Introducing Dynamite Weddings - Who are We?

Dynamite Weddings is an innovative, complimentary service igniting the industry by sharing new ideas and industry “Tips and Trends” or TNT. The primary and unique focus of Dynamite Weddings is our daily changing content that engages, empowers, and inspires brides and grooms throughout their wedding plans. The eye catching content offers interaction between brides and experts, which differs from current sites that merely catalog vendors.

We offer a look at prescreened Dynamite Vendors who exemplify quality service in the industry. Dynamite Weddings has personally invited only the best vendors to participate, based on their integrity, style, client rapport and their ability to progress in the evolution of wedding trends.

Monday, July 6, 2009

It's LIVE! New Dynamite Weddings Site

We've been working on several new projects - one of which is the new Dynamite Weddings website! Just gone LIVE! Gone is the separate vendor portal vs the blog. It's all combined into one now with some awesome new features for our readers and our advertising partners and vendor experts. No new posts will be made to this blog site. Please come check out the new site and subscribe to our feed!

Go check out Marvin, our super cool and fun mascot, as he sheds some light on our wonderful new site and our even more awesome expert vendors!This new site is the wonderful implementation and design by Dave and Brock at Infinet Design. I can't say enough about how Dave and Brock have taken our ideas and made them so much better!

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Tip - Groomsmen Fitting

Groomsmen, be sure to check your suit/tux before the day of the wedding. Be sure it fits properly, that all items are there and that it's pressed properly. You don't want to be standing out as the guy with a mismatched tie or overly wrinkled suit. Your responsibilities don't end with the bachelor party.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Cakeless Decadence

If you're not a huge cake fan, talk to your caterer or baker about creating an individual dessert that your guests can enjoy. They will have tons of ideas and your guests can try something other than the expected cake they see at most traditional weddings. Consider something like this delicately designed bread pudding. Mmmm....

Dessert by Sugar & Spice and...
Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Tip - Save Money With Common Colors

If you are trying to save money on your floral budget choose colors for your wedding that are available in the most flower varieties. Pink, Yellow and white are the most common colors for flowers. Blue and purple are the least common colors for flowers. By choosing common colors for your flowers you will insure you have the most selection and the best price.Florals and tip provided by Flourish
Photo courtesy of Kight Photography

Trend - Colorful Lanterns

Hanging colorful chinese lanterns from trees at an outdoor reception can add to the lighting ambiance as well as create some pop of color mixed in amongst the trees.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Friday, July 3, 2009

Tip - Let A Pro Make You Up

Many brides decide to do their own makeup on wedding day…I advise that every bride have their makeup professionally done. It is also very important to have a trial run and have your photo taken after the trial run. Many girls think that the makeup will be too heavy and they won’t look like themselves, but a good makeup artist will only make you look your best.

Tip provided by Pfeiffer Event Planning
Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Light My Fire

Not just for smoking....the traditional matchbook is a fun, creative way to carry on the monogram theme in your wedding. Matchbooks are hard to find these days so guests like to pick them up. They're a great keepsake!Trend provided by Pfeiffer Event Planning
Photo courtesy of Nick Brown Photography

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Trend - Custom Calligraphy

Custom calligraphy is a trend that should never die. With all the technological advances available, there are much simpler ways to get your envelopes and wedding day items personalized, but the personality and beauty behind calligraphy cannot be matched. Check out Calligraphy Girl for outstanding local, custom calligraphy.

Photo courtesy of Twin Soup

Tip - Go Green

When choosing the flowers for your wedding consider adding a splash of lime green. Lime green will make any color combination appear 30% brighter and more intense. Bright green will give your color combinations a modern and interesting look too. Tip provided by Flourish
Photo courtesy of True Love Photo

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Trend - Personal Cellar

At Vintner's Cellar Custom Winery, you can create our own custom blend and let the winery care for your one of a kind gift over the next few months. You come back to bottle, cork it, and label it and now you have your own custom wine to give as a unique wedding favor. Each batch starts at $199 and produces an average of 24-30 bottles. Check out Vinter's Cellar at 985cork.com or call 916.985.CORK.Photo provided by Vintner's Cellar

Tip - Be Prepared For Photos

To avoid getting dirty, ask your photographer or coordinator to bring a blanket or talk with your groom about using his jacket to sit on during shots that have the potential of getting your dress dirty. Chances are, after the ceremony the groom's jacket isn't going back on anyhow.
Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Tip - Organza Overlays Can Add Texture

Organza overlays, especially with some texture, can truly finish off the look of your wedding. This is another subtle touch that really deserves the quote a “big bang for your buck”. By adding this linen the entire feeling of the room was changed.
Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers
Event design and tip by Pfeiffer Event Planning
Rentals from Celebrations! Elegant Party Rentals

Trend - Best Man Or Best Gal

This is your day and it’s important to have your best friend by your side. There is no need to put the groom’s female friends with the bridesmaids when she can be a “groomsgal” or a “Best Gal”.
Photo provided by John Decker Photography
Trend and coordination by Pfeiffer Event Planning

Monday, June 29, 2009

Tip - Camera Ready Clutch

While you may not have much need for your purse at your wedding, it's a good idea to have a clutch as beautiful as your day nearby to complement your dress' beauty and hold a few must haves.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Serving Styles

There are so many different serving options for cocktail appetizers, reception set ups and desserts now. Be sure to discuss your multitude of options with your caterer or restaurant staff. It could be fun to mix up the serving styles and keep guests anxious for more.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Tip - Engaged & In Love

Use your engagement session as an intimate time to capture your closeness and playfulness with each other. While your photographer will have some suggestions on posed candids, you should think of some of your favorite pics together taken over the years and mimic those poses too.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Floral Alternatives

Ceremony and reception decor don't always have to consist of flowers in a vase or centerpiece arrangement. Check out some pictures in magazines, online, or on your florists website to get some ideas for alternatives. Ask them what other ideas they have for floral displays. Your interest in their creativity could prove beneficial for you both.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Tip - Use Nature's Beauty

Consider the colors already predominant at your venue location to incorporate into your wedding day theme. If your wedding will be at a vineyard, consider the crisp green of the grape leaves in season. Find ways to tie grape leaves into your centerpieces, use the color in your invitations or maybe as an accent color on the tables.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Leave It

Sometimes greenery can take center stage in floral designs and the flowers can become the accent. It's ok to be more about textures, shapes and natural colors then seeing an abundance of florals.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Friday, June 26, 2009

Tip - Air Out Your Dress

While I know we've mentioned this before, I've been seeing a lot of brides lately that are forgetting to take their dress out to let it breathe a few days before the wedding. Your dress needs to lay in it's natural state without being crunched up inside a bag. This could also save you some steaming time on the day of.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Floral Ring Pillow

Bored with the standard ring pillow? Talk to your florist about creating a one of a kind floral pillow for your special delivery.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography
Ring pillow design by Flourish

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Trend - Leave It

Leaves can be added to your bouquet as a great filler, minimizing your floral cost, while adding a bright pop of natural color and multitude of texture to the design.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Trust Your Florist

Tell your floral designer what colors you are thinking and show them a few pics and swatches, but then let them have some creative freedom to create some designs with flowers and elements that may surprise you. You've selected that florist because you like their style based on other designs you've seen, so trust them to wow you!Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography
Floral design by Flourish

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Trend - Table Runners

If your venue is including their standard linens in your rental fee, ask what colors are available. If they only have white or off white available, criss-crossing table runners can be a creative way to include your accent colors and jazz up an otherwise drab white linen.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Cuff Love

Surprise your fiance with some cufflinks for the big day that show him you were thinking of him and know him well enough to pick something he could appreciate.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Trend - Beauty In Nature

While we've talked before about bringing the outdoors in, also consider using your surrounding natural theme to your advantage if your reception will be outdoors. If you can hear a rushing river in the background, submerged rocks, with bear grass and perfectly placed buds can bring guests closer to nature.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Get Creative With Your Caterer

When talking to caterers, tell them what theme or vision you have for your wedding and be willing and eager to take suggestions from them about what they've done with a similar theme before. You can also brainstorm some creative concepts together.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Monday, June 22, 2009

Trend - Fabric Draping

Sometimes, fabric draping can make a bigger impact than huge floral displays at the ceremony. If you are working within a floral budget, discuss with your florist the best areas for your florals. They may suggest draping and strategically placed minimal florals for the ceremony and elaborate designs for the reception, where you will be spending the most time.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Take Smile Breaks

Be sure to take 'smile breaks' in between pictures and greetings. You will become so overwhelmed with all the smiles that your cheeks will start to hurt. You don't want your smile to look forced in pics so take occasional smile breaks and 'shake it out'.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Trend - Pearls Of Wisdom

A string of pearls can add a touch of elegance and texture to any floral centerpiece.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Plan Accordingly

Some of the best shots of your wedding will come from the candid moments that you are sharing with your new spouse, friends and family. Don't shy away or consider not scheduling the photographer for at least some of the dancing time at your reception. You'll be delighted and possibly surprised with some of the images captured.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Trend - Floral Focus

Photographers love to take your florals and find some fun areas to photograph their beauty and creativity. Be sure to ask your florist to have all the florals there with enough time scheduled so your photographer can be capturing some key images of the amazing florals your florist spent so much time and you spent so much money on.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Take Intimate Moments

Brides and grooms can get so busy greeting guests, taking pics and checking out the details that they won't see each other again until their first dance. Be sure to take a minute at your head table or sweetheart table to really take in how amazing this day is and how much you appreciate one another. Steal a quick kiss without waiting for glasses to clink.
Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Friday, June 19, 2009

Trend - Floral Continuity

Adding flowers to your flower girls hair, using the same florals that are in your bridesmaids bouquets will add some cohesiveness to their look and add a touch of elegance to their young appearance.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Bargain Vases

You can find some great vases at your local discount stores, like Home Goods, TJ Maxx or Marshall's and use them to make festive centerpieces.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Tip - Sole Support

Have the entire wedding party or just your bridesmaids sign the bottom of your shoes to mark this momentous occasion that you were all able to share together.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Trend - Fan Fare

We've mentioned the personal trend of adding your program to fans and leaving it for guests in their seat. Finding a traditional fan with a fitting design and adding your names and date to the side can be just as great of a gift. These fans can be used over again by guests at other outdoor events or in a sweltering meeting room, where everyone is jealous of their handy little item. :0)
Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Tip - Making Lovely Music

If you have friends that can be trusted, work with a DJ that will get your friends up on the mic! We're not saying to turn this into a karaoke session, but if you have a few friends that can capture the room with a great Marvin Gaye or Faith Hill rendition, work with your DJ and friends to get this party started!

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Trend - Beauty In Nature

Combining the elegance of your appearance with the raw beauty of nature can make great shots! If you are concerned about getting your dress dirty, be sure to talk to your photographer. They will find an alternative to their first idea.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Trend - Floral Buds

Floral buds scattered across a reception table can create continuity for your theme and add decor to your table without spending extra money on decor items you may never use again.Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Get Creative With Programs

There are endless possibilities for program designs. Be sure to brainstorm on the numerous possibilities. Check out your local paper supply/stationary stores for possible paper designs that you could use to create a one of a kind program.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Monday, June 15, 2009

Trend - Tri-Fold Table Cards

These fantastic tri-fold table cards from Martha Stewart Weddings are creative and allow guests to avoid walking around their table trying to see the table numbers.

Photo provided by Martha Stewart Weddings

Tip - Share Your Perfect Harmony

If you and/or your fiance are musically inclined, consider singing or playing instruments together. People will love to see you two in action and it's a chance to show everyone that you're in perfect harmony!

Photo provided by Profinish Design

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Trend - Sweet Treats Delivered

Remember the days when your only options for treats were coming from those bakeries in your immediate area? Well, limitations no more! You can order treats from almost anywhere now, including Heaven!! Heaven on Main Street offers delicious treats, including vegan and wheat-free. You could order these fantastic treats for your bridal shower, wedding favors or even just for your sweetie!

Photo provided by Heaven on Main Street

Tip - Let Loose (...A Little)

When doing posed pics for your wedding, be sure to get a few that showcase the wedding party's playfulness. You want everyone's personalities to show through and not have all images completely staged.Photo provided Profinish Design

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Trend - Placecard Placement

Placecards don't have to be displayed on an entry table. Mixing up the tradition adds personality to your wedding reception. Consider draping them down the back of a chair with ribbon or hanging them from chairs with a decorative bloom.

Photo provided by Martha Stewart Weddings

Tip - Photographing Floral Tips

Ask your photographer to share the best way for your bridesmaids to hold their bouquets during the ceremony. Depending on the style and focus of the bouquets they can tell you the best way for them to be held and show off the details in your photos.Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Friday, June 12, 2009

Tip - Decorate Your Get Away Vehicle

When choosing your departure, be sure to consider if you want to decorate your get away transportation.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Floral Vases/Holders Making An Impact

Sometimes the container that holds the flower makes a big impact. If you choose a vase, cup or different container that plays into your theme, that can be the focal point and you can use less flowers as a filler.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists; design by Blooms by Martha Andrews and Arcularius Events

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Tip - Grooms, Avoid Over Heating

Grooms, wait until soon before the ceremony to add the final touches. If you tend to get hot, you don't want to be red faced or perspiring when standing at the altar to meet your bride. Hang with your groomsmen in an undershirt until it's time to add the long sleeves, tie and jacket. You will be more comfortable and not anticipatory, being ready so early.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers