Code Blue- Dying trends Bring out the paddles if you them to stay…

Question Mark Trends

Will they be a GO?  Or should they GO AWAY? 

Bridal party pets?

In scouring the web for beautiful wedding and event images to inspire me I often come across some “Oh no they didn’t!” moments.  Some trends I’ve witnessed first-hand.  Others I’ve been guilty of.  But what I’ve learned is that trends are like the unwanted houseguest that overstays their welcome.  They linger.  They are not always bad, or annoying, but they just haven’t accepted that it’s time to move on. 

The typical trend sets out to be different; to challenge the masses and differentiate their uniqueness.  Then they get adopted, repeated, copied, and then they start to become a bad knockoff sold on Canal St. Finally, they're copied in a horribly bad one-of-a-kind-mass-produced-vintage way at every pop retailer in the mall.  This may (or may not) be what these next few trends are suffering from.   

Extreme Proposals?

Guy who faked his own death

Guy fakes plane malfunction

I’m not talking about a Jumbo-Tron announcement at halftime of your favorite team’s home opener, or even having a sign waiting at the landing site for the moment you two live out your skydiving dream.  I mean EXTREME! We are talking lighting yourself on fire, faking getting arrested,  a faux-plane crash, and faking your own death complete with make-up and all to make your bride to be see how empty their life would be without you.  

Check out this fire side proposal

The fake out proposal was something I came across in searches nearly every time I looked for “wedding trends.”  Thank goodness my hubby didn’t try one of these.   I think my relationship would have crashed and burned had he faked a plane malfunction.  While I’m not a big fan, these boys knew their girl’s were really brave and had a great sense of humor to “survive” the stunts.  My tip: make your proposal memorable, not traumatic.

#YoumaynowTweettheBride#?

Groom updates his relationship status

I am the first to admit, when it comes to technology, I am not your go to girl! I don't know the color difference between the first and second edition iPods because I was still learning how to download music onto my computer.  Although I might be tech-developmentally delayed, I understand the importance of it and the role it plays in so many of our lives.

Tweets from the altar?

Yep, you are seeing correctly.  The officiant at this wedding above really stopped so Groomy could update his Facebook!  Umm? Now call me old fashioned, a tech hater or what you will, but if the love of your life, your good friends and family are all around you on your wedding day, couldn't you at least wait to do that til after you kissed the bride?

I completely understand being proud of your big day and wanting to share your happiness with the world.  My tip:  Enjoy a moment with your beloved and at least wait til you get in the limo to change your relationship status. 

Staged Dances?

Watch "Forever"  Bridal Party Entrance

When I was 13 I dreamed about how cool it would be to incorporate Dirty Dancing end scene choreographed routine (complete with lift) into my wedding.  And although I still remember all the steps, and think it would be funny to watch my now hubby pretending to be Patrick Swayze, I can't imagine asking my Grandma or my rhythmless best friend to be a part of the disaster, I mean flash mob.

When it comes to staged dances, they are cute and entertaining.  If Grandma's up for it and it won't cause her a broken hip, that's awesome!  Send me the Youtube link please!  My tip:  If you feel the need for choreographed dances, take a class at a local studio and surprise the older members of your family with a song and moves they are familiar with.  It will add a memorable moment for you and them!

Photo Effects?

Out of focus

The last trend that seems to be lingering around is photography layered with lots of effects.  While the new photo trends are leaning toward a more natural, or photo-journalistic, story telling type of pictures, the black and white with color, staged poses like the jump or the crouch, and perception distorted optical illusions still remain.

After working some fantastic vendors this weekend at the Danbury Bridal Show, a lot of these images are still popular.  My tip:  Find a photographer whose photos look good without the effects.  He's the one that will know how to apply them properly so they don't look like these:

Via Heavy.com

via WebUrbanist

via EllenTV

Now is about the time that I insert my disclaimer.  While these few trends seem to be slow to go, and that’s because they are not necessarily bad.  After working with some amazing vendors at the Danbury Bridal Show this weekend, I couldn’t help but see some awesome and talented photographs and images. Looking back over the good and bad trends of the last year, I’ve run across a ton of true beauty and some beautifully horrible images and interpretations of trends.  The key to keeping dying trends forever young is the right couple and the right vendors.  Some of these wacky ideas may work for the right couple.  Just always keep in mind that a wedding should be equally timeless as it is fun!

Oh, and BTW, pets dressed up are always adorable!  Just don't make your maid of honor have to do pooper scooper duty in a fabulous dress.

TTFN

Rachel

Please NOT Those! Let's try These?

Bridesmaids Gone Bad!

How to keep your friend's speaking to you after the wedding.

A few weeks ago I mentioned the scene in Sex in the City that suggested you might be an Anti-Bride.  This week I'd like bring up another one of my favorite wedding scenes in movies.  The scene that could suggests your a Bridezilla- the moment in 27 Dresses where Katherine Heigl opens a closet of, well, this!  

Aimed to be a moment of jest at the best buds of the brides who have to be supportive of their decisions, the scene reminded us all of a sad reality that truly exists.  While we understand and believe that every bride wants and should have all eyes on her on their big day, that's no reason to make your besties look busted.  

Here's a few hints that your bridesmaids may not speak to after your wedding because of the dress you've chosen:

The accessories are equally bad, I mean, memorable as the dress.

Whether we're talking shoes or jewelry, accessorizing can complete any look.  There are some exceptions, though
Instead of these:

Fascinators and hats might be all the rage, but they can get a little too costume like.  Parasols in pictures might be cute, but not for a substitute for a bouquet.

Let's try:
Halos or headbands for hair accessories

All by BHLDN

For a different accessory to hold for photos, clutches dual as a great bridesmaid gift too!

via Etsy

via Emmaline Bride

Sincerely Sara

For a new twist on florals, take a cue from the mismatched bridesmaid trend that's become a big hit.  Try having your girls all hold different blooms. What a great way not to have  choose just a few favorite flowers!

Brides.com

100LayerCake

It matches any pattern you've seen your Grandmother wear or decorate with. 

You know me by now.  I'm a sucker for a fun fashion trend, and I think prints are going to be big this year.    But instead of these:

Via Tacky Weddings

Via Tacky Weddings

Via Shine

Let's try:
breaking up a sea of stripes or vertigo worthy florals with a solid bodice or cardigan.  The look will enhance your color scheme and your gown!

Or, you can mix prints of the same size and color family.  Keeping prints simple and in black and white is always classy, and less overwhelming in pictures too.  And of course, trying not to match the scenery helps... 

                                                                                

                                                             

It's a dress you can actually wear again (If you're an exotic dancer.)

You can do your friends a favor and let them have a sexy, figure flattering dress that they may, in fact use again.

But instead of these:

(Photos via The Perfect Bridesmaid)

Let's try:
Ruching and flowy fabrics.  They always provides pretty, feminine, very alluring, and very forgiving fits.

Saja

Jim Hjelm

Coren Moore

One shoulder and halter necklines work with most body types, while lace and illusion details add a subtle sexy look.  

Monique Lhuillier

B2 Jasmine

Jim Hjelm Occasions

 So, if your worried that your 18 year old sister who just got a gig modeling for Abercrombie and Fitch's summer catalog (this actually happened to a friend of mine, eek!) is going to look hotter than you, fear not!  Trust me, all eyes will be on you.  But if your still nervous, a bad dress won't help the situation. Making the girl look fabulous will only help you shine brighter since the'l be standing proud right next to you.

TTFN
Rachel

Wedding Traditions & Superstitions- Part 2

Last week we started you off with traditions and superstitions that were centered around good and bad luck from all over the world! Today we bring you the next part in our mini series:

It’s Got a Ring To It

15. One of history’s earliest engagement rings was given to Princess Mary, daughter of Henry VIII. She was two years old at the time.

16. About 70% of all brides sport the traditional diamond on the fourth finger of their left hand.

17. In the symbolic language of jewels, a sapphire in a wedding ring means marital happiness.

18. Diamonds set in gold or silver became popular as betrothal rings among wealthy Venetians toward the end of the fifteenth century.

19. A pearl engagement ring is said to be bad luck because its shape echoes that of a tear.

20. Priscilla Presley’s engagement ring was a whopping 3 1/2-carat rock surrounded by a detachable row of smaller diamonds.

21. Engagement and wedding rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand because it was once thought that a vein in that finger led directly to the heart.

22. Snake rings dotted with ruby eyes were popular wedding bands in Victorian England — the coils winding into a circle symbolized eternity.

23. Aquamarine represents marital harmony and is said to ensure a long, happy marriage.

24. Seventeen tons of gold are made into wedding rings each year in the United States!

How cool are these!!!!

Happy Planning!

xoxo

Katherine

Cupcake Countdown...4 to go!

Cupcake #4

These raspberry filled cupcakes, topped with

 white chocolate raspberry frosting, have a

 surprise in every bite.

White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes

Ingredients

• 1 pkg. Duncan Hines® Classic White Cake Mix
• 3 large egg whites
• 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 1/3 cups water
• 1 can Duncan Hines® Frosting Creations™ Frosting Starter
• 1 packet Duncan Hines® Frosting Creations™ White Chocolate Raspberry Flavor Mix
• 1/2 cup Duncan Hines® Comstock® Raspberry Pie Filling
• White chocolate curls

Baking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Place cupcake liners in muffin pans.
2. Prepare cake batter as directed on package.
3. Pour batter into cupcake liners, filling them no more than two-thirds full.
4. Bake 18 to 24 minutes or until toothpick inserted into cupcakes comes out clean. Let cupcakes cool for 5 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely.
5. Use paring knife or apple corer to remove a small, 1" deep circle from the center of each cupcake.
6. Place 1 teaspoon of Duncan Hines® Comstock® Raspberry Pie Filling in the cavity of each cupcake.
7. Pour packet of Duncan Hines® Frosting Creations™ White Chocolate Raspberry Flavor Mix into can of Duncan Hines® Frosting Creations™ Frosting Starter. Stir until evenly blended.
8. Frost top of cupcakes with the White Chocolate Raspberry frosting you just created and garnish with white chocolate curls.

9. Tip:

1. You can fill your cupcakes with the Duncan Hines® Comstock® Raspberry Pie Filling by using a small spoon or by putting the filling in a piping bag and squeezing it into the center of the cupcake.

Thank you to DuncanHines.com for this beyond amazing recipe!!!

Enjoy happy bakers!

xoxo

Katherine

DIY Friday: Glass Decor!

DIY Sequin Glass Collars

Looking for some sparkle to add to your holiday parties? Check out this fun DIY for your cocktails from GreenWeddingShoes.com DIY contributor Christy of One Handspun Day!  Just as a reminder and to give credit where it is due, this DIY  was created by Christy of One Handspun Day exclusively for Green Wedding Shoes. Check out more of her designs at One Handspun Day! 

These cute and trendy collars would be decor enough for any shindig (maybe even a bachlorette party with a Vino theme!) but can also he helpful in differentiating your individual glass from your friends! 

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Materials:
• ¼” Single Strand Sequin Trim
• Jewelry Hoops (approximately 1.5” in diameter)
• Hot Glue Gun
• Pliers

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Step One: Bend the hoop
Use your pliers to bend the end (non loop side) of your hoop at a 90 degree angle. You should be able to gently push it through the center of the loop on the other side to create a clasp that holds the hoop closed.

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Step Two: Align the sequins to the hoop
Next you want to place your sequin trim face down in front of you. Place the hoop on top and align the string of the sequin strand with the outer curve of the hoop. Use your hot glue gun to secure the strand to hoop, but leave an opening (approx. ½”) at the side with the clasp.

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Step Three: Glue the sequins to the hoop
After you finish gluing the first row to the hoop, make a ‘u-turn’ with your strand to create the second row of sequins. The second row should be placed on top of the first row with the edges of the sequins aligned snuggly against the string of the first row. Glue to keep the second row in place and repeat for the third row.

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Enjoy!!!

xoxo

Katherine