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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trend - Offbeat Themes

Why follow suit? Choose an offbeat theme for your wedding reception. Maybe invite your guests backstage at a rock concert.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists; name cards by Bella Vita Invitations; guitar cookies by Village Cake Shoppe, design by Arcularius Events & Blooms by Martha Andrews

Tip - Choose A Rehearsal Dinner Location That Fits You

When choosing a location for your rehearsal dinner, select a venue that fits you, not just a place that can host your guests for an affordable cost. Most locations will work with you to make sure that your evening is affordable. Choose a location that will set the mood for the kind of event that your wedding will bring, family and friends coming together in a great place to celebrate!!Photo provided by The Memory Journalists
Venue pictured: deVere's Irish Pub

Trend - Colored Glassware

Colored glasses are great for tying in your color palette or to add a punch of accent color to your tables.Photo provided by The Memory Journalists; design by Blooms by Martha Andrews & Arcularius Events

Trend - Decorating With Crystals

Crystals are a simple decor item that can add that glitz and glam feel, while cutting down on floral costs. Sometimes your florist has crystals that they will use in your design for a nominal rental fee or they may be able to rent them from an outside source. Crystals add a unique look when combined with florals! Photo provided by The Memory Journalists; design by Blooms by Martha Andrews

Tip - Give Yourself Ample Time To Get Ready

Try to cushion your timeline when getting ready, to leave 15-30 minutes for you to gather your thoughts, take in the moment and enjoy what's about to take place. This will also give you a few minutes by yourself or with your bridesmaids to tell them how much you appreciate them being there.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Take Care Of Your Parents

Your parents helped raise you to be the responsible, happy adult that you are and are here to share your special day. Consider doing something special for them before the wedding. If it's a spa day or just having room service deliver them breakfast with the morning paper. It would be a nice gesture to them to receive some pampering, no matter how small. They will be grateful and more relaxed for the important parts of your day.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Include Props

Setting props around the room can really make an impact on guests regarding your theme. This is also a unique way to share your hobbies/interests with your guests.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Be Sure Your Dress Fits Comfortably

Make sure to do a trial run with your dress before the big day, including a last fitting leading up to the wedding. Ask your alterations specialist what the absolute deadline would be for alterations before the wedding in case you lose or gain a few. No matter which way you falter, you want to make sure your dress fits perfectly on the day of.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Let Your Hobbies Shine Through

Include things in your wedding that are important to you as individuals and as a couple. If your fiance has been working on an old Chevy for years as a hobby, consider using that as your get away vehicle. If you both love riding bikes together, consider having your bikes out in front of the reception with a basket of blank cards where guests can fill out their best wishes and hang them from your bike.Photo provided by Profinish Design

Trend - Elegant Accessories

Wedding day accessories can turn an elegant gown into a wedding day dream. Be sure to consider what look you are going for on your wedding day and shop for accessories that complement it.Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Talk To Your Groomsmen

Grooms, make sure to talk to your groomsmen about what's expected from them on the day of your wedding. If you have a pal that things 2 day stubble is sexy and you don't, don't be shy..tell him! If your best man thinks the trip to Cancun story when you both got arrested makes for great public humor, stop him. Don't feel bad; who knows what he'll ask of you on his wedding day.Picture provided by Profinish Design

Tip - Menu Cards On Tables

While your guests already made their entree choices when sending in their reply cards, it's a nice touch to have a menu card at each spot or at your buffet detailing the main ingredients. This will allow guests to know what to anticipate and help avoid any food allergies. It can also be a good conversation starter at the tables. "Oh! I love spinach salad with candied walnuts. Don't you?"Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Beautiful Boutonnieres

Ask your florist about doing boutonnieres for key men at your wedding that aren't in the wedding party. If you have an uncle that you are close to that's traveling to share your day, consider this simple touch to show him how much you appreciate him being there.

Photo provided by Profinish Design

Get A FREE Wedding Cake!!

Carissa with Sugar and Spice and..., in the Sacramento area, has an offer right now to fit any budget. She is offering to design, create and deliver your cake for FREE!! The only thing you have to give in return is full license for creative freedom. Trust me, you won't be disappointed! Carissa's work is amazing and she will WOW you and your guests with her creation.

Your cake will be vanilla bean butter cake with layers of flavored buttercream (your choice). She has openings in July, early August, September and late October.

Don't miss out on this fabulous opportunity and email her today!! Be sure to tell her that you heard about this fantastic offer from Dynamite Weddings. Who knows, we may get a yummy treat from it. :)

Photos provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Ceremony Ushering

In all the plans sometimes the minor details are forgotten, like seating. Make sure you have ushers or someone to let people know which side to sit on for the ceremony or if it's open seating.Photo provided by Profinish Design

Trend - Acoustical Music

Think about having live music for your ceremony and/or reception. A fabulous string quartet as you walk down the aisle can really set the stage for your big day. You would be surprised at how affordable acoustical musicians can be.Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Cake...To Smash Or Not To Smash

While cake smashing has gained momentum as a trend, be sure to discuss with your fiance before hand how you both feel about getting cake smashed into your face. That's one surprise you definitely don't want at your wedding.Photo provided by Profinish Design

Tip - Hair Trials With Makeup

Try your hair several different ways when doing a trial run with your stylist. It may help to also do your makeup to give you a better idea of how the entire look will flow on the day of.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Dress the Staff For Your Theme

Ask your venue what the servers will wear if you are doing passed appetizers or food service. You may be able to get them to play into your wedding theme with accessories such as a top hat!

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Trend - Lighting Creating A Theme

Once deciding on a venue, it's a great idea to take some photos of your venue to a consult with a local lighting company to see what ambient lighting elements they could add to give your wedding that special glow.Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Reception Dinner Seating Cards

Even if you're not doing assigned seating, don't forget to still create name cards for plated dinners so servers know by color or card style who's getting what entree. It will make food service faster and more convenient.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Wedding Themes

When choosing a theme for your wedding, choose something that people can relate to and will recognize without needing an explanation. For example, Love Birds!

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers