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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1. Birdcage Veils: No Flying Friends Required!
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3. Nautical Fever: Ship Ahoy Brides!

OMG… what could be better than an outdoor wedding on a beautiful day? The sunshine, the crisp feeling of an end of summer breeze, the organic smells nature creates as it begins to transform into hibernation. All paint a magical background for your nuptials. I know most outdoor weddings follow a “garden party” theme, but do not worry. There is a new trend moving into town. A trend that mixes a little touch of country with the elegance of a garden theme… we call it Rustic!

I L-O-V-E Autumn weddings. The fall is a beautiful time of year. It starts to get cooler and the foliage change in most parts of the U.S. creates amazing backdrops for weddings. I am absolutely enthralled that this rustic theme is taking hold. It emerged last season, but was overpowered by vintage. This year, make no mistake it is here to stay. This theme has been made popular to mainstream viewers by resources like Martha Stewart and Town and Country. Think Better Homes and Gardens meets the Hamptons.

Using elements from nature

To achieve this look you are going to need to pull from nostalgic looks, like a vintage, retro, and urban. All these elements mix to make a sophisticated and elegant feel, while still creating a relaxed and classic atmosphere for your guests. Pull elements from nature to achieve your overall theme. You can use bark, leaves, pine cones, and wildflowers to decorate your tables. Line your tables with natural colored linens like taupe, beige, and cream. Use warm colors to contrast. My suggestion would be light pinks and yellows (for spring) and oranges and reds (for the fall), and lots of candlelight!

I’ve seen some designers set their tables up using bails of hay instead of chairs. It looks great in photos, but may cause problems for seasonal allergy sufferers. The bails of hay can serve double duty and be used for your ceremony, then can be moved to your reception. See if you can find an old barn to rent. You will more than likely have to search outside city limits, but you may get lucky. The barn can be used for both your ceremony and reception site. It will provide a good dance floor for you and your guests to dance the night away! Hire a square dance caller to organize your dancing. Most can recommend a band or DJ to help with the music. I know it sounds a little silly, but it will be loads of fun for both you and your guests.

Keep the look simple and let nature speak for itself

Have your maids dressed in a soft flowy fabric. Use the same inspiration for your ensemble. I like the simple slip dresses with a floral headdress and veil. Put the boys in suites or dress pants with a shirt and tie. Have your wedding party mix it up by wearing cowboy hats or boots. Your pictures will be amazing! I think a cocktail hour with finger foods works well and a sit down dinner served family style to follow. It’s an alternative not typically seen, but serving family style is a little more formal than buffet. Serving comfort foods like gourmet burgers and mac and cheese with sweet corn is a fun choice to the standard meat or chicken. If you still want traditional choices, why not offer BBQ chicken or brisket? Do a simple buttercream frosted cake. I most definitely suggest using a dessert table with multiple small layered cakes. It fits well with the theme and will be beautiful in pictures!

Keep the party going!

For further entertainment add a vintage photo booth where your guests can take pictures of themselves. You can also set up some games like horse shoe toss or have a fortuneteller. Have a small refreshment stand set up with bottles of pop, wine coolers, and beer in ice buckets. It eliminates bar service, but it would be a good idea to designate someone from the wait staff to be in charge of replenishing drinks. Should you wish to have wine; you can choose to leave a bottle of red and white selections on your tables, or opt for a poured service with dinner. A poured service will save you money in the long run by eliminating corking fees and you will only be charged for the number of bottles used, not the number opened. Skip the champagne toast… it’s a country inspired theme after all!! Your guests can toast with what they are drinking.

Fun transportation for your guests

Finally, if your destination includes a walk from where your guests are parking try to provide a shuttle service. I’m not talking about renting vehicles for a walk 100ft away. I’m talking about something fun like a horse-drawn wagon… kind of like a hay ride! The last thing you want are your guests trudging through tall grass and mud in their good clothes. See if you can work some deal with the site owner you are renting from. They may be able to suggest a local farmer or horse ranch that can accommodate your needs. Overall, I want you to be inspired to have fun and create a beautiful and unique wedding day you want to share with your friends and loved ones. A day both you and your family will talk about for years to come!

Images from imgfave.com, oncewed.com, grosgrainfabulous, elizabethannedesigns.com, intimateweddings.com, hellolucky.com, dailyweddingplanningtip.com, weddingchicks.com, A Delightful Day, My Ten Thousand Wedding, mdresort.com, and nashan.com

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2. To Bump or not to Bump…is it really a question?
3. Have a High Rollin’ Wedding: Vegas Style

Out in the middle of the dry Nevada desert comes an oasis sprawling with palm-lined streets that flash neon at all hours of the day. You guessed it… Vegas baby!! Unfortunately the celebrities do ruin the appeal a little with their own Vegas quickie weddings, but it truly is an amazing place for a destination wedding. No surf, but plenty of sand and eye popping sites await you and your guests in the entertainment capital of the world.

Destination weddings: it’s all about location

There are plenty of places to throw your Las Vegas wedding while in Sin City. You have a multitude of hotels and wedding chapels at your disposal, not to mention public areas such as parks. I’m sure you could even get a permit to wed in front of the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. The famous Little White Wedding Chapel offers packages that let you get married by Elvis (well, an impersonator) and even have a “Drive-thru” special starting at $40! After you say your “I do’s”, hop in your limo and cruise the sunset strip before partying it up at your reception. Just remember to keep some cash ready for the vendors. After making all your payments and leaving tips, it’s up to you and lady luck!

I know the thought of a destination wedding is appealing, but keep in mind you may not be able to have all the guests there that you want. Travel is expensive and not everyone invited will be able to attend, especially with our current economic situation. If you can afford a destination Vegas wedding then go for it, but if not there are plenty of ways to bring Las Vegas to your neck of the woods!

Bring Vegas to you

Start by deciding on your theme…is it Vegas, is it Elvis, or is it going to be more of a casino theme? All are great ideas and will be totally fun to plan. My suggestion is to combine the whole lot (unless you have a strong aversion to the King!). Look to your local vendors for help. Find a picture of what you’re looking for and use it as inspiration in your planning. Most high schools have a “casino night” that they use to raise money, check with them to see where they get their props. I’m sure they can give a rental supply company to use. You don’t have to go all out with roulette or black jack tables, you just want to give the illusion of Vegas. You aren’t legally licensed to provide gambling, so why bother with the elaborate table set ups?

Theme specialty venders

You might be able to find a baker who can make a cool cake with Elvis’s face or a cake with fondant poker chips and cards on it. Black, white, and red are all good choices for color themes. I like mixing contemporary with a little Retro feel, like black linens and red polka dots! Use old records as as chargers for your place settings or to set your centerpieces on. There are plenty of neat decorations you can use from secondhand stores. Look for old pins and buttons you can use to decorate tables with. Even pull the pink flamingos from the yard and use them as decorations! Keep it simple and whimsical, it will be more endearing and heart-felt.

Be creative with your décor

Look online for nostalgia pieces, like old movie posters, adds, or life-sized cut out of Vegas stars. Use the cut outs as props and set up a red carpet section where your guests can get their photos taken with the stars! It sounds a little corny, but I guarantee as soon as one person does it everyone else will! You will create great gifts your guests can enjoy that evening and in the future. Don’t underestimate bulk online candy stores. Some of them offer great deals on candy of yester-year! One site offered mini slot machines that dispensed gum balls, while another idea was personalized card decks with the name of the bride and groom and wedding date. Another option I’ve seen done before was using chocolate coins. You can usually get them in bulk and can be used not only as gifts, but décor on your tables.

Music and Entertainment

For entertainment try using a band instead of a DJ. Going with live music can be more costly, but if it is a Vegas theme, then I couldn’t imagine a better way to go. As you audition each band, have sheet music available for songs you want to hear. You don’t want your first dance to be ruined by an off -key singer. Make sure you hear them first! They won’t be the genuine “Rat Pack”, but they should be familiar with the tunes and the artists. Just because going to Vegas isn’t an option for your wedding, it doesn’t mean you can’t bring it home for you and your guests to enjoy. Your groom can take a tip from Frank, and “Luck be a lady tonight”! Have fun and let me know how your wedding day turns out.

Images from instyle.com, beau-coup.com, paper-source.com, brianphillipsblog.com, norasweddingblog.com, australiaentertains.com.au, bridgettesdetroitwedding.com, theweddingwizards.com, eastcoastmark, mandalaybay.com, todaysbride, and alldolldup

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Hello again ladies. I always love giving us girls an excuse to shop, especially wedding dress shopping! If the “green gown” isn’t really your thing, then this blog is for you. I know I already blogged about the eco-chic wedding dress, so now let me step down from the environmental soap box and address the majority of our dress buying population.

Let’s face it, as women, the larger half of us love fashion…and designer labels (I know I do!). I have done some research and found some great looks for the 2010 wedding season. So it’s come time to blog about the wedding gown trends for 2010. Sorry it has taken me a little longer than expected, but here are the trends I really think will be a hit this season.

Designers materials of choice

For the most part designers are sticking to traditional materials; lace, organza, chiffon, and tulle. What I was not seeing a lot of was silk. Silk seems to falling into the background only being used for trim work and detailing, which is fine because of it’s temperamental nature. Also not so hot this year is the corset look. Now mind you we are still seeing the tight fitting bodices, but the stays have been covered with material for a more sleek “faux-bodice” appearance. We are still seeing the full “ball gown” like dresses, but a more subdued almost romantic look is making a comeback…think Jane Austin meets Urban Chic!

Styles: layers, short, or both?

The biggest trends for gown construction has to be the comeback of multiple tiers and ruffled layers. I am seeing layers upon layers of soft chiffon in tiers, which gives a beautiful cascading waterfall effect. Also the direct opposite, larger organza and tulle stuffed ruffles layered up the skirt stopping at the bodice of the dress. It looks beautiful when done correctly, but it makes almost a static presentation on the runway. What I was hoping to not see return was the mermaid dress, but they squeezed their way back into the designers hearts this season. The drop waist look is back as well. I love the image it creates, but it might not be the best look for the curvier population. Also another big look that is coming back, tons of beading. A lot of beading in trim work and on bodices. Designers are having a hay-day marrying the combo of lace and beadwork, making for some seriously irresistible gowns!

Vintage inspired gowns

It has been nice to see some designers stick with the traditional A-line shape. I found this great dress by a Japanese designer, Junko Yoshiako. He did a plain organza frame, then used a silk trim around the base of the dress and waistline of the bodice, and a large bow effect over the top of corset. Very elegant and simple. I am also seeing the return of Vintage inspired gowns this season…a trend I just absolutely adore! A lot of lace and chiffon is being used to craft these remarkable dresses. We are even seeing a comeback of the capped sleeves and lace bolero jackets over the strapless looks. Really these designs are just breathtaking! Anne Barge and Melissa Sweet have put together amazing collections this year, and did a really good job sticking to “tradition”. Kudos to your fashion houses, there is a reason we call some styles “classic”!

Modern tea length dresses

I couldn’t talk about wedding dress trends without including the two newest relatives, the short/tea length dresses and our Grecian, asymmetric gowns. I love the asymmetric off-the-shoulder look. I think it is clean and classy. The perfect look for a more casual theme or outdoor wedding. It is suitable for any outdoor setting, from destination beach wedding to garden party. If you have read my recent blogs, you know where I stand on the shorter length dresses. I am not too fond of them, but they can serve a place in wedding fashion as well. I think it is a perfect look if you are going for a Retro themed wedding or even if you are choosing to throw an outdoor event. My only concern brides, is it that if you are not planning to add the traditional wedding pieces in your collection (i.e. a veil of some length), you may look like more of a guest than the focus of attention. The last thing you want to do is “blend in” in your wedding photos.

For the most part this year has some great trends for wedding fashion. I would seriously check into the vintage market. I guarantee this look is not going anywhere anytime soon. The pieces being created, in time, will make their way into our “timeless” and “classic” categories. Don’t be afraid to check out our foreign markets. The Japanese designers are really beginning to make names for themselves in wedding-wear. For years Japan has been a fashion mecca, now it seems they are coming into their time in the wedding industry as well. Shop online for styles. Try google, or pick up the newest trend for web searching… Stumble. I guarantee your search for the perfect wedding gown this season will not go unfulfilled!

Images from recycledbride.com, furthers.com, erineverafter, inspiredbythis.com, occasionsniagara.com, augustajones.com, jlmcouture.com, weddinginspirasi.com, oncewed.com, and instyleweddings.com

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It has been a wonderful year and hope for many more to come.

Photography by Adam Lowe

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