Stealing the Show: Bridesmaid Dresses that Impress
Gone are the days of finding that perfect shade of plum, peach, (insert other “oh so flattering” color here), dyeing shoes the same exact shade, and then shoving all of your very best friends into the same shape and style dress. This is the unfortunate road that made relatives, sorority sisters, and childhood besties squirm when they were asked to be in a wedding, and spend precious dollars on a dress that will then be shoved into the back of a closet (did the scene from “27 Dresses” pop into your head too?)
We are happy to say that we have come a long way, wedding world. From transitioning shades in an ombre fashion, to styles that actually work with different shaped women, we are making serious strides. (Can we get a hallelujah, bridesmaids to be?)
Bridesmaids are stepping out of the shameful shadow into the chic spotlight, and it’s about time. Below we have shared some of our favorite looks for 2013.
In a technological age of iPhones, iPads, iPods, smart phones, digital cameras, twitter, tumblr, facebook, and instagram, it’s no wonder couples are starting to feel that their wedding is being over-run by cameras. Nearly every couple hires a professional photographer and they usually spend a few thousand dollars for these photos. The photographer scopes out the venue prior to the start of the wedding, finds the best lighting, positioning, and viewpoint to capture the moments in time that will become your best memories. As the photographer prepares to capture that perfect shot of your first kiss, five guests stand up in front of him with their iPhones and completely ruin the photographer’s shot. Bust.
At the end of the day, do we really believe that our iPhone photos, instagram posts and facebook tags are going to be better quality than the photo a professional could’ve taken of the same thing? Of course not. We all know that those huge expensive cameras will take a better picture than our phones but sometimes we just can’t help ourselves! We’re excited! We want to share our excitement with the world! We just have to get that shot!
So eventually it becomes obvious that you would rather have the photographer take the shots rather than a slew of phones that may or may not ruin those photos that you’re paying a photographer to take… but how do you tell your guests that you don’t want them to take photos during your wedding? That seems just wrong doesn’t it?
We found a photographer who addresses this situation in a very well written and helpful way – explaining to your guests that you would rather them sit back and enjoy the day without feeling the pressure of documenting every second.
Take some time to read the full article and also see some of the photos taken by this photographer that were ruined by guest photographers.
When planning your own wedding, there are so many traditions to discuss: white poofydress, black formal tux, bridal bouquet, wedding party, dinner buffet, first dance, best man’s toast, cake cutting… the list goes on and on. Many typical wedding traditions are still used in most weddings but as times change, so do the trends. Gone are the days of “we have to do this because it’s tradition.” You may WANT to do something based on tradition, but if you don’t? Do it your own way! We love seeing couples create the wedding day that they want, incorporating elements that are unique to them and choosing personal touches that create a more intimate feel.
Trends change with the times and while some trends are everlasting, many of them change from year to year. One of our team members came across an excellent article about the top wedding trends of 2013 and we just had to share it.
Mindy Weiss is a celebrity wedding and event planner who has created and coordinated events for Ellen & Portia, Fergie & Josh Duhammel, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, and Jennifer Gardner & Ben Affleck, among MANY others. So when it comes to wedding trends, no one else could say it better than Mindy Weiss!
*As seen on the Bridal Guide, by Kristen O’Gorman Klein and Stefania Sainato
When stars like Jessica Simpson, Hilary Duff, Fergie, and Gwen Stefani need to throw a spectacular party, they know who to call — top planner Mindy Weiss. We had the pleasure of wining and dining with her recently at an event hosted by Perfect Circlejewelry insurance, where she gave us the scoop on what’s hot for 2013 weddings.
1. Rose gold and yellow gold are in. She was surprised when her daughter-in-law requested a rose gold ring two years ago, but now, she’s seeing it everywhere. Also popular: mixing and matching gold tones.
2. Lace is everywhere right now, from table runners to vases to chandelier covers. She’s even draping a tent entirely in lace for an upcoming wedding! (Her décor motto: Go with a touch or just too much — never middle-of-the-road.) Lace was also huge on the bridal runways this season, and it’s showing up more on shoes and purses as well.
3. Grooms are buying instead of renting. “My grooms are very concerned with what they’re wearing,” said Weiss. She’s seeing a return to classic — hand-tied bow ties, vests, black socks (“colorful socks are done”), and slim-fit Tom Ford tuxedos. Shoes and cuff links are becoming a big deal to her grooms.
4. More bridesmaids are giving their ‘maids color swatches and allowing them to choose their own attire in that shade. “It lets them show their personality,” she said. It also cuts down on complaints from bridesmaids who don’t want to spend a ton of money on a dress they’ll never wear again. In particular, her clients are clamouring for bridesmaid dresses by Monique Lhuillier.
5. Centerpieces are shrinking. No longer are couples opting for tall, overpowering arrangements, even in massive ballrooms. Low centerpieces create a greater sense of intimacy.
6. Top colors: Creams and greens, especially pistachio. She’s also seeing a lot of lavender right now. What’s out? All-white weddings.
7. For invitations, engraving is very “in” right now. Couples are opting to e-mail their save-the-dates, which allows them to splurge on formal, traditional wedding invitations. They’re also choosing to spend extra on hand calligraphy, vintage stamps (which are triple the cost of regular stamps) and beveled edging.
8. Lighting is “out of control.” Weiss said that“Clients are finally, for the first time, understanding the importance of lighting.” They’re allotting more of the budget to lighting, and they’re looking for interesting fixtures. Chandeliers are on their way out, and colorful lanterns are taking their place.
9. In photography, she’s seeing a return to classic. “The fusion of colors and filters are going away,” she said. She recommends going for a mix of traditional and artsy — in 20 years, you’re going to want that classic family portrait with Grandma. As a planner, it’s her job to make sure that the photographer takes all of your must-have photos.
10. Surprisingly, more couples are cutting videography from the budget. “They feel that no one watches it or that they’ll never watch it,” she said, although she disagrees and always tries to persuade her couples otherwise!
11. The top music right now: ’80s hits. They’re the tunes this generation of brides and grooms grew up with, so the music hits at everyone’s nostalgia. DJs are more popular than live bands right now, and they’re much “cooler” than in generations past. Weiss joked that “They can actually talk on the microphone — they’re not saying ‘give it up for the salad,’ which mortifies me.”
12. Food is all about farm-to-table, from casual backyard receptions to black tie ballroom celebrations. Couples are opting for long tables rather than round.
13. Dessert displays are becoming more personalized. Generic candy buffets are being replaced by more creative themes, like popcorn or cookie tables. Cupcakes are over, and artsy wedding cakes (think Maggie Austin) are in.
14. Traditions are changing. We were very surprised to hear that many of Weiss’s clients are requesting to skip the big moment when they cut the cake. She compromises: “Sometimes we do it without an announcement.”
The first dance is still a big moment, but couples are taking a more light-hearted approach by choosing a “cool” song, like an instrumental version of a rap tune. They’re taking dance lessons, but they’re not making the dance as dramatic as it’s been in the past (think: those crazy YouTube videos with intricate choreography that spans throughout the decades).
15. Brides are looking to the red carpet for inspiration. Nail polish is a big part of the wedding-day attire, and brides are buying clutches “they’ll never use,” she said. Earrings and arm candy are more popular than necklaces; “Gowns are so beautiful that you don’t need one.”
Reception dresses are still going strong, and she’s hoping more brides will consider changing into a “going away” outfit, like the ones from Monique Lhuillier’s new collection. Other designer favorites: Carolina Herrera is making a comeback, and Jenny Packham rocked it this season.
16. Couples are experiencing social media overload. How did brides ever survive without Pinterest and Lover.ly? They’ve completely revolutionized the way that we plan, but they can make the wedding planner’s job tougher. “There’s so much information, sometimes it’s too much!” she said.
She recommends that you stop looking at these sites a month before the big day; you don’t want to see anything that’s going to make you second-guess yourself.
Couples are also hashtagging their weddings and encouraging guests to share photos across Instagram.
17. After parties are huge. “They just don’t want it to end,” she explained. Couples are even hiring DJs for the after party and making it a big event.
18. Pre-wedding parties are expanding. Engagement parties are still popular, though Weiss tries to talk her clients out of it. “Save the money for the wedding,” she advised. More brides are having multiple bridal showers to accomodate all guests, and the bridesmaids’ luncheon is back.
19. Rehearsal dinners are taking a casual turn. Couples are opting for theme parties, like Mexican fiestas, or family-style Italian dinners, and Mindy’s a fan. “It eliminates the pressure the night before and builds up the next night,” she said.
20. Destination weddings are hotter than ever. Last year, she planned 10; this year, she’s planning 30 all over the world. She said couples want the “summer camp” experience but don’t realize the expense it adds: “You have to do a lot of entertaining!”
Our Uncommon Goods catalog arrived in the mail this week and we wanted to share our favorite gift ideas with you! Uncommon Goods’ goal is to provide a variety of handmade, organic, and unique products utilizing recycled materials and environmentally friendly production methods. They also have a selection of the most random and unusual gifts ever. Our favorites this season?
It may be a rare groom who would willingly wear a bracelet sporting his big/little spoon position; however, if you’re lucky enough to know or be engaged to one we love this bracelet set for a newly married couple. “Hand-cast in Laos from reclaimed aluminum remains of bombs dropped in the 1960’s. this set lets you show how much you care for each other – and the world at large – one loving spoonful at a time.” Who wouldn’t want to wear an engraved wrap bracelet made from the aluminum of a bomb? Ok, maybe it’s a little weird, but it’s still recycled and that’s always a good thing right? Oh, and each bracelet is engraved with “big spoon” and “little spoon” on the back side of the charm. Just in case you forget. $90 for the pair.
What’s not to love about a classic decanter and beautifully engraved workmanship? “There’s not a spirit out there that’s not improved by some good company.” And this set of one decanter with two glasses inscribed with “yours”, “mine” and “ours” are sure to be a favorite gift for any newlywed couple who appreciates a good spirit. The Art Deco look of these double old fashioned glasses bring a modern yet classic style to any kitchen or bar and are topped with a sophisticated, hand-painted gold rim. This set would be an unforgettable gift for weddings, anniversaries, or just because and the recipients will surely appreciate the gift as they enjoy it for years to come. Not to mention, they also offer an additional design of customized nautical personalized decantersfor the beach-themed, nautical, or destination wedding. $65 for the set. $25 for the bottle to fill it up. 🙂
Uncommon Goods has in recent years, offered a wider variety of personalized wedding gifts which you can find here with prices ranging from $110-$650, but this one is our favorites. At 21″x24″ this is no small piece of art and with a completely customized and personalized design, would be a beautiful piece for the newlyweds. “Sweep the couple off their feet with this enchanting print that commemorates their first dance as man and wife. Chicago-based artist Alexander Doll set scenes of wedded bliss in the context of a classic print announcement that is as stunningly unique as it is timeless… Alexander incorporates personal details, such as the venue, city, date, and the couple’s names, and even the color of their tresses, to give each print a warm, personal touch.” $300.
One more fabulous piece of customizable and personalized art for the new couple – Skyline of Love. This print is available with complete customized options including the couple’s names, date, city, and the artist has a large variety of available cities. Unfortunately for us here in Hampton Roads, he doesn’t offer our hometowns but the list of available cities can be found here so hopefully you’ll have better luck! “This personalized art piece… gives the classic commemorative wedding print a modern edge with its sharp, monochromatic illustrations and its stunning, shadow box mounting… it will remain beautiful and meaningful through every anniversary, from their first to their fiftieth.” $160
Blake Shelton says “You’ll be my glass of wine, I’ll be your shot of whiskey…” but let’s change that to an ice cold beer and you’ve got yourself a personalized wedding set featuring an adorable tree trunk with hand drawn initials. “Available as a set of two wine or pilsner glasses, or one of each, Jennifer Fillinger’s beautiful hand-engraved glasses observe each partner’s preferential taste for wine or beer. These timeless glasses cradle choice beverages as the couple toasts to their time together and to the many years to come… and using a sandblasting method, the sturdy trunk is intricately carved into each glass.” She also offers champagne flutes! $85 per set.
If you liked the tree trunk carvings of those glasses above, add this anniversary wine box to your collection! This beautiful carved birch wood personalized wine box is the perfect wedding gift.”The box has three separate compartments for wine (not included), to be opened and enjoyed on the couple’s 1st, 3rd and 5th anniversaries. Engraved along the front is a tree bark pattern, customized with the “carved” initials of the happy pair. The box also contains other sweet surprises, such as the words “love” and “adore” hidden in the tree bark, and special commemorative messages engraved on the back of each sliding panel.” $130
We hope you’ve enjoyed these unique gifts and if you’re interested in finding more, check out their whole collection of wedding giftsand a huge variety of unique items from Uncommon Goods!
In a technological age of iPhones, iPads, iPods, smart phones, digital cameras, twitter, tumblr, facebook, and instagram, it’s no wonder couples are starting to feel that their wedding is being over-run by cameras. Nearly every couple hires a professional photographer and they usually spend a few thousand dollars for these photos. The photographer scopes out the venue prior to the start of the wedding, finds the best lighting, positioning, and viewpoint to capture the moments in time that will become your best memories. As the photographer prepares to capture that perfect shot of your first kiss, five guests stand up in front of him with their iPhones and completely ruin the photographer’s shot. Bust.
