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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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