East meets West… we see this term emerging nearly everywhere. In interior design, fashion, on the television, and especially in cuisine (remember food “fusions” anyone?). The wedding industry is slightly slower to respond to such a transfer from what we in our minds view as the “traditional” wedding. As the population and demographics expand in America, many new cultural practices and religious beliefs are presented for us to take in and understand.

So what is a “traditional” wedding?

Many couples have expanded their ideas on exactly what the traditional wedding is. The notion of East meeting West has become a popular trend do the ever expanding cultures prevalent in our American societies. We have seen the practices of both cultures begin to “fuse” as some cultures begin to adopt a more Western plan for their nuptials, and vice versa.

Asian cultures hold some of the most beautiful and honorable beliefs and traditions. There are many subcultures of religious beliefs and faiths, schools of thought and philosophy. Yet as different as each belief system is, they all have time-honored traditions when it comes to the union of man and woman. Almost all involve traditions which honor their elders and families, such as the Chinese wedding tea ceremony. In Thai culture the oldest family member leads the wedding ceremony, then cleanses the hands of the bride and groom with water from a shell to wish them good luck in their marriage.

Introduce Eastern decore into your reception

Though most of our American brides will not be incorporating this into their fusion weddings, we are seeing many couples of Asian decent born in America, having the “traditional” ceremonies of their culture, then a modern reception following the nuptials later that day or the day after. You don’t have to practice the philosophies of our Eastern neighbors, but can appreciate their nobility and beauty for all living things. Use this admiration to incorporate aspects of these beautiful cultures into your wedding day and reception plans!

Incorporate traditional Asian florals like cherry blossoms, orchids, lilies, bamboo, and bear grass into your bouquets and table décor. Accent lighting with paper lanterns and lush candlelight. If you choose to go sparingly in the floral department, consider alternatives such as bonsai trees or a small Zen gardens. Choosing to incorporate religious figures may not be polite if your are not practicing the religions they represent. Should you choose to though, please proceed with caution. You can also incorporate items such as personalized chopsticks, fortune cookies, or small “lucky” bamboo into your table designs to add more to your décor and as a favor for your guests to part with.

So many delicious dishes to choose from

You can serve traditional dishes or “Americanize” your plates and appetizers with foods such as pot stickers and dipping sauces, won tons, and california rolls (if you want to include sushi!). This type of theme provides the best opportunity for a buffet style dinner… so many delicious dishes to choose from! If money to spare, a sushi bar or hibachi grill station would be sure to amaze your guests. Offer traditional drinks at the bar like Sapporo and sake. Skip the coffee after dinner and offer a variety of green and white teas.

As far as attire is concerned…

…women can opt for the traditional wedding gown or can sample pieces from our Asian friends. The traditional Japanese garment is the Kimono, usually detailed with purple iris flowers which represent love. Wedding garments of the Chinese cultures are typically crafted in red and gold (which represent good fortune) and decorated with images of the phoenix, peonies, and chrysanthemums. The traditional male garments range from kimonos to long draping robes, or short garments with a short or long pant. If you are planning a traditional church or non-denominational ceremony, a wedding gown may be your best option, then don your choice of Eastern dress for the reception! However you choose to create your Asian inspired wedding, you have the most beautiful and inspiring palate of cultures and designs to start with.

Images from beau-coup.com, favoursbygorgeousmoments.ca, shootingstarweddings.co.uk, asianhairstyles.com, weddingpicturesweddingphotos.net, My Wedding Place, weddingguideasia.com, shopcrazy.com.ph, williwongportraits.com, rasamalaysia.com, projectwedding.com, atrero.com, jamesbibowblog.com, sdweddinginsider.com, coryparris.com, rabbatphoto.com, more-japan.com, Bumatay Studio, and adriennegundeblog.com

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2. Cushy Bottoms!
3. Wedding Themes: Back to the Beach

Oh, those summer nights. Danny and Sandy really knew what they were talking about! As we begin to cool down from this years’ peak of wedding season, we can take the time to reflect on the themes and palates that were in fashion for our brides and grooms. Pastels and bold colors were really the front runners, while we saw trends such as Tiffany Blue and brown starting to fade back. Now it’s that time of the season to move on to more rich and deep colors as we usher in the cooler months. But brides, do not fret. If you are planning a wedding for mid to late September you can still use some of the summer colors we know and love!

The summer to fall transition

The most popular color choices from the summer that can cross into the early fall months are our favorite companions, chocolate brown and pink! These two colors are very versatile and will allow a lot of mixing and matching with other colors to make more of a fall palate. I love to see brides add in colors like gold, green apple, and cream. Even though many would say that this particular shade of green belongs in the warmer months, I tend to disagree. When you pair apple green in with gold and brown… a very elegant and warm setting is created.

How to mix up your summer to fall colors

Choose to pair your brown and pink together by themselves or use the colors suggested above as accents. If you use green in small amounts as accents, your wedding will avoid a garden party feel, which is not what you want…even if your wedding day is really hot! To avoid the Indian summer heat, use parasols or fans as a barrier in your accent color. Print your vows and the members of the wedding party on fans and pass them out as your programs. Believe me, if you are having an outdoor event or are in a church without air conditioning, your guests will thank you!

Neapolitan ice cream in September!?

Just because your wedding is in September doesn’t mean you can’t have ice cream! How fun would sundaes be? Use your color palate as the inspiration in designing your sundaes! Set up an ice cream bar, as an alternative to the candy/dessert bars of this season. Don’t feel the pressure to serve a dinner reception full of heavy, seasonal foods. Use the late summer and fall fruits and veggies in your menu. Serve apple crisp if you want, but what about a cold squash soup or gazpacho? A neat alternative to the traditional mixed green salad. If the chilled soup is not to tour liking, keep the salad and garnish it with foods like Granny Smith apples, goat cheese, or figs!

Keep your summer fun rolling all the way into your September wedding! Use the notes sited above and make your wedding late-summer chic without looking like you have completely missed the boat! Hopefully the photos I’ve collected will help to give you the inspiration, or direction, you need. Good luck brides and grooms, and may you create some of the best memories of your lives!

Images from anstwe.com, wishspecialevents.com, weddingbee.com, brides.com, tradepar.co.uk, stylehive.com, Murakami Photography, stephaniewilliamsphotography.com, invitesbyjen, Psalm117.Etsy.com, Psalm117.Etsy.com, elizabethannedesigns.com, oncewed.com, I Do Inspiration, alwaysablogsmaid.com, geoffwhite.com, and myrecipes.com

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Trash the dress, TTD, or Rock the Frock. All are names we are hearing in the world of weddings for brides to consider the day after they say “I Do”. TTD emerged roughly around 2006-2007 and has been gaining popularity ever since. It is a great consideration if you aren’t sure about what to do with your dress after the big day.

Would you wear your mother’s circa 1970′s dress?

Some girls are deciding to not take the dress to cleaners to have it preserved. Let’s face it, the dress is cleaned, treated, and put in a cardboard box… then what? Yes, most people at the time of decision-making dream of keeping their dress so if they have a daughter they can wear it on their wedding day. A nice thought, in theory, but how often does this happen? If I hadn’t gotten a hold of my mother’s dress and taken a pair of scissors to it when I was 7 to play dress-up, I still wouldn’t have worn it. Not doing any discredit to my mothers’ taste, but it was a typical 70′s fashion and not my style!

Show off your personal style

Trashing the dress is an amazing opportunity to show off personal style, either by yourself or as a couple. You need a good photographer who is creative and allows you to express yourself artistically. This is your chance to have fun! Dress your look up with fun accessories, like some flashy jewelry, hats, or shoes. TTD doesn’t necessarily have to involve frolicking in the ocean waves or jumping into a lake. Let’s face it, not all of us have these environments at our disposal. Alternative choices: the woods, a salvage yard, the county fair, a farm, or even puddle jumping after a rainy day. It’s up to you!

Add to that amazing wedding album

By completing a trash session you will have another amazing album to show family and friends. This one will be more you as a couple because you will be able to incorporate items that represent you and your husband. Now when you bring out the wedding photos to share memories, you will have a collection that will knock the socks off everyone! Let me see your work!

Images from jamesrubiophotography.com, enpointephotography.com, divinecaroline.com, chelseanicoleblog.com, 1313blog.com, studio6-23.com, theloveliestday.com, weddingpaperdivas.com, redheartphoto.com, Jenna Rose Photography, and daveandcharlotte.com

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Wow. I absolutely love summer weddings. Why you ask? Well it’s because of all the amazing themes. My favorite, nautical! I love the crispness of navy and white. It’s classic, elegant, and well… just downright beautiful! Take a new spin on this classic look by adding an accent color like yellow, green, or gold. All will make your nautical theme pop right in front of your guests eyes.

What to pack for this fun voyage

I am not quite down with the literal translation of nautical, meaning don’t run out and buy a sailor dress or hats for your maids! Stick with tradition on this one. Go for a simple dress. An a-line cut is perfect for this type of wedding, but if you want to put a contemporary twist on it try a tea-length gown. I do love the idea of using a birdcage veil or hat with this look. It is sophisticated and adds that little vintage edge we all love! Keep your boys clean, but casual. A great navy suit and tie will go a long way! Your girls will look smashing in short frocks. Add a great pair of shoes and some simple jewelry for an amazing ensemble.

Find your desitnation, it could be closer than you think

We would all love to be able to have our wedding in nautical headquarters like the Cape or the Hamptons. But let’s face it, New England isn’t for everyone. You don’t have to be East Coast to rock this look! Use local amenities at your disposal; a lake or large body of water will do. Have your ceremony and reception on a boat. That way you’re putting those dollars to good use. See if a sunset cruise is an option and make that be your reception. Have a sit-down dinner or a cocktail reception with passed hors d’ oeuvres. Keep your traditional dances, and then let your guests party it up on the dance floor until time to disembark!

If the water isn’t your thing…

… then you can always find a venue overlooking the water. There is nothing more peaceful and calming than a water view. What a wonderful way to welcome your guests to an evening of fun and excitement! Use the water as inspiration for your table settings. My favorite for linens… nautical stripes of course! If you aren’t into risk taking, then go for a solid linen. Then play up your accent colors. You want your tables to stand out, but not steal the attention away from you. Keep the spirit light by giving your guests a fun favor, like flavored popcorn (in your colors) or cookies. I found this great link, flourpotcookies.com, where you can go to order cookie favors. Choose from their gallery or have them customized to fit your theme!

Keep the menu and venue simple

However you choose to rock your nautical blues, you will create a wedding day that is sure to impress even your most doubting guests. Beat the summer heat with these cool looks and give a nod to our boys in blue who work the waves everyday ensuring America’s protection. Good luck and do go that extra nautical mile… whatever that means!

Images from rockstarphotographyblog.com, theloveliestday.com, flourpotcookies.com, Curiouser and Curiouser, elizabethannedesigns.com, ayleebits.com, Biased Bride, weddingpaperdivas.com, bobbetteandbelle.com, premierbride.com, michelleragoltd.com, kellanstudios.com, alannahrose.com.au, and elizamagazine.com

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2. Hot or Not: Bridezilla… Will you be the next Beast?
3. Sultry, Sexy, and Sweet: Marie Antoinette Wedding Theme

Beat the heat this summer with this HOT color duo! Nobody will be able to deny the fierceness of this color marriage!

Brides can beat the hot summer sun with this outstanding color combo: turquoise and yellow. A nod to the latest Caribbean color theme, brides that choose this duo are fearless and looking to get the party started! Use the two colors equally or focus your attention on one and use the other as accents. However you choose to incorporate the pair, you will have one knock out wedding!

Images from Dooby Design, hurricanejane.co.uk, ruffledblog.com, projectwedding.com, delightfully-tacky.com, Brides Little White Book, bvweddings.com, oncewed.com, Sass and Craft, alannahrose.com.au, and mymodernmet.com

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Don’t let Uncle Sam stop you on your wedding day. There’s plenty of ammunition and sparks for everyone!

Cachic Design is on vacation for the long weekend. Here’s some inspiration to get you excited for this weekends festivities. Enjoy and have a great 4th of July!

Images from itsajaimething.com, ashleysbrideguide.com, bashdc, bumataystudio.com, talkcraftytome.com, lauraryanphotography.com, ruffledblog.com, thevegasweddingplanner.com, allegrophotography.com, and Pink Posh Photography

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This wedding season brides can add another theme to their list to choose from. Birds are back and more popular than ever. Why you ask? Well, one reason is because they are so versatile. You can really mix and match them with a number of other themes; from Retro and Rockabilly, to Rustic and Vintage! The combinations are limitless!

Wedding attire, bouquets, and florals

My favorite use for this theme is incorporating feathers into both the wedding attire and in the bouquets and florals. Peacock feathers are huge this season, not to mention beautiful! Use feathers in your centerpieces, mixing and mingling them amongst your flowers. You can even find cute little figurines of birds to use as place card holders or even cake toppers! Check sites like Etsy. There are a number of vendors doing custom designs!

Use antique birdcages

Birdcages are a must if you choose to use this theme (though mostly if you decide to incorporate more of a vintage feel). Using antique birdcages on tables and hanging from lines over the dance area sets such a warm and almost rustic tone. Go to a consignment shop, thrift shop, or even a swap meet to find these birdcages. They will be a steal in pricing and all you need is a fresh coat of brown or white paint. Add some other décor, like feathers or ribbon, and you are set. Use your DIY birdcage for you guests to drop your cards in at the reception!

Time to rock the birdcage veil

I still love the birdcage veil, so now is a great time to rock one! Could there be a more appropriate theme? Use small detailing in your ensemble, like an antique brooch. Go to a craft store and get some feathers, glue them on and viola, and awesome accessory. You could even do this for all your bridesmaids as gifts. Most antique jewelry is costume anyway, so it may be an affordable option!

Candy eggs and mini nests

Keep your guests at ease in their seats by using candy eggs in mini nests. You can find these mini nests on-line on virtually any wedding site. The eggs typically are malted milk balls, but if you can’t find them you could always use candy coated sunflower seeds. I just saw them the other day. They’re like M&M’s, but with sunflower seeds! You can even have your favors double as place cards. Just place your names and table numbers in the nests and let your guests enjoy! Good luck.

Images from marthastewartweddings.com, greenweddingshoes.com, stylishgiving.com, tinywaterblog.com, Jennifer and Matt, iluweddingsblog.com, qweddings.com, inspiredbythis.com, naturespetal.com, stephaniewilliamsphotography.com, ashleysbrideguide.com, stylemepretty.com, christianpf.com, A Delightful Day, shophollydays.com, owlnecklaces.com, and pinkpianos.com

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Je amour Paris dans le été! Ooh La La how we love French fashion. Yes, even us silly Americans can appreciate beauty when we see it! How can you deny it… almost everything we love and wear today had some roots in French fashions. So why not let this beauty shine through as you plan your wedding?

French inspired

I’m not saying have a French themed wedding, but you can use plenty of elements as inspiration for your design. The most popular still to date is a Marie Antoinette theme. Who lived a more decadent life than this former queen? A woman who tossed all cynics to the wind and never apologized for being self indulgent (but in the end still lost her head)! Just what you should be on wedding day. After all it’s your party, and yes, you can cry if you want to.

Keep your look simple

I pulled a bunch of images I used as inspiration for this blog to hopefully help and inspire you, my readers! As you start to pull ideas together in planning your wedding, don’t forget how many aspects there are. You want to keep a theme as your planning continues, but there are times when you can stray and do your own thing. Take moments to indulge and please yourself. The best time to do this… your bachelorette party and bridal showers! You’re with your girls, so be girly and have fun with it. Best of luck!

Images from vanityfair.com, weddingjeannie.com, my-beach-wedding.com, rivierawedding, ruffledblog.com, intimateweddings.com, projectwedding.com, deviantart.com, squarespace.com, craftzine.com, ullam.typepad.com, tripadvisor.com, botanicafloraldesigns.com, lacouturiernyc, escapadeevents, and blackandwhitecatalog.com

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3. Wedding Themes: Back to the Beach

For summer 2010 brides, heading to the beach is the H-O-T trend this wedding season. Destination weddings are still revving with full throttle ahead. Don’t be left behind as family and friends head to the beach for some of the hottest weddings this year!

It doesn’t even have to be summer!

Now, you don’t have to have your destination beach wedding in the summer months… it just seems that this is the most popular time of year to throw your wedding. Many brides continue this trend into the fall and winter seasons, plus the later in the wedding season the cheaper the pricing! Have your ceremony in the sand or on an outdoor patio, then stay at the scene and throw your reception or move the party indoors and beat the heat in the A/C! Most hotels/resorts offer a wedding package which includes both the ceremony and reception. There is an on-site wedding coordinator who will be there to hold your hand every step of the way!

Keep your look simple

This is about the only time you and your wedding party can get away with more casual attire… you can even go barefoot!. A lot of brides are doing the double gown option; having a simple short breezy dress for the outdoor ceremony, then changing into a more refined and traditional dress for pictures, dinner, and dancing. You can put the guys in dress/linen pants with a short sleeved button down and put your maids in a simple sun dress. Accessorize with fresh flowers, and you have an amazing bridal ensemble!

If a destination wedding isn’t quite in the budget, please don’t fret. There are plenty of ways to bring the beach theme to your town. Start with finding a local park or part of your city where there is a body of water (ie. pond, lake, stream, even fountains will work). Many parks or city public areas will have spaces you can petition to use, most involve obtaining a license, so please do so! Keep your wedding budget wise by selecting a location that can double as your ceremony and reception site. If you find a nice reception house, use the outdoor space for your ceremony. Outdoor equals less decorating, so you can spend more money on the reception. All you really need for your ceremony is an arch and some collapsible chairs!

Light foods and cocktails

By choosing a beach wedding theme, you can go pretty light on the food. This type of wedding is perfect for a cocktail reception. Choose some light appetizers to start and pick a signature cocktail for your guests to drink. It will cut down on the costs of an open bar and food. If you don’t like the idea of just a signature cocktail, you can still be budget savvy and provide beer and wine as an alternative. Just remember, cocktail receptions shouldn’t last longer than a few hours. So, if you’re planning on a longer reception you should consider a second round of finger foods, especially if you aren’t planning on serving dinner (but don’t fish tacos sound delicious?).

Keep the party going!

Your guests will delight in your beach themed wedding regardless of whether or not you are in your hometown or sitting in the sand. No matter what the cost or location, the main purpose of your big day is to have the best wedding you could ever imagine and to share your joy with your friends and family. In the end truly making it a day you and your future spouse will never forget. Cheers and good luck!

Or… just stay home ; )

Images from toriadolce.com, weddingmagic, my-beach-wedding.com, alohaislandweddings.com, obxweddingblog.com, ainakai.com, articlesbase.com, stsimonselopements, cairnsunlimited.com, savannahbeachweddings, msweddingphotos.com, raeleytham.net, grandwebsite.com, loriandersonphoto.com, foodfrenzy, dexknows.com, and layoutsparks.com

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It seems another installment on lace themes for your 2010 wedding is due! We got so many great responses from our first lace blog, that a second one was in order. Thanks to everyone who give us a “thumbs up”… and here’s what you’ve been waiting for!

Dress up your wedding

The word on the street for the 2010 bride is still lovely in lace. Lace is one of the best ways to dress up your wedding motif. It is elegant and simple, but creates an amazing feel. It can be used all year round and never goes out of style. Pair it with soft flowing pastel florals for an overall vintage motif, or combine it with this years hottest shades for an upbeat contemporary feel! My favorite, of course, is elegant vintage.

Don’t confine your love of lace to just your bridal fashion… use it everywhere.

Use lace in your table décor all the way down to favors for your guests. Break tradition and have your girls carry vintage lace umbrellas down the isle instead of flowers. Use lace fans as reception favors. If you are having an outdoor affair they will be greatly appreciated on a hot day! Pick a cute vintage cake topper, or if this isn’t your thing go for a lace design on your cake. Cake artistry had come a long way and a lot can be done with fondant!

How ever you choose to incorporate lace into your wedding day, it will look divine. This theme is clean, elegant, and refreshing. There’s a reason why the Belgians’ keep it haute couture!

Images from thesmallobject.com, paratinovia.com, zoeclarkcakes.com, weddingchicks.com, wedding-pictures.onewed.com, sweetcherrymeadow.co.uk, fashionbride, australiaentertains.com.au, kaboodle.com, manufacturer.com, marthastewartweddings.com, sweetfashiondesign.com, womensweddingdresses.com, zinkedesign,edwardsgoldeneyes.com, and hostessblog.com

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