The First Look


This is definitely a trend that is taking a while to really catch on. It began in 2011 with couples simply wanting to minimize the time their guests had to wait for pictures to be taken after the ceremony.
It has now developed into a really sweet moment for brides and their grooms to see eachother for the first time in their bridalwear before they get married, share the excitement of the day and what they are about to do, and have a few private oments together before the festivities of the day begin.
Having done this with numerous brides and grooms, no experience being nearly the same, each and every one of them have stated that they were glad that they did it. They loved seeing eachother and getting that private moment to share the excitement with the only other person that would truly understand, and they said it didn't minimize the excitement of walking down the aisle at all. If anything, all of my couples said that the "first look" only increased their excitement for the ceremony!

Petal Patterns

This was once only a trend for those brides that had tons of extra money to have the kind of wedding that would be a showcase for guests being that real flower petals were so expensive. Traditionally petals were simply dropped by the flower girl(s) or spread lightly down the aisle for the bride.

Now that silk petals are becoming really popular and inexpensive though, brides of all budget sizes are now picking up this once very expensive trend for themselves. These can be done in virtually any color and any pattern your heart desires. Check them out on the internet for more ideas and feel free to be creative!

Mixing Tables

Brides are now even changing the shape of their reception tables, mixing round with square. This trend gives the reception tables a more interesting look and a less "coordinated" feel.
Guests even get a more casual feel at these weddings and feel free to move around a little more easily to visit and enjoy themselves then they typically do at a much more formal affair.

Unique Centerpieces

Brides are choosing centerpieces that are in the same colour tones, but of different sizes. Unique fillers include glass marbles, glass sea shells, acrylic ice, water absorbing crystals, /beads, and fresh fruits such as lemons and limes. Also, flowering vines or individually cut flowers are placed directly onto table linens.
Creativity is the name of the game nowadays. If you can dream it up, you can do it. Consider going with centerpieces that match the theme of your wedding. You can make your reception hall look like a movie theatre or nightclub. You can showcase lamps, trees, branches, or even pictures of yourselves.
The one main charcteristic of centerpieces that is a must however, is height. The taller you can get your centerpieces the better. Therefore, tall skinny lamps, tall branches, or even tall vases with flowers on top are your key.

Ceiling Decor

Tall is the key! The higher you can decorate the better. Fabric draped to the center of the room, Christmas lights hung from above . . . Anything creative you can imagine can be done.
Bolts of tulle are typically combined with white lights and/or floral garlands for draping between banisters, columns and ceilings. Other popular decorating items include chinese lanterns, garlands and balloons. Consider even large paper cut-outs or even posters hung from the ceiling to really create an amazing environment. Even trees or other plants can be hung for an incredible forest-like effect alongside hanging lanterns, ornaments, crystals, or any other decorations. Have fun!