FIND EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A FABULOUS WEDDING..THIS PAGE IS ABOUT ....HELPFUL SITES AND LISTS OF ITEMS I HAVE SEEN, OR HEARD ABOUT, MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE TRIED....
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Want to be on the cutting edge with your nuptials? Slash the bridal party to two and don't sit down to dinner.
By Kristi Barlette, 518Life
Wedding trends change faster than you can say "Vera Wang." Strapless gowns, shabby chic reception decor and destination affairs are in one year and out, like crowdfunding your honeymoon, the next.
Beauty bars: Couples will have hair and makeup specialists on site during the reception for guests to enjoy touch-ups throughout the night.
Combining unique ceremony and cocktail locations, then traveling to the reception: Some examples are getting married on a steamboat on Lake George before docking and heading to the dinner and dancing at a separate reception space, or having the ceremony and cocktails at the Canfield Casino before heading to a ballroom for dinner and dancing.
Smaller bridal parties: Clients are opting for one maid of honor and one best man in total.
Color trends: This year. we've seen cool, softer colors, but 2017 is gearing up to be bold and bright by incorporating red, yellow and orange into bouquets and centerpieces, this adds pop without overdoing the decor. Also, couples are adding a touch of metallic to their attire, their centerpieces, linens or other decor for a bit of bling.
Food trends: No more traditional sit-down dinners: It's family style for a more relaxed, personal and intimate wedding. Long tables bring back memories of the days when that style of dining was a typical Saturday night. Another hot trend is cocktail-style receptions. This is a more mix and mingle, eat-when-you're-ready approach, giving more time to the reception, dancing and enjoying your guests.
Say "bye-bye" to candy buffets and large wedding cakes and hello to mini treats and dessert bars as a late night snack or for pack-and-go at the end of the night. Oftentimes these menu options are family favorites or from a local bakery.
Say goodbye to your classic white princess dress! It's time to give wedding dresses some extra sparkle with shiny, sparkly metallic gowns. A shimmery dress makes for a bold, yet sophisticated wedding look for a black-tie affair.
And if you're planning a summer wedding or heading to a tropical destination for your nuptials, then Kay has the trend for you. Flowy, lightweight dresses are looking fresh and fabulous this season. A touch of lace on the bodice will give any dress an elegant twist.
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Nathan Congleton / TODAY
A touch of lace on the bodice keeps it feeling classic.
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3. Cascading bouquets
Bridal bouquets are getting a modern twist! The cascading bouquets of today are not as dramatic as what we saw with '80s brides. Now, it's all about adding lots of greenery and dangling flowers for a natural, chic look. (See photo above.) RELATED: The new do's and don'ts for modern wedding guests*******************************************************************************
4. Icebreaker guest games
Weddings undoubtedly involve mixing two sets of families and friends. Break the ice by letting your guests have some fun! Personalized Mad Libs and crossword puzzles about the couple can make for fun guessing games for all. If it's an outdoor affair, bring the games outside! Croquet, horseshoes and corn hole are all fun ways to get guests to mingle with each other and have a great time.
These items were hand-picked by our editorial team because we love them - and we hope you do, too. TODAY has affiliate relationships, so we may get a small share of the revenue from your purchases. Items are sold by the retailer, not by TODAY.
Croquet Set, $150, Crate & BarreL
5. GUEST ENTERTAINMENT
Couples are getting seriously creative when it comes to entertaining their guests — and it goes way beyond a band or DJ. Now gospel choirs, acrobats and even contortionists help make a night to remember.
6. Drone photography
Don't miss a single moment of your special day thanks to drones. Capturing aerial photos and videos of all of the festivities will help preserve memories that you can look at forever.
7. The new florals
Give your ceremony or reception a new look with hanging flowers. These suspended floral installations — a modern take on traditional table arrangements — will completely transform any space. And have some fun with the types of flowers and colors you use.
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Nathan Congleton / TODAY
Instead of leaving floral arrangements on the table, why not hang them from above?
If you want to give your reception a pop of color, bright glassware will instantly jazz up any table.
9. Go gold
For a nice elegant touch, try writing guest names in gold calligraphy on the place cards. If you're trying to channel an earthy vibe, use stones for the place cards. It's an unexpected and unique touch.
10. Translucent cakes
The naked cake trend is getting an upgrade for 2017. So what's the difference? Instead of no frosting at all, translucent cakes have a thin veil of it with just a little bit of cake coming through. Did we mention they're gorgeous, too?
Getting Married in 2017? Make Sure You Know CNY's Wedding Trends and Cost
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A new year typically comes with new trends, and weddings are no exception. Vendors at a bridal show tell Melissa Krull what's "in," but also how much an average Central New York wedding costs. NEW HARTFORD, N.Y. -- Instead of black tuxedos, you may see more navy blue and gray at weddings this year. "We're introducing a new gray, Sharkskin, and we're also introducing a new navy blue suit which are both dynamite for the wedding season,” said A. Vitullo’s Formalwear Manager Dale Cavoli. "Anything but black. The brides want something different. They want to change it up and put their own spin on it,” Picker’s Elegant Occasions Owner Ashley Grabeldinger said. Brides-to-be could see how to do just that at the Winter Bridal Faire at Yahnundasis Golf Club in New Hartford on Sunday. Vendors there said the style of wedding dresses may look a little different this year too. "Straps are very 'in' which is different,” Grabeldinger said. “Used to all be strapless, but now there's all types of straps, sleeves. Long sleeves are very 'in' this year too." New desserts are also being served. "We are getting more towards the cupcakes with all the rustic weddings that are happening now so that's gotten to be the newest trend,” Rolling Pin Coffee and Bake Shop Owner Gail Garrison said. Another style of photography is becoming more popular. "They like a photojournalistic look. Pictures of people that aren't posed. They're not aware of the camera. Those little moments between a mother and a daughter, you know, mom has got a tear in her eye," said Gina Sciortino, the co-owner of Photography by Joseph. One thing that hasn't changed is weddings can still be expensive. "I would say that if you were to consider a budget starting with $12,000 up through maybe $20,000. You know just to have a wedding and all the categories involved,” Match Marketing and BridalJunction.com Owner Renee Leininger said. Wedding days can be expensive, but experts shared some tips on how to make planning more friendly for your wallet. "Once in a while, depending if you do, so you book your rehearsal dinner as well as your wedding reception, a lot of times the venues will offer a discount or maybe throw in an hors d'oeuvre platter,” Candy Orbinati of the Roselawn said. "Ask a lot of questions,” said Sciortino. “Be an educated consumer. Know what you want. Know what you're looking for." An area wedding planner said it's financially important to give yourself plenty of planning time, and suggests at least two years to do so. Vendors say speaking with them at bridal shows is one of the best ways you can learn about what they have to offer. If you missed Sunday's event, the CNY Wedding Expo is coming up next weekend. That will be at Turning Stone Resort and Casino, on Sunday, January 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. *******************************************************
Ginny Cumming |
Wedding reception trends 2017
What’s going to be big in wedding receptions in 2017? We asked some of Queensland’s top stylists and event planners for their predictions.
“This is the sweetest trend, in every sense of the word,” says Ashleigh Boileau from Champagne & Confetti Events. “Personalised ice-creams that reflect the favourite flavours of the bride and groom will go down a treat, especially during summer in Queensland. Check out the delish flavours – and gorgeous ice cream tricycle – from Wheel & Spoon.” Signature-flavour ice creams, gelato, waffle cones and sprinkles, all served by a uniformed attendant? Yes, please.
According to Alysia Bridger from Celebrations by Alysia, strawberry towers will grace dessert tables and lounge bars in 2017. “They’re total showstoppers: elegant, edible art that people also really love to eat.” Covered in things like white chocolate, tiny edible pearls and silver leaf, it’s easy to see why.
A raw coastal colour palette is set to be big for 2017 weddings, says Marianne Edmonds from Honey & B. “Think linens and styling features in hues of indigo, stone and olive.” Nicole Smith from Hampton Event Hire agrees: “It’s a colour palette that works in just about every setting, but especially at a beach wedding.”
4. Favourite Favours
Trend: Favourite Favours. Photo: Fotolia
One of the loveliest trend predictions also comes from Marianne from Honey & B – charitable donations in lieu of wedding favours. “The idea is simple,” she says. “Donate the money you might have spent on bomboniere to a cause that means something to you and your groom-to-be.” Aww.
“This is a growing trend and an elegant finishing touch that can be completely personalised,” says Helen Sotiris from Events and Settings. “Pretty much any wedding artwork can be transformed into a backdrop, from a stylish motif to a monogram used on invitations and wedding stationery. The trend is not only to place the backdrop behind the bridal table at the reception but also at the entrance or somewhere central so that guests can use it as a photo wall.”
Helen from Events and Settings also predicts that acrylic cake and feature tables will be a clear (boom boom) winner for 2017. “They’re a lovely, super-stylish option that look great in any setting, and really let whatever’s sitting on them take centre stage.” Think of them as the bridal version of the iconic Philippe Starck Louis Ghost Chair.
“When it comes to alternate forms of transport, the Kombi was the king of 2016, but expect tuk-tuks to shine in 2017, with brides looking even further out of the box,” says Jess Lawrence from The Wedding Planners Whitsundays. Tuk-tuks? Fun fun!
Sweet tooths will love the trend for cakes in a jar, made by The Mason Baker. “They’re the perfect pudding; you can have them instead of cake, and they make gorgeous table decorations and guest gifts, too,” says Alysia from Celebrations by Alysia.
“Fun, festive and totally photogenic, tipis are the perfect alternative to a marquee,” says Jess from The Wedding Planners Whitsundays. Marianne from Honey & B agrees: “Taking the indoors out will be a big trend in 2017, with backyard weddings featuring tipi tents and open marquees.” It’s all about harnessing that festival-chic vibe, with live music and a chilled-out atmosphere (but with way better food and portaloos!).
There are certain items that are staples on a wedding table, but according to Alysia from Celebrations by Alysia, 2017 will take luxury linens and beautiful stationery to a whole new level. “The glam factor will be well and truly amped up – it’s all about luxe details.”
“Because who doesn’t like a big table filled with food?” says Ashleigh Boileau from Champagne & Confetti Events. “This is a great sharing option, which is much more relaxed than the traditional three-course alternative drop. And while food stations tend to focus on one particular dish, theme or cuisine, these are all-encompassing and decadent.”
12. Make Your Own Bomboniere
Trend: Make Your Own Bomboniere. Photo: Fotolia
No, we’re not talking about a craft session in the lead-up to your big day: a hot trend for 2017 is DIY bomboniere stands for guests at your actual wedding. “It’s a great way to fill in the hour or so when the wedding party is having photographs taken,” says Marianne from Honey & B. Suggested ideas? “Anything from make-your-own flower crowns and buttonholes to make-your-own fragrances and olive oil infusions.”
13. Brunch Weddings
Trend: Brunch Weddings. Photo: Fotolia
“This is a great choice, especially for a destination wedding,” says Marianne from Honey & B. “Why choose a venue with a stunning view in a faraway destination if you can’t even see it at night?” A daytime wedding also lets you go to town on fabulous, elaborate brunch-style food and drinks: “Think bagels, ham stations, antipasto platters, gorgeous seasonal fruit, parfait bars, mimosas and Bloody Marys galore,” says Marianne. No problems there!
Forget standard drinks from a normal bar: according to Marianne from Honey & B, 2017 is all about signature cocktails that are in keeping with the wedding theme and served from a custom bar. “Once formalities are over, opening a spirits bar is a great way to get people up from their tables and moving around the venue. It creates an ice breaker for guests and gets them chatting and mingling as they share in a drink chosen or concocted especially for the wedding.”
15. Food Stations
Trend: Food Stations. Photo: iStock
“Food stations will again be big, depending on your venue and if they can handle special requests,” says Ashleigh from Champagne & Confetti Events.
“They’re a great way to show your individual style, serve interesting and amazing food, and make things fun for your guests.” Jess from The Wedding Planners Whitsundays agrees: “Food stations and unique menu options are well and truly here to stay for 2017”. Marianne from Honey & Bsays the key is for food and drink stations to be creative: “Think gourmet coffee stations, build-your-own taco stands and carnival food.”
According to Jess from The Wedding Planners Whitsundays, elopements and intimate weddings are set to go through the roof in 2017. “With a smaller guest list, the options are endless and budgets a bit more flexible. So expect to see some extraordinary intimate dinners.”
Alysia from Celebrations by Alysia says another new trend is room reveals (yes, we’re talking weddings, not The Block). Everyone – including the staff – leaves the room and the couple get a moment on their own to see the result of everything they’ve been planning for so long. “The day goes by in a flash, so it’s lovely for couples to have a moment to themselves to take it all in before the guests arrive. It’s really special and most of the time we’re all in tears!”
With thanks to Alysia Bridger from Celebrations by Alysia; Ashleigh Boileau from Champagne & Confetti Events; Helen Sotiris from Events and Settings; Nicole Smith from Hampton EventHirE; Marianne Edmonds from Honey & B and Jess Lawrence from The Wedding Planners Whitsundays.
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Nathan Congleton / TODAY
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Nathan Congleton / TODAY
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Nathan Congleton / TODAY
