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 - 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 - 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

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

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 - Ceremony Petals

If you're considering rose petals to line the aisle of your ceremony, give consideration to faux petals. They won't stain your dress or a floor runner, will be less expensive and reusable. You could also use fake petals for guests to throw as you make your way back down the aisle as husband and wife.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Assorted Seating

While not too long ago there weren't many seating options for your wedding day, now there is a plethora of chairs, bench seating, etc. available for your wedding day. Consider the style that you are trying to bring across and talk with your coordinator or rental specialist about how your seating can help bring that across.

Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Program Fans

A folding fan can make a great accessory for your wedding day guests. It can help shield them from sun or wind. Some crafty couples have their wedding program printed on flat fans and this doubles as a keepsake. You can also tie a small wedding program off the end of the fan for guests instead of printing on the fans. Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Trend - Church Accents

Some random shots of the sun shining through church stained glass windows can add elegant ambiance to your afternoon ceremony. Discuss with your photographer the best time of day for lighting.

Photo provided by Profinish Design

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 - Vow To Be Prepared

If you and your fiance have plans to read your own vows, it's still a good idea to have a back up plan with your officiant to have traditional vows ready in case you get too nervous.Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Trend - Floating Vases

These cute bud vases could be suspended over your ceremony site or carefully draped over your reception tables. A single or few flowers in the vases could add simple elegance.

Photo courtesy of Jamali Garden

Tip - Not A Dry Eye

Guests are always looking for a tissue during your emotional vows. Your guests would be amazed at the great idea of including a tissue to their programs.

Photo courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

The scalloped z card shown here is available at Envelopments

Tip - Creative Ceremony

If there are people that you want involved in your day that break tradition, remember that tradition is only a guideline, not a rule. If you are more comfortable having your brother walk you down the aisle, don't worry about the logistics of him being in the wedding party and escorting you. The most important part is including those that mean the most to you and your fiance on your big day. How things look is not a concern, it's how you feel in that moment that's important. Follow your heart.

Photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Share Your Sentiment

Your guests are there to see you, not your backs. They are there to share your day and your emotion. Practice turning your head or body slightly, so you are looking at each other instead of your officiate. Show your guests your profile so they can see some of your expressions and reactions. It will make the “I dos” more enjoyable for your loved ones and make a better album.
Tip and photo provided by The Memory Journalists

Tip - Considering Ceremony Decor

When deciding on ceremony decor, including floral arrangements, consider the longevity of the ceremony. If your ceremony will be held in a different location than your reception people will see your ceremony decor for less than an hour. Discuss with your florist options regarding transferable arrangements, that can be transported to the reception and reused or minimum decor with single florals tied with ribbons to pews or candle holders. If your ceremony venue allows, adding a multitude of candles throughout the venue can add significant ambiance for less.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Trend - DIY Directions

A wedding trend that we've seen is handmade directional signs to your ceremony, reception site, etc. Gluing shells, rocks or stained glass found on the beach to spell out instructions could add to a beach themed wedding.

Handpainted signs also add character to the experience like this one from Laura and Brian Garrison's North Carolina wedding. The bride commissioned her sister to create signs like this one to direct guests to a backyard union.

Photo courtesy of the bride via The Knot, photography by Cam Bumgarner Photography

Tip - Pre-Ceremony Beverages

A few weddings that we have been to recently have offered pre-ceremony beverages and some had hors d'oeuvres available. With guests coming from all over, arrival times can range. Be sure to have beverages available and possibly some hors d'oeuvres for early arrivers. If holding your ceremony at a church this may not be permitted.

Photo courtesy of Allison Stahl Photography