Trend - the New Taffeta

Taffeta is becoming a preferred fabric for wedding gowns and bridesmaids dresses. The taffeta that is used for gowns now doesn’t look like the taffeta that was used back in the 80’s. Now, it is more light weight and catches the light to give the gown a gorgeous glow. Trend provided by Bella Donna Bridal Salon
Photo courtesy by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Make a Lighting statement

Most venues could use some added light in order to get great images. Many entertainment companies can add some extra design elements in addition to being your DJ. The added benefit of extra lighting...it makes a grand statement!
Tip provided by The Memory Journalists
Photo courtesy of Profinish Design

The Ultimate Registry

What if you could register for ANYTHING you wanted? And money was absolutely no object? What would you register for? Here's my picks if even everyone I knew was a gazillionare.

Reflections Bed Suite

$5400 at Neiman Marcus

Evelyn Etched Mirror

$500 at Neiman Marcus

Savannah Chandelier

$1220 at Neiman Marcus

Capresso Coffee Center

$1400 at Neiman Marcus

Danby Silhouette 166-Bottle Wine Cellar

$1700 at Beverage Factory

There's my list! What would you pick?

Trend - Add Colored Glassware

The new way to get those tablescapes to pop is to add colored glassware. A colored water goblet matched with a clear wine and champagne glass can make a beautiful compliment to your dinner tables. Don't be afraid to use color on your tables -- bold statements are in!
Tip provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Emergency Kit

Are you a worrier? Always thinking about what COULD happen? Help yourself relax and be totally prepared by creating a Wedding Day Emergency Kit. Ask each bridesmaid to help out by bringing something and designate someone to carry it with them all day. Don't forget to include straws, super glue, bobby pins and some travel hairspray.
Tip and photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Spa Bridal Showers

Spa themed bridal showers are becoming increasingly popular. Spa professionals can be hired to come into the host's home. The host can designate an area in the home to have manicures, pedicures and massages for the guests to enjoy. And there is no need to schedule the treatments, guests may partake in the pampering as they would like.
Tip provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of J. Christiaan Salon and Spa

Tip - Wedding Day Love Notes

Make sure to let your soon-to-be husband know that you are thinking of him and why you can't wait to be his Mrs.Write him a card or a quick note and have a bridesmaid or your photographer deliver it before the ceremony.

Tip and photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Sex Is Here!

Alright Ladies! Tomorrow is the big day...the release of Sex and the City movie. While there is so much anticipation and excitement around the big debut from the ladies, the men are baffled. The best way that I can explain it...most of us recognize our friends and ourselves in Carrie, Samantha, Miranda or Charlotte (minus the never ending supply of Manolos ;)). It's like an exaggerated version of our lives on the big screen that we just can't miss!

The idea of Carrie and Mr. Big marrying after years of turmoil and uncertainty is relatable to so many. Get your cosmos prepped, your best heels out, your fashion forward outfit on and get your tickets to the second biggest event of the year... next to your Big day!

All photos courtesy of the official Sex and the City blog.

Trend - Face Your Audience

Rather than keeping your back to the audience during the entire wedding ceremony, the officiant is changing positions half way through so that you’ll be facing out to your family and friends. This has become a popular twist on tradition.
Trend provided by A Day to Remember Wedding Consultants
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Refreshing ceremony drinks

Don't keep your guests parched during the ceremony -- offer them drinks as they are seated. For summer or spring weddings, consider offering bottled water or lemonade or orange soda. For the cooler months, offer your guests hot tea, coffee or hot cocoa. For Christmas weddings, consider offering your guests hot apple cider. This is a great way to welcome your guests. Remember to check with your site coordinator to ensure that drinks are allowed at the ceremony site.

Trend - Nonmatching Bridesmaid Dresses

Your Bridesmaids dresses don't have to all match! A lot of brides are opting to either pick a style of dress and tell the girls to pick their own colors or give the color theme to the girls (swatches are best) and ask them to get a dress in any of those colors. It's nice to let the girls pick their dresses because they can pick something that looks great for their body type and hopefully something they will wear again!
Trend provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Night before slumber party

Fight those "night-before-the-wedding " jitters by having a slumber party with your bridesmaids. Your bridesmaids can help to calm your nerves and keep you smiling. Also, you can surprise them with a bridesmaid gift of cute pajamas.
Tip provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Let Them Eat Cake Too!

I apologize for this post coming out later than expected. Let's take a look at some additional cakes photographed by our Dynamite Weddings' photogs! Here are a few cake ideas that incorporate corresponding florals from your wedding theme. We will take a look at cake flavors in this post. Enjoy!

Flavors: The only limit here is your imagination. You will need to decide on the cake flavor and the filling flavor. There can be any number of combinations, many at no additional cost.
You can attack these choices two ways: 1) Do the cake tasting with you baker and then choose what you like out of the combination you are offered. 2) Choose one of your favorites. I'm not going to list cake flavors, but fillings can fit into a few categories: jams, creams, frosting, fruit, ganache, cheesecake and alternative.

Jams are usually accompanied by one of the other fillings, but can add color to the cake once it is sliced. Curds are similar to jams, but are usually citrus flavored and can a brightness to a rich cake. Creams include pastry cream, whipped cream and Bavarian cream (a combination of the first two with gelatin added) and mousse which is also commonly paired with fruit and can easily be flavored. Frostings are usually whipped cream (think of a strawberry shortcake) or buttercream. The buttercream is most commonly flavored with chocolate, fruit flavors or nut flavors or left as vanilla. Fruit can be used as a simple filling, but it much more tasty when paired with one of the other fillings. Ganache is a baker and pastry chef's dream. When it is thick it can be spread as a filling and when it is thin it can be poured like a glaze. The ganache can also be flavored (think of the inside of your favorite truffle).
Cheesecake is probably the newest option. It can be used as the cake or the filling. I've done both. It's great because it's so easy to work with and can be frosted just like a traditional cake. The alternative category is both a new option an nontraditional option and a flavorful option. Flavor and texture are being added to cakes with meringue and meringue mixed with ground nuts. It adds a chewy, rich and deep texture and is wonderful when paired with chocolate.

Check back for our next cake photo gallery and intro to frosting and decorations.

Photos provided by Allison Stahl Photography, Sharpe Photographers, The Memory Journalists

Trend - Experiment with Color

Experiment with unique color combinations! Tiffany Blue & Chocolate, Hot Pink and Bright Orange, Lime Green & Magenta…Candy Apple Red & Bronze…(my favorite). Don’t be afraid to do something different. Go to a paint store & pick up paint swatches. It’s a great way to explore combinations you’ve never thought of. Color can be the easiest way to add the WOW factor!
Trend Provided by Newcastle Wedding Gardens
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Taste Testing Fun

It’s Your Day . . . Have Fun! Whether you attend the tasting with just you and your fiancé, or ask your parents to attend with you, try to schedule the tasting for a late lunch or early dinner so that you can enjoy your special meal and a glass of wine.
Tip provided by Capital City Catering
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Bridesmaid Butterfly Feet

Being a bridesmaid is not a cheap endeavor. There is the dress, shoes, jewelry, and hair. Not to mention the mounting costs of a shower, bachelorette party, wedding gift, and any travel/lodging costs. When you add up all the expenses, it is not uncommon to spend $1000 on being a bridesmaid.

For my wedding, I aimed to be cost-sensitive where my bridesmaids were concerned. I found the dresses at Macys, which has some great color and style options if you are start looking early and are willing to wait for the right dress to come along. For the shoes, I found some cute, heeled slides at Nordstrom. The BP ‘Butterfly’ Leather Slides come in black, silver, and gold and are only $40. The best part is that they are incredibly comfortable and have a wide heel so your maids don’t have to worry about getting stuck in the grass or tripping down the aisle.

Tag You're It - Sparky

I will call this 10 memories about my wedding (or the wedding process).
1. I knew my husband was going to propose. In fact, I knew the day he went to get my ring. He said he was meeting an old friend to go to a Giants baseball game. I happened to remember his friend knew a lot about jewelry, as his family owned a jewelry store in the Bay Area. We hadn't talked about getting engaged, but I just had this weird feeling he was purchasing a ring. Sure enough, I was right.
2. The day after we got engaged, our close friends came over for a mini-celebration. My husband set up a little get together with our close friends, which meant so much. I remember being so excited the night we got engaged and the next day of course wanted to tell everyone, so this ended up being so fun. Everyone brought champagne, people toasted us and I didn't have to repeat the story too many times. It was a great weekend.
3. Our engagement party was dessert and drinks. We had a blast trying so many different desserts with different drinks and champagne. We ended up socializing with everyone until 4 in the morning.
4. I had one traditional bridal shower and one not-so-traditional shower. I feel like I got the best of both worlds. The traditional shower was hosted by family which made sharing memories fun. The non-traditional shower was with girlfriends and allowed me to not have to do everything "like you're supposed to do."
5. On my way to my bridal shower hosted by my maid of honor, my zipper on my dress broke. I mean, I was sitting in the car, when all of the sudden the thing just broke (and I swear, the dress wasn't too small, honest!) The zipper was literally down the entire side of the dress, so what would I do?? Well, I turned around, went home, found a dress quickly (although I didn't like it) and jammed to the shower. Luckily, everyone was excited to see me, so they didn't notice I wasn't wearing a new dress.
6. I cried at every single wedding event and even in between. I cried when my husband was buying my ring (or I thought that was what he was doing), when he proposed, the day after we got engaged, at our engagement party, at all of my bridal showers, my bachelorette party, our rehearsal dinner and on our wedding day. Normally I'd say that sounds terrible, but I was so happy. Well, except when I cried about the cost of the wedding, but it happens!
7. The morning of my wedding, my close girlfriends and bridesmaids came over for brunch. We got to chit chat, relax and unwind before the chaos started. It was wonderful to relax!
8. I was shorted several dozen flowers the day before the wedding. Somehow, nothing material really mattered to me by then. Of course, looking back I would change the appearance of some things, but honestly, in the whole scheme of things, the flowers just didn't matter. I was so thankful we had great weather, our health and lots of guests.
9. We had wedding crashers at our wedding. I was sooo angry, I thought "how dare them?" I was so busy, however, I never had time to fully address that situation. Please believe though, if I had some time....
10. Our honeymoon was the best part of our wedding. Not that the wedding wasn't fun, but it was a lot of work. I wish I didn't put so much work on myself. I wasn't able to enjoy it as much as I should have. I WISH I would have gotten a "day of" wedding coordinator. But, at this point, I can't look back, all I can do is inform other brides. Trust me, you may not think you need someones help, but just do it. The honeymoon gave me time to truly enjoy my husband!

Ignite the Flame - Big Hunk

Does your husband have a favorite candy bar? Occasionally drop a card with his favorite candy bar into his lunch bag or on the nightstand before bed. Either way, he will be stoked not only to find a candy bar for the day or the following day, but also to read the sweet note you wrote.
For an added ego boost, buy a Big Hunk candy bar and either use it individually or combined with his favorite. What guy wouldn't like to know his sweetie thinks of him as a big hunk?

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Cloud Nine - Newlywed Blues

The first year of marriage is often considered the most difficult-and with good reason. Most couples spend a great deal of time and energy planning for the perfect day, but give little thought to planning for the year preceding their wedding. The time leading up to the big day is usually filled with multiple social gatherings (showers, luncheons, bachelor/bachelorette parties, etc.), and lots of positive attention for the bride and groom. It is not uncommon for couples to feel a let down after their nuptials, similar to post holiday or post party blues.

The first thing to realize is that these feelings are completely normal. Give yourself time to adjust to your new situation and all the new emotions you are experiencing. Creating a plan for the first year of your life, including organized social events and romantic getaways for you and your spouse will ease your transition during this first year.

Also, be prepared for all the compromises and adjustments that are necessary following your wedding day. Conflicts will arise, and when they do, take them in stride. Work on accepting and embracing each other’s differences. After all, the differences as well as the commonalities are what attracted you to one another.

Remember, even though the first year of marriage is considered the most difficult, it can also be equally joyous. This is the period of time when you will learn the most about each other, so cherish this time together. It is always important to try and maintain perspective while you are in the moment, even when times are difficult. This newlywed phase builds the foundation of what your marriage will be, so embrace each other’s differences and love each other for who you are.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Ask Marvin - The Unwelcome Guest

Dear Marvin,
I have a wedding guest list crisis! There is one person in particular who I absolutely DON’T want to invite to my wedding. Unfortunately, it happens to be my best friend’s boyfriend.

I know I not only sound like a bridezilla, but a horrible friend as well! What could have happened to contribute to my dilemma? My friend and her boyfriend recently reconciled after a bitter breakup. He has a history of making scenes in public and picking fights with my friend randomly over seemingly unimportant issues. He is also very possessive and has a hard time sharing her “time” with others. Call me selfish, but I do not want any drama on my special day! My friend swears things are different this time, but I haven’t seen the change myself. To further complicate my dilemma, when I became engaged and started planning my wedding they were not together. So now that they are making nice, I know she wants to bring him as her “plus one”. Everyone I talk to says I do not have to invite him, and that I shouldn’t. I feel utterly awful and go back and forth between what I want to do and what I think I should do. I’m on the fence and I need to make a decision!

What should I do?


Dear On the Fence,
This is a bit of a messy situation. First and foremost, I would advise you to sit down and talk with your friend. Tell her your concerns and give her examples of why you feel this way (be gentle: remember it isn’t what you say, it’s how you say it!) If you two are as close as it sounds, chances are she is going to want the best for you on your day. I am sure she will understand that you have valid concerns, and will more than likely be just fine showing up solo to support you.

If your friend seems unhappy that you don’t want her beau to accompany her, set up a date night for you and your fiancé and include the two of them. See for yourself if things have changed. Maybe you will be pleasantly surprised and change your mind about inviting him. If he resorts to his old bad habits, you will have all the proof you need to exclude him from your nuptials.

Even though this is a difficult decision to make, keep in mind the consequences of either choice. Although it is important to consider your friend’s feelings, it is also important that you have as stress free of a day as possible. In the end, a decision that you feel the most comfortable with will be the right decision for you.

Marvin

Survey Says - Anything Turn Out To Be Insignificant (wk. 2)?

Is there anything that you thought was really important, but in retrospect, was insignificant? (Week #2)

We bypassed a lot of the traditional wedding pastimes: bouquet/garter toss, cake cutting, favors. We wanted an event that was us, and I'm so glad we didn't do the things that we didn't want because that would have been exactly the things that would have made it not us.
- Melanie, married in 2007

We didn’t have enough in our budget to put a floral arrangement/centerpiece on each of our 21 tables. That’s a lot of money. I thought that without lots of flowers, the tables would look boring. BUT, I was really wrong. I trusted my florist and her creative ideas and the tables looked amazing. No one missed the flowers! We had pillar candles, lots of votives, flower petals, mini white pumpkins, lots of warm fall colors. With all the candlelight, it was beautiful in the room. Don’t worry about the flowers, there are so many other creative (and much cheaper) options.
- Alison, married in 2007

The order of walking..for the bridesmaids and groomsmen.
- Rebecca, married in 2003

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Protect your skin

Protect your skin! For outdoor weddings, don't forget to apply sunscreen. You want your wedding night to be hot with passion…not a scorching sunburn! Also, consider providing sunscreen to your guests. You can glam it up by creating small packages with travel sized suncreen, a little fan and a bottle of water. The water bottles can be personalized with a picture of the bride and groom.
Tip provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Emerald Cut Diamonds

If clarity is what you are after -- an emerald cut diamond is the way to go. The emerald cut shows off the diamond's clarity better than any other cut. This cut is perfect for the glamorous bride who wants a little "ice" on her finger.
Tip provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

This is normal right?

One of my cousins just got engaged. Her mom told my dad who in turn told me and my sister. I was SO excited about it I immediately called her and congratulated her. And do you want to know WHY I was so excited about it? Because I was hoping that I could be the guru to her wedding planning.

I’m not quite sure what has happened to me! I used to be such a normal girl. And then the wedding bug bit. Well, actually the wedding planning bug. I have never been one for party planning or entertaining or any of that stuff. Even during my own wedding there were parts of the planning that I absolutely dreaded. But I am finding ever since I got married I am still addicted to reading about weddings, researching wedding stuff or generally giving advice. Which I guess is good since I blog here!

So don’t worry girls if you find yourself still longingly looking at Dynamite Weddings months after you are married. It’s normal. You’re normal. I’m normal. Right?

Tip - Preserve your bridal bouquet

Don’t toss your beautiful bridal bouquet. Ask your florist to provide you with a special bouquet to toss at the reception. After the wedding, you can have your bridal bouquet preserved and put into a shadow box to hang on the wall. You can even put a copy of your wedding invitation and a picture from the wedding in the shadow box as well – what a wonderful keepsake!
Tip Provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Signature Drinks

Give your cocktail hour a little pop by serving a signature drink. Consider using brightly colored liqueur or juice that matches your color theme. If you limit the other alcoholic choices to only beer and wine, you can save a lot on your bar bill.
Trend provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Floral Bling

You can add small touches to all aspects of your wedding. Have your florist add some wedding bling to your bouquet. Rhinestones, little mirrors, colored stones are options to add randomly throughout your theme.
Trend provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Tip - Bunk Superstition - Get Great Photos!

See Each Other BEFORE the I Do’s! - There is NOTHING traditional about not seeing your beloved BEFORE the walk down the aisle. It’s superstition more than anything else. A smart bride should put those silly notions behind her and think more about what’s best for the wedding day, and for her and her groom. Seeing each other before the wedding is a great way to get rid of the jitters and make some beautiful memories not to mention some photographs that are emotional and timeless. As a photographer, there is nothing worse than having a couple see each other for the first time from opposite ends of an aisle surrounded by tons of onlookers. Make your first look at each other a romantic time for just the two of you… and your photographer. After you’ve seen each other, the bulk of your couple and family pictures can be taken before your guests arrive; freeing you up to mingle with your guests during the cocktail hour instead of hanging out with your photographer because no matter how cool they are, your guests are cooler! Plus, seeing each other before the walk down the aisle will actually help you remember your ceremony better! It’s a win-win-win situation.
Tip provided by Sarah Maren Photography
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Download Your Wedding

A new stylish and contemporary way to deliver video is on players such as the Apple video ipod. You can view it anytime and anywhere you want in high quality.
With a video or player such as an ipod, a bride can enjoy her video on car rides, flights, or even at her lunch hour. Some video companies include an ipod with a certain packages, and will pre-load your video onto it so it can be enjoyed right away.

Trend provided by Sheffield Multimedia
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl

Tip - Unique Dessert Options

Elaborate tiered wedding cakes may become a thing of the past, we are now seeing many incarnates of the traditional wedding cake. Cupcakes and chocolate fountains are wonderful alternatives to a traditional cake.
If you want something really special, consider providing petite cakes as the centerpiece on your tables. If you have themed tables, you can customize each cake to reflect that theme. Petite cakes are a great way to save money -- you get a fabulous dessert and beautiful centerpiece all in one.

Tip provided by Quarry Ponds
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Let Them Eat Cake!

Brides.com is taking a look at 50 amazing cakes and wedding cake vocabulary, design options and a gallery of cake photos. This was inspiring to share some creative cake creations that some Dynamite Weddings' photogs have captured. Below you will find some tips on selecting your cake shape. The remainder of this week we will check out some other cake designs and revisit tips on selecting your cake flavors, frosting and decorations. Shapes: The shape of a wedding cake is ever changing. It used to be cylindrical columns of cake with the possibility of pillars separating the layers. Now there are squares, petal shapes, triangles, off-set rounds and sculpted cakes. Choosing the shape of your cake is another way to reinforce the theme and style of your wedding. If you are having a very traditional wedding and reception a traditional round or square cake may be the best bet. Then again, going with something a bit more funky might be a great way to add some drama and express your personal taste (pun intended!)

Photos provided by The Memory Journalists, Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - After Parties

“Wedding Weekends” with several scheduled events from casual BBQ gatherings replacing formal rehearsal dinners to an “After Parties” at the end of the reception are becoming more and more popular for the close family & friends to really have a chance for quality time with each other.Trend provided by Newcastle Wedding Gardens
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Make Sure To Preview Your Transportation

Make sure when you are booking a limousine service, you go and see their cars first. The way they maintain their vehicles will give you a good indication of how well they will take care of you!
Tip provided by Luxury Limousines
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Accomodating Photographers

Today’s couples, with their interest in style, fashion, and a contemporary look, demand wedding photography that is in agreement with their lifestyle. Gone are the days when wedding photography was limited to a few stiff possess and a fake recreation of peak moments of the wedding day. The possibilities are practically endless to soon-to-wed couples today.

Can’t decide between black and white photos or color? Do both. Traditional wedding photography or photojournalistic style? Try a combination of the two. Don’t want to miss the reception while you’re posing for pictures? Wedding party shots can be taken before or after the ceremony so you can enjoy it.

Nowadays, weddings demand a comprehensive coverage of their wedding day that aims to capture the reality, emotion, romance, details and essence of their wedding day.

Trend and photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Three's A Crowd

Ask your officiant to move out of the first kiss shot. Notoriously, many first kiss hosts have that third person standing in the background.

Tip and photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Are You A "Modern Bride"?

Modern Bride magazine is in search of the next Modern Bride of the year. They are taking entries until June 16th. The top five finalists will be flown to New York to participate in tons of awesome events, leading up to a fashion show on CBS "The Early Show", where the winner will be announced. The winner will have their own photo session for the next Modern Bride cover!

Visit Modern Bride for additional information and entry rules. Good luck!!

Trend - Two Dresses

You don't have to decide on just one dress -- wear two! Many brides are opting to have two dresses - one for the wedding ceremony and one for the reception. Often they choose a more traditional, elaborate dress for the ceremony and a simple, fun dress for the reception.

Trend provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Tip - Photo & Video: Team, Not Competition

Your photographer and videographer will have one thing on their mind at your wedding...capturing the best photographs or footage. Make sure that they both get to know each other before the wedding or have them meet each other/exchange numbers. That way, nobody will be IN THE WAY for those perfect moments to be captured.Tip and photo courtesy of Profinish Design

Survey Says - Anything Turn Out To Be Insignificant?

Is there anything that you thought was really important, but in retrospect, was insignificant? (Week #1)

Alcohol at the reception. Originally we were going to provide it but we ended up not being able to afford it. BUT after it was all said and done we still have people telling us that they had more fun at our reception then any other they have ever been to.
- Bree, married in 2007

I think we did a good job of not sweating the small stuff. We let our bridal party choose their own clothes, we did anything ourselves that we could, we gave our photographer and florist a lot of creative license, etc. We were really happy with the results.
- Hannah, married in 2006

I think we did a really good job at making sure what was important to us happened. We only focused our attention on what we thought would really make the day special for us and our guests, and I think it was all time well spent.
- Julie, married in 2007

Most things are insignificant that day. It is the happiest moment and honestly the only part that mattered was being there together and saying I Do. The day flies by. Everything was lovely, but I would have been just as happy if it weren't. Moral: don't stress the small stuff too much because your love is all that really matters.
- Alyssa, married in 2007

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Ignite the Flame - Quick Getaway

If you travel for business, take advantage of it (if your company so allows)! If you have to stay overnight somewhere and your spouse can go with you, take them along. Explore a new restaurant for dinner or lunch, or if you can, even take the day off!

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Cloud Nine- Create Your Own Traditions

"Building Traditions"

Most of us have fond memories of family traditions from our childhood. Some are holiday traditions and others are ‘just because’ traditions. This is one of the things that make life so special – those unique things you do that bring your family close. They give us something to look forward to and something to treasure. They give us a sense of grounding in our lives. Not all traditions must be tied to a holiday. They can be as simple as game night once a week or breakfast in bed on Sunday. As you and your husband begin your lives together, make traditions a part of it. Now is your opportunity to pick and choose your favorites from both your experiences and begin your own. There are no rules to follow, just do what makes you happy. When you expand your family with children, they will grow up knowing and loving these special activities.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Ask Marvin- Unveiled

Dear Marvin,
I am not a fan of veils. Period. I don't want to wear one but am getting tons of pressure from my mom and sister. What other options besides a veil do I have? I need to come up with something creative so I can convince my mom and my sister it will be a-okay.

Choosing to be Unveiled

Dear Unveiled,
My dear your options are limitless! You could choose to wear beautiful flowers in your hair or a brooch. My suggestion is to search our little site here for veils and headpieces to see what you can find. Another great website to take a look at is Etsy. They always have such a wide variety of hairpieces and they are all beautifully handmade. And just remember, even though your family members want you to do something it is your choice! Make sure you are comfortable! You don't want to be tugging at your head all day! It won't make for pretty pictures.

Marvin

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Petite Sweets

A new twist on a wedding dessert is having a petite sweets bar rather than a traditional wedding cake. You can set a beautiful table of 3-tiered trays and platters with all sorts of different sweets: brownies, cookies, truffles and candies. You can also include shots of espresso in shot glasses or espresso cups on a tray. Your guests will love to graze the sweets and have a shot of espresso.

Trend provided by Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals
Photo courtesy of Sarah Maren Photography

Tip - Consider Veggie Options

Consider Vegetarian Options ~ Do you anticipate having any special dietary needs, vegetarian, or vegan guests at your wedding? If so be sure to let your caterer know in advance and ask to taste the special dishes they will prepare. You want to be sure that the alternative selections are just as wonderful as the rest of the menu so that your guests do not feel left out!Tip provided by Capital City Catering
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Budget Alignment

Make sure that you and your fiance are on the same page regarding budget and payment scheduling before sitting down with a vendor. If you're not on the same page, a vendor may have a hard time creating a vision for you without guidance.
Tip provided by Dynamite Weddings
Photo courtesy Profinish Design

Trend - Fabric Remnants...A Beautiful Gift

Have a small evening bag or handkerchief made from fabric remnants of your wedding dress as gifts for mothers or grandmothers of the bride and groom. It’s a great way to share the day with the women that raised you and your soon to be.Trend provided by Alterations by Patina
Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography