Trend - Window Box Centerpieces

Fun, colorful window boxes could make great, reusable centerpieces. You can even add a monogram. Visit The MacBeth Collection for these and other fun styles.

Tip - Make It Personal

Personalized labels with the initials of your bridesmaid, groomsmen, bride or groom can add a sweet touch to their special outfit. Your label could also be your something blue!Photo courtesy of Initial Impressions

Save The Dates!

I picked up our save the dates last week! It's so exciting. Stephanie, of Stephanie J Designs had them in this cute bag. It was such a fun gift to get!! :)We sent them out late last week!! Now it's official...people know. We were having a hard time deciding on what we would include in the save the dates, since I hadn't decided on colors at that point, except knowing earth tones and possibly blue or green.

I did know that I wanted to include a sort of family crest that Mr. Detonator and his two brothers have tattooed on their arms. Mr. D has also created a few pieces out of steel for his dad and the bros of this. I sent a pic of one over to Stef, asking her how we could incorporate this into our paper goods somehow. This is what I sent her:And...this is what she came up with:How creative is she??!!! They looks great!

We also wanted to find a way to let the immediate family and wedding party know that when calling to book their reservations, they should book for 2 nights since they will be receiving an invite to the rehearsal dinner which is at the lodge. So Stephanie also made a lodging card insert with the necessary information and used the crest faded in the background of the second card.

Now that we've decided on our colors, the invites will have some blue incorporated. I can't wait to see them!! Thanks to Stef!

Don't be afraid to give your vendors creative control and see what they can come up with a basic idea of your vision. You could be pleasantly surprised at how they've really built on your concept to make it amazing!

To see more of Stephanie's work, check her out on the blog or visit her site.

Tip - Limit Alcohol Before Pics

Try to keep your alcohol intake to a minimum on your wedding day leading up to your pictures. Some couples decide to have some pictures taken part way through the reception allowing for some mingling and possibly snagging a few bites of dinner. The thing to keep in mind is that alcohol can make you red faced and less alert, which could show through in your pictures. You want to appear fresh faced and let the excitement show in your sparkling eyes!!

The same applies for your wedding party. I would just remind them in a friendly manner, that they may not look as glowing and sharp if they start drinking too early.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Sweet Medallions

If you are planning to give candy as wedding favors, consider dressing up your "sweet" round containers with Martha Stewart's favor label templates. You could print fun colorful medallions or add some simple class with black. People will enjoy the extra touch! You never know...you could see this container with candy in it at their house later.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Trend - Miss the Polaroid?

Need instant gratification at your wedding? No prob. Check out the new Polaroid PoGo!! This 5.0 megapixel digital camera allows you to snap pics of your pals at the wedding and instantly print 2x3 full color sticky back prints! You could put the PoGo out and let your friends snap pics of each other and stick them into a guest book where they can leave a fun message with their crazy pic.

Check for the release of the PoGo this June!!

Tip - Day Of Timing

While you most likely planned your wedding date a year or so in advance, things can come up. As your wedding day nears, be sure to check the local news and community calendars to find out if there are any events scheduled in the area for the day of your wedding: a parade, bike tour, etc. This could effect the timeliness of guests arriving to the ceremony and possibly your vendors. Be sure to let people know via an email or family phone tree of the potential traffic and possibly provide alternate routes if necessary. It's better to be prepared to avoid the possibility of your timeline running off course.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - DIY Garland

Martha had a great idea, using inexpensive silk flowers. Check it out "Transform inexpensive silk flowers into delicate garlands. Just dismantle the blooms to separate the layers of petals, removing any greenery. Overlap edges of petals slightly, and join them using dabs of hot glue. Then glue beads in centers to cover stem holes. String garlands along aisles, at the altar, or across chair backs."

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Tip - Taper Your Centerpiece Budget

Martha's full of great ideas this week...

She suggests in lieu of pricey floral arrangements, you can add simple elegance to your table with tapered candles in an assortment of chic candlesticks.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Trend - Welcome Notes

While we've mentioned the kind gesture of gift baskets for guests as they arrive, sometimes this can be costly. A nice note welcoming Uncle Greg and thanking him for traveling all the way from Nebraska to share your special day can add a sweet personal touch that gets the message across. They will be honored that you took the time.Photo provided by Stephanie J Designs

Tip - Themed Rehearsal Dinner

When planning your rehearsal dinner, organize a fun, festive meal allowing for mingling and a relaxed atmosphere. You're going to host a formal, scheduled meal the next night so consider a themed meal like a BBQ, Mexican fiesta, etc..

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

My Dessert Tasting

I love sweet treats! They are so fantastic! Our pal Carissa of Sugar and Spice and... is who we've asked to create our delicious dessert station for our wedding. She's also creating a small cake for us to cut as well as a surprise for our guests. I invited my best friend and MOH (Made of Honor, I don't love the term matron of honor) to attend the tasting with me. I knew Mr. Detonator would love whatever we chose and my MOH is taking baking classes so I knew she would enjoy the tasting, which she did! We both did! Carissa really outdid herself, although I know this is how she hosts all her tastings. We chose 8 fabulous petite desserts and a 1-tier cake for cutting. Here's a couple pics of what we were greeted with at our tasting!
This is the thoughtful care package that Carissa created for Mr. Detonator so he didn't miss all the sweetness! Check out some more of Carissa's amazing work over at The Memory Journalists blog!

Trend - Jaime Brings Darkness To Light

After watching Twilight last night, this Old Hollywood themed wedding I found over at It's A Jamie Thing has a bit of sensual darkness! Love it! Check out her original post.Storyboard courtesy of It's A Jaime Thing (for original photo credits, click here.)

Dynamite Site - Photo Card Creations Giveaway!

We recently received some samples from Photo Card Creations, an online boutique custom card company that will work with you or your photographer to help you get high quality photo cards at a reasonable price.

They offer tons of card styles, textures and fonts. Check out their save-the-dates, thank you cards, holiday cards, birth announcements, graduation announcements, invitations...

We don't endorse any online printing companies without seeing sample work first and were pleased with the customer service from Photo Card Creations! Have you worked with them before? Please share your experience here or send us a pic of your custom card.

We are grateful to Photo Card Creations for allowing us to offer our readers a chance to win a $50 Coupon towards the purchase of ANY of their cards (order of 75+cards). Just leave a comment below with which card style name is your favorite and what pic you think you could use! We will select a winner at random on Friday, April 10th!

Tip - Include Traveling Family

If you have family traveling from afar, invite them to the rehearsal dinner, if fiscally feasible. If you have guests that had to fly to come celebrate your nuptials, you will want to spend as much time with them as possible since you rarely see them. Inviting them to the rehearsal dinner is not a must, but it's a courteous way to say thanks for traveling to be with us. Keep in mind the relative chain, meaning that you can't invite one aunt and not the other without feelings being hurt. Invite one and invite them all or invite neither.

Yummy bread pudding pictured, by Sugar and Spice and...
Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Trend - Back To Basics

With the country in a recession, many couples are opting for basic design elements like curly willow, moss, minimal flowers and crystals strategically placed to add simple elegance to any ceremony or reception.

This ceremony decor was done by Blooms by Martha Andrews

Tip - Consult Your Bridesmaids

When deciding on bridesmaid dresses, be sure to consider everyone's shape, level of comfort as well as ceremony location. Are your brides top heavy? Are you getting married in a church? Would a fitted satin dress be form flattering on all your maids? Will anyone be pregnant? Does anyone have tattoos you don't want visible?
You will never be able to please everyone and everyone's styles could be different, but it's still important to consider the above questions when choosing their dresses.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Honeymoon Savings!

Where could you go during the 99-hour $99 Upscale Sale? Practically anywhere! Check out this fantastic deal before the 99 hours are up at BookIt.com.

Costa Rica, here we come!!

Tip - Keep An Open Mind

When starting to try on bridal dresses, it's a good idea to have images of gowns that you like from magazines, photos, etc. Also try to keep an open mind and try on at least a few gowns that differ from your assumed style. You may be surprised with how much you like the dress or at least find new elements about the gown that you are attracted to (sweetheart neckline, fabric color, lace, beading, train length, etc.).

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Complete Your Registry...At A Discount!

Didn't get everything you were hoping for on your registry or it's looking like you might not get the end tables you asked for? Check out Pottery Barn's sale with items up to 50% off!! Bedding, furniture, home decor, rugs...it's all there and on sale. Don't miss it!!

Trend - Groom"ed" With Style

With weddings telling the story of the couple's style, many grooms are moving away from traditional tuxes and leaning towards a more relaxed look like linen pants with a silk shirt or a tie-less suit. This is their day too and they can be comfortable, chic and picture perfect without forcing them into a 3-piece suit. You can still dress this up with cuff links or a linen pocket square. A boutonniere or single flower will add formality to his ensemble.

Check out the Mister Shop for linen suits and separates.

Dress Trials!

Ok...so I have to say that so far my dress trials have been the hardest thing about planning our wedding! I tried on over 40 dresses and went in with no idea about what I wanted. The team at Bella Donna Bridal Salon were great and had me try on tons of different dress styles: with beading, no beading, with rouging, fitted satin, organza, netting...

After weeks of trying on dresses by Pronovias, Casablanca, La Sposa, Melissa Sweet and others, I finally found the dress...it's a Jasmine Couture. While I can't share the dress that I selected for fear of Mr. Detonator seeing it, here are a few that I didn't select, but were still super fun to try on! The last one was choice #2!

Trend - Platted Menu

Use erasable calligraphy ink to display the dinner menu on a plate at each guest table, near the buffet, or at the reception dinner entry.

Photo courtesy of Brides.com

Tip - Sweet Favorites

When meeting with your baker or dessert designer, bring a list of you and your fiance's favorites sweets, treats and fruits. Also let them know if there are any that you don't like. This will help guide them in suggesting the best pastry cream, cake filling, frosting, etc.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Trend - Cosmetics For A Cause

When selecting your cosmetics, consider those companies that give proceeds to worthy causes or make an effort to participate in charity events regularly. MAC Cosmetics released their newest Viva Glam Lipstick, VIVA GLAM VI with warm terracotta-plum with pearl finish. All proceeds from the VIVA collections of lipstick and gloss are donated to the MAC Aids Fund.

Photo courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

Tip - Consider Your Littlest Guests

When discussing your reception dinner options, consider the kids (if any) that are invited to your wedding. Be sure to ask the chef at your venue if they offer a kid's meal and if not, could they have a few options for your littlest guests. They don't want prime rib and caesar salad as much as you don't want to pay $30-40 for them to pick at it. Why not give them something that will please you both, an inexpensive meal of chicken nuggets or flat bread pizzas.

Also, consider where they will eat dinner. You can have them at the adults table or create a separate kids table. Some couples have arranged a separate kids room with an event nanny allowing kids and their parents to "cut loose".

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Beautiful Back

Schedule a series of back and chest facials, if you're wearing a dress bearing your declotte and showing off your back. Your skin will be clear, smooth and picture perfect.

Consider J Christiaan Salon & Spa for your skincare needs.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Cuisine Budget

If you're looking for ways to cut your budget, ask your chef what kind of price discount they can offer if you chose a self-serve meal option rather than a plated dinner. Considering that this can cut back significantly on wait staff you could save $8-12 on average per plate. To mix up the styles, you could offer passed appetizers, salads to be served plated first and then allow guests to get up, socialize and get their sides with carving station options.

Photo provided by Allison Stahl Photography

Tip - Bring Samples

When meeting with your florist, if you're unsure of what types of flowers you like, bring magazine tear outs of designs, reception, bouquet, and ceremony that you like and explain why. If you know there's certain designs that you don't like, bring samples of those too. This will help guide your florist and formulate a plan.

Photo and floral design provided by Blooms by Martha Andrews

Trend - Pipe & Drape

Although pipe and drape has been a trend for some time, designers are finding new fabric designs and new ways that they can drape. Taking sections of fabric and staggering draping across the ceiling in the wedding colors adds a complementary element.

Photo courtesy of Brides.com

Trend - Victorious Velon

While Velon really hit the scene last year, it's still making a big splash in the wedding industry. Wedding professionals are excited to share this amazing new concept with their clients, reducing the otherwise potentially expensive fabric costs. Velon comes in many different patterns and colors. It can be used to accent chairs, wall and ceiling drape, tables, etc.

Be sure to check out Velon Designs, the first company to offer printed Velon in the event design market on a large scale basis.

Photos courtesy of Canadian Event Perspective

Tip - Download Custom Labels

Our pal, Alison at Alison Ulshoffer Events & Designs, posted this great DIY project by Betsy White. You can download the kit for free! They're great for favor and welcome bags as Alison suggested. Check out her original post. These are great and look so professional.

Photo courtesy of Betsy White

Wedding Paper Divas & Beau-Coup Wedding Favors Winner!!

Congratulations Vintage Pearls!! You are the Dynamite Weddings winner of our $200 giveaway!!

You will receive a $100 gift certificate from both Wedding Paper Divas and Beau-Coup Wedding Favors. We are sure this will help towards your stationary and favor needs. Please contact us at info@dynamiteweddings.com to collect your prize!! Here is the save-the-date, Weeping Willow and the sweet favor, cocktail flavored jelly beans that Vintage Pearls chose. Please send us a pic of these from your wedding!

We will host another giveaway next week so be sure to check back!!

Thanks so much to Wedding Paper Divas and Beau-Coup Wedding Favors for allowing us to host this great giveaway and gifting $200 in gift certificates to our lucky winner!

Trend - Favor Cones

Add ribbon in your wedding colors around your favors with a clear label showcasing your monogram.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Tip - Choose Flowers With Meaning

Martha Stewart Weddings suggests choosing flowers that may have some meaning to you from your childhood. If you remember collections of sunflowers brightening your kitchen table growing up or baby's breath sprigs gracing the entryway when you get home from school.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Trend - Sweet Florals

Martha Stewart Weddings shared these fruit-flavored, flower-shaped candies pictured here. They are a traditional French treat called pates de fruits. These candies would make a delicious addition to any bridal shower in the event's colors.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings