Three wedding seasons ago, Sherry and I fearlessly walked into the Wedding World without an idea of what we were getting ourselves into! Three years and countless weddings later, we have gained a much greater appreciation and understanding for this wedding stuff! In this mini-series, I will talk about three of the invaluable lessons I have learned.  The First Lesson (and arguably, the most important):

Choose your vendors wisely!

Many, many, many of my brides ask for recommendations on vendors. We highly recommend a very small number of vendors that we have had great experiences with. Occasionally, there are brides who need vendors to meet somewhat "different" needs and we begin a search to find great people who can provide great service.

The most common myth out there is "book your vendors quickly, they book up fast." While quality vendors may book up quickly, by no means should you rush! Now, if you're wedding is in three months and you don't have a photographer you might want to give us a call! However, the typical bride has no reason to rush and make a decision just to make sure they have that specific need checked off. Let me tell you brides-to-be: there are MANY, MANY, MANY awesome vendors in the Kansas City market and you should not rush to make a decision!

Occasionally, brides know exactly what venue they want and know they have to book it fast. This might be the one exception to the rule. Otherwise, take time to search your options and keep an open mind. Remember, this may be your first real exposure to the wedding market and by meeting with more vendors, you will get more ideas and gain a greater understanding of what you're really looking for.

As wedding planners, Elegant Design Events is always happy to help find vendors that meet your needs. Give us a call today 816-200-2743, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and I will be happy to help guide you!

Photo courtesy of Orange Peel Photograpy and Crowne Plaza Hotel Kansas City.

Check back soon for Part 2!

Have you become obsessed with Pinterest?  So have we!  Check us out on Pinterest: ElegantDesignKC

Follow our boards to see our rentals, events, and inspiration ideas!

Now that we are offering chair covers and linens, I am constantly searching for cool, new linens and chair covers.  One thing brides ask me all the time is, "doesn't a bow look so dated?!"  And, honestly, some people just don't love a bow!  SO, it set me out on a quest for some awesome new ideas for ways to cover your chair without the frilly look of a bow! 

Check out the amazing ideas I found below...

This "lay over" look is very simple and elegant.

  This is a step-up of the "lay over" look with it being wrapped around the cover to show off even more of the sash.

This chair cover and sash does have a bow, but with the flower and two colors of sashes, the frilly-ness is out, classy and fun is IN!

 


Using broches makes the sash look very sleek and modern.

 


Tying the sash vertically is a great idea for chairs that aren't covered.  And, it looks stunning!

Tying the sash in an "X" with a flower or jewel is very elegant and much more creative than the classic bow.

 
And, finally, my absolute FAVORITE idea for how to use a sash!  Taking two or three different sashes and tying them down the side of a wooden chair looks AMAZING!  It is very modern but also very classy and sets the tone for a very unique event!

 Whatever you desire for chair covers, sashes, specialty linens, and more; contact us today to learn how we can help you with a totally unique look! Linens by EDE would love to help make your day unforgettable!

The new year always brings in new trends.  This year weddings seem to be moving in two directions.  One is towards a light, airy feel; almost whimsical.  The other goes back to a more elegant, upscale feel (while working on a smaller budget).  Read the article below for some trends you can expect to see this year!

This article was taken from Your Wedding Company, check out their site: http://www.yourweddingcompany.com/index.php/action/createTrends/

2011 Wedding Trends

The following trends have been compiled from hundreds of sources in both North America and Europe to guide your selections and inform you of the vast array of options available.

Wedding Dresses

Romantic, flowing dresses in floor-length styles remain popular. Brides today choose dresses with flowing, soft fabrics, ruffles, satin sashes (at the waist), and delicate floral details. Most dress silhouettes are refined and include the delicate overlaying of fabrics such as chiffon, tulle and lace. Gowns with crystal, cubic zirconia, and/or pearl embellished bodices are very popular at the moment.

The modified A-line skirt also remains prominent on the fashion runways (slim through the waist and flared at the bottom) although many designers have included ball gowns and tea-length styles in their lines as well. Strapless gowns are perennial favorites, but this season has brought back the off-the-shoulder look for brides who want to accentuate their neckline or draw attention to gorgeous jewelry.

Wedding Accessories

Shorter trains and veils (especially the bird cage veil) are popular as are pretty boleros, and shawls. For colder weather, brides choose wraps of faux-fur, velvet, heavy satin, or pashmina. Light weight fabrics, including organza, lace, tulle and chiffon, make perfect wraps for the Spring or Summer bride and reduce sun exposure on bare arms and shoulders.

Pearls, rhinestones, and crystals remain the top jewelry choice for necklaces and earrings. Crystal brooches are also a popular accent for wearing on the dress, in the hair or on the bouquet handle.

Wedding Hair Styles

There are no clear trends in hair styles, although wearing the hair in long romantic waves or loosely pulled back are popular choices for brides with long hair. Hair ornaments such as hairpins, brooches, and hair vines made with crystals, pearls, rhinestones, and/or silk flowers are also popular.

Beautiful tiaras and combs made with either rhinestones, crystals, or pearls have been the trend for many seasons and seem to be getting smaller as more crystal-embellished dress styles take center-stage. Some brides are placing their veils directly on their hair or using a single silk flower for a simple, classic look. Visit our hair gallery for hundreds of hairstyle ideas.

2011 Wedding Color Trends

The table below includes popular wedding color choices:

See more color schemes and inspiration.

Wedding Bouquets

Ninety five percent of wedding bouquets are hand-tied, where the flowers are gathered together and the stems are wrapped in wide satin ribbon. Brides wanting more glamorous bouquets choose beads, brooches, jewel pins, pearls, crystal/rhinestone picks, and monogrammed ribbon to dress up plain ribbon-wrapped stems and blooms. With the continuing popularity of the beach and garden themes, brides wanting a more rustic and natural look to their bouquet add elements such as shells/starfish, feathers, berries and pinecones.

The rose continues to be the most popular and elegant bouquet flower. Lilies, peonies, hydrangeas, tulips and orchids represent the trendier choices. Arrangements with a just-picked and looser casual look have replaced the more tightly-bound bouquet shapes of previous seasons. Vivid flower colors will continue in popularity.

More and more mothers are carrying small posies instead of wearing the traditional corsage. Silk flowers are also popular for their versatility and life-like appearance. Visit our extensive bouquet gallery for ideas and inspiration.

Wedding Reception Decorations

Brides are choosing centerpieces that are in the same color tones, but of different sizes. They are also changing the shape of the tables, mixing round with square. These trends give the reception tables a more interesting look and a less "coordinated" feel. Unique vase fillers include glass marbles, sea glass shells, acrylic ice, water absorbing crystals/beads, and fresh fruits such as lemons and limes.

Faux rose petals, diamond confetti and shells/starfish remain the most popular confetti. Also, flowering vines or individually cut flowers are placed directly onto table linens. Reception chairs are decorated with either tulle, fabric overlays, floral swags and/or ribbons. Other popular decorating items include Chinese lanterns, garlands and balloons. Disposable cameras, placed on each table, allow guests to capture candid moments.

An increasingly popular trend is the candy buffet or confection bar. This consists of a variety of candies or treats placed in varied sizes of glass containers and grouped on a table. Pretty silver spoons or scoops in each container allows guests to fill small boxes or bags as take-home favors.

Bolts of economical tulle fabric are typically combined with white lights and/or floral garlands for draping between pews and decorating banisters and ceilings. Click for more tulle decorating ideas.

Candles, always a popular choice for centerpieces, lend a romantic feel to any room. Choices include pillars, tea lights, tapers and floaters. Since some facilities do not allow candles, alternatives include faux tea light candles, battery operated LED lights, and fiber optic lights.

Head tables are replaced with a small table for just the bride and groom. Many couples plan weekend weddings that start on Friday and go for the entire weekend. Dove releases add drama and excitement to the event. Butterfly releases, despite the environmental issues, also remain popular.

Today's couples most often pay for their own weddings and make their own decisions about what they want for their wedding day. Using a budget calculator allows them to allocate their money and prioritize wants and needs. They want to enjoy a wedding that is uniquely theirs, and one that displays their own sense of style and personal taste. Personal touches appear throughout the entire wedding, and can be found in attire, favors, decorations, stationery, photography, themes, flowers, gifts, and locations.

Wedding Favors

Although completely optional, couples now opt for more unusual, useful, and personalized favors to thank their guests for coming. In many cases, the favors do double-duty as place-card holders, table decorations, and even centerpiece arrangements where larger favors are grouped together in the center of the reception tables.

Favors can be ready-made items, although currently less popular, or hand-made and embellished with ribbon and accents that coordinate with the wedding theme or color scheme. This is definitely an area of weddings that has gone DIY in recent months.

Children's Attire

Flower girls are sporting fairy wings and cute wands, although baskets of rose petals, posies, pomanders, and dainty purses remain popular. A-line dresses and dresses accented with chiffon overlays steal the show. Floral head wreaths or dainty tiaras finish the look.

The tuxedo is still the most popular choice for the ring bearer. Ring pillows often come in colors, other than just white and ivory, and include bead, pearl, ribbon or floral accents. Popular fabrics include velvet, lace, and satin.

Wedding Transportation

Limousines, exotic cars, and horse-drawn carriages are top picks for wedding transportation. More unconventional choices include motorcycles, horses, two-person bikes, hot-air balloons, and sleighs.

Wedding Locations/Venues

Mansions, churches, beaches, country clubs, resorts, hotels, public gardens, museums, yachts, and private homes are still the most popular locations for weddings.

Wedding Ceremony

A current trend is for couples to walk down separate aisles during the ceremony and meet together in front of their guests. They write their own vows and incorporate their children in the case of second marriages. Pets are also part of the day. Brides riding their horse in outdoor weddings or walking their dog to the altar are not unusual.

Grooms typically escort their mothers down the aisle.
Brides are escorted by both father and/or stepfather, or by her mother, mother and father together, or grandparents or by a significant person in their life.

Traditional guest books remain popular, however, a trend that has been around for many years is to display the couple's engagement photograph on an easel at the ceremony entrance. The photo is matted, framed without glass and takes the place of a guest book when guests sign the matting. Some couples ask their guests to sign a scroll which they later have framed.

Wedding Planning

Wedding inspiration boards are increasing in popularity as they are a great tool for helping brides focus their wedding ideas, color schemes and decorating details. Choosing a wedding motif is also helpful in coordinating the overall wedding day decor or theme.

Eco-friendly or Green Weddings

Going green is important in almost every area of life including weddings. Many couples are choosing organic fabrics, flowers, food and invitations, etc. In the event of global climate change, making green and sustainable choices helps our environmental crisis tremendously. Decisions that lessen the amount of carbon emissions promote sustainable practices, support local businesses, foster community and worldwide health and longevity. Let's hope this trend is here to stay!

Wedding Cakes

Cakes decorated with handmade icing flowers, shells/starfish and delicate dots and scrollwork remain popular. Couples are choosing cakes that fit with the location, theme and season of their wedding. Four to five layers is the average size for a wedding of 150-200 people.

Buttercream or smooth fondant frostings are most common. Popular cake flavors include lemon, chocolate, carrot, spice and "white" although some couples are choosing non-traditional flavors such as gingerbread, espresso and hazelnut. Flowers, sculptures, and large monogrammed letters are replacing the traditional bride and groom cake top.

Wedding Photography

The photo-journalistic (candid) approach to wedding photography is preferred by many brides to the traditional posed shots. Capturing the day's events as they happen helps tell the story of your wedding. Naturally, posed pictures are still enjoyed and requesting that some of the photos be black and white is common.

Wedding Themes

Currently, the top wedding themes are "beach", "garden", "winter wonderland", "vintage glamour", "woodland/rustic", and "Tiffany Blue" (aqua) and "sparkling diamonds." Destination and ethnic-influenced celebrations also remain popular choices. See more theme choices.

Wedding Stationery

Stationery adorned with ribbon, beach, feather, rhinestone buckles, or floral accents remains in high demand. Ribbon is used for decoration, or to simply hold the invitation together. Handmade stationery is a more personal, and with the popularity of scrap booking, stamping, and various computer programs available, there are endless creative options. Many couples choose to add this personal touch to their wedding.

More wedding planning tips, advice and galleries!

http://www.yourweddingcompany.com/index.php/action/createTrends/

Wedding Window

Before we share our next gorgeous affair with you we wanted to take a time out to let you know about some fabulous new features from our friends at Wedding Window. You know we’re particular (okay, fine obsessed) with the little details. So you can imagine our delight when we found out that Wedding Window added several new options for you to customize your page and make it even more personal. Now you can upload unique theme photos for each page of your site. You can choose everything from your feature photo on each page to the taglines and text so you can get that just-right look and your entire site. You can even take advantage of their super simple photo library options and upload all your own photos too.

No more teeny-tiny little photos for you! Wedding Window added a Slideshow Lightbox Display so that guests can get up close and personal with you and your spouse to be. Go ahead show off those engagement photos!

Wedding Window has also included a Dedicated Music Request Form Page so your friends and family can get the party started by accepting music requests right in your site. All the submissions are accessible from your account and downloadable so you can provide a playlist to your DJ.

And of course you still get all the must-have wedding website features, like rsvp’s, planning tools, and the Wedding Window Custom Color Tool. Trust us, we totally understand that you want that just right shade of blue… You can use the custom color tool to match your website theme to your wedding colors exactly. Wedding Window makes it easy to set the tone for your entire wedding before the Save the Dates even hit the post office.

This article is taken from Style Me Pretty, check our their site for some amazing wedding ideas, tips, hints, tricks! Wedding websites are a GREAT way to tell people more about your wedding and to receive RSVP's. Enjoy! www.stylemepretty.com