Wedding Trends - Like it, Love it, or Leave it?

Wedding trends are constantly changing; every year brings something new. This month we’ve collected some of the current trends and we’re asking you whether you Like it, Love it, or Leave it!

White Attendants Dresses – Ever since the Royal Wedding we’ve seen white bridesmaid’s dress. Pippa Middleton looked fabulous in her fitted, white dress but is it a trend that’s going to last? It’s always been taboo to wear white to a wedding unless you’re the bride so as not to steal her spotlight. What do you think? Like it, love it, or leave it?

Cowboy Boots – Attendants and even brides everywhere have been foregoing the traditional pair of heels or flats for something a little more memorable: cowboy boots. We’re seeing this trend especially paired with short bridesmaid’s dresses to really show off the boot. Like it, love it, or leave it?

Textured Florals – Succulents, billy balls, thistle, dusty miller. That list may look strange but these are the floral trends we’re starting to see everywhere. Brides are choosing to combine traditional flowers with these more textural additions to create interest. Adding textured florals definitely brings individuality to an industry dominated by roses. Your thoughts? Like it, love it, or leave it?

Push Pops – The new dessert trend sweeping the industry now is push-pops! Like the ice cream versions from your childhood, these are filled with layered cakes (strawberry shortcake seems to be a favorite)! Guests will be wowed by this creative new dessert presentation but what about you? Like it, love it, or leave it?

Chandeliers – Chandeliers used to be confined to ballrooms but the new trend is to incorporate chandeliers into any venue, even outside spaces! Brides are hanging them from trees and arches and covering them with candles and flowers. No matter what the theme, a chandelier seems to fit! Do chandeliers fit your vision? Like it, love it, or leave it?

Flower Girl Tutu Dresses – Let’s face it, kids could wear anything and still steal the show but the newest trend for flower girl attire is putting her in a tutu dress. This is just an extended version of a tutu that sits higher on the body. In one of these dresses your flower girl will look adorable but is it polished enough for your wedding? Like it, love it, or leave it?

Shot Glasses Serving Ware – A few years ago we were introduced to martini glasses used to serve food, most commonly mashed potatoes, now we’re seeing shooters. Caterers are using these to serve soup, milk with a cookie on the rim, shrimp cocktail, and more. These seem like the perfect portion but would you agree? Like it, love it, or leave it?

DIY Weddings – With the addition of Pinterest to the online scene, brides everywhere are going DIY crazy! It’s so easy to find inspiration with step-by-step instructions that bridal craft parties are becoming a norm. Just make sure you don’t put too much on your craft to-do list and get overwhelmed! And remember you can always call us at A Big To Do Event to help with your planning and execution (we’ve been known to pick up a glue gun ourselves for office craft days). DIY Weddings: like it, love it, or leave it?

Tangerine Tango – Pantone’s color of the year was recently revealed as being Tangerine Tango. This fiery orange could be used as just a pop of color or as table linens, florals, and bridesmaids dresses for a bolder look. Could you see Tangerine Tango in your color scheme? Like it, love it, or leave it?

Colored Wedding Dresses – White may always be the traditional bridal color but more and more brides are choosing dresses with a bit of color. Vera Wang’s Fall 2012 collection is done in nudes and blacks! Black may be a little too unconventional for most brides which is why we’re also seeing lots of blush tones. Reese Witherspoon even chose a stunning pink dress for her recent wedding. Are you going out of the box or staying traditional with the white color family? Like it, love it, or leave it?

  

Let us know what you think of these trends and whether you Like it, Love it, or Leave it!

http://pinterest.com/pin/238127899017054635/

On Behalf of Bridesmaids Everywhere...

They say that when you direct a play, you shouldn't be friends with the cast because by the end of the show, they'll all hate you.  I don't think the same concept should apply to brides organizing their weddings.


And that is why I am of the firm belief that bridesmaids' dresses don't have to be ugly!  They can be really, really pretty!  Bridesmaids' dresses do NOT have to look like this: 

Photo from ily den.

But there are some easy ways to avoid the typical ugly-bridesmaid-dress syndrome.  For one, you can just pick a basic color scheme and ask your bridesmaids to wear their own dresses that fit with the scheme.  That adds some great variety (but not chaos) to the wedding photos and ensures that each can pick a dress that flatters her body type in a color and cut that she likes.

Photo from 100 Layer Cake.

If you want a really super pretty lineup of bridesmaids, you can always go for a rainbow gradient.  I think this idea is incredibly adorable.  I'm the kind of person who always lines up my M&M's in rainbow order, so for the OCD guests in your audience, I have to tell you to make sure they line up in color order if they do this.

Photo from Indie Bliss.

Another great option, which I think adds a lot to the texture of the look of your bridal party, is to have a patterned bridesmaid dress.  It's not too far from the beaten path of solid color dresses, but is still fresh enough to give the standard lineup a new twist.

Photo from Green Wedding Shoes.

Of course, you can always go for the classic, matching look; that pretty much never fails, especially if you choose a pretty color.  J.Crew happens to have some gorgeous bridesmaid dresses...I don't think it's even possible for anyone to look bad in one of these.

Photo from J.Crew.

Any suggestions?  Or, even better, any horror bridesmaid stories?  We'd love to hear them!

Wedding Worthy Wedges

An important part of planning your wedding is, of course, finding the perfect shoes for your special day! You want to be comfortable, cute, and also be practical with your choice of venue.
Having an outdoor wedding? Don't wear spike heels. They'll sink. Trust us.
Get ready to drool with us over these Wedding Worthy Wedges!

http://www.juelifer.com

http://www.zappos.com/seychelles-chirp-mustard
$90.00

What are you wearing for your outdoor wedding? We'd love to see your shoes! Send them to Elizabeth or, better yet, tweet us a picture @ElizWeathers or @ChecklistQueen.

Groomsmen Fun Fashion

Hi all, my name is Elizabeth and I am going to be taking over the A Big To Do Event blog this summer. Get ready for some fun ideas and information on weddings and events of all kinds! Follow me on Twitter (@ElizWeathers) or send me an email if you have any questions!!

So let's get started, shall we?

It seems that there are many options for your bridesmaids when it comes to their dresses.  They can all be in the same exact dress, similar dress but the same color, mixable tops and bottoms, etc. We've seen that for years. But what about our groomsmen? If you are looking for an idea of how to switch things up for the guys, this is an idea we love!

Instead of having all your guys wearing exactly the same thing, add some diversity with color coordinating ties. This gives each of them the chance to stand out a bit, while still being within your chosen color scheme.

What do you think? Share what you've seen and love by sending me an email: Elizabeth@ABigToDoEvent.com! Can't wait to interact with you!

-EW

Running of the Brides Recap

I was lucky enough to get to see the Behind The Scenes of Filene's Basement World Famous Running Of The Brides event this morning in Atlanta.  Here's a recap of the morning.  Enjoy!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQcIEyuf4L8

Running of the Brides This FRIDAY!

Do you need a dress for your wedding? Why not experience the world famous Running Of The Brides event at Filene's Basement on Friday, 3/18!


Get your running shoes on, girls! This one's going to be fun!
But first, a couple of tips:


1. Gather your girls. It's much more fun to hang out in line with your faves.


2. Get there early.  I mean Thursday-night-early.  The line can wrap around the block.  And that's one line you don't want to be at the back of!

3. Wear leggings and a tank top.  Sure you'll need a sweatshirt/jacket while you wait in line, but make sure to wear clothes you can easily slip a dress over that won't bunch up.  You want to see what the dress will look like on your wedding day, right? But since there are no dressing rooms, trying dresses on in the middle of the aisles without getting fully undressed is necessary. Dress appropriately.

4. Don't forget to eat breakfast.  Enlist a friend to bring you breakfast that morning so you don't have to lose your place in line. Coffee or warm drinks are a must on that cold, March morning.


5. Entertain yourself.  You'll be standing/sitting in line for a long time.  Bring a deck of cards or a game that you and your faves can play to pass the time.


6. Dress up! Break out the pink boas and personalized shirts! Have fun with it! You're getting MARRIED! Celebrate every moment!

Click here for more details: http://www.filenesbasement.com/running-of-the-brides/

We'd love to see your pictures of your Running of The Brides experience! Send them to me at Erica {at} ABigToDoEvent {dot} com.  We'll feature one of you in an upcoming blog!

Day 4 with Anne Barge

Today were are heading into day 4 with Ginny Brogan from Anne Barge. Today, Ginny is going over shopping for a dress! Some of the most important information you can get as a bride. So read on! If you are just finding us, be sure to look over day 1 day 2 and day 3!

With all these great trends and gorgeous gowns you are probably wondering how you can get your hands on them. Easy as pie…call your local bridal store and make your appointment. If you have a designer you love, visit their website for their authorized vendors. Then, let the fun begin!

One of the most overwhelming experiences you can have is your first bridal appointment. After all, it is something you have never done before. So, here is a basic rundown of what you can expect. (I have also included little tips to make it easier for you, I have italicized them!) When you arrive you will meet your consultant and have a quick chat. Use her as a resource. She will know the dresses like the back of her hand and have some great recommendations for you. After your brief chat you will get to pick out some gowns. Be sure to choose a wide variety on your first appointment. You want to be sure you see a little of everything on your body. I recommend trying on a ball gown, trumpet, a-line, fit and flare and sheath to cover all the bases. Also, pull some lace and beading for kicks! Stores will vary on how many they let you pick, but once you have your choices it is time to try on. Wear simple clothes that are easy to change out of and your own strapless bra. This will save you changing time, but also save you from wearing a store's bra. This is where things get tiring…you will try on dress after dress, and more than likely love more than one. Just start narrowing down choices and ruling out dress categories. After you have tried on everything you picked the consultant may pull in some ideas she has, or you may get to go back out and do a second pull. At the end of your first appointment, if you didn’t find the dress this time, the consultant will write down your favorites and off you will go. See, nothing scary…just exhausting for you as these dresses are heavy!

Above all, buying your dress should be fun. If you had bad and un-fun experiences at a store go somewhere else! There are other fish in the sea. Keep an open mind…even if you are not looking for your perfect dress it is looking for you! Enough with the corny relationship metaphors, Have fun and happy shopping.

It's All About The Dress

Marchesa is one of my favorite new brands. They do an amazing job of combining contemporary trends with classic styles. Take a look at a few of our favorite dresses.

A sneak peak for their Spring '11 line:

Can't wait to see what they have up their sleeves for this collection!

Deep breaths

Can't. Breathe.

Outdoor wedding anyone? J. Crew does it again.