Top Ten 2009 Wedding Trends According to Me

I see an awful lot of top ten lists these days. Some I believe and some I have to double check facts on Snopes because they're so outrageous. Here is my top ten wedding trends according to the calls I'm receiving and the couples I'm working with.

1. Guest lists are shrinking
2. Couples are paying 90% of the costs
3. Budgets are shrinking
4. Destination weddings are increasing in popularity
5. Fewer dramatic floral centerpieces are complimenting smaller non-floral centerpieces
6. Yellow of all shades is in
7. Grey is the new black
   
8. DIY is playing some role in wedding plans even if it's just one small DIY project
   
9. Rehearsal dinners are far less formal and smaller attended
10. Mother of the bride lives in the city the wedding will be in, the couple does not.

Number 10 is one reason I work with as many MOB's as brides themselves. They have full time jobs and chances are haven't planned a wedding in years so want the reassurance that what they're doing is right and on schedule.

So there you have it. My top ten list -

Spotlight: Destination I Do Publication

I love Facebook for all the connections and networking I never otherwise would have known about. For example, I became friends with Jennifer Stein, the Editor in Chief of Destination I Do wedding publication. Since I am a Certified Destination Specialist, one would think I would know all about every publication dedicated to destination weddings, but sadly, I did not. True confessions out of the way.

Destination I Do is a great resource not only for couples planning their destination wedding, but wedding consultants as well. In my travels searching for the perfect location I have toured some fabulous locations and some... not so much. Destination I Do confirms my experiences and offers excellent suggestions for using local resources, saving money on decor and hot new places for rehearsal sites or adventure.

As much as I would love to personally explore every locale and experience all the various cultures destination weddings can offer, I cannot unless I win the lottery - well finding Destination I Do comes in as a close second. It's published twice a year can be found in most bookstores.

Spotlight Rocco Troyani

I met an amazing designer while working with Laura and Peter in Puerto Vallarta - Rocco Troyani. He's a warm and engaging gentleman with a deep devotion to every couple he works with. He often pairs up with renowned designers David Tutera and Colin Cowie but is humble enough to personally meet with each couple as well as oversee all set-up and tear-downs.

Here is a video of one of his most recent productions. When we have photos of Laura and Peter's wedding, I'll post them here.

Great Invitations at a Great Price

I have been following updates and invitations from The Green Kangaroo for awhile now. I just came across great invitations at great prices. Here is a post directly from their website - btw, this is just a small sampling of their great products.

20 GREAT PRODUCTS FOR $450 AND UNDER!

Want beautiful invitations without breaking the bank? Check out our 20 hot products that are all priced at $450 and under for 100 invitations! All invites come with reply card, inner / outer envelope plus return and reply address printing. PLUS, all invites can be customized in any of our 32 ink colors and 40 font combinations. What a steal!

*Prices above are based on 100 invitations and can vary depending on one-color or two-color designs (1-color = $390 and 2-color = $450). Please see specific product page for ink color options and prices at varying quantities. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding our products or pricing. Happy savings!

The items below are our DIY products and include enough printing paper, adhesive, envelopes and pockets to make 100 complete invitations. Buy these a la carte items by visiting our DIY page or contact us and a design consultant will be happy to help you build you product!

Wedding Websites are Eco-Friendly

For most couples planning their wedding, I recommend they register for a wedding website. What exactly is a wedding website? It's a completely personalized website the couple sets up usually for free, which guests refer to for pertinent information.

Isn't that what the invitation does? Yes and no. Details about the date, location, maps and hotel accommodations are included in an invitation, however, there is some information that should never be listed on an invitation such as "no children or adult only reception" It's also in poor taste to list your gift registry on the invitation.

Wedding websites are a must for destination weddings. Couples post hotel accommodations, the group rates and deadlines, details about the area, excursions and optional events as well as posting photos of themselves and their wedding party. For guests who may not know both the bride and groom equally, additional details such as how they met, likes and hobbies can also be included. Many couples will also take a poll such as where to honeymoon.

I also recommend a website to couples who may be planning their wedding locally, but have many out-of-town guests who know little about the area. Even couples who are staying put and their guests are local can benefit from this little planning tool.

Many websites are free while others charge a nominal fee. The complexity of your wedding may require a fee based site because the capacity is significantly larger but in either case, here is a link to a clearinghouse of wedding websites that compares the options so you know what fits your needs. Wedding Websites

Good luck and happy planning.

Non Floral Centerpieces

While doing research for an upcoming wedding I came across non-floral centerpieces that are tasteful, elegant and environmentally responsible. Understand that I'm not trying to put florists out of business, I love using flowers but I also like to mix up designs and non-floral elements throughout the wedding.

I often scour antique stores or flea markets for ideas or unique containers which can be purchased for less than the cost to rent. Use your imagination but don't get carried away and let your wedding look like the Church ladies decorated.

Here are several examples found on Martha Stewart Weddings. Check out her website for a complete description and instructions.

Destination Weddings

I leave next week for a destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta and I can't wait. Our couple is very excited and have been looking forward to this trip for close to a year. While I Do Vow To is all about eco-chic wedding planning and education, planning and overseeing a destination wedding may seem counterintuitive. However, there are a number of advantages to a destination wedding:

• Budgets are typically and can be significantly smaller because the guest list is usually confined to immediate family and very close friends. Of course there are always exceptions.
• The vast majority are are held in tropical locations where the lushness of the region is breathtaking and very little enhancements are needed. This also applies to ceremonies with beachfront and ocean side backdrops.
• Guests love to make your destination wedding their family vacation and will extend a few days on either side of your date. They then receive the benefit of great room rates which were negotiated at discounts.
• Airfares have dropped dramatically.
• Most destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean offer direct flights or minimal transfers.
• You are already on your honeymoon - no need for additional travel plans, unless of course you want to leave all your partying family and friends for some well-deserved alone time.
• Your wedding will last several days instead of just one day. It's great to host a welcome reception which doubles for a rehearsal dinner and when it's time to say good-bye, what better than over brunch?
• Decor is simple and elegant and can be very natural. I'll post some of my favorite photos of eco-friendly and yet elegant ideas.
• A destination wedding is a wonderful way to introduce your guests to some fabulous cultures and traditions.
• A destination wedding is a great bonding experience for everyone. Typically guests will plan other activities like scuba, snorkeling or whale watching which gets them talking, learning and interacting with each other before your wedding day. They'll feel much more comfortable with each other which makes for great memories.
• Wedding day attire tends to be less formal and much easier to choose for couples.
• Your wedding will be uniquely yours - there is a good chance your friends and family have never experienced such a memorable wedding at a fabulous destination.
  

These are just a few of the advantages of a destination wedding and with every positive comes a negative. I'll post the down side of destination weddings later this week. In the meantime, take a look at some of these great photos and ideas.