Royal Anniversary: How Kate Influenced Wedding Trends

Today is the Prince William and Kate Middleton’s one year wedding anniversary. Yes, I know their anniversary doesn’t really affect me at all. But their royal wedding really did shake up the wedding industry. Their engagement and wedding immediately set some instant wedding trends. Here are my top five swoon-worthy trends set by Kate: (We are totally on a first name basis!)

1) Kate’s round sapphire and diamond engagement ring. This ring had belonged to Princess Diana. It was stunning then and now. There is absolutely nothing ordinary about this ring. It absolutely beats a single diamond solitaire ring. (That said I wouldn’t complain if I got the latter.)

2) Doing your own wedding makeup. Knowing that there was going to be a ton of pictures taken of her and kept as part of history, Kate opted to do her own makeup. Kudos to Kate and other brides that have confidence and a steady hand to do your own makeup!

3) Lace sleeves on a wedding gown. A strapless sweet heart neckline is the style that many brides gravitate towards. Adding sleeves totally increases the regal factor.

4) Wearing a tiara fit for a princess. I wasn’t a fan of tiaras before but Kate totally changed my mind. I think she did it just right. Her tiara had a lot of bling but was still understated. It did not overpower her entire look or compete with massive hair. Love!

5) This last trend doesn’t have anything to do with Kate’s wedding appearance, rather her actions. Putting your maid of honor in a stunning dress. Gone are the days were you dress your girlfriends in horrible dresses only to make yourself look good. Kate taught us that when you have confidence, no one can steal the spotlight from you!

Happy One Year Anniversary to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!

~Monica

Photo Credits: Daily Mail Online

Signs of Love

I always suggest good signage if my clients are having their wedding in a secluded or unfamiliar area. It is totally worth it to help reduce the stress of your guests from driving in circles and ensuring your wedding starts on-time! Signage does have to stop at providing directions to your wedding. You can also use signage from the beginning of the wedding to announce the bride’s grand entrance to the ceremony, use it as photo props (and engagement pictures) during the wedding, and as a send off at the end of the wedding.

If you are looking for custom signage for your nature inspired themed wedding, my wedding planner friend, Sharon Auld of NaturallyChic Weddings will be able to help you! Check out her website and contact her to discuss designing custom wood projects for your wedding.

Are you having some signage at your wedding? If so, we would love to hear what unique signage ideas you came up with!

~Monica

 

Photo Credits: 1) and 3) Style Me Pretty 2) Caroline + Ben Photography  4) Bits and Bobs Events  5) Scott Piner

Ribbons Galore!!

Ribbons have always played a major role in weddings. They have been traditionally been used on a wedding bouquet, hair accessories, wedding gown sashes and wedding invitation embellishments. However, they are becoming more and more popular because it is an inexpensive way to add color, a bit of fun, and a bit of whimsy. Ribbon has come far in that they can also be used as chair decorations, table runners,and backdrop decor. The only (and I mean only) downfall is this is a very DIY project. But if you are creative and love DIY already, using ribbons as part of your decor is right up your alley (or aisle!)

~Monica







Photo Credits: 1) Grosgrain / Oh Happy Day 2) Merriment Events 3) One Wed 4), 5) Elizabeth Anne Designs 6) Southern Weddings

Projector Screen Backdrops

As I was doing my usual looking around on the internet for ideas and inspiration, I came across this picture and did a double take. The ceremony backdrop is an image projected onto a screen. The image chosen is so romantic and totally sets the stage. Imagine the possibilities that can be projected! You can have your wedding anywhere in the world - projected on a screen for you!
~Monica



Photo Credit: Wedding by Color

Mercury Glass Wedding Decor

Mercury glass EVERYTHING is so hot in the wedding industry right now. They can be used in the forms of vases, platters, and/or candle holders. Mercury glass vases also works with a variety of colored flowers, transforming centerpieces from romantic to classic to rustic looks.

The one downfall is that mercury glass vases can be hard to find in bulk volumes if you want the exact same vase for all your guest tables. (A trip to all the HomeSense stores close to you may be necessary.) I would like to suggest that groupings of various styles, shapes, and sizes of vases also makes a stunning wedding centerpiece. This is also a current wedding flower trend as mentioned in a previous post.

If you must have the same centerpieces and are a crafty DIY bride, you might want to consider trying to make your own mercury glass vases. With a little bit of trial and error and a handy can of paint, it can be easily accomplished. A tutorial can be found at the Lovely Little Details blog.
The last picture on this blog is the DIY version. Looks just a great to me!

If you do decide to give this a try, I would love to see pictures of the final product. Do share! Good luck!

~Monica

Photo Credits: 1. Style Me Pretty 2. Style Unveiled 3. Blush Botanicals 4. United with Love 5. Kelly Maria

Colorful Aisle Runner!

This is an absolutely charming aisle runner and the color possibilites are endless. The aisle runner is made from strands of streamers. You will be able to incorporate your wedding colors into your aisle runner because streamers come in many colors of the rainbow. Instead of alternating the colors, you can also arrange your streamers in a specific pattern. The only thing I would caution is to secure the streamers with tape or the bride and groom should walk carefully! Have fun with this idea! ~Monica




Photo credit: Ruffled Blog

Who's Who in the Wedding Industry

I meet a lot of brides that are either a keen believer that they need help with the wedding planning process or they are determined to do it all on their own. For the brides in the second category, they learn a little too late that in the last three months leading up their wedding, they spend an average of 11 hours a week planning. Nearly 50% also found that planning their wedding was more stressful than they expected. (Source: Wedding Bells)

Assuming that I have now (easily) convinced you to hire help, here are some of the roles and responsibilities of the wedding industry professionals that can help you!
~Monica

Wedding Planner
This person is your Wedding Manager. Next to you, they know all about your wedding vision, wedding plans, and budget. (In actual fact, they might know all of this better than you.) This person will handle all the details leading up to your wedding and all the details on your wedding day. They will also have great relationships with other wedding professionals and can provide referrals to other wedding vendors. Your wedding planner’s great relationships may lead to discounts or bonus add-ons too. If you are getting married in Canada, you may want to consider hiring a Certified Wedding Planner with the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada (WPIC). Every Certified Wedding Planner with WPIC adheres to a Code of Ethics.

Day of Coordinator
This person is your Wedding Director. They are also a wedding planner but they come into the picture just a little bit before your wedding day (usually a month before). They will help you draft a wedding day timeline to ensure everything runs on-time and according to your plans. Your wedding vendors will be confirmed to ensure that they fulfill their contracts. Your wedding day will be smooth and executed flawlessly with the thanks of your Day of Coordinator.

Ceremony / Reception Site Coordinator
This person is contracted by the ceremony/reception venue. Their priority is to ensure the venue’s rules are implemented and not broken by you. Although you often hear the venue coordinator say they can help you on your wedding day, their role and responsibilities are tied with their employer – the venue. Now, I am not saying their role is not necessary. They also play a huge role at your wedding and can ensure everything runs smoothly, such as coordinating the timing of dinner. You never want hungry (and potentially cranky) guests!

Event Designer
This person is your Wedding Visionary. While a wedding planner excels in the logistics and planning of your wedding, an event designer will shine when designing the aesthetics of your wedding. Your event designer is the creator of the “WOW” factor at your wedding. They don’t just source rentals for your wedding, but they will create it custom for you when the item does not exist...yet. Your event designer is crucial to you if you strive for a one of a kind wedding that none of your guests have seen...like EVER.

Here are some pictures of the events and weddings created by my Event Designer Idol, Preston Bailey!






Photo Credits: Preston Bailey

Glamour vs. Practicality

I came across this picture and loved it! It is so dreamy and elegant. The chairs match the pedestal table perfectly. The candelabra is so neat. The flower petals are also a great touch.

Wedding Tip: Although your wedding should be all about you and your groom, try to be considerate of your guests too. I personally love all things related to flowers but the amount of flower petals on this table may affect your guests with allergies. I assume that your guests were invited because you want them there and you want them to have a good time right?!



Photo Credit: Karen Tran Floral Designs