Monday

3 Specials to make for a great Memorial Day Weekend

1.  Lance from Harding Videography sent me his latest and of course, it is great.  I always like sharing! 


2.  Laura from LifeArt Photographs sent me a couple of pictures showing a great alternative to the traditional Guest Book. I love these books that contain pictures of the couple with space on the pages for their guests to write well wishes.  You can be sure that these books won't end up in the attic in a box marked "Wedding Stuff!"



3.  cynwhd b. designs is offering 20% off their bridal party flowers plus giving you a free toss bouquet and a free Groom's bout.  This is a great deal but ends June 8th.


Monday

Wedding Cake

The month of May is almost gone!  Where does time go? I know that our month here at Weddings in Iowa flew by since we had one event after another.  Every event has been different since each bride and groom has their own personalities, style and goals to accomplish for their event.  The colors have varied, the decor distinctly personal and dress has been from the simple to the more elaborate; but one thing has been constant - the dessert ---wedding cake.

We have seen all types and colors, but no matter the shape, the taste is always the most important  After all, this is your desert for the evening; it should taste delicious. A wedding cake is also tradition.  Generations upon generations from church basement receptions where all they served was cake and coffee to more elaborate present day celebrations, cake has always been an important part of the wedding day.

Since we eat with our eyes first, how about some inspiration?






Trash the Dress

Sorry for the spotty postings!  This past weekend left us with three weddings and time seems very precious when getting ready for someone's special day.   I couldn't wait to share what Geno Photography send me Friday, so here I am in the early morning hours! 
I am a great lover of "Trash the Dress" sessions.  Women should take advantage of this wonderful opportunity as it really is a beautiful time to get those gorgeous shots when you aren't so worried about hair and makeup and the hustle of the day.  Carrie does a wonderful job and I am sure that if you contact her with this posting, she will have a special deal for you!








Tuesday

Planning made easy

Here are some wedding planning tips that can help make your day as perfect as possible.

1.  Before diving into the planning process, take some time to think about how you would like the day to flow.  What do you want to see?  Smell?  Hear?  Taste?

2.  Every detail counts when it comes to invitations.  They set the entire tone for your day. They will let your guests know when, where, what, how and why.  Choose carefully.

3.  Remember that when it comes to your budget, sometimes less can be more.  Use your wedding dollars wisely.

4.   Choose your centerpieces with a discerning eye.  Not every table has to be the same.  Keep the immediate elements similar, but let your style shine.  Give your guests something other than a rose bowl, mirrored tile and 3 votive candles to look at.   Tell them a story about the two of you.

5.  Choose a wedding dress that compliments your body type, not something that is the latest "rage."  If you look good, you will feel good and if you feel good, so will your guests.

6.  Use the food to show off your style and personalities.  Create a menu that is delicious and inventive.  Don't be afraid to ask your caterer to work with you on creating a wedding feast that your guests are sure to love.

7.  Keep your guests wondering what will happen next by introducing something new every 30-40 minutes.  The entrance, the food, a dance, cutting of the cake, different location, different scenery, different stations, different dress, change the lighting, the mood of the music, etc.

8.  Make sure that each guest knows how special they are to you.  Don't forget to thank them for sharing your day with you.   Treat your guests as you would like to be treated!

9.  "Don't sweat the small stuff " - truer words have never been spoken.

10.  Enjoy the planning process; every aspect, every tasting and every memory.  This will never happen again, so treasure these times together.

Saturday

Top Wedding Gown Styles for 2010

Ball Gown Skirts create lots of volume and softness.


Off - the - shoulder, jeweled and scoop necklines are very popular this year, but strapless gowns still rule.






Texture is all about matte fabrics, since shiney fabrics are not that flattering in a wedding dress.



The drop waist gown gives the illusion of an exaggerated long torso.


Color is starting to make a come-back, especially among high-end designers.




1950's country-club dresses are very popular as a second or even first wedding dress.  Think Doris Day!


Distressing is extreemly popular.  Anything with a vintage vibe - raw edges, torn edges, frayed edges are all showing up on wedding and bridesmaid dresses.



The flower motiff is important this year.  Whether it be on a skirt or the bodice, the rose petal design is showing up all over.


Photo credits:

Thursday

More than one?

Did you know that over 5% of all brides nationwide now buy more than one wedding dress to wear at their event?  3% of those brides purchase 2 gowns and 2 % buy more.  Are you in that percentage?
The reasons for buying more than one wedding dress vary.  Many brides want to show off many styles of their personality, so they may opt for a more traditional style gown for the ceremony, but choose a modern look for their reception.  Short or long, many brides simply just can't decide on which gown they would like to wear!  Whatever the reason for choosing a second, third or more wedding gowns to wear to your wedding, make sure that they reflect your style and the mood of the event.


Don't discount purchasing a colored gown for your reception.  Why should your bridesmaids get all the fun of a colored, flirty gown?


Photo Credits:

Wednesday

Details, Details

I always love it when a photographer sends me pictures to post.  I especailly adore the detail shots of intimate and special scenes that are not posed and caught in the passion of the moment.  Carrie from Geno Photography does a great job capturing those pictures that make you sigh and smile.   Her work is magical and I always look forward to sharing them with you. Here is some of her amazing work.