Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Color Combos

We were recently interviewed on our thoughts about color combinations....the dos and don'ts, the best way to make a decision, what matches the best...

Many times couples can't decide on what their favorite color is, and they feel like they have a lack of direction. She likes pastels and pinks, he likes grays and silvers, and they agree that all of them are beautiful. But the best way to choose a color palette is to work with the basics.

It's very important to finalize the date of your wedding so that you know what season you will be in. Take some time to do a quick google search and find out the flowers that are in season for your area. Do those flowers fit the image that you want for your wedding day and if so, what colors do they come in? 

Next would be to decide how you want each and every room to look. What magazines and websites are you drawn to? Are you more of a "Style me Pretty" bride, or does Grace Ormonde really inspire you? Look at the colors that are being used for those styles and ask yourself if you're drawn to them. Can you see the flowers in your head and do you want to put your bridal party in those colors?

The colors that you choose should flow from moment to moment without being overpowering. Whether you decide to have just one color in varying shades, or mix it up with three complimentary colors, make sure these details are present in everything including your invitations right down to the linens.

What colors have you selected for the big day, and was it a challenge? Tell us your story and you might be featured in an upcoming blog!

 

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Another Wedding, Another Show

Flash! Bam! Showtime!

Whether it's a reality television show, the movies, or a publication of a no budget wedding, frequently, a wedding becomes a show. When really, it should be about you two showing your love.

Brides and grooms can get overwhelmed with wanting their special day to stand out. Pressured to have a theme and lots of glitter, they find any way to go over the top so their guests will talk about their wedding for years to come. Now, there really is nothing wrong with glitter (though you can never really get it out of your hair), but we think a wedding shouldn't be a spectacle, just for the sake of being a spectacle. It's not about making your guests talk about how high the centerpieces are, and where you found dancing elephants for your reception. It's about the two of you.

When planning your wedding, draw upon the romance and friendship that you share with your other half. Use your favorite colors, most memorable trips, and inside jokes to bring the wedding to life. Perhaps you both love camping, but you're having your reception inside a hall lined with marble and you love sparkle and bling. Well, you can't go camping without the stars above. Consider hiring a lighting technician to put stars on the ceiling so that when your guests enter from the cocktail hour, they are swept away into the romance that you two share. 

Being over the top and putting on a show is perfectly acceptable. Just make sure that you're showing everyone your love first. Happy planning!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Happy Valentine's Day.....let's get married!

Last February, over 2 BILLION dollars was spent at the jewelry store...and yes, plenty of that went to sparkly diamond rings so that "the" question could be popped! Whether you're already planning your wedding, or are still waiting for that ring, we wish you all a very Happy Valentine's Day!

That said, Valentine's Day is (not surprisingly) one of the more popular days of the year to get engaged. Other holidays that people prefer are Christmas, Thanksgiving, and yes, even New Year's Eve. In the wedding industry, we like to call this time of the year "engagement season". Many vendors will see a huge rush of newly engaged brides and grooms rush to their doors wanting to start the planning process right around this time. Keep this in mind if you're one of the lucky ones to get a ring put on your finger on Cupid's holiday! 

The first step, after showing off the bling, is to start interviewing wedding coordinators. We are the glue that will hold your day together and the best friend to be with you every step of the way. Whether you're looking to walk down the aisle before the next Valentine's Day, or you want to take your time and explore your options, the wedding planner is the first person you call. We'll be able to talk to you about your vision and really guide you to the right venue and the right vendors. 

Don't bask in the shine of that pretty new ring too long though, because those vendors that are on the top of your list, will be on the top of someone else's that got proposed to today! Brides and grooms that are able to secure their number one choice of vendor in each category will always find the wedding planning process less stressful than others who wait.

So Happy Valentine's Day to all of those couples out there! Make sure your first phone call is to us so we can get started on planning that special day!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

B is for Beautiful

Once the date is picked, many brides vow to lose weight and start taking care of themselves. Whether it's a new gym membership, trips to the spa once a month, or getting that makeover from your stylist, every bride is different. We asked some of our brides what their beauty regime is leading up to the big day.

Many of our brides said that looking amazing in their gown was their number one priority. A few even hired a personal trainer. Since many of our ladies reside in the very cold state of New Jersey, they don't get that outside running time anymore. Because of this, many have picked up some work out gear for their house. Two of our brides said they are even looking into hiring a nutritionist to switch up their diet.

Of course, as the big day gets even closer, the beauty regime steps up. This can be anything from piling on the spray tans, religiously taking your make up off at night, and deep conditioning your lovely locks. 

What about you? What are you doing to look picture perfect for that big day? Do you have any secrets you want to share with other brides? Tell us right here!