Summer 2016 Trends

Although every year new trends are created, some last while others only stick around for a season. For the 2016 Summer wedding season, we will be seeing more personal touches and elements added to couple's wedding days, while romance and rose gold enhance the mood.

Colors

From sequin table linens to centerpieces, metallics have made a come back in a big way. While gold and rose gold have become bride and groom favorites, silver is not as popular.

Personal Touches

Adding personal touches has never really gone out of style but couples are becoming more creative on how to accomplish it. Bride's and Groom's are throwing destination weddings without leaving their state by adding in touches from their hometown or favorite city. Another way they are personalizing their event is having a theme such as Gatsby.

Guest Seating

Couples are moving away from round tables for reception seating and moving towards long banquet and square tables for a more intimate setting for guests. They are also choosing a lounge area complete with comfortable sofas and chairs for cocktail hour as well as the after party.

Flowers

Flowers have been a huge part of weddings since the beginning but the types of flowers and the elements in which they are incorporated have evolved tremendously. Couples are looking at in season flowers and have even started to add in food elements such as herbs, fruits and vegetables. Other popular floral trends include succulents, potted plants, ferns, lavender sprigs and branches.  

    

Selecting your wedding cake....the most delicious part of your wedding!

Let's face it, planning a wedding is exciting, emotional and yes, delicious! Sitting down to do a cake tasting is definitely something most brides and grooms look forward to doing. There are a few things to consider before the fun begins. Selecting a bakery of course is one of the first steps. Consider having a tasting at 2-3 bakeries before making your selection. There are hundreds of bakeries around the state, so make sure to get recommendations from past brides, check out online reviews as well as personal experience with the bakery can help with narrowing down your choices.

 Once you have selected the bakeries you would like to schedule a tasting with, have a discussion with each other on the  flavor of the cake, filling and icing as well as the colors and style each of you would like to have. The options are endless and I've included this chart below with some wonderful ideas:

Also discuss if there will be groom's cake, if so, is there a theme that you would prefer? Some men choose a favorite sports team or a favorite hobby. Make sure to decide on flavors you would like for this cake as well.

The next step is to schedule your tasting. Make sure to do this several months in advance of your wedding date. When speaking with them, relay the flavors and combinations you would like to try during your tasting. This will save the bakery time from making something that neither one of you like and can focus on your top choices. Bringing picture of decorated cakes that you both like can also help with making the final decisions.

Once you have selected the bakery as well as your style, make sure to have a signed contract which includes those details as well as your wedding date and time of delivery to the venue.

Happy Tasting!

Tips for a Destination Weddings

From a tropical island to a country side in Italy, a destination wedding can be romantic and beautiful. Where to begin when planning such an event? Start with an experienced wedding planner. There are many details that go into planning a wedding and when it comes to planning out of the country, you want someone who has the resources and expertise to guide you in the right direction. Here are a few tips when starting the planning process:

• Consider the weather for the time of year you want to get married. If considering an island wedding, try choosing a date that isn't during hurricane season.

• Giving family members and guest plenty of time to plan ahead will ensure most of them can attend. Be prepared that some people may not attend due to health, finances or simply a fear of flying.

• Although you are not required to pay all travel expenses, it would be good etiquette to plan travel arrangements as well as accommodations. Giving guest options and pricing will also be quite helpful. Find out about discounts to not only travel and accommodations but also entertainment and activities for your guest during their stay. Some may use this as their vacation.
  

What is Your Plan B for your Wedding Day?

So many details of your wedding can be planned and executed days, weeks and months before your special day. Unfortunately, you can't predict the weather but you can prepare for it.

Most venues offer an indoor location for your ceremony and are equipped to use it if necessary. If an indoor option is not possible, is a tent an option? Speaking with your planner and the venue coordinator ahead of time can eliminate a lot of worries.

Rain, although one of the biggest concerns of any bride and groom is not the only issue that can arise. Wind, heat or cold temperatures should also be considered and planned for ahead of time. From hairstyles that are secure to tents that are sturdy, these are all the things to consider. What about having sunscreen available as well as fans?

Letting your guests know in the invitation what to expect will allow them to enjoy the day with you!

Wedding Tips As you Begin Planning Your Wedding

Tips for Brides to Be

1.    Start planning early to give yourself and fiance plenty of time to make decisions. This is one of the most significant days in your life, it’s important to make sure you both take the time to figure out what elements you want to include that are most important to each of you. Planning early can eliminate stressful situations.

2.    Accept that you can’t make everyone happy. Family and friends will have opinions on every detail from favors to what shoes you should wear. Remember, it is YOUR day!

3.    Be present and enjoy each moment. Don’t look back at your wedding and wonder “what the heck just happened?” or “I don’t remember that”. It’s important to be clear with your planner and vendors with what you want your day to look like and how you would like it to flow.

4.    Enjoy the day with family and friends. Thank those who have supported you throughout your life and in your relationship as a couple.

5.    Most importantly, take time away from planning to enjoy each other as a couple and remind yourself of all of the wonderful qualities that made you fall in the love!