Trendy Wednesday: You are the Statement

Trendy Wednesday: Jenna Paniccia

You are a statement piece. This is your day to be the center of attention and create a day filled with inspiring, jaw dropping details. Brides are always looking for ways to be different and do something that is unexpected. The creative aspect always falls into place, but the wedding dress is the true attention stealer of the day. With so many designs and silhouettes to choose from, the options can sometimes be a bit overwhelming.

My suggestion is to pick a few simple silhouettes that you gravitate towards. When you have an idea of the type of dress you are looking for finding the details that adorn the dress is the easy part. Also, it’s a smart idea to pick a few designers that tend to capture your attention. By narrowing down types of dresses you like and designers who understand your vision you save a lot of time when trying on dresses at the bridal boutique.

I am guilty of ripping apart magazines with inspirational pictures. This is such a great way to know exactly what you are looking for when wedding dress shopping. If you have a set of pictures that you love as well as some that you are not interested in at all, picking out a selection will be much easier. Once you have narrowed down a few dresses that you could see yourself getting married in make sure to try on a veil or hat. This is really where you can be creative and over-the-top or simple and traditional. Finishing off the look helps to envision what your pictures will look like and will help visualize the mood of your big day.

Remember that this is your big day. Family members, friends, and bridesmaids all tend to have very strong opinions about your wedding dress. Although their opinions are helpful, you have to be the one who looks and feels amazing in the dress. Make sure you can move around easily, you feel comfortable for a long period of time, and most of all make sure the dress takes your breath away.

Photo Credit: etsy.com, blissbookimages.com, lovemydress.net, zonewedding.com, bellethemagazine.com, tbdress.com, designingreations.blogspot.com

Trendy Wednesday: Patterned Bliss

Trendy Wednesday: Jenna Paniccia

One of my favorite things about event planning is being inspired by the littlest things. Whether it is a color, a word, or picture in a magazine, it is an amazing feeling to be inspired and have a vision come to life.

What inspires me the most is patterns. The idea of mixing and matching patterns allows for a specific type of design and appeal to the eye. Patterns can be used on such a broad spectrum that the idea tends to scare people away. The best thing about using patterns when designing a wedding is that everything doesn’t have to match perfectly.

Most people compare this concept of mixing patterns to clothing. Maybe you wouldn’t wear orange floral pants with a chevron purple top, but let’s think about this in terms of decor design. An orange floral table linen adorned with a purple chevron napkin would give the most elegant contrast. With floral arrangements and glass dinnerware, this combination would be stunning.

My suggestion would be to play with pattern and color. Go to a fabric store or pick up some paint swatches or pattern scrapbook paper and play with different combinations. This will give you an idea of what is appealing to the eye and what is overbearing. The great thing about using patterns is that it can be incorporated in so many different things.

• Different tiers of your wedding cake can include a pattern
• Invitations and seating cards can be adorned with different patterns
• Table linens and napkins can have patterns as opposed to solid fabric choices
• Decor involving ribbon or throw pillows can be a fun way to add a touch of pattern

The ideas are endless and so much fun! Here are some inspiration photos to get your minds thinking. If you’re nervous to try this pattern idea for your big day test it out with a small get together with friends or even your bridal shower. You might end up surprisingly impressed.

Photo Credit: onetowed.com, saltcitycake.blogspot.com, ruffledblog.com, dawnphoto.com, brides.com, decorpad.com, apartmenttherapy.com, hollymathisinteriors.com

Trendy Wednesday: A Touch of Lace

Trendy Wednesday: Jenna Paniccia

One of my favorite wedding day trends is adding a touch of lace. Lace is not only a timeless look but adds the appeal of warmth and delicacy to a room big or small. This is a trend that we’ve seen in clothing, home goods (your grandmothers doilies are ringing a bell) and it is becoming more and more popular adorning designer dresses and even wedding cakes!

When thinking about where to incorporate this amazing trend, look for places that need a touch of elegance. For instance…

1. If your dress has a lace design, think about giving the lace to your baker. They can incorporate the same lace style into your cake. This is a sure show-stopper and never seems to get old.
2. I also love the idea of a lace invitation, or touches of lace in accessories. This is a great way to give your special day a 1950’s vintage inspired feel.
3. A venue space needs to feel inviting. The best way to make the room appealing to the eye is to use circular and rectangular shaped tables. This will give the space variety without making it look very cookie-cutter. On the rectangular tables you can add a lace runner. Having solid linens on the round tables and lace linens on the rectangular tables will give the venue such a warm feel.
4. If you are planning on having an outdoor wedding lace is wonderful for a beautiful garden inspired venue. Lace around the vases of your centerpieces and lace fabric napkins will give an enchanted night sophistication.
5. Lace wrapped around the stems of a bouquet can be the perfect touch to a very simple design. This is a great way to not go overboard with an oversized bouquet. Keep it simple and delicate.

Photo Credit: bellethemagazine.com, weddingpartyapp.com, amyaustinphotography.com, invitationsbyjalon.com, myinspiredwedding.com, greenweddingshoes.com, unitedwithlove.com

Fashion Fever: Gorgeously Gatsby

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

With the latest film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” right around the corner, the idea of showing up to your wedding looking like a 1920s film star is surely a popular one. Today, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite fashion details taken right from the grand Gatsby tradition.

Clockwise, from top left: Glamour and Grace, Style Me Pretty, YolanCris, Style Me Pretty, Johanna Johnson, Michael Segal

1. Feathers – Opulent and dreamy, some stunning plumage really brings that vintage elegance to a wedding day ensemble. Whether at the bottom of a snug mermaid gown or as a beautiful element for a headpiece, they are a great way to incorporate a 1920s theme.

2. Headpieces – The more intricate, the better as far as headpieces go. A lace cap really brings to mind that quintessential Flapper style while an intricate headband is a bit more Daisy Buchanan.

3. Beading – A dress that skims close to the sides while simply dripping in elegant beading transports you back to the lavish parties at Gatsby’s home.

4. Dropped Waists – A dropped waist is the perfect silhouette for a 20’s look.

5. Bold Makeup – Dark, smoky eyes, wispy lashes, and a bold crimson lip add to the sultry intrigue of the 1920s woman.

These are just a few of the 1920s details we adore! Stay tuned for our latest project, a beautiful 1920s, Gatsby-esque inspiration shoot. Here is a sneak peek from the shoot, featuring our beautiful model, Alexis Monnie:

While you wait for the photos to drop, be sure to check out the amazing vendors we partnered up with for the shoot: Violet and Verde for florals, SB Beauty for hair and makeup, Hushed Commotion for the amazing headpieces, Saucy by Nature for catering, Cake Alchemy for the cake, Cloth Connection for linens, Little Vintage Rentals for amazing props and tableware, Angelique Bridal and Nearly Newlywed for the fabulous fashion, The Green Building for our lovely venue, and the amazing Moss & Isaac, whose photography brought it all together!!

Fashion Fever: Say Hello to the High-Low

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

With Spring on its way and weather very slowly getting warmer, hemlines are sure to be creeping up as well!  There’s no better way to welcome Spring than with the latest bridal trend, the high low wedding dress.  High low hemlines became popular in women’s wear last year and the trend is now making its way through the wedding world, too!

 

For brides who can’t seem to choose between the drama of a full length gown and the flirtiness of a shorter look, the high low hemline is the perfect compromise.  Cut short in the front and full length in the back, it is truly the best of both worlds.  As an added bonus, this fun fusion hemline allows you to show off your wedding shoes and your fancy footwork as you dance at your reception.

Designers have taken this trend and run wild with it.  From sexy to dramatic to a little bit boho, there is an interpretation of this unique hemline for every bride’s fashion preferences.  Pnina Tornai, in her trademark sexy style, created an over the top silhouette with a corseted bodice, plenty of bling, and a full skirt that makes you want to spin.  Claire Pettibone, on the other hand, took the trend in a more subtle direction with a vintage vibe.  She paired a slim, yet flowing skirt with a retro illusion neckline for an understated glamour that really speaks to her aesthetic as a designer.  Jim Hjelm’s take on the style is a bit more princess-y with a sweeping full train and feminine embellishments at the waist.

We’re really loving the high low trend for spring and can’t wait to see how brides interpret it on their special days.  Would you say hello to high low for your wedding?

Fashion Fever: Background Check

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

With Spring right around the corner, brides are looking to shed some layers and show some skin.  This season’s designer looks are offering a sexy yet sophisticated way to do just that!  The latest trend?  The backless wedding dress.

Clockwise from top left: Catherine Deane for BHLDN, Casablanca Bridal, Claire Pettibone, Robert Rodriguez, Elie Saab, Laure de Sagazan, Jenny Packham, and Rosa Clara

 

Whether you want to bare it all with something totally backless or are simply looking for an interesting detail to add interest as people watch you make your way to the altar, there is sure to be a backless style to suit your fancy.

For the bohemian chic bride, Claire Pettibone‘s gowns are simply amazing.  Claire’s dresses are masterpieces of intricate detail and stunning bits of embellishment that a photo simply cannot do justice.  With each dress, she pays as much attention to the back as to the front, leading to collections full of stunning open and illusion backs with gorgeous appliques, vines, and all sorts of details.

For a more tailored look, Rosa Clara‘s Ballet gown accents an open back with tidy bows that are both polished and demure. This piece encapsulates the retro glamour of the 1950’s.  If you’re not feeling vintage and want a modern style, try Robert Rodriguez‘s Cutout gown that has a sleek silhouette and architectural details.

The fun part about a backless dress is that it’s all in the way you wear it!  Draping a long necklace down your back is a beautiful way to accessorize this type of gown, just like Jennifer Lawrence did with her Oscars ensemble.  For a bit more coverage, try a sheer cape or simply a layer of tulle to keep you feeling more modest.  Choose a veil or headpiece that complements your open-backed gown.  A short veil can really show off this beautiful detail while a flower or brooch in the back of your hair can draw the eye up so you don’t feel too bare.

Would you be brave enough to try a backless dress on your big day?  Let us know!

It’s All in the Details: Sweet Stations

It’s All in the Details by Corine Brosseau

 

Now more than ever, brides are often choosing to forgo a large, lavish wedding cake in exchange for something with a little more variety: the dessert table. With plenty of options for every guest, dessert tables are not only delicious – they allow you to express your unique wedding style with a beautiful presentation.

Outer images, clockwise from top left: 100 Layer Cake, Kara’s Party Ideas, Style Me Pretty, Hostess with the Mostess
Center images, top to bottom: Calligraphy by Jennifer, Cocoa & Fig, Deliciously Darling, Whispering Pines Catalog

Here are some tips for how to make your dessert table a part of your wedding no one will ever forget!

1. Make it personal! Choose desserts that have a special meaning to you and your spouse. You can even create a “timeline” of dessert with little signs that tell what each sweet means to you. For example, if you celebrate your birthday with a certain cupcake, label it “Bride’s Birthday Surprise.”

2. Got a bunch of awesome family recipes? The dessert table can be a great way to include your families in the celebration. Include all of your family dishes and provide recipe cards so guests can recreate their favorites from your special day.

3. Be sure to cater to the needs of your guests. Offer gluten free or vegan options if need be.

4. You don’t have to skip out on cake just because you want to include other options. Simply scale down on the size and grandeur of the cake. It’ll still stand out amongst your other dessert choices.

5. They say variety is the spice of life but that doesn’t mean you need cake, cookies, pies, macarons, tarts, candies, and every other dessert under the sun. You can focus on a favorite and simply offer different choices in that category. Having a rustic barn wedding? Try offering a bunch of beautiful pies in everyone’s favorite farm fresh flavors. Going for a fun summery theme? Try an ice cream or gelato bar with plenty of toppings!

Fashion Fever: Covered Up

Fashion Fever by Corine Brosseau

Image courtesy of Carolina Herrera

 

For years now, going strapless has been overwhelmingly the trend adopted by most brides.  However, since Kate Middleton donned her full-sleeved Alexander McQueen gown to the royal wedding, sleeves have been making their way back to the altar in a big way.  This spring, both necklines and sleeves will creep up for a sexy but still covered up look that brings a vintage feel to bridal gowns.

Clockwise from top left: Marchesa, Liancarlo, Elie Saab for Pronovias, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Theia, Jenny Packham, and Reem Acra

Bridal designers are embracing a high neckline this season and pairing it with either a sleeveless look or a variety of shorter sleeve lengths, from cap to elbow-length options.  The look is high in drama and sophistication, bringing to mind the stunning neckline of Grace Kelly’s demure wedding gown.  As seen in our collage above, the interpretations of this trend are all similar, but very much their own unique look as well.

Oscar de la Renta chose to go for a more avant garde look, with a high turtleneck and a dramatically full, though simple in detail, skirt.  Jenny Packham, on the other hand, takes the trend in a very modern direction with a dress that clings close to the figure with stunning embellishments and ruched, elbow-length sleeves.  My personal favorite? A sleeveless look from Theia, with head to toe lace and a gorgeous jeweled belt that has an understated, antique feel and a modern silhouette.

If higher necklines aren’t for you but you still love the look of being a bit more covered up, try something with a boat neck that skims the shoulders while leaving your neck bare or even an off-the-shoulder style that still conceals your arms a bit.  The trend can also work quite beautifully on bridesmaids!  How would you incorporate the high neck look into your special day?  Let us know with a comment or on our Facebook page!!

Manic Monday: Say No to Alterations Nightmares

Manic Monday by Corine Brosseau

Most brides will agree that their wedding dress is one of the most important parts of their big day. However, they often come with lots and lots of unwanted aggravation and anxiety as we discussed in our last Manic Monday post on finding “The One”. Unfortunately, dress stress doesn’t end once you’ve said chosen your soulmate gown. What comes next can turn into the worst nightmare of them all: ALTERATIONS.

Image courtesy of Realce Photography

Here are some key tips on how to avoid the expense and trauma of extensive alterations:

• Make sure you find someone you trust implicitly to do your alterations. It’s important to find someone who specializes in bridal fittings as not all alterations jobs are created equal! Most bridal salons provide in-house alterations, however, if they don’t offer this service, sites like Wedding Wire provide indexes of recommended vendors that should fit the bill.
• Time your fittings right! Don’t get started too early, as pre-wedding stress can cause fluctuations in your measurements. However, if you start too late, there’s a chance your dress won’t be finished in time and rush orders can hike up the cost of your alterations dramatically! As a general rule, give yourself about 3 months for the alterations process and all fittings to be completed.
• Don’t panic!! It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you get to your first fitting and everything just looks wrong. Trust that your seamstress will be able to turn the dress into the perfect fit. Calmly explain what you’d like fixed on the gown and have faith in the fact that your seamstress will work with you to get it to perfection. Nobody likes being yelled at.
• Always bring the proper shoes and undergarments to your fittings. These items will definitely have an effect on how the look comes together.
• Keep consistent in your diet and exercise regime once the alterations process starts. Accept that you’re you and your body shape is beautiful. Trying to lose more weight or fill out curves after the start of fittings usually just ends with higher expenses and more complex alterations. No matter what your body shape is, your seamstress will make sure you look like a perfect 10 in your perfect dress on your wedding day.
• Include an estimate for the price of alterations in your dress shopping budget. Don’t give your bridal consultant a price range that is at your absolute cap! Aim for at least a few hundred below your max budget so that alterations don’t put you over where you wanted to be spending wise.

The Skinny on Beach Bridal Shoes

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

Creating the most perfect beach wedding atmosphere can seem straightforward: pallets of whites and beiges, chiffon thin fabrics, and refreshing cocktails.  But beach-brides-to-be, let’s focus on a detail that’s got you stumped – SHOES!  With beach wedding season still in session and destination weddings right around the corner, we wanted to give you some insights to Private Receptions thoughts about beach bridal shoe wear.

Maybe your destination beach wedding ceremony has a white aisle runner carrying you to your soon to be hubby and you’re just not sure what to wear on your feet to get you there.  At PR we recommend a pretty sandal that compliments your dress and jewelry.   If you’re jewelry is silver based try Naughty Monkey Easy As Pie sandals or if you’re jeweled with gold try Civico sandals.  Both gladiator type sandals will look beautiful and feel great under your gown!

photo: top row l. r: Jewels by Jan, Civico, Aldo 2nd row l. r.: Urban Outfitters, Naught Monkey Easy As Pie 3rd row l. r.: Urban Outfitters, Aldo, Jewels by Jan

OR, maybe your aisle is runnerless and it’s just a path of sand walking you to your fiancé lined with square clear vases filled with sea glass.  Try barefoot sandals; they’re unique and weightless! Etsy has shops that offer different types of barefoot sandals.  Try Yasoknitting for more of a casual barefoot sandal, featured in gray and white hemp.  For more of an elegant looked beaded in Swarovski Pearls check out Jewels by Jan .  They even have a bridal collection of sole-less sandals.

• Tip:  Stay away from a sandal with a heel – it will have you sinking all night long!