Filed under: The Inside Track
courtesy of angelcanaryblog.com
Something the wedding industry has seen on the rise in recent years is the idea of localizing your wedding day. “What is localizing your wedding day?” one might ask. Well, it’s just as it sounds. Localizing a wedding day – simply put – is when brides and grooms make it all about the city in which they are getting hitched. Soon-to-be-wed couples take time to explore their location in order to find the most mouthwatering cuisines, bakeries, shops, talent, entertainment, etc. within the area, in order to pay the city of their nuptial love tale proper homage.
And I can’t tell you how much I adore this line of wedding thinking! Focusing on the “where” of the wedding invites truly makes for a statement worthy celebration. Because every city is so different and the taste of each bride and groom is so different, by localizing a wedding day you can almost guarantee on creating something incredibly fun and even more unique! Not only that, but by utilizing local businesses and opportunities, couples can often times save a pretty penny on transportation and overall costs.
Plus, more often than not, a future Mr. & Mrs. will be looking no further than their hometown! And who knows what a town has to offer better than its very own local residents?? If you’re getting married in the city you grew up in, you already have the insider’s scoop on what’s good, potentially up and coming and best of all, favorited by your other local friends and family.
In an interview conducted with the Top 100 Wedding Blogs, Aleah and Nick of Valley & Co., support this kind of locally scaled thinking immensely.
“You needn’t look too far past your hometown for preeminent wines, sea foods or fresh bounty from [local] farmers and bakers. Caterers will see an increase of delectable menus that are thoughtful and sourced locally, showcasing the best of what’s to offer where their creativity can truly shine.” (weddingblogs100.com)
They continue on with encouraging ideas of featuring family-owned wineries, breweries and restaurants to really give your guests a unique, one of a kind experience, which is exactly the the tone every couple should get on their big day :)
But whether you’re getting hitched in your hometown, on location at some exotic resort or simply within a city halfway between both families, the idea of localizing your wedding day is one that every bride and groom can really have some fun exploring. So, get out there; get your hands dirty; find some favorites, and hopefully (fingers croseed!), save some money!
June 11, 2013
courtesy of bellethemagazine.com
A few weeks back, I did a post on chandeliers titled: It’s All About the Ooh La La: Wedding Reception Chandeliers & Lanterns. And the more I researched, the more I discovered how appealing the highly hung – but not the least strung – details can be for a wedding day decorum.
After perusing through several images on BeautifulBlooms.com, I couldn’t help but be inspired by these float-tastic furnishings and immediately set off on a journey to discover more. (Of course by “journey,” I mean manic mouse clicking and by “discover,” I mean whatever Google Images wanted to show me… and yet, I digress.) I went absolutely Lady GaGa for the one of a kind, optical illusions they create and fell even deeper in love when I realized their practicality.
Floating or hanging wedding décor is one of the best ways to get more bang for your buck! Because they offer a means to create more levels of dimension throughout your entire reception hall, you’ll easily stretch your real estate dollar to its fullest potential by filling in areas that otherwise would be lost… I mean, helllo??? How can any bride to be resist that lure?
Not only do these suspended superstars create eye-catching allure, but they also offer brides and grooms a way to decorate their tables without blocking the view of their guests. Because big, bold centerpieces can create such big, bold WOW factors, so many brides are drawn to them… but they don’t always create the most rational way for your guests – seated in between and across from them – to communicate to others or worse yet… see you! Blasphemy!
Hence, only furthering the appeal of hovering centerpieces! By cutting out the middle “man” altogether and suspending the décor, you can be as big and bold as you want without blocking the view of your guests! It’s a win / win for everyone!
Just be sure to go over things with your venue. Since some of these will more than likely need more planning to accomplish, you should definitely work with your reception hall vendor and / or coordinator to make sure they go off without a hitch!
And if you’ve found yourself already booked to venue that doesn’t allow or have a means to hang things, there are still several options for you to create this look. One, consider using super tall, thin vases and placing floral or “pom pom” styled arrangements on the tops only. This will ensure you’ll get the height you want with minimal to no distractions of your guests… Or I like the idea of using large, elevated glass cylinders. You can fill them to the top with water, creating the illusion of “clear” space, and crowning them with your favorite flower buds, floating candles or fiber optics. Check out some choice options below:
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) bridalsnob.tumblr.com, nuptialknickknacks.com, bellethemagazine.com, wallyspartyfactory.com, ochandelier.net , colorzenblog.wordpress.com, creditcrunchbride.files.wordpress.com, daweddings.wordpress.com, elkaniho.com, bellethemagazine.com, divineorderphotography.com, weddingpartyapp.com, pocketfulofdreams.co.uk, trishadean.blogspot.com and inspirationforhome.blogspot.com
June 4, 2013
courtesy of starcitylimo.com
Alright now, ladies. I know this is a hard pill to swallow, but our wedding days (pause for effect) simply can not be all about us and us only… I know. I know. GASP, right? Haha!
But ’tis true. It also has to be about the beautiful men waiting for us at the end of the aisle, as well. After a attending a wedding this past weekend, I couldn’t help but turn into a total fangirl for the formal wear of the groom and all his groomsmen. They were sleek, lightweight gray and white seersucker suits, accessorized absolutely perfectly with pink bowties, suspenders, pocket squares and carnation boutonnieres. I’m telling you… it was one of the cutest, sharpest looks evs!
I should divulge for the sake of honesty that I am all about geek chic and the nerd herd movement. Not only has this been overtaking the fashion world for the past several years (not to mention my wardrobe for a lifetime), but it’s also one of the hottest trends for all things in spring fashion! And this is not just an opinion according to the inner-dork-ings of Mur Dietz. Oh no, my friends! This has actually been a growing a trend in the wedding industry for awhile too!
In fact, according to Bridal Guide, the seersucker suits, sweetly accessorized with pastels is one of the biggest trends in menswear for 2013 weddings this spring. (No doubt, branching from the whole Mumfording Movement discussed in a previous post.) I mean, just look at these lightly colored suits all lined up and tell me it doesn’t say Spring has Sprung!
courtesy of corenmooreblog.blogspot.com
Both a look for springtime, as well as destination do-wops, rustic country settings and sweet southern comfort ceremonies, seersucker comes in a number of lightweight colors and can be easily adapted into any one of your wedding settings… well, pending a royal wedding extravaganza or things of the like mayhaps :)
Now, for brides and grooms not willing to compromise the idea of a formal tux entirely for seersucker sexiness, a good compromise could be a light gray or tan suit substitution. These items still give off an air of greater formality, while still maintaining that updated, fresh quality.
Check out below from seersucker’s sharpest looks for this spring and see what I mean :)
photos courtesy of alowcountrywed.com, lover.ly, theknottybride.com, onewed.com, trashness.com, thatstillcenter.wordpress.com and preownedweddingdresses.com
May 28, 2013
courtesy of Lazaro via jlmcouture.com
In recent years, the wedding industry has seen been booming with country chic weddings and then some. With the emergence of websites such as Pinterest and Etsy, it’s been easier than ever for brides to seek out and find just that perfect detail for her Mrs. debut! From enchanted forest and rustic barn weddings to handmade and one of a kind accessories, there’s no doubt that weddings are all about the Bohemian and burlap…
…and yet??
There’s been a return to formality for a number of weddings, and while it may not be the most budget savvy for all, it’s most definitely something to “ooh la la” all over! Check out these 5 Formal Wedding Trends and see what I mean:
Chandeliers. Not only do they add all kinds of ambiance of your big day, but with old world charm and high class style, they can almost cover formal and informal events with equal appeal. Brides and grooms can either look for locations that feature such incredible structures.
courtesy of onewed.com
Top Hats & Tails. Pip, pip, cheerio, gentlemen — it’s time to get your Fred Astaire fancy on! Throughout the years, but most especially as of late, grooms have began to bedeck in the most formal of formal wear, and I gotta admit, I like it :) From high end cuff links to turn of the century caps, men are dressing to the nines for their nuptials and looking all kinds of dashing doing so!
courtesy of ruffedblog.com
Instrumental Strings. From Four String Quartet ceremonies to a reception hall greetings from hired harpists, brides and grooms can really impress their guests with ceremonial displays of musicality. Realizing wedding days aren’t just a feast for the eyes but the ears as well, nothing quite out-classes live music from set of striking strings.
courtesy of fusion-events.ca
Pleasing Place Settings. From plate chargers and standout candelabras to bold gold and sterling silverware, brides and grooms have discovered how adding more ornamental place settings to their reception hall tables can easily take their wow factor from simply so-so to fantastically formal.
courtesy of theknot.com
Crystal Stemware. Break out the Waterford, ladies and gents, for wedding toasts have recently seen a resurgence in regal style with actual crystal flutes and stemware… stunning!
courtesy of marilynskeepsakes.com
May 2, 2013
courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com
I think it’s safe to say that most brides choose their wedding colors based on two things.
- Their personal preference, and
- The season/weather surrounding the big day
Both simple and personal, this school of thought has held up through the years, and while trends may change, this is one area that has remained constant. No matter if a bride chooses navy, royal, baby or Tiffany’s, part of her mindset was / is / always will be focused on blue.
According to industry reports and online encyclopedias from places such as TheWeddingReport.com and Wikipedia.org, most colors tend to have dual meanings. I encourage all of you, especially all you brides-to-be, to only focus only on the good… because nothing, and I mean nothing good ever came from being negative :) So, feel free to find your hue below and see what it can do for you!
Red is the warmest, most energetic color in the spectrum, which is why it is the one most paid attention to. (See, I knew it was for divas!) It is associated with everything from love, passion and desire (great!) to violence, danger and fury (uhhh, not so great!). While some cultures uphold red as a symbol of courage and purity, others revere it as a sign of guilt or warning. (I’m sticking with the cultures who see it as brave and divine.)
courtesy of onewed.com
Orange represents energy. Still part of the warm hues, orange has a number of luminescent qualities, which include warmth, enthusiasm and vibrancy. (Perfect for a wedding day celebration!) However, orange also has a tendency to come off as demanding and controlling. (Can you say, Bridezilla?)
courtesy of Made in Heaven Cakes and Lulu Cakes
Yellow both warm and friendly, signifies optimism, joy, imagination, hope and happiness. In some cultures, however, yellow is the symbol for dishonesty, betrayal and cowardice. (Note to all brides, stick with the inspirational version.)
courtesy of rebekahwestover.com
Green often the most sited favorite color of women and men, symbolizes nature, health, renewal, generosity, fertility and vigor. On a darker note, it also corresponds with jealousy, inexperience and misfortune. (Feel free to ignore the yucky translation.)
courtesy of weddingwindow.com
Blue epitomizes peace, tranquility and harmony. In most cases (which are the ones you should focus on) blue symbolizes unity, trust, confidence, loyalty and security. However, (this is the part brides-to-be shouldn’t rely on) it can also be a representation of depression and loneliness.
courtesy of onewed.com
Purple/Indigo has the most regal representation globally. Often associated with nobility and royalty, purple embodies wisdom, enlightenment and spirituality. (Ooh la la! A color fit for a queen!) But even though it’s considered an exotic color, purple can also be seen as arrogant, cruel and mournful. (Blah, blah, not listening.)
courtesy of weddingomania.com
Black – despite popular belief – is the absence of all color and / or light. It is said to represent everything from power and wealth to sexuality and sophistication. On one hand, black creates a unique blend of elegance, formality and class; while on the other hand, it can represent mystery, fear and sadness. (I’m gonna go ahead and say when referencing “weddings,” we’ll stick to the first hand.)
courtesy of runezta.blogspot.com
April 23, 2013
courtesy of loverly.com
That’s right, friends! As top wedding trends remain on the upswing of all things fabulous, patterns and prints have become all the rage. From bridesmaids dresses and bridal accessories to photo booth backdrops and table settings, today’s modern bride is pleased as punch to incorporate print-tastic patterns into her wedding day decor!
In a recent interview for the top wedding trends of 2013, Gaby Frescura of SouthBoundBride.com reported:
In my book, prints will be a kiey trend for 2013 weddings. We’ve already seen a few of these starting to come through, but this year and next, I think it will really catch on – everything from stripes and chevron to delicate florals and bold graphic prints. Look out for print fabric used as table runners and napkins, print bridesmaids’ dresses (either as one of a mismatched grouping or a striking collection) and even on groomsmen’s shirts or pocket handkerchiefs. Done right, it’s a great look, and if you tie it into your stationery well, can create a lovely ‘brand’ that brings the whole design of the wedding together. (Gaby, SouthBoundBride.com)
And after further research, I can honestly say that I wholeheartedly agree! A word of caution, however, for brides having a “prints charming” wedding, you need to be weary not go overboard and create a scheme of pattern overload or one that is too matchy-matchy. The point of patterns is to create interest and not to cause confusion or too much repeat.
Because patterns offer such a wide variety of shapes, styles and designs, it’s no wonder brides have found them to be such a vital part of wedding planning. Just consider for a second how much more upscale, high fashion or chic a wedding will be when you pair one of the following to your big day celebration…
Contemporary, mod-inspired nuptials + Sleek chevron = LOVE
courtesy of envisionblog.com, societybride.com, bellethemagazine.com, newportweddingglam.com, societybride.com, tealcouture.com, eventlucky.com and bellethemagazine.com
Elegant, upscale wedding + Demurely damask = LOVE
courtesy of bride.ca, dreamdaycakes.com, apriloharephotography.com, beckabellastyleinspirations.com (two dresses), ibsyndrome.wordpress.com, elizabethannedesigns.com, brides.com, fanswedding.com and hourglasslighting.com
Boho-chic ceremony + Overflowing floral = LOVE
courtesy of onewed.com, southboundbride.com, brendasweddingblog.com, southboundbride.com, prestonbailey.com, onewed.com, spotonseattle.com and weheartit.com
Seriously, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg, ladies! So go out, get print crazy and let us know how it goes!
April 16, 2013
courtesy of ourstoryourjourney.blogspot.com
As with so many other trends, we can thank the likes of celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Ashlee Simpson, ones with Jessica in their name (Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Sarah Jessica Parker etc.) and pretty much every girl from The Hills / Laguna Beach / MTV era for taking this insanely gorgeous trend and setting it above all the rest.
Of course, when it comes to these famously celebrated celebutantes and trend setting, it started with thier most noticeable accessory – their hair!!! – and shading it from dark to light and vice versa. This gradual color change created a one a kind look that is equally fabulous as it is amazing, and one that didn’t go unnoticed for long!
courtesy of uk.glam.com, thebeautythesis.com and ivillage.ca
I mean where was SJP and LC and all these other ombre-colored cuties during my painstakingly awkward high school years? I could’ve really used their celebrity approved status to make my dark roots and bleached tips look fashionably on trend, rather than hideously off base. Heck, I’ve been rockin’ the ombre look since the early 2000′s – back when it wasn’t even near being considered trendy but trashy, haha! OMG! Did I set this trend into play?? I did, didn’t I!!?? I knew it.
Okay, so while I’m not delusional enough to believe I set this trend into play (…), I do know it is something worth celebrating, regardless of who did or didn’t start it. *cough, cough*
And – OBVI! – one area that has really started to love on the ombre is a lady’s favorite day – her wedding day! That’s right, my lovelies, wedding days and all their accessible accessories have taken this grand nod to color change and make it a uniquely beautiful part of the I do.
Everything from the dress and shoes to the table centerpieces, flowers and more have all been illuminated in the this beautifully shaded ombre look, and after taking a gander myself online, I can’t say I blame them! Check out below and see what I mean:
courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) greylikesweddings.com, luvandido.com, thefoundist.com, ofbeautyandlove.co.za, thankyousummer.com, greenweddingshoes.com, glendaloughmanor.com, planmydaynow.com, luvandido.com, calligraphybyjennifer.net and luvandido.com
April 9, 2013
courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com
Birds are by no means strangers to the wedding market. Between love bird themed ceremonies, peacock colored accessories, fantastically feathered centerpieces, birds have made a nest in Nuptial-ville with no future plans of leaving.
And I think I know why… Bird (B-I-R-D). Bride (B-R-I-D-E). I mean, heeelllooooo!?!? Invert the i and r… add on an e, and Boom! Ha, mystery solved. Case closed.
Okay, so while I won’t be quitting my day job any time soon to get my Sherlock sleuth on, I still stand by my original assessment that birds and brides were simply meant to be! And with Spring coming into the full swing of things (or at least it better be soon — enough with the snow already!), twitter themed weddings and accessories will make an even a bigger splash than before! Because birds are equipped with sweet shapes and fabulous feathers, these wing tipped egg layers have the ability to create a variety of designs, layouts, choices and ideas that are almost infinitesimal in numbers! Look at what they do for invites alone!
courtesy of brendasweddingblog.com
Personally, I like that this trend isn’t limited by personality or type. For instance, birds can be played up to look very modern and pop art inspired for a contemporary, fashion forward bride, but they can also be played down to give off a more vintage and rustic look for a traditional, Boho-chic bride… and how many other wedding trends can be as versatile? Not many :)
During a recent interview on this year’s hottest wedding trends, Emma, founder and president of emmalinebride.com – an online resource for all things crafty and creative – birds have been all the rage for weddings for years, but their popularity will only continue to grow through 2013… perhaps topping the wedding charts for biggest trend of the year!
Emma was enthusiastic when she started providing some samples stating, “Some examples include tossing bird seed, bird cages as card holders, bird themed invitations, and bird’s nest favors (complete with blue Jordan almond ‘eggs’).
She went on to say that we should, “look for bird necklaces, particularly ones with a minimalist look (like single feather pendants or tiny sparrows), both of which are popular and make great gifts for bridesmaids and flower girls.”
Not only that but feather-inspired hair accessories – be it traditional veils, modern fasteners or otherwise – will also see a large increase in popularity in the months to come! And while I la-Louvre all these bird-themed accessories, I have to admit, my favorite of them all?? Bird-Themed Cake Toppers!! Seriously? Are these not the CUTEST things you’ve ever seen!?!?
courtesy of thesweetestoccasion.com (top), greenweddingshoes.com (middle 4) and morgannhilldesigns.blogspot.com (bottom)
And be sure to check out all our Bird-inspired beauties for your viewing pleasure! Ha, sorry…
courtesy of insideways.com
April 4, 2013
courtesy of weheartit.com and weddingchicks.com
I have a confession, ladies and gents. That’s right. Here amongst friends, I need to admit something I’m not 100% proud of, and because everyone knows a public blog forum is the most discreet place to make an admission, I’m sure that’s where this will remain, right? Ooookkkkaaaay, here goes. I love peonies! Okay, well, that’s not the confession, but it’s important for establishing the premise of what will be noted as such :) But see, so pretty…
courtesy of Next Exit Photography
Alas, I digress. It was in my youth that my original obsession with the peony started. As I would ride my bike around the neighborhood, I was always drawn to the overgrown, bushy plant that began to bloom every spring in Mrs. Brown’s front yard. Because of the size of the plant, it would often grow outward and onto the sidewalk. It was in the moments of early summer, that my confession comes into play.
The plant – as you may have well guessed – was that of the beautiful blooming peony. Now, because the plant would sometimes end up a little on the sidewalk, I couldn’t help but run into it every now and again. So, if my bike “accidentally” (on purpose) veered toward the bush and knocked off a peony head or two, it would’ve been wrong of me NOT to take them home and enjoy them the way pretty flowers like the peony deserve to enjoyed, right? Yes? No? Maybe? Is this thing on?
*Hangs head in shame* I knew it! To you all, and most especially to you, Mrs. Brown, I am eternally sorry for my youthful thievery, but please know it was done out of love and they were appreciated to the fullest extent! <insert giant, sweet smile>
And now that I have that off my chest and more than likely worried some of you reading this – especially if Mrs. Brown ever comes across this blog, haha! – I’d like to move onto the real meat ‘n’ potatoes of the post, which is – of course! – the peony itself!
courtesy of weddingchicks.com
According to the Bridal Guide and brides the world over, the peony is the go-to flower for bouquets looking to create the most gusto! And it’s no wonder why! Comprised with deeply lobed leaves with large, bulbous and often fragrant flower blooms, the peony is available in just about every color under the sun! It’s petals – decorated in everything from reds and yellows to shades of whites and pinks – this beautimous blossom can be incorporated into every wedding color and theme there is :)
Great as a stand alone flower, paired in a bouquet of nothing but its own blooms OR accompanied by others equally as exquisite, the pretty peony is surely one standout flower that will have heads turning and breaths catching. Check out below and see what I mean for yourself :)
courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) bouquetweddingflower.com, visionsweddingboutique.com, bellethemagazine.com, etsy.com, exploredreamdiscoverblog.com (insert), countrybouquetsfloral.com, kissthegroom.com, bellethemagazine.com, bellethemagazine.com and elizabethannedesigns.com
March 14, 2013
photo courtesy of fiftyflowers.com
I’m a huge fan of color. Like HUGE. In fact, I expressed this la-Louvre in a previous post, Stand Out in Style: 10 Unique Wedding Color Combos, where I showcased some of the most over-the-top-amazing palette pleasers I could think of. Over the course of the years, I’ve even had several photographer friends agree that bright, bold colors make for incredible wedding photos.
With all that said, however… and this is a big HOWEVER… After coming across this trend for weddings dressed to the nines in nothing but neutral over and over again, I have no choice but to say: IT’S LOAF! Seriously, talk about keeping it classy, while remaining colorless. The look – seen everywhere from Martha Stewart Weddings and The Knot to Brides and InStyle Weddings magazines – definitely has the “it” factor. I mean, check out these neutral beauties:
photo courtesy of ohwhatlove.com
I guess I was always of the notion that neutral meant colorless, and colorless meant boring… But I could NOT have been more wrong! Incorporating neutral, earthy tones on your big day celebrations means that everything from the setting to you will stand out all the more!
Better Homes & Gardens described it best with the following:
Decorating with neutral colors offers a multitude of ways to add personality to your rooms, proving that neutral decor is anything but dull. Soft hues, such as beige, khaki, and rain-cloud gray, create a calming atmosphere, while the contrast of a black-and-white color scheme introduces drama and flair. Go bold with splashes of rich neutrals, such as chocolate brown or slate gray, or go sleek and subtle with tone-on-tone white. (bhg.com)
Taking this into consideration, it almost seems like nothing would make more sense for a wedding day than a neutral color palette. After all, it provides a beautiful backdrop, in order for you to be the only star of the show… and what bride wouldn’t love that? Check out some ideas below :)
photos courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) greylikesweddings.com, emmalinebride.com, brookealiceonblog.com, fabyouliss.com, zazzle.com (insert), truephotography.com, weddingbee.com, onetowed.com, brookealiceonblog.com, wonderfuldayweddingsmn.blogspot.com and loveandlavender.com
February 19, 2013
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