brings the sun and lots more of these stunning seaside wedding ceremonies.



4. Eco-friendly brides

We are all for helping the environment and using and reusing bits and pieces from your wedding day. This trend should really be a way of life for all of us, getting married or not! Stay tuned to find out how to throw a gorgeous green wedding.


5. DIY weddings

We’ve been so impressed by some of the DIY brides we’ve seen in 2013,  we really have high expectations for the coming year. What better way to add your personality to your wedding day that by giving it a go yourself!

Are there any trends you hope to see again once the New Year bells chime? And which trends would you rather were thrown out with the leftover turkey? Let me know with a comment below!

Saturday, November 23, 2013

10 Wedding Invitation Etiquette Mistakes To Avoid

10 Wedding Invitation Etiquette Mistakes To Avoid

1. Forgetting to print “Please RSVP by ….” on your invites. Admittedly up to thirty percent of your wedding invite list may forget to RSVP, but don’t be an enabler. Put a date on the card so that when you call them you can say that they should have known better.

2. Neglecting save the date cards if you have a good reason to send them. For instance, say that you are scheduling your wedding the week of Christmas or new years or Easter. If you don’t send your cards out WELL in advance you can plan on many of your close friends and family getting stuck caught between plans. Or if your wedding is coming up fast and you are in the time period to send invites, but you don’t have the details ready, you can send the cards out so that people at least get the date on their calendars.

3. Never list any gift registries on your invitation itself. Save that for personal correspondences and your website, or include a second, smaller card in with your invitation. It seems needy.

4. It is impolite to invite anyone to a pre-wedding event that you will not invite to the wedding. There are some exceptions, such as if a religious or school or work group decides to host a celebration for you—but even then they must invite you, not the other way around. You shouldn’t expect someone to come to your shower and give you a gift if you don’t expect to return the favor.

5. Never forget to weight and measure your wedding stationery so that you are absolutely sure about the correct postage. Getting 400 invites back in the mail can ruin your day and a lot of wedding stationery is deceptively heavy.

6. If you don’t want kids at your wedding, make sure to say so. Write the number of individuals allowed for each recipient or put a small, ‘please no children’ note. Just be consistent.

7. Don’t be late! Invitations should be sent out six to eight weeks before the wedding. The RSVP date should be four weeks before the wedding date.

8. Don’t go freestyle. Wedding invitation wording is highly formalized, with distinct rules that change depending on who is paying for the wedding, whether the location is religious or secular, if families are blended… Check with an expert and be sure.

9. Match styles across all your wedding stationery. You can get kits or simply stick with one color scheme, but consistency is good and makes your wedding seem much more formal and well-planned.

10. Don’t play it by ear! Have a master list that you can use to check off for each recipient for each piece of stationery as needed. It will make your life infinitely better—and back it up.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Wedding Trends: Colored Suits

When it comes to options in wedding attire, grooms seem to get the short end of the stick with few color options available to them beyond black, grey, and navy; that is, of course, until now and the sudden advent of the brightly colored suit. While we’ll never tire of the classic black tuxedo, we love seeing grooms up their fashion game and add pops of color and personality to their wedding garb.
For guys looking to step outside the box, but not too far, a blue suit is a great place to start. Everyone loves (and looks good in) blue and it’s just bold enough to be interesting without being too in your face.
 Jewel tones are hot for weddings right now, making purples, greens, and reds, all excellent on-trend color choices.
 To see more, click here

Monday, November 18, 2013

Festive Christmas Wedding Ideas

Christmas brings out my wildest wedding fantasies. I'm drawn to its technicolor lights, grand sense of tradition and elaborate ornamentation. Above all, the holiday spirit of togetherness magnifies what's already supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life.

These amazing photos from real weddings submissions really speak for themselves. Enjoy—consider them a gift from us to you. Good luck to all of our holiday brides!

Bridal Looks

Dramatic lashes, scarlet lips, and a high neckline with just the right amount of skin (keyhole backs are on-trend for 2013): This bride pulls it all off effortlessly.



 Float down the aisle in a gown with textured tiers that are light as snow.

 A gilded gown with intricate embroidery is a regal choice for Christmastime brides.

 It's hard to say what caught our attention first—the ruched bodice-embellished skirt combo or those unexpected pine cones! I call a tie.

Put the finishing touch on your gown with a ribbon belt featuring clusters of crystals.

 Or, if you prefer a more understated look, consider this chic floral sash. The silver beads give it extra flair.


According to ancient folklore, the Druids regarded holly as a sacred plant and believed it had magical powers of protection. What better plant to include in your groom's boutonniere?

To see the rest of this article, visit http://www.bridalguide.com/blogs/real-brides-speak-out/christmas-wedding-ideas

Thursday, November 7, 2013

STYLE CHAT: From Beading to Lace, You’ll Commit to These 6 Chic Bridal Trends!

Finding the perfect wedding dress is one of the most important decisions a fashionista will make, so it’s important to go in with a plan so that you can find the gown that fits your personality and needs.

Bridal expert Carine Krawiec, who owns Carine’s Bridal Atelier in D.C., knows her way around a wedding gown — to say the least — and has dropped by CocoaFab to share her tips for finding THE dress and reveals the six top of-the-moment fashion trends in bridal for 2014.

Keep reading for her tips and then scroll through the gallery to check out some of the chicest gowns around.

1) Location, location, location.  Each venue can change what style of gown you will wear.

2) Keep an open mind.  Select a few gowns that you thought you’d never wear. You never know, it could be the one!

3) Mind the company you keep.  Bring people to your appointment whose opinion you value and who will bring positive energy.

4) Don’t forget the budget. Know what you want to spend because if you fall in love with a gown that’s out of your budget, it can really break your heart.

5) Don’t get overwhelmed. Remember, this is the fun part! Enjoy every minute if it.



New season, new hues

"Following the lead from trends set during the Haute Couture Fall 2013 season, bridal collections are showcasing nudes, blushes and greys for brides. Monique Lhuillier’s rose gold embroidery mixed with layers of blush tulle is a good example of the trend, as is Zuhair Murad’s stunning flower-encrusted nude gown, seen here. The soft tones will make it easier for brides to step away from traditional white and ivory without making them regret their decision years down the road."





Raising the hemline

"I'm frequently asked, 'Do you know where I can buy a short white dress?' After this season, they will be easy to find. Designers like Jenny Lee, seen here, created short dresses for all parts of a wedding celebration, including engagement parties, bridal showers, receptions and rehearsal dinners. Carolina Herrera’s Fall 2014 line consisted entirely of tea-length and cocktail dresses. Marchesa added a few short dresses to their line, including one of my favorites: a strapless lace with cascading flower details. Brides will have a huge selection this season to find a short dress perfect for the occasion."





Make an exit

"Making an entrance is important for a bride, but this season is all about the exit, as designers focus on creating unforgettable back details. In past seasons, key hole backs were the standard, yet this season, designers are focused on incorporating an art nouveau touch. Miami-based designer Liancarlo created an irresistible re-embroidered chantilly lace low-back gown, and Toronto-based designer Rivini played with soft finishes of lace to decorate the curves of a bride's back. The Monique Lhuillier gown seen here has a beautifully-constructed back."



Lacy arm candy

"Lace sleeves will be trickling down the arms of brides this season. These sleeves are filled with chantilly lace, feather stitching and re-embroidered lace. Designers created unique patterns, playing with the layout of the fabric. Monique Lhuillier create a basket weave shoulder detail, seen on the gown here, and Marchesa constructed flower garden sleeves. Every bride has the option of choosing a traditional look with a new modern lace twist."








Plunging V necklines

"A trend seen on the runways that echoed in the bridal Fall 2014 shows are V necklines, which became a staple in almost all the collections this season. Rita Vinieris, designer for Rivini, introduced this neckline for the first time in a few of her gowns. Marchesa also playfully added V-necks to their romantic bridal collection. Temperley London, seen here, created a romantic V-neck embellished with organza flower accents and beading that begins to form floral and leaf patterns."






Beading, beading, beading!

"Bridal gowns in 2014 will light up the night if the beading shown at bridal market is any indication!vTouches of sequins, caviar beads, glass and silver beading graced the Fall 2014 collections.vBeading helps create a romantic and glamorous look, and designers like Liancarlo mixed pearls and beading together to create an icy look on a classic sheath gown. Monique Lhuillier decided to add caviar glass beads to her sheath-like 'Gwyneth' gown. Even the short dress collection by Carolina Herrera, seen here, had jeweled illusion necklines. Beading is in and hopefully it's here to stay!"

Read the full article here: http://cocoafab.com/style-chat-from-beading-to-lace-youll-commit-to-these-6-chic-bridal-trends/?slide=1
New season, new hues

"Following the lead from trends set during the Haute Couture Fall 2013 season, bridal collections are showcasing nudes, blushes and greys for brides. Monique Lhuillier’s rose gold embroidery mixed with layers of blush tulle is a good example of the trend, as is Zuhair Murad’s stunning flower-encrusted nude gown, seen here. The soft tones will make it easier for brides to step away from traditional white and ivory without making them regret their decision years down the road." - See more at: http://cocoafab.com/style-chat-from-beading-to-lace-youll-commit-to-these-6-chic-bridal-trends/?slide=2#sthash.CPRcAcgD.dpuf
New season, new hues

"Following the lead from trends set during the Haute Couture Fall 2013 season, bridal collections are showcasing nudes, blushes and greys for brides. Monique Lhuillier’s rose gold embroidery mixed with layers of blush tulle is a good example of the trend, as is Zuhair Murad’s stunning flower-encrusted nude gown, seen here. The soft tones will make it easier for brides to step away from traditional white and ivory without making them regret their decision years down the road." - See more at: http://cocoafab.com/style-chat-from-beading-to-lace-youll-commit-to-these-6-chic-bridal-trends/?slide=2#sthash.CPRcAcgD.dpuf

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

8 Wedding Trends That Are Still Going Strong

2013 weddings were full of amazing trends, from metallic details to family-style tables to Gatsby glamor. We're getting excited to see what the next year will hold, so we asked wedding professionals from all around the country to predict which ideas will be even more popular in 2014. Check out the growing requests that they're receiving from brides!



1. Camp-style weddings: Weddings at summer camps are popping up more and more because there is ample space to accommodate overnight guests but also multiple venues (all conveniently located on one property) to host different pre- and post-wedding celebrations." Rider Strong of Boy Meets World fame recently got hitched in a camp-style wedding, and so did Matthew McConaughey.



2. The English garden look: Michelle Hoffner of Paper Antler photography is seeing a switch to more "locally grown wildflower bouquets" than traditional florist bouquets. Some brides are even including bouquet-making as a wedding weekend event!




3. Custom Wedding Invitations: Whether it is tweeking the colors so they match your fabulous scheme or getting a custom monogram designed specially for you - having the artist involved helps you make your special day even more special.



4. Shabby-chic seating: Jeni Maus of Found Vintage Rentals is receiving a lot of inquiries for mix-and-match furniture. She thinks "mixing couches, upholstered chairs and pews for the ceremony seating" will be a huge upcoming trend!



5. Non-floral centerpieces: Tabletops are becoming a pure reflection of the couple and not always being covered in florals. I see a table filled with amazing candlesticks and a romantic glow or geometric shapes and pops of color.



6. Bold-is-better lipstick: Danika Lamb of Artistry By Danika thinks brides in 2014 are going to continue "showcasing more ‘pops’ of color on their lips. Adding a bold lip that is still feminine and pretty is a fun change from the typical ‘bridal’ look."



7. Dramatic, short veils: Many makeup artists are getting a lot more requests these days for "voluminous bubble veils with a lot of height!" They’ll be sure to make more appearances in 2014 weddings.



8. Patterned robes for primping: Many are seeing more attention being paid to the "getting ready" outfits that bridal parties are wearing to be photographed pre-wedding. They’re predicting to "see more bridal parties in matching patterns in the coming year."

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Uplighting to Its Popular Wedding Packages



After popular client demand, Amplify Entertainment owner Nate Long announced today that his wedding DJ company now offers custom monogram lighting and uplighting. Couples interested in the new products can check for availability at AmplifyMyEvent.com.

"We're excited to take our clients' weddings to the next level," said Long. "We're all about making each of our weddings unique to our clients and their personalities. Our custom monogram lighting and uplighting helps us with that goal."

Long says that unlike monogram lighting options offered by others, his company's are fully customizable and Long himself designs them from scratch. Many companies use pre-defined templates that aren't as customizable and offer only limited font and design options.

"We actually pulled a full-color sunflower design from a couple's wedding invitation and were able to display it on the back wall of the wedding venue for all guests to see when they sat down for dinner," said Long. "Our clients received lots of compliments from their guests."

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1548076#ixzz2iqBeBsgI

Friday, November 1, 2013

Top 10 most expensive wedding costs



The season of "I do" is upon us, and couples everywhere are gearing up to seal the deal -- romantically and financially.

According to online wedding planning resource TheKnot.com, the average amount spent on weddings, excluding honeymoons, in 2012 was $28,427. But is that realistic?

"You have some couples that will book celebrity-status bands for their wedding ... then you'll have couples who will want to do nothing more than just cover a space in flowers," says Anja Winikka, site editor for TheKnot.com.

Using TheKnot's data from 2009 to 2012, Bankrate crunched the numbers and found that although wedding budgets were hit by the U.S. economic downturn, couples managed to hand over hefty change for their big day. Here, in order from most to least expensive, are the top 10 categories in which couples spared no expense for jumping the broom.

    Average cost in 2012: $12,095
    Average cost in 2009: $12,838
    Percentage change: -5.79 percent

With the average reception hall cost topping $12,000, frugal brides can find many places to trim costs.

Rather than outfitting the tables at your reception with expensive linens, use your tabletops to illustrate memories with large photo prints, says Richard O'Malley, a New York-based wedding and event planner.

"You get to actually see the couple through their lives on each table where everyone is sitting. Instead of spending $100 or more a tablecloth, you can actually get a personal thing that if you wanted, you could take home and do something with at some point."

Read the full article here: http://www.bankrate.com/lite/smart-spending/top-10-most-expensive-wedding-costs-2.aspx

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Winter White and Blue Wedding


This beautiful and elegant winter design, called Winter White and Blue Wedding, has a beautiful off-white or light cream background. On the invitation, there is a blue band with a silver white snowflake graphic towards the top. Coordinating items have the snowflake or a fiddle or violin graphic. The back of the envelopes have a leaping filigree reindeer. This set has invitations, save the date cards, response cards, thank you cards, table number tent cards, envelope seals, wine labels, binders, return address labels, a reception wall decor, and much more available. Use the envelope seal stickers for any of your DIY gifts - these are available in both large and small sizes!



For matching items in this set **CLICK HERE**.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Winter Branches in Black White and Grey Wedding


Celebrate your special day with this beautiful winter themed set. The background is a white to black gradient with white and grey winter tree branches. In the center is a text box in grey with white and black borders with a snowflake at the top. Each wedding suite piece in this set coordinates but doesn't match exactly. This set has invitations, save the date cards, response cards, thank you cards, table number tent cards, envelope seals, wine labels, binders, and return address labels available. Use the envelope seal stickers for any of your DIY gifts - these are available in both large and small sizes!



For matching items in this set **CLICK HERE**.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Winter Blue and White Snowflakes Wedding


This beautiful and elegant design, called Winter Blue and White Snowflakes Wedding, has a blue background. There are white snowflakes that make an offset border at the top and bottom. A unique theme for your winter wedding or event. Incredibly elegant and fit for a royal. This set has invitations, save the date cards, response cards, thank you cards, table number tent cards, envelope seals, wine labels, binders, and return address labels available. Use the envelope seal stickers for any of your DIY gifts - these are available in both large and small sizes!



For matching items in this set **CLICK HERE**.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

White Snowflakes on Silver Wedding


A pretty invitation that is perfect for a winter wedding. This invitation set has a silver background with a splattering of small white snowflakes and glitter snow. On the left side are three thin red lines that remind us of a candy cane stripe. In the center there is a large white snowflake faded behind your customizable text. This set has invitations, save the date cards, response cards, thank you cards, table number tent cards, and envelope seals available.



For matching items in this set **CLICK HERE**.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Sugar Plum Tree and Snowflake in Purple


This pretty design called Sugar Plum Tree and Snowflakes in Purple, is perfect for your winter wedding. The background is a winter white with purple and lavender snowflakes. At the bottom is a purple ribbon and to the upper left is a modern Christmas tree graphic in purple. This set has invitations, save the date cards, response cards, thank you cards, table number tent cards, envelope seals, wine labels, binders, return address labels and much more available. Use the envelope seal stickers for any of your DIY gifts - these are available in both large and small sizes!


For matching items in this set **CLICK HERE**.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Autumn Wedding Trends Show a Loyalty to Sweet Tradition as the 'Kate Effect' Continues


Images from the Bride Fashion Week show in New York City earlier this month show designers opting for pretty pinks, as well as the traditional whites, ivories and creams, with plenty of ruffles and lace on display.

As the year'13 draws to a close, there are definite signs that wedding dress trends are staying firmly in the elegant, ladylike camp, according to Designer Square. The 'Kate Middleton' effect, that has seen brides across the country opt for flowing lace, and demure dresses seems to still be evident, more than two years after her fairy-tale wedding to Prince William on 29 April 2011.

Images from the Bride Fashion Week Fall 2013 show in New York City earlier this month show designers opting for pretty pinks, as well as the traditional whites, ivories and creams, with plenty of ruffles and lace on display. Many of the dresses have longer sleeves and shoulder coverings, yet even those with halter necks and spaghetti straps have an air of elegant restrain about them.

Vintage style and metallic colours also get a look in, while the colder season is acknowledged with a range of attractive shrugs and wraps - again reminiscent of the Sarah Burton shrug worn by the newly-wed Princess as she left for her evening wedding reception back in 2011.

Itrat Batool of Designer Square said: "It is fascinating to see how the 'Kate bridal effect' has lasted so long after her wedding, and also to watch how the style of this most modern Princess has combined effortlessly with current vintage trends. The result is an elegant, versatile look that every bride will find easy to wear. What's more, it translates into beautiful ideas for mother of the bride outfits, bridesmaids' dresses and also for younger flower girls. I can see this trend lasting well into 2014, if not beyond."
Read more at http://www.wnd.com/market-overview/#i0yCkT39uZwfy3bd.99

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Silver White Snowflake Winter Wedding


This beautiful and elegant design, called Silver White Snowflake Winter Wedding, has a beautiful silver background with a shaded effect. There is a white stripe and snowflake border on either side with an elaborate floral ampersand graphic for the bride and groom names. This would be perfect for your winter or Christmas theme wedding or event! This set has invitations, save the date cards, response cards, thank you cards, table number tent cards, envelope seals, wine labels, binders, and return address labels available. Use the envelope seal stickers for any of your DIY gifts - these are available in both large and small sizes!


For matching items in this set **CLICK HERE**.

Monday, October 14, 2013

11 Wedding Trends on the Decline



It’s no secret that wedding trends come and go, and today’s modern bride is always searching for new, now, and next. Some trends are going out the window completely, while others are simply evolving with fresh twists on old traditions. Here is a list of 11 wedding trends on the decline.

1. Double-Sided Buffets: Many couples are hesitant about buffets to begin with, desiring the more elegant approach of a plated meal. Double-sided buffets may speed up traditional buffet service, but they do take up additional reception floor space because they have to be pulled away from the walls. This can encroach on space that couples could otherwise use to set up unique reception elements, such as a mix of square and round tables or diamond shaped dance floors.

2. Mashed Potato Bars: Who doesn’t love a mashed potato bar, really? This was a tough call, but we are seeing couples mix up their novelty food bars a bit– going with lighter fare, seasonal or regional options, and specialty cuisine (think sushi, yum)!

3. Strangers as Guests: Paring down your guest list to only your closest friends and family will allow you to stretch your budget. Skip the out-of-touch college friends from Facebook, inviting every coworker, or distant relatives– not to mention their dates, some of whom you may not even know. It also allows the couple to spend more time mingling, dancing, and taking photos with their smaller group of guests.

4. Large Bridal Parties: With couples marrying a little later in life, on average, the likelihood of having close siblings, childhood friends, college pals and work buddies to choose from for your bridal party has increased. Large bridal parties can add significantly to wedding expenses such as bouquets, gifts, hair and makeup, etc. They can also potentially make things more hectic on the wedding day, from getting ready to getting down the aisle. We think this is why bridal parties of more than three or four attendants on each side are on the decline.

5. Wildflowers: Here’s a trend that is not fading out entirely, but rather taking on new shapes. With the upshot in the trend towards brunch receptions and garden parties, soft and elegant floral is still in, featuring heartier garden-style cut floral than the daintier field-variety we have seen in recent years.

6. The Dollar Dance: We have received markedly fewer requests for the Dollar Dance at recent weddings. Some find it lighthearted and in good fun, while others find it flat out tacky to dance for a few dollars. As with all elements of your wedding, trendy or not, it’s how you look at it that counts!

7. Cupcakes as Wedding Cakes: Another trend with a twist, cupcakes are still going strong; however, the standard cupcake tower is being replaced by more creative displays, including miniature cakes and additional pastries (see next trend for details)!

8. Wedding Cakes as Lone Desserts: The lone wedding cake seems to be out of favor for now, with a variety of desserts such as pies, cupcakes, cake pops, tarts, cookies, macaroons, donuts and custom ice cream flavors joining the party. A dessert buffet ensures that everyone’s sweet tooth is satisfied. Opt for a setup with different levels of cakes stands or tiered trays against a decorative backdrop to really ‘wow’ your guests!

9. Standard Menus: This one is really on the hotel or caterer– as in, offering menus to prospective clients with the standard “one type of chicken” is out. Offering brides sophisticated and personalized options makes all the difference in securing business these days, so be sure to look for a venue that will work with you, within your budget, to create a more personalized menu for you and your guests to enjoy!

10. Bouquet and Garter Toss: This tradition will likely always continue in one form or another, but with many couples opting for more intimate celebrations, that may only leave one or two eligible bachelors or bachelorettes to participate. It’s something to consider ahead of time and perhaps opt instead to do a more symbolic, “honorary” toss to a special person (perhaps a sibling who is engaged).

11. Matching Bridesmaid Dresses: This has been on the decline for a while, but I wanted to give it a nod on this list anyway. Selecting bridesmaids dresses that coordinate in color or fabric, but with necklines, sleeves, and shapes to flatter each individual bridesmaid is not only chic, it is also greatly appreciated! Your girls will look their best and party the day away in greater comfort.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Red and White Snowflake Winter Wedding



This beautiful and elegant design, called Red White Snowflake Winter Wedding, has a beautiful red background with a shaded effect. There is a white stripe and snowflake border on either side with an elaborate floral ampersand graphic for the bride and groom names. This would be perfect for your winter or Christmas theme wedding or event! This set has invitations, save the date cards, response cards, thank you cards, table number tent cards, envelope seals, wine labels, binders, and return address labels available. Use the envelope seal stickers for any of your DIY gifts - these are available in both large and small sizes!



For matching items in this set **CLICK HERE**.