Eventista: First Impressions

Eventista: First impressions

Written by Brittany Craig | | brittany@crowningcelebrations.com

It’s said that first impressions are everything. The same can be said for love at first sight. So why is the wedding invitation — the first impression guests receive — becoming substandard?

As a planner and an occasional wedding guest, I can understand both sides of the playing field. I know many couples have budget concerns and that often one of their first ideas is to cut cost on invitations. On the other hand, as a guest looking forward to a fun night out, there is nothing more disappointing than flimsy card stock, a rushed handwritten address and Scriptina font. There, I said it. Scriptina font. Don’t do it.

“They just end up tossing it anyway” — I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that. But actually, the wedding invitation often gets hung in the kitchen or tucked into a daily planner. It’s looked at repeatedly with anticipation. As stationery designer Kim Collins of Fiddle Stix Boutique at Levis Commons says, “The wedding invitation sets the tone for the entire event and helps give the guests an idea of what to expect. If a bride is having a gorgeous, extravagant wedding but sends something that looks less than impressive … guests are not going to anticipate something as extraordinary as they should.”

Beautiful is more affordable than you think. “Brides and grooms do not have to skimp on these details; they just need to find the right fit,” said Kelly Henry, stationery designer and owner of UpperCase Designs in Toledo. Thanks to sites like Pinterest, brides can find a plethora of ideas. But by working with a local stationery designer, you can make that “pin” come to fruition. For an invite with a lot of color go for digital printing versus off-set printing, suggests Henry. Referring guests to a wedding website for more information cuts down on clutter and costs, Collins suggests. Postcard response cards are another cost-saving tip. By working with a local designer, you can give that postcard a unique, upscale look that will compensate for its ease and convenience.

What’s felt in the hand is just as important as what’s seen by the eye. Oftentimes invitations ordered online use a lighter weight of card stock. Always request to see and feel a sample. Lighter stock in both the invite and the envelope do not mail well. They are often eaten up by the postage machines and arrive to your guests torn or marked. One way to avoid this is to also handstamp each of your invites at the post office. While you’re there, double check to make sure you have enough postage on your envelopes, if you haven’t done so already. Always bring a completely assembled invite when buying stamps.

Carrying consistent fonts, colors and design for your wedding programs, escort cards, menus, table numbers and signage gives the event an overall appearance that is more memorable and enjoyable. But don’t be afraid to assemble these items yourself. “This takes a little bit more time for the bride, but it saves on the cost of the vendor’s assembly process,” Collins said.

The wedding invitation is one of the most traditional parts about a wedding, but you can still have a little fun while being socially appropriate. One way to do this is with the RSVPs. “One of the most requested RSVP responses is, ‘We’ll dance if you play this song.’ Newlyweds want to see their guests out on the dance floor having a great time. One of my favorites is ‘We’ll have to miss all the fun’ and ‘We’ll be there to dance and dine,’” Henry said.

Finally, don’t forget the attention to detail when it comes to addressing your invitations. “The smallest of details really stand out throughout the entire event, starting with the invitations!” Collins said. Calligraphy is the most popular way of addressing envelopes. If you cannot afford hand-addressed calligraphy, opt for having a stationery designer print the addresses on the envelopes with a font that matches the invitation suite, suggests Henry. Then dress it with beautiful stamps. Buy a collection of vintage stamps on Etsy and include four to five different kinds in your color scheme to reach your required postage.

The wedding invitation doesn’t have to be a budget-bleeder. And it doesn’t have to be dull to be affordable. With a little personal style and attention to detail, you will be sure to excite your guests!

Toledo Free Press Eventista: 2013 WEDDING TRENDS

In case you didn't catch my article on 2013 wedding trends - here are my top trends and inspiration boards!

Eventista: Hot wedding trends for 2013

Each year weddings get more trend-specific. But as the trends increase, the sizes of the weddings are decreasing. Doing more doesn’t necessarily mean spending more or inviting more. Wedding guest lists are being trimmed as carefully as the details are planned out. Here are some ways to create a fabulous 2013 celebration.

You can’t plan a 2013 wedding and not talk texture! It’s growing year after year and it’s bigger than ever. We have seen it in bridal bouquets that have a varying selection of flowers and uncommon greeneries to bridal gowns with appliques, rosettes and flowers that pop right off the fabric. Cakes are mimicking these fabrics with ruffled layers and large sugar petals cascading down. Modern patterns like chevron and polka dot are some of the most popular. They are gracing the papers of invitation suites and adding an extra punch to tablescape linens. We are seeing a hint of pattern on bridal gowns under traditional overlays like lace and they are also giving groom’s ties a playful look.

Color gives even the most traditional affair an added punch. Bridesmaids dresses are bright and festive. We are still seeing a trend toward variable design in each maid’s attire from gradual shades of ombre dresses to the same fabric in countless styles. The bride’s bouquet has strayed from all white and now includes a multitude of hues and colors. But probably the most noticeable color change this year is the blush-colored wedding gown. Bright white is a thing of the past as brides are choosing softer hues for their skin tones.

Kate Middleton’s lace-style gown still reigns, but with a new twist.

“We are seeing a different take on lace with the Guipure pattern. It’s a larger pattern and less traditional,” said Stacy Fork of The Gown Shop Ann Arbor.

Another trend, according to Fork is the horsehair-trimmed bridal veil.

“The stretch nylon that now adorns some of the most modern and romantic veils has been a top pick,” Fork said. “It definitely gives that extra wow factor to a veil versus just the standard tulle.”

Grooms are taking an active role in the planning. Not only are they attending meetings and playing a role in the decisions, they are adding in details of their own. From groom’s cakes and dessert bars to special signature beers and menu selections, grooms are finding their voice.

Vintage is not necessarily decorating with antiques and it’s often confused with shabby chic. Vintage is a style all its own and the vintage trend in 2013 is the roaring ’20s. Popular shows like “Downton Abbey” and movie “The Great Gatsby”

provide inspiration for wedding style and theme.

“Our clients are enamored with ‘nostalgic vibes’ that are unique to them,” said Heather Zeller, owner of La Boutique Nostalgie. “Shimmering candlelight, garden roses and hydrangeas, lace, birdcage veils and chandeliers in equal measure are popular, key elements in completing the vintage vision.”

One of the hottest wedding trends this year has gone to the birds — literally! The bird theme surfaced in 2012 and is taking flight in 2013. Birds are being seen on wedding invitations, on the top of cakes and they are bringing little accents like nests and twigs to centerpieces. Feathered accessories will also be popular on veils, purses and bridal sashes.

Incorporating yummy goodness you can only find street side will be the icing on the cake for your wedding guests with a food truck! “Late night snacks” or “afterthoughts” have been a hit of weddings for years with selections like mini-sliders, homemade doughnuts and pizza.

But for that crowd that parties hard and gets hungry, why not treat them to their favorite guilty pleasure with gourmet hot dog truck or ice cream truck?

Grab your issue of the Toledo Free Press Bridal Guide or see it here online!

 bouquets with texture and a variety of texture and color 

(our readers chose the bottom, second from the right as their favorite)

wedding cakes with chevron, rosettes, ruffles, lace and other textures 

(our readers chose the bottom center as their favorite!)

super fun chevron pattern

classic and traditional polka dot pattern

bridesmaids in blush and pinks

blush bridal gowns, Guirpur pattern lace, illusion necklines and horsehair trimmed veils

great gatsby inspired wedding

bird's the word with these fun touches

fun and foodie favorites: the food truck

Eventista - Toledo Free Press Bridal Guide Aug 2011

Hot off the presses, 'Here Comes the Guide'!

Pick up your FREE copy today at local Northwest Ohio stores and businesses.

Inside you will find Everlasting Images, Admiral's American Grill, Grand Lubell Photography, The Blarney Bullpen, Ahava Spa, Cake in a Cup, Nazareth Hall, Bartz Viviano, Crowning Celebrations and many, many more fabulous wedding vendors and resources! Also, be sure to check out the Eventista articles by yours truly on pages 13 and 24!

Eventista - Kate's Royal Wedding Dress | Perrysburg Wedding Coordinator & Designer

Wanna read what I think Kate will wear? Pick up your latest edition of the Toledo Free Press Star. Or catch it here online, page 10.

Open publication - Free publishing - More american idol

Eventista - Let the Fun Continue!

Check out my latest article in The Toledo Free Press. You can view the full E-Press here.

Let the Fun Continue!
Wedding Planning should be fun! That is what I tell all my brides and their families. Apparently I have one bride who is having so much fun she jokingly admits she’d fake “cold feet” just to extend the warm and fuzzies of celebrating their upcoming nuptials.

Even after the last dance there are many ways to keep celebrating. It’s your first year of marriage. It’s a year like no other because you have yet to live it together. So why not make it special, create a few traditions and even better memories?

The reception maybe over, but the spotlight isn’t off. Keep family and close friends up to date on all your current adventures, trials, tribulations and hilarious moments. Start a blog to post pictures from your honeymoon, keep everyone updated on your remodeling projects or fun new activities.

Play hostess-with-the-mostess and utilize the china, cookware and fun serving wear you registered for. Don’t let it collect dust in the breakfront. Use it and love it. Didn’t register for china? If you asked for gift cards for a project or special purchase, invite guests over to enjoy the fruits of your labor or your new living room furniture. Also upload those pictures to the blog. Aunt Sally will love seeing her gift go to use!

And since you are throwing a party, why re-use some of your wedding decorations? Switch them up and give them a new use. Re-hang your paper lanterns from your patio umbrella, use the cake bling to make napkin rings or fill vases with floating candles to illuminate tables or walkways.

Ask your DJ or Band to make a mixed CD of the music from your wedding night. This is perfect for those nights when you stay in a cook together or when you friends come over for a night of fun and cocktails.

I give every single one of my brides and grooms a CD from their wedding,” said Michael Baginski of Decorative Sound DJ Service in Maumee. “From their grand introduction song to their formal dances and cake-cutting song, its all on there. That way they have the exact version of the special song played.” said Baginski.

Start something new by taking up a new sport or activity. Join a softball team, or bowling league. Take a spin class at your gym, or volunteer. Keep your spirituality strong by finding a couple’s prayer group. No matter what your interests, make it your thing together.

April Reinhard and her husband Nathan took up cycling after their wedding, even traveling across country on road bikes together.

“Cycling has definitely impacted our marriage. Doing something physical and challenging together helps to strengthen not only our friendship but also our marriage relationship because we experience the highs: coasting down a big hill, and the lows: biking up a big hill, together,” said Mrs. Reinhard.

Start planning your second honeymoon. Discuss your finances and find ways to save money. By doing this you are opening dialogue to share your financial goals and expectations.

Communication is important, too. Use your left over wedding invitations to write each other little notes on the back. Take the time to express your appreciation and love. Just make sure you save one for the scrapbook.

A successful marriage is built on a good foundation. And as a wedding planner, I believe it should start with a good party! Keep the celebration going as you build your lives together. Here’s to many happy memories to come!

Special thanks to Michael Baginski of Decorative Sound DJ Service and April Reinhard (Crowning Celebrations Bride '07). Into cycling? Check out her website The Road To to learn about her adventurous cycling trip across country with her husband, Nathan.

Eventista: Toledo Free Press Bridal Guide 2011

It's out! Be sure to grab your copy of the Toledo Free Press Bridal Guide!

The Guide is distributing throughout northwest Ohio. If you are out of town, you can view the guide online from ISSUU.

Read articles written by Brittany Craig on 2011 Trends, Hiring Wedding Professionals and a Top 10 Planning List for Grooms!

Eventista - Oil Spill Affecting Beach Nuptials

Oil spill affecting beach nuptials

Written by Brittany Craig


The effects of the BP oil disaster are spilling over into the wedding industry of the Florida panhandle. Some wedding businesses are reporting as many as 60 percent of their weddings being canceled.

“By this time last year, I booked half of my weddings. Now, I don’t have any booked for next year. Brides are too scared,” said wedding coordinator Shelby Peaden of Shelby Peaden Events based in Fort Walton Beach, Fla. “I used to receive 30-40 inquiries a month. I haven’t received any.”


Fulfilling a bride’s dreams and desires is how many wedding professionals along Florida’s west coast make their living.


But the oil spill is causing them to re-think their future on the Gulf.


“One of my florists lost $60,000 in cancelations. I know photographers who have considered moving to the East Coast or another state and starting over. But that is very hard to do for a coordinator,” Peaden said.


Wedding professionals are reaching out. Natural disaster clauses are a standard for Florida wedding professionals who are used to dealing with hurricanes. But the BP oil spill is man-made, which makes brides who cancel accountable for the balance.


So they are bringing in the pros with Florida’s largest legal law firms.


“We are trying to be compassionate toward our brides”, Peaden said. “We will have to make a claim to BP to get our money back.”


Back at home, the beaches of Ohio’s Lake Erie Coastal Trail offer refuge to a bride’s destination dream. Locations such as Maumee Bay State Park, Catawba Island and Headlands Beach State Park offer natural beaches and spectacular sunsets.


Maumee Bay Resort, which has recently received many last-minute bookings, is seeing increased business resulting from the tragedy down South.


“We just booked an August bride who was looking forward to going to Florida, but didn’t want to chance it,” said Sara Sander, event sales manager for Maumee Bay Lodge.


The proof is in the picture. You don’t need to go far for sun-setting splendor.


“Create the destination feel by choosing a site where you can all stay together and be a family”, said Kim Koluch of Considering Lilies Photography. “Having that togetherness [is more important] rather than where you are. You can’t fake that. A beach isn’t going to make that happen.”


But for brides holding strong to their plans, there are many websites that update beach conditions daily.


“There are still many places that are untouched,” Peaden said. “We know what it looks like today, but we don’t know about tomorrow.”

Eventista: Outdoor Party Time

Check out my article in this week's Star!

Must-have item are these super fun, oversized cushions from Fatboy!

They are perfect for the entire family - even the four-legged fur-kiddies.

Put this pillow poolside, or under the trees. They are great for outdoor movies and stargazing, too!

Eventista: Going Green

Say ‘I do’ to being green
Written by Brittany Craig

Brides and grooms are pledging their love to one another and they are making a commitment to the Earth by planning and hosting a “green” wedding. Here are a few simple steps that can make a huge impact on the environment.
The Fifth C
Cut, color, clarity, carat and conflict-free. As you are in search for the perfect ring, be sure to check if the diamonds are lab-created and not conflict-free.
Otherwise known as blood diamonds, these precious stones are mined in war zones, where miners are subject to human rights abuses. Make the ring even more meaningful by recycling gold or other metals.
Or go vintage altogether with Grandma’s heirloom or a unique find.
Support local farmers
Dazzle your guests with earth-friendly papers and invitations. Choose non-chlorinated papers with 30 percent post-consumer waste and print with vegetable based ink.
Greg Shapiro, president of Toledo-based printing and graphics company, H.O.T. Printing & Graphics said, “Being green has just as much to do with the papers as its does the inks.” In fueling the demand to be green and support the U.S. farming economy, Shapiro said, “We have converted to 100 percent soy based inks.” H.O.T. Graphics uses a non-toxic soy bean ink made from soy bean oil, which is commonly found foods such as salad dressing.
Recycled retail
For your “something barrowed” and “something old” wear a vintage gown, or ask to wear your sister’s dress. If their style doesn’t suit you, there are many resources to buy gently used designer gowns online and at local resale shops like Dream Designs Bridal Outlet in Sylvania. But if you do go for “something new,” consider earth conscious fabrics such as hemp silk, peace-silk organza, and satin-face cotton from designers like Wai-Ching and Annatarian Eco-Couture.
Shorten the commute
Keep transportation to a minimum by having your wedding ceremony and reception within walking distance or at the same location. Use local caterers, florists, entertainment and rental companies to cut back on delivery time and expenses.
Homegrown goodness
Choose a menu with organic, locally grown produce, which is most flavorful in season, along with cruelty-free meats and poultry. Accompany your meal with some fantastic regional wines. Try selections from Tabor Hill and St. Julian.
Regional beauties
Look to local flower farms like Buckeye Blooms in Elida, Ohio, for chemical-free flowers. These beautiful blooms can be purchased by your florist for your arrangements, or handpicked by your wedding party and carried as lovely little bouquets. Adorn your tables with potted plants and herbs, which can be doubled as favors for guests to take home and enjoy. Dress your tables in earth-friendly fabrics such as cotton tablecloths and napkins. Use re-usable dinnerware by renting china, glasses and flatware.
Recycle and share
Even after the last dance, keepup the good work by recycling bottles from your bar service, and composting leftover food. Donate uneaten delectables to a local shelter.
One of the easiest ways to be green is to cut the guest list. By inviting fewer guests, your costs will go down, along with your wedding’s “carbon footprint.” Like your marriage, may your commitment to a more beautiful earth grow stronger with each day. Here’s to a beautiful tomorrow!

http://www.toledofreepress.com/2010/04/20/say-%e2%80%98i-do%e2%80%99-to-being-green/

Eventista

click here for the article:

DIY Weddings do's and don'ts

For all you chic n' crafty brides, here's a book written by none other than the creative Khris Cochran of DIYBride.com!

Khris is stylishly creative, super smart, and ridiculously funny. 

The book has over 224 pages. You can sneak a peak and buy the book at Amazon.

Eventista

Will you be my Valentine, forever?

Written by Brittany Craig  

Here’s a riddle: What is an iron ring worn on the left hand that serves as a “slave band” to signify that the woman is the man’s chattel and belonged exclusively to him? (I give you full permission to gag.) Yes, this is what the Roman Republic believed to be the betrothal or engagement ring.

The Egyptians were a little more lighthearted and believed the circle-shaped adornment signified a bond between two people who intended to marry. Wearing the ring on the “ring finger” dates back to the Romans who believed the fourth finger was the opening to the vena amoris or “vein of love” which leads to the heart.

Ladies, we owe it to Max. The Archduke, Maximilian I of Austria proposed marriage to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring in 1477 and we’ve been smitten since.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. And it happens to be the most popular day to get engaged with nearly 10 percent of Americans dropping to one knee. About 5,000 Americans get married every day — so you can only imagine how significant engagements are on Valentine’s Day. Jeff Jaffe of Harold Jaffe Jewelers can attest to that.

“Love is in bloom. January and February have been very strong,” Jaffe said.

Your love is unique and why shouldn’t your jewelry be? Custom designs are hot this year. Celebrity Kristen Bell received a fancy-colored diamond from fiancé Dax Sheppard. The traditional is so expected. So surprise her with some color.

“We are seeing much more interest in fancy yellow and brown diamonds,” Jaffe said, suggesting rubies, emeralds or sapphires for center stones.

Popping the question can be just as unique. Take her to a special place just the two of you share; somewhere you can always return to reminisce. And you get points for presentation, too. Put the ring in a keepsake or serve it up in a way she’ll never forget. When you’re out to dinner, order oysters with the ring inside the shell. Afterwards take the shell to a jeweler to be made into a keepsake.

For a place she is sure to say yes, take her to Mancy’s.

“I’ve seen dozens of proposals, but never a ‘no’, ” said John Mancy of Mancy’s Bluewater Grille in Maumee. “It’s pretty exciting. You know when she says ‘yes’ because the whole restaurant applauds.”

Fifi Berry of Fifi’s Reprise agrees. Her romantic fireside table is always a popular place for dropping to one knee on Valentine’s Day. Both restaurants host many unique requests from guests who are planning a special evening.

Hopefully Cupid’s arrow will pierce you and your true love’s heart this Valentine’s Day.

Eventista

Eventista

Local woman to run with the brides

Written by Brittany Craig

brittany@crowningcelebrations.com

The record: 36 seconds. Yes, imagine close to 800 brides storming through the doors to grab 2500 discounted designer gowns in less than one minute. Arms out wide, brides sweep in and grab as many dresses as they can. The tulle flies as they scurry over to squeeze a spot by the mirror. They try on dress after dress, swap with other shoppers and even bargain with one another. Its really one of the most competitive bridal sports there is – other than snagging the groom!

The Running of the Brides is a Filene’s Basement tradition since 1947. With eight sales a year in select stores, designer gowns that retail for as much as $9,000 are sold from $249-$699. Toledo bride, Rachel Grace will be participating in the January 29th Running in Columbus. She and five other friends are going down Thursday night so they can be at the doors first thing Friday morning. Sales like Filene’s offers brides the opportunity to have their dream dress. “I don’t want to comprise the quality of my wedding dress. I want to find my dream designer dress… and I am willing to drive hours to find the perfect one,” Grace said. No appointment is needed. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. and the sale goes all day or until all gowns are sold. Sizes, styles and fabrics vary. It’s suggested you bring “running buddies” to help you grab the gown you are looking for. “I plan on having each of the girls take a section of the store and grab as many dresses as they can…with a sweetheart neckline and trumpet style,” is Grace’s strategy.

In addition to Columbus, Filene’s Running of the Brides will be taking place in Chicago and Cleveland. Information can be found at filenesbasement.com/bridal. 

According to About.com the average wedding dress costs $3,000. Couture designers such as Monique Lhuillier can retail up to $20,000. But for many, saving on the dress allows for other extravagances on wedding day. So many brides are buying gently used gowns at upscale boutiques. Stores like White Chicago and WhiteXhange, believe bridal style shouldn’t have to be sacrificed for price. On-line boutiques such as PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com and EncoreBridal.com offer a selection of new, sample and nearly-new wedding dresses at the click of a button.

But you don’t have to go far for a good deal. Gallippo’s Bridal and Formal in Toledo is offering an exclusive sale with up to 80 percent off designer gowns that retail for over $1,500. “The designer offered me a break on the price of the gowns for purchasing this large selection. No two gowns are alike and all are brand new,” said bridal salon owner, Yvonne Gallippo.

One word of advice: dramatic alterations, repairs and cleaning can be costly and defeat the purpose of your discount. An alteration on the hem alone can cost as much as $200. Be sure to examine your dress carefully before purchase. Most bargains and re-sales are non-refundable.

See you at the finish line!

Brittany is the principle Event Designer and Coordinator for Crowning Celebrations. She specializes in wedding and social celebrations. You can follow her blog at http://www.crowningcelebrations.blogspot.com/ .

Toledo Free Press Eventista

The top wedding trends for 2010

Written by Brittany Craig

2010 is bringing in the New Year with bright color, eco-chic creativity and trends that will shock and delightfully surprise you!

Destination: Home

This year’s brides and grooms are paying for many items themselves and getting creative with spending money. As extravagances are cut, so are engagement periods. Couples are settling for Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons rather than waiting for evenings in prime seasons. They are setting up tents in their backyards, bringing home “comforts” into them: plush fabrics, tent liners, draping to add texture, along with floor seating and head “family” tables that include parents and immediate family.
Attire: In the Red
Red dresses or bold red accents for the bridal gown are making their way as of the top 2010 trends. This rich color allows a white bridal bouquet to pop! If a white dress is what you have your heart’s set on, go strapless. Accessories are following suit with bold, bright designs. Bridesmaid dresses are vibrant in bright orange, hot pink and turquoise. Over-the-top vintage accessories are shown layering pearls, sequins and oversized gemstones. But don’t do it all. Either go all out with dresses and accessories keeping flowers simple and sleek – or have fun with color in striking and glamorous bouquets with simple silhouettes.
Thankful Touches
Favors are making a return and they are showing their appreciation with homemade goodies and custom accents. In keeping thrifty, brides are baking up mom’s secret cookie recipe or other personalized favors. Favors are often used as place cards, wrapped to correspond with the wedding colors.
The Sweetest Thing – Buttercream
Buttercream is back – fondant is out. Buttercream is more affordable and preferable among cake connoisseurs. Where as fondant is beautiful, it’s usually pealed off by guests and discarded. Bakeries are finding new ways to make buttercream and traditional frostings look smooth like fondant.
Luminous Lighting
Lighting is “going green” with LED lights. LED lighting is more vibrant, produces little heat and takes little power to run. Lighting is one of my favorites! It showcases décor, illuminates flowers, spotlights the dance floor and creates a mood. Rotating logos, shapes and images, called gobos, create a 3-D effect. It’s become very trendy lighting the inside of your tent, as well as the outside with projected images of scenic landscapes. Together with a color wash, gobos create a trademark for your event.
Social Media
Couples are sharing their festivities on facebook, You Tube, personal websites and other media networks. Guests can RSVP, make hotel reservations and shop registries from one website. If guests are unable to make the festivities, they can view pictures and videos online.
Bold Invites
The wedding invitation is the first thing guests see and sets the tone for the event. Brides are bringing bold colors of fashion into print, pairing them with sophisticated, romantic designs and scripts. Seasonal attributes are contributing to the designs such as leaf motifs for fall and flower motifs for spring. Recycled materials are still strong, emphasizing chic and green.
Music is Bringing Back the Classics
Traditions such as the garter & bridal bouquet toss, father-daughter, mother-son dances, Anniversary dance and cake cutting are all coming back. DJs and bands are carrying the tune against iPods as professionals keep the guests dancing to a non-stop evening.
Flowers & Décor that POP
Garden fresh blooms from local and organic farms in the shade of deep purple, bright orange and hot pink are showing up, making a dramatic statement. Whether you are mixing flower colors or keeping it the same, use multiple vases in various heights, sizes and volumes. Dress your tables with monochromatic table linens in different textures to give tables depth and texture.
Photography & Videography are going HD
No one wants to miss a great party! And the same goes for the bride and groom. More couples are choosing to see each other before their ceremony for pictures. Often preventing them from enjoying cocktail hour, pre-ceremony and on-site photography allows brides and grooms to spend more time with guests. And you can relive your special day in vibrant color and crisp sound with HD videography. Today’s equipment is smaller, less intrusive with better sound quality. Videography provides a lasting image of the celebration’s sentiment and emotion.


2010’s trends are illuminating a down economy with color and creativity that’s sure to bring a bright start to any union!


Brittany is the principle event designer and coordinator for Crowning Celebrations. She specializes in wedding and social celebrations. You can follow her blog at http://www.crowningcelebrations.blogspot.com/.