Trendy Wednesday: Illuminate the Night

Trendy Wednesday: Jenna Paniccia

There is something magical about a room full of flickering candles. Candles add warmth, comfort, and love to a wedding ceremony and reception.

Votive candles are a wonderful touch to any space. These money savers can adorn big glass windows, can be placed as accent pieces amongst pictures and flowers, and can even illuminate bigger focal pieces such as guest favors, photo books, and of course the wedding cake! By using votives amongst all the other design details of your big day you’re allowing the venue to become warm and inviting for guests. Votive candles are also wonderful for outdoor lawn space. An evening wedding can have a backdrop of glistening candles… how spectacular!

From more of a design aspect you can illuminate your venue with different types of candles adorning the reception tables. Using floating candles, intricate candlesticks, and candelabras can bring your reception area to another level. I love the idea of a long table with floral arrangements and candles running down the center. This creates an inviting space that is exceptionally appealing to the eye.

Keep in mind that all the candles and candle holders can be unique. Adding variety helps when everything else in the design is very uniform.

Also, remember money-saving tips. If your ceremony is outside bring the candles in for your reception. There’s no need to buy bulk of something that is very reusable. In the end those extra dollars add up!

Photo Credit: weddinggirl.ca, unitedwithlove.com, rrlumin.com, weddingsromantique.com, bedgetbridesguide.com, weddbook.com, theknot.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

Trendy Wednesday: Mismatched Bridesmaids

Trendy Wednesday: Jenna Paniccia

Shopping for a wedding dress is like purchasing a new car. It has to be perfect, stunning, magnificent, and screaming your name from a mile away. Yes, you the bride are the center of attention, but your bridesmaids want dresses that make them feel just as stunning. Looking for the perfect bridesmaids dresses no longer needs to be a huge issue. Everyone has a difference of opinion, from what color looks best on them, to what cut flatters their figure, the list goes on and on.

When planning this big shopping day, approach it with an open mind. Give your bridesmaids options.

1. Pick a color scheme. Pick one color that you want the bridesmaids dresses to be and let them pick the best silhouette for themselves. If you really want to be daring and outlandish pick a color spectrum for the ladies to choose from.  Seeing different dress styles and colors can truly make a wedding come to life.  Not sure what colors go together?  Grab a couple paint swatches – they’ll give you variations on the color you want and you won’t have to worry about clashing!
2.  Different lengths are fun too! Shorter dresses a little above the knee have become quite popular. It’s more of a sophisticated-trendy look.
3. Play with pattern! Dresses that have touches of lace, stripes, and even embroidery can give your bridesmaids individuality that defines their personalities.
4.  If you don’t love the idea of having different bridesmaids dresses, try different colored shoes. Having the ladies pick their favorite shoes is a dream come true.

If you’re still not sold on the idea of mismatched bridesmaids, look for inspiration from the Sex and the City Wedding. How fabulous did those ladies look that day?!

Photo Credit: boards.weddingbee.com, rootedinloveweddings.wordpress.com, bellethemagazine.com, blogs.aexknows.com, weddingsbylily.com, beauxandbelles.net, blog.kristeenlabrotevents.com, feministe.us

Its all in the Details : Incorporating your Furry Friend!

Its All In The Details: Alyssa Aiola

Calling all dog owners and lovers! Can you imagine celebrating your big day with friends and family by your side and your best furry companion right there with you?!  Brides all over the country are finding ways to customize and incorporate their dog’s involvement in their weddings because lets face it, they are family too! One way to not only get all of your guest’s attention but also melt their hearts is to put your pooch in the spotlight as the honorary ring bearer or bridesmaid. Since this idea is popping up everywhere, here are a few precautions you should take before hand in order to ensure the safety and happiness of your dog. image courtesy of Stephanie Fay

Location: First things first, you must contact your wedding venue and make sure they permit animals on the premises. Check in with either the manager or owner of the ceremony venue and be prepared to possibly have to leave an extra deposit for potential pet accidents.

Planning:  When they said practice makes perfect, they really weren’t kidding. You can be extremely creative with how you want your pooch to make its grand entrance, but you must plan it ahead of time. You can either allow your dog to walk into the room and simply act the part of mans best friend by sitting directly next to the groom or actually have them partake in the action by walking down the aisle with a flower girl, usher, or bridesmaid. After you have decided the way you want your dog to make its grand debut, you must rehearse and practice with them months in advance. It also wouldn’t hurt to bring them to the actual venue beforehand in order for them to pick up on certain sights and smells in order to feel more comfortable.

Obedience:  It is only human nature to get anxious and fidgety during an extremely long wedding ceremony, so imagine how a dog would feel. Every dog has a different personality and it is important to consider whether or not they will be able to be comfortable and obedient in a strange setting with a group of random people. For an extremely high-strung dog this might not be the best environment for them and you must remain realistic. Depending on how well your dog is trained, it wont hurt to partake in a few obedience classes to ensure simple commands will be followed like sit, stay and come.

Pet sitter/ Friend: With so much going on during the ceremony it is crucial to assign either a friend or a pet sitter responsible for all of your dogs needs. This person will be in charge of getting them to and from the ceremony, watching them during the ceremony and giving them proper food, water and bathroom breaks.

Attire: If you feel your dog can handle the spotlight on your special day then he or she will certainly need to dress the part.  Doggie Clothesline carries tons of tuxedos, bow ties, cufflinks, tiaras and even bridesmaid’s dresses for both small and large breeds, so your dog will get all the right attention and look their best. Make sure your pets outfit fits them properly and enables them to still breath and move freely to ensure their comfort. If you are planning on making your fury friend the ring bearer you can purchase a small ring bearing pillow and attach it to their collar. Also it is smart to double check that if any flowers are used throughout your ceremony that they are not toxic to animals.

Grooming: Day of the wedding it is important to get your dog properly groomed and tidied up for the occasion. A clean trim as well as a shiny coat will allow them to feel confident as they trot down the aisle.

Keep in mind that every dog holds a different personality and might react differently the day of the actual event, so keep a leash on hand. A great tip is to incorporate your dog in the rehearsal ceremony so they become much more familiar with their surroundings.  It also wouldn’t hurt to put a side note on your wedding invitation that your pet will be attending incase of any potential allergies. Bring toys and familiar objects like a blanket or a bed to ensure your pet can stay as relaxed as possible, even if your not. Let us know how you have incorporated your pets in your weddings and share your success stories!

(Photo credit from top left to right)Joe Mikos Photographers, Mike Justin Harvey Photographers, KT Merry Photography,  Slufalfai photography, Elizabeth Ann Design, Kate Noelle Photography

One Table Weddings

Fashionable Foodie by Markia Raveau-Violette

Having a small wedding and looking for ways to make it even more intimate? A long table could be just the thing to add that little extra touch. Instead of separating your guests by having them seated at different tables, bring everyone together to enjoy each others company. Long tables create a totally different vibe then smaller, round tables do. Guests can mingle and interact with other guests, and everyone will be seated with the Bride & Groom. If this doesn’t convince you, take a look at these beautiful long tables:

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TOD’s Tip: Create your own ONLINE inspriation board

If you find yourself needing an escape from all of the “holiday family time” this month. Log onto The Dessy Group and sign up  for free to create your own wedding inspiration board. Have fun creating as many boards as you like and share them with your family and friends!

A Stress Free Theme: Country Fresh

Manic Mondays by Lauren Cooper

“Not only do I have to pick a color palatte, I have to have a theme too?!”  Don’t worry, choosing a theme doesn’t have to be complicated or extravagant. The theme is meant to reflect a bit of your personality  into the mood of the day.  Some themes can even be fun and stress free like this country fresh theme.

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  Green Apple Photo

  Perfect for an outdoor wedding in spring or summer, a country fresh theme is simple, breezy and a little eccletic.  Pick cheerful colors such as yellow or robin’s egg blue …or be bold and add red!  Don’t worry about being “matchy matchy”, instead put together colors and patterns that are unique add to the charm. Try pairing these cute polka dot dishes with striped ones from Fishs Eddy . Think out of the box for table decor and fill vintage tin cans with flowers or use props instead of flowers like picture frames or paper fans.

• Country Fresh bouquets should be simple and sweet.  You could even pick your own wildflowers and tie with a satin ribbon to be budget friendly, when season permits.  Try a riot of different flowers like daisies, columbine and sunflowers wrapped together, or placed in a basket for you to carry.
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  cards by I Shoot Nouns on Etsy

  Sweet antique looking details will add whimsical charm, like fun cake toppers or chalkboard reception signs. These adorable notes are the perfect way to say “thanks”! This particular theme makes it easy to stay in budget and be eco friendly by reusing and recyling found items like this bathtub.

• Go for casual comfort food when planning around this theme.  Comfort food can be elegant, too, like a rosemary roasted chicken sandwhich with plump tomatoes and avocados from DuMont Restaurant.  At one of our recent weddings, bride Arlene Jackson chose Dinsoaur Bar-B-Que which served down home bbq at its best.

This theme is especially simple and stress free because of its light and casual nature. No matter what your theme is, you’ll stress less if you communicate your likes and dislikes to your planner.  We’ll be able to find those minutae that match your vision and take the pressure off so you can enjoy celebrating your new beginning!

How To – Thank You’s

How To by Jennifer Crone

Some couple’s dread returning from their honeymoon, and not just because they have to get off the beach and go back to work, but because they have to write 200 Thank You cards to boot! This can be a daunting task as you and your newlywed get settled into your nest, so here’s How To:

card: Kate’s Paperie

• Think Ahead: Before your engagement shoot have fun with a DIY “Thank You” sign. Use a miniature chalk board, garland (a la “Happy Birthday sign”), or get creative and use a parasol, draw in the sand, etc. The possibilities are endless! If you’re not doing an engagement shoot, bring your sign, or idea, to your wedding a get a shot then.
• Include Thank You cards in with your other paper goods. Whomever you’re getting your invitations from will likely sell Thank You cards as well. This option may be a tad more pricey, but this way your cards match your invites and in turn your wedding theme as the cost is all upfront–no additional items to buy after the wedding. This will save time and possibly a headache if you can’t find something you like.
• Buying your Thank You’s from a paper store may be the most cost effective option, but know that they may only have 30 of the one you like in stock, etc. These cards usually come in packs of 10 or 20. If you do go this route, Kate’s Paperie is one of our favorite places to buy all things paper. Purchase online for a better chance of having the number you need.
• For the planneriest of all planners, I’ve got an idea for you! Pre-address your envelopes against your RSVPs. Once you get an RSVP card indicating a “yes”, address an envelope to the guest and put your thank you card in it. Once you return from your honeymoon you can simply fill in the card with your sincerest thanks and seal the envelope. Go a step further and pre-stamp as well.

photo: Carmen Nauseef of Blink of an Eye Photography

Tip: First things first–cards get separated from gifts and it’s often difficult to remember who gave what once time has passed. Make a list of who gave what first and foremost so that when you sit down to write your Thank You’s you don’t have to keep getting up to find a card or gift.

Remember, there’s nothing more proper or appreciated than a gracious host and hostess.

How To – Fake The Cake!

How To by Jennifer Crone

Your wedding cake is such an important part of your day, both aesthetically and symbolically. But with the rising costs of all things wedding, a great new business is on the rise–fake cakes!

Eleganza Cakes

Fake cake makers (or Faux Cakes, as I like to call them) work with your bakery to match the rest of the cake with the top (or bottom) tier. This way you still get your photos with the sharing of the first piece, and then your venue wheels the cake back into the food preparation area and cuts the sheet cake (with the same frosting, naturally) and serves your guests! No one is the wiser and you save some USD while having your cake and eating it too!

Save your cake packed up nice and tight in your attic and bring it out for your tenth anniversary party! Just have your bakery make the top tier to match again and replicate your “second” piece as a married couple! Try one of these makers: Ultimate Fake Cakes, Fake The Cake or Fake Cakes and More .

If saving the cake doesn’t interest you, go another route and rent a cake! Styles change and so does taste, so rent your cake for your photos and say goodbye after your day! Try  Eleganza Cakes, where you can choose from their pre-designed styles or design your own, with a choice of twelve different shapes!

• Tip: If your cake is where you want to splurge and not save, that’s ok! Make a list of all the items you need to spend on (your planner can help you do this) and decide what areas are important for you to splurge on and where you can save. If you have a planner, this is where those planner/vendor relationships really come in handy. Tell your planner where you’re willing to spend and where you’re willing to cut back and he or she will be able to recommend different vendors at your different price points.

Keep Your Head Up-Headpieces Please!

Fashion Fever by Elysha Beckerman

Shortly after picking the dream dress you have been picturing since you were 5 years old it’s time to choose another important piece of the bridal attire — the headpiece.  The history of headpieces can come a bit shocking, ready for a quick wedding lesson?  Headpieces were mainly used for 2 reasons.  First is to hide the bride from the evil spirits that chased her during the wedding day. Second is for a surprise effect since most marriages were arranged and this would be the first moment the groom would see his wife-to-be.

These days, headpieces are mostly worn because of their aesthetically pleasing characteristics and as an alternative to the traditional veil–and there is nothing wrong with that!  So let’s explore some hot headpiece trends that any bride can catch Fashion Fever from.

1st row L. R. Bride's Head Revisited, Leah C., Bride's Head Revisited, Jennifer Behr 2nd row L. R. Leah C., Leah C., Jennifer Behr, Leah C. 3rd row L.R. Jennifer Behr, Jennifer Behr, Sarah Gabriel

• Great Gatsby Romance–This trend very closely aligns with birdcage veils.  Birdcage veils are a great way to incorporate the traditional veil but also create a modern look with the veil’s accessories and shape.  Birdcage veils can be accented with feathers and flowers to create an even more unique look. For a couture style that emphasizes American classics check out Leah C.

• Bands Galore -The neon colored elastic headbands we once wore as child (and sometimes even still worn for a quick work out) won’t satisfy this year’s fashion fever.  Were thinking more elegance and glamour!  Silk bands in cream, white, or ash accented by classic pearls and frosted crystals are becoming contagious.  So cure your fever by taking a large dose of Jennifer Behr and her variety of bands.

• K.I.S.S–Keep It Simple Sister! If you’re staying away from any type of tradition with veils or your wedding dress doesn’t scream headband then what about silk charmeuse flowers or feathers.  Add either or to your wedding hair for a chic look.  Check out Bride’s Head Revisited for a great selection of flowers and feathers.