Trend Alert!

We've been hearing for the last year or two that bridal bouquets were going to become less perfectly round and move towards a more natural, asymmetrical look. I think we can officially say the trend has been perfected by Town & Country Floral, the creative genius behind this gorgeous wedding. You can reach Town & Country at 402.916.9400.This is definitely not like your mother's 1980s cascading bouquet, but it's a unique twist on that idea. How great are these flowers? The color and design are absolutely perfect for a spring/summer wedding!  

*Photos courtesy of Todd Rundstrom with Image Factory Photography.

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Trend Alert

Gone are the days of the traditional bride-and-groom cake topper. In its place are flowers, monograms, and things like these adorable lovebirds from this seller on etsy.

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Things We Love!

This trend will be reserved for the bride who is looking for a more whimsy theme at her wedding, but these playful pinwheels are too cute NOT to share. How perfect would they be for an outdoor summer wedding? This seller has tons of other cute handmade items available at etsy.com - check them out!

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Trend Alert: Fabric Inspired Cakes

Martha Stewart rarely steers us wrong, so we're trusting her again on this fabulous trend of fabric-inspired cakes. From silk to lace to granada, these cakes look gorgeous enough to wear, let alone eat.

[click on image to enlarge]

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Trend Alert!

We just had to share these gorgeous engagement photos, taken by A Better Exposure in Santa Monica, California. Destination engagement photos are becoming incredibly popular, and this location couldn't be any cooler!

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Trend Alert!

Single- and two-tiered cakes are HOT right now, and we love these cakes from Real Simple. Take the images into your NWD cake artists and let them work their magic!

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Things We Love!

Letterpress Studio Porridge Papers is known for its ultra-classy invitations, and these plantable invitations combine "green" elements with style. Guests can plant them in the ground after they receive them and watch them grown into the plant of your choice - they offer a variety of wildflowers, vegetable seeds, and even tree seeds as options!

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Pretty Parasols

When done right, the parasol trend can be fabulous. When you have a creative photographer like  Geoff Johnson to capture the image, it's even better!

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Trend Alert!

You're not the only one who is uncomfortable in your high heels...provide flip flops or slippers for your guests at the reception and they will be eternally grateful!

*Photo by Studio e

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Trend Alert!

This bridesmaid gown by Jim Hjelm Occasions (carried by Ellynne Bridal) embraces several current trends we love: the one-shouldered look (if you prefer a more traditional look for your own gown, why not spice things up a bit with your bridesmaids?), the beautiful navy blue color, and the ultra-feminine ruffles. So many brides promise their bridesmaids their gowns are something they could wear "again and again". Choosing something like this for them to wear ensures you're telling the truth!

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Mud Bride!

Business owner, photographer extraordinaire, supermom, and fashion model Sunny Dwyer with Shane & Sunny Photography shows us why the "trash the dress" trend is still going strong! If you don't plan on having your future daughter wear your wedding gown (and let's face it, how many of them will really want to?), go for it and make yourself a mud bride!

*Photo courtesy of Shane and Sunny Photography.

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Save the Doves!

Okay, so dove releases and butterfly releases are gorgeous, amazing displays. But if you're looking for something a little more low-key, what about a balloon release? Balloons bring out the happy kid in all of us. This couple, photographed by Douglas Gunder, chose to do a balloon release, and the result is a joyful, child-like atmosphere.

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Trend Alert!

Trumpet skirts are big, especially paired with a fitted dropped waist. This showstopping gown, by Piccione for Alfred Angelo (available at J'Maries Bridal by Alfred Angelo), is a great example of the trend done right.

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Fun new flower trend

The hot new trend is not only different bridesmaids' dresses, but also different bridesmaid bouquets! Choose a color palette and let your floral designer suggest different flowers that would make great bouquets in that shade.

These bouquets feature (clockwise from right): nerine lilies, "Valerie" roses, and calla lilies.

*Bouquet from MarthaStewart.com

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Something New and Blue

These may not count for something "old" or "borrowed", but if you're looking for something in the "new" or "blue" category, these accessories can add a contemporary touch to an old tradition!

These cute navy Gianni Bini shoes are available at Dillard's, as are these double drop earrings by Lori Bonn.

Top the look off with a sapphire ring like this gorgeous version available online:

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Killing Time

Most Catholic weddings have a looong interval in between the ceremony and reception, which leaves the bride and groom wondering what to do with the wedding party in between. If you're going to be dragging out the time with your photographer, why not find a creative place to have fun and get some fantastic pictures? That's what this couple (photographed by Janine McClintock) did. How cute are these shots?

   

   

   

   

   

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Themed Engagement Photos

Want to do something a little different for your engagement photos? Pick a theme for you and your hubby-to-be and plan your shoot accordingly. For example, we love this photo by Lane Weddings of a vintage-inspired couple.

Here are some other suggestions for a fun theme for your engagement shoot:

• Period Details: Pick a decade you loved, like the 20's or the 50's (or even the 80's!) and go all out with costumes, location, etc.


• Bollywood: You can even have your photographer create a fake "movie" poster for the two of you.


• Famous couples: Style yourselves like your favorite historical couple (Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy, or John and Jackie Kennedy--or if you're feeling a little risque, JFK and Marilyn Monroe!) and pose away.


• Location, location, location: Instead of the typical studio shots, pick a fantastic spot--a carnival, a lake, a barn, the zoo, etc. and use the background to your advantage.
  
  *Photo by Lane Weddings

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Adding All-American spirit to your wedding

In honor of the upcoming 4th of July weekend, here are some suggestions for ways to celebrate your wedding and honor your country at the same time:

Sparklers: Instead of bubbles or rice, have your guests light sparklers as you and your hubby leave the ceremony. Just ensure that everyone uses the utmost care so no one gets hurt!

Fireworks: Fireworks are along the same line as sparklers, but this is definitely a bigger and flashier way to make an impact on your guests. It's a great idea for an outdoor reception.

4th of July menu: Grilling out or barbecue is about as American as it gets on the 4th of July, so consider a low-key outdoor reception with burgers, barbecue, potato salad, chips, beer and lemonade. You can serve apple pie instead of cake for dessert, too.

There are a ton of ways to "American-ize" your wedding, and it's up to you how far you want to take it. But if you're planning a wedding on or near the 4th of July, adding some American touches could be a big hit with your guests.

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Slimming Down for your Wedding Gown

As your wedding approaches, you're probably starting to panic about how you're going to squeeze into that gorgeous wedding dress that you ordered one size too small (back when you were thinking you would lose the weight before the big day came).

Luckily, there are options that can help you lose weight for your wedding. Some require a little planning ahead, while others may work if you're trying to drop the pounds in the last couple of months.

One option that has become increasingly popular is going the surgical road. The benefits of surgery are that the results are permanent, so while it may be pricier than diet and exercise, it could end up saving you a lot of time and money in the future. (Bonus: some insurance plans may cover a portion of the procedure!) However, you will have to plan ahead to make sure you have plenty of time to recover from a surgical procedure, so don't put this off until the last minute.

Another trend for brides is body boot camp. These camps are often designed to get maximum results in around 6 weeks, so they're great for the procrastinating bride, and they are often affordable since you're paying for a short amount of time and sharing a trainer with other women. You will want to be prepared to work your butt off, and you might have to sacrifice sleeping in some mornings as well. You should also keep in mind that unless you are truly committed to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the results may not last long beyond your wedding.

Check out the NWD website to find some great businesses that can assist you in your wedding weight-loss goals!

*Photo courtesy of Kameron Bayne Images.

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Wedding Cake Alternatives

If the traditional wedding cake isn't your style, fear not - there are plenty of fun ideas for desserts to serve your guests.

Miniature pies: Have your baker whip up different flavors of mini pies. Make sure to include an option on your RSVP card (alongside the typical "chicken or fish" checkbox) for guests to select their favorite flavors.

Cupcakes: Who doesn't love a cupcake? If you have a monogram or other design theme in your wedding, this is a great way to feature it.

Table cakes: Instead of one big wedding cake, consider having a smaller cake made for each table. Bonus: It can serve as a unique centerpiece as well!

Bite-size (mini) cakes: More and more couples are choosing this option. You can have your baker stack them artfully for a striking arrangement.

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