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Monday, October 5, 2009

Wedding Trends and Tips for 2010 Brides

If you are planning a 2010 wedding, like most of those brides, you’re probably curious as to what the trends are and how you can pull off the look for less money. Let me start by saying that I would much rather a bride come to me with a budget – no matter how high or low – so that I can use my creative skills and deliver an amazingly beautiful event. Weddings in 2010 will be focusing on your style and interests as a couple, creating a highly personalized memory for you and your guests.

Homemade wedding favors are a way to still offer a small thank you to your guests without blowing your budget. Don’t have the time, interest, or skill to pull this off? At Details, it is one of the services we offer – researching suggestions and even producing the favors themselves. I encourage brides to gift a consumable wrapped in lovely packaging. Nobody needs another trinket! Aren't these great? Stuff them with whatever your heart desires!

Mismatched bridesmaid dresses are a popular trend that makes sense on several levels. For instance, many designers offer a color and fabric swatch book which can be used for any dress in their line. Select a color from the swatch book and let your bridesmaids select the style of dress that looks best on their body type. Or, do the reverse by selecting the style and let them pick the color (within a range so it doesn’t look like a rainbow!) You can use the latter method and they can purchase an off the rack dress. Just make sure to set the formality level before they shop.

Start planning a year in advance if at all possible. This not only reduces stress, but allows you time to make good decisions and shop for deals.

Floral needs can take a huge bite out of your budget. By thinking seasonally and using flowers that are in season in your local area, you can reduce costs tremendously. Also, there are some amazing centerpiece options that are easily created with items from hardware and dollar stores. A good planner should be able to share these options with you and even create them during (or before) setup. I admit, I'm gaga over the sample at the right! Let your favors be the centerpiece!

Dessert buffets and candy stations are popular for good reason. Both offer lots of options for guests, a lovely, colorful display, and a lower cost than the traditional wedding cake. Sold on having a cake? Purchase a smaller cake and elevate it on a lovely cake stand for presence. Have several smaller cakes beautifully made and display on stands of varying heights! Make this even more of an eye catcher by adding colorful lighting.

Scratch the disposable cameras. You’ll end up with poor photos, shots you wish you had never seen, and paying for processing of only a few images. Not to mention the cost of the cameras themselves! I know it sounds tacky, but it’s not – hire a photobooth! You’ll get some really fun shots that you’ll cherish the rest of your lives and your friends will have a great time playing in it.

Think outside the box for your wedding gown. Realistically, you’re going to wear this once and pack it away. Consider renting, purchasing a used gown (some have never been worn!), or vintage. Another option is to gather photos of your dream look and hire a seamstress or fashion design student to create your custom look. Work with a local design school and offer a contest for the design of your dress offering a cash payout.
~Jami

2 comments:

  1. The mismatched brides maids dresses are a wonderful idea. No two women are alike so why should their dresses be.

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  2. Thank you for your comment Lila! I also like that it offers each bridesmaid some creative expression and a little more interest in the visual appearance of the bridal party.

    ReplyDelete

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