WHAT HAS SOCIAL MEDIA DONE TO THE WEDDING INDUSTRY?

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

From Youtube, Pinterest, Lover.ly, to Instagram and Facebook -– social media has dramatically changed how brides explore and discover ideas for wedding planning. In addition, brides are connecting with communities of similar women to share their experiences. It is ever more critical for wedding vendors and businesses that are active in the wedding industry to understand this trend and become engaged in communicating with these women on popular social networks and communities.




Brides are glued to their tablets or other mobile devices scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds. Gone are the days of brides carrying a heavy wedding magazine with lots of post-it notes plastered throughout the pages, which was the norm not too long ago. Social media and interactions within the wedding community have become very visual based. For comic relief, brides can type ‘wedding meme’ into Google Images for instant laughs. In addition, Pinterest has rocked the wedding industry. Florists and wedding planners get direct links to their brides' wedding Pinterest boards. Much of the creativity and vision that the wedding planner once had seems to have shifted onto the Pinterest boards of brides-to-be.

 

 

Social media is also a great way to include family members and friends scattered around the world in your wedding plans. Brides are often using Skype and other online formats with family friends to help with selecting a wedding dress. Couples can create specific hashtags for their wedding photos captured by friends to share during and after the wedding day. Beautiful moments are captured and rapidly spread across social networks. Don’t be surprised to see brides creating “social media rules” for their weddings. Brides and grooms may want to be the first to post any pictures of their wedding onto social networks.

 

As much as social media has enhanced the wedding planning process and made it much more easy to explore and discover brands, venues, makeup artists, hair stylists, and wedding dress designers, it has also put more pressure on brides, mothers of brides, and mothers of grooms to demand perfection on the wedding day. There are now over 20 reality TV wedding shows focusing on how wedding planners create elaborate weddings and how brides are determined to find the perfect wedding dress.

 

 



Like all tools, social media in wedding planning should be used in moderation. It's a great way to connect scattered friends and family and include so many in the planning process. Brides should just keep their perspectives in check and hold realistic expectations when it comes to working with their vendors. Pinterest boards are a great jumping off place to set ideas in motion and when accompanied by an experiences team of local vendors, brides will have a great time seeing their plans come to fruition.

 

SUMMER 2014 WEDDING COLOR TRENDS

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

When choosing a color palette for your wedding, there are several parameters to keep in mind. The colors will set the mood for the entire event. For example, if you choose soft muted colors, you will convey elegance and sophistication, whereas bold bright hues will suggest a lighter, more fun mood for your event.


Summer 2014 color trends offer something for everyone. Blue seems to be the super color of the year. Navy blue especially is being paired with everything from traditional white to bolds like canary yellow and lime green. Other than blue, the major color trends for summer weddings are bright and fun or soft and serene.

 

 

If your venue is more casual and light, the bright and fun colors may be a great way to create the kind of atmosphere you're after. Teals, Fuchsias, Yellows and Oranges can be used in fabrics and florals to enhance the special day you have planned.

 

If your venue is more traditional and you have elegance in mind, then soft and serene may be the way to go. This palette uses creams and grays as a backdrop for mint greens and light pinks and peaches. Table linens and florals done in these soft tones will create a classic refined look that you'll cherish in photos for yours to come.

 

 

Whether you're bold and bright or soft and serene, 2014 has color trends to compliment your plans for a perfect day. Happy Planning

POPULAR ACCESSORIES FOR GROOMS AND GROOMSMEN

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Accessories are a great way to express personality through clothing. And they aren't just for the ladies on wedding day anymore. Guys can let everyone know who they really are and have fun with accessories while still keeping style in the forefront.

 

 

Ties:
While black tie isn't a must anymore, most wedding attire for men usually still includes a tie, and with all the options available now, no one will feel stuffy when sporting this dressy accessory. Tuxedos and suits can be accessorized with traditional long ties that either coordinate with the suit, or make a bold statement with color or pattern. Bow ties have also made a large comeback in recent years. Some wedding parties even represent their own personal style by choosing their own ties in a coordinating color or length but are slightly different from one another to celebrate the individual.

 

 

Pocket Squares:
The pocket square is another accessory that has made a recent comeback. The pocket square is a great way to add a pop of color. Guys can sport these accessories in the most traditional sense coordinating with one another and the overall color scheme of the wedding, or totally break away calling attention to each guy in their own unique way.

 

Fun Extras:
Accessories like cuff links, sunglasses, and splashy socks are a great way to get guys who aren't always on board with being dressed to the nines to relax into formal wear. These also make for the most fun photo ops. So, if you can assign a favorite super hero, sports team, color or pattern to each of the special guys that make up your wedding party, these fun choices are the way to go.

 

Above all, have it your way when selecting which style, color and type of accessories are right for your guy group.

BRIDESMAID DRESSES: NO RULES APPLY

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

As recent as ten years ago, the length of dress selected for the bridesmaids at most traditional weddings in the US were set by the clock. Morning and early afternoon ceremonies could sport short dresses, afternoon weddings carried the tea-length option, and anything 4:30 pm or later would be floor length gowns. Slowly and surely those rules have relaxed to today's anything goes.
 
 
 
If you fall in love with dresses that flow to the floor but are getting married at 10:00 am, go for it! If your maids come in all shapes and sizes, and would really feel more comfortable selecting styles for themselves, and you're ok with it, go for it! If guys can wear undershirts and socks representing their favorite super heroes, then you can absolutely have all different color and length of dress in your lineup.
 
 
 
 
It has been popular for quite some time now for maids to wear a slightly different style of dress in the same color to make everyone feel comfortable. However, you might like the idea of same dress, different color. Perhaps you want to celebrate each ladies unique style and give them no style and color parameters at all-it's your day, your way!
 
 
 
 
When selecting dresses for the special gals that make up your team, it might be a good idea to ask for color and style suggestions from your photographer so the ladies will look great for photos. Have Fun!

WHAT NOT TO WEAR: PROM EDITION

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Don't overdo embellishments:
Adding a little bit of sparkle with body glitter, sparkly eye shadow, and the perfect jewelry is a must. However, any and all of these can easily be overdone and your photos will prove it. Too much bling will call attention to you in a negative way and upstage your look for prom.
 
 
 
Don't wear uncomfortable shoes:
Prom is a dance! And even if you don't plan on hitting the floor all night long, it will definitely distract from your look if you have to kick your shoes off after 30 minutes. Choose stylish, yet comfortable shoes so you'll look complete all evening. Try breaking them in before prom night by wearing them around the house and scuffing them up on your driveway to avoid slipping.
 
 
 
 
Don't get a spray tan or facial right before the big night:
This advice likely goes without saying...Spray tans look best after a few showers to tone them down. Most dresses look better with natural looking skin tones rather than orange. Spray tans are a great way to look sun-kissed without exposing your skin to harmful UV rays, but moderation is best about a week out.
 
 
The same is true for facials. While facials will rid your complexion of impurities and create a healthy glow, they can often cause breakouts before the benefits are realized. A week and half before prom is an optimal time to treat your skin to some r and r.
 
 
 
 
Don't spend a fortune on your dress:
Prom is a big deal, especially if it's your Senior Prom. But, you'll likely attend several more formal functions in college, and then plan a wedding someday. This means there will be lots of opportunity to buy formalwear, so don't blow the budget on a dress you'll probably not have the opportunity to wear again.
 
 
 
Don't wear anything too revealing:
Although prom is a right of passage you've been waiting for through most of your teenage years, as a promgoer you are still a minor and ought to dress like one. Plunging necklines and skirts that cling like second skin will take away from the youthful enjoyment that prom should be. Not to mention, it may give your parents a coronary as you meet your date at the door!
 
 
 
So, do yourself a favor, and create prom photos that you'll be proud to have follow you through life.

VALENTINE'S DAY OUTSIDE THE BOX

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

January isn't even over yet, however the smart Valentine is already think about how he or she will wow their beloved on February 14th. Believe it or not, celebrating your Valentine doesn't have to include expensive gifts or candy in a heart shaped box. Think outside the box this year, and surprise him or her with a heartfelt sentiment from the list below.
 
 
 
  • Tell them you Love them. Sounds like a cop-out, right? Well it isn't. It's what Valentine's Day is really all about. Love. Tell your special someone you love them in a whole new way. Call and leave a million messages of love while they are at work, or put it on post-its all over the bathroom mirror. Anything that makes your Valentine feel loved all day is a big win.

  • Make Something. Maybe your Valentine would love a handmade card decorated with artwork and language only you could create. Maybe he or she loves sushi and you could impress them with a handmade roll. If your sweetie has a sweet tooth, bake a cake or cokkies yourself rather than depending on your local chocolatier.

  • Make Peace. All couples have hot button issues that rear their ugly heads over and over. This Valentine's Day, make peace with your special someone over your dreaded issue. Promise to have an open mind to his or her way of thinking and let them know that you'll do your part to keep the peace.
  • Give your time. Don't just schedule your mate in between work and social commitments, really make time for him or her. Whether you curl up on the couch for a favorite movie or help them with a project they've been meaning to get started on, undivided attention and time is a priceless gift that is bound to fill the love bank.

 
Enjoy each other this Valentine's Day and treasure each other outside the box.

HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Once the wedding is over and the last guest has left, most couples look forward to their honeymoon-five days, a week, maybe more, of unwinding, relaxing and spending quality time together in an exotic spot somewhere around the world. Honeymoons come in all shapes and sizes – a beach vacation, a safari, a ski trip -- and are based more on the couple's joint-personality than on tradition. You might want to stay stateside and indulge in a few guilty pleasures, or maybe the beach offers the tranquility you seek, or maybe your a little more adventurous and would like to experience very different cultures. There's a perfect destination for each couple's personality and budget.
 
 
 
 
 
Las Vegas, Nevada
 
So maybe you didn't escape to Las Vegas to elope, but who says you can't celebrate your nuptials at this hot destination? Las Vegas is an ideal place for newlyweds looking for an action-packed and exciting honeymoon, while having the option of being pampered, all for a reasonable price. Vegas offers fine accommodations and a fun night life, but also gourmet dining, and elaborate pools. Las Vegas' romantic side is undeniable, and the whirlwind of available activities is sure to provide an unforgettable vacation.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
 
Nestled on a power-white beach and a crystal blue lagoon,Bora Bora invites newlyweds to revel in post-wedding privacy in bungalows perched above the lagoon on high stilts. Take a romantic dip or snorkel anytime right from your bungalow’s swimming platform. And with full views of the lagoon, catch a surreal sunrise without leaving your bungalow. Couples can relax and be pampered at the resort’s Spa that overlooks the lagoon with breathtaking panoramic views.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bali, Indonesia
 
Even savvy world travelers can find fresh and enchanting destinations to celebrate a new life together -- it just may require some more time onboard. One such spot is tucked away on the island of Bali in Indonesia. Overlooking the Lombok Strait in East Bali, many resorts in Bali offer stunning views of the sea and a lovely pools. A day away from the resort promises an experience of rich culture steeped in religious tradition at one of the island's 10,000 temples.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The best honeymoons are the ones that are planned to celebrate the couples taking the trip. Be sure to take the time to plan a great trip to recover from the wedding stress and celebrate the start of your new like together. Enjoy!

THE WEDDING RING

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

The wedding ring, that most famous and instantly recognizable symbol of the joining of a man and a woman as husband and wife in the institution of marriage, has a long, and widespread and mysterious history.
 
 
 
The ancient Egyptians used plants growing on the banks of the Nile to fashion the first wedding rings. The ring is of course a circle and this was the symbol of eternity for the Egyptians as well as many other ancient cultures. It had no beginning and no end, like time. It is not difficult to see how the ring and the gift of a ring began to be associated with love and could take on the characteristics of the circle and capture eternity.They wore it like we do today, on the third finger of the left hand, because of a belief that the vein of that finger directly traveled from the heart.
 
 
 
 
This legend was later taken up by the Greeks, when they conquered Egypt under the generalship of Alexander the Great in 332 B.C. and from them passed onto the Romans, who called this the ‘vena amoris’, which is Latin for ‘the vein of love’.
 
 
 
Today, wedding bands are a billion dollar industry. The biggest trend right now? Individuality. Your wedding band is a reflection of who you are and of the story you tell as a couple. The days are long gone when the bride’s engagement ring and wedding band were sold as a set-sometimes even as a trio, with the groom’s wedding band included in the mix-and style choices were fairly limited.
 
 
 
 
Today, the engagement ring and bride’s and groom's wedding bands are three unique entities, with a seemingly limitless choice of style.
 
 
 
Wedding-Band Buying Tips
 
  • Shop around. Each jeweler offers different designers and each has its own style. A special event and special occasion in your life should be celebrated with your wedding band as a symbol. Jewelers carry the classics plus a majority of the alternative metals. Discover which material speaks to you and works with your lifestyle.
  • The size of your fingers fluctuates during the day, so have someone qualified measure your ring finger. The proper way for a ring to fit is to have to work to get it on and off over your knuckle. Along these lines, the band width tends to match the size of your finger. A man with a smaller finger may have a preference for a 4-millimeter width over the more popular 6-millimeter.
  • Plan ahead! On average, give 4 to 6 weeks before you get the ring you ordered. Keep in mind that this is a lasting symbol of not only your wedding day but of your lives. Put the time and energy into choosing something that will last the rest of your lives.

ACCESSORIES: VEILS, JEWELRY, AND WRAPS, OH MY!

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Frosting, Adornments, Bling, Frills, Bells and Whistles, or Embellishments...anyway you shake it, wedding accessories are fun! 2014 sees several accessory trends emerging for brides allowing them to make a personal statement with fashion whether they're starting a new tradition or donning a precious family heirloom.
 
 
 
 
 
Veils
 
Veils for 2014 brides make their entrance with ornate headpieces featuring elaborate combs and/or crown-like florals and tiaras. This dramatic look is ultimately bridal. After all, the veil is what makes you a bride. Unless you're a career pageant girl, this might be one of your only chances to wear a crown in public, so go for it!
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jewelry
 
Bridal jewelry for 2014 is another great place for brides to make a style splash. Often the tone for jewelry worn by the bride is dictated by the style of her engagement ring. A bride with an antique setting may wear vintage family heirloom jewelry at her ears and neckline to compliment her setting. Whereas a modern bride may choose to make a bold statement and add color to her palette with her jewelry.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wraps
 
Runways for 2014 highlighted many brides with capes and wraps to compliment their overall looks. Other than the practical application of warmth, wraps can also be helpful in protecting your dress from weather and mussing in general. There are whimsical choices like feathered and furred wraps that may fit with a vintage Gatsby-esque themed affair, and sleeker silks and satins for a more demure event.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The most important thing when choosing accessories is to express yourself and have fun!

LOOK GREAT ON NEW YEAR'S EVE: PART ONE

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Christmas is only a few days away and if you're lucky, Santa will deliver some fabulous articles of clothing to guarantee that you look great at your New Year's Eve bash. For you less fortunate ones who receive Santa's more ordinary lines of clothing, don't worry, because we have fashion suggestions that will make you look fantastic wherever you party on December 31st.
 
 
club scene
 

 
 
If you're spending New Year's Eve in a nightclub where everybody dons the latest trends, it's important for you to look the part and stand out from the regular Joes. Be risky and try one of this year's coolest garments. One of these fashion items or a combination of several will help you achieve the perfect look.
  • A light blue or purple dressy shirt. Open up the two top buttons for a slick and more confident image.
  • If you're aiming for a more polished look, top your shirt off with a classy leather blazer. Great brands that have leather apparel are: Hugo Boss, The Gap, Andrew Marc, DKNY, and Prada.
  • This year, it's all about leather, so get yourself a nice pair of leather pants. Unless you're attending Fetish Night , don't buy plastic looking leather pants (pleather); opt for a jean-cut pair of leather trousers offered at stores like The Gap, Banana Republic or J. Crew.
  • Whether or not you decide to use one of the aforementioned suggestions, make sure you have great looking shoes, and that your ensemble's colors match perfectly.
 
 
outdoor scene
 

 
 
If you're lucky enough to be in Times Square (or any other outdoor event) when the clock strikes 12, look great with this year's trendiest jackets. Don't forget to wear quality winter boots, a matching winter hat, scarf and gloves, and check out which winter fashion no-nos you should avoid.
  • Leather is also a winner when it comes to winter jackets. Try a -length leather trench coat — preferably made out of nice, shiny leather. Black, brown and tan colors all look great when properly matched. Check out Armani, Andrew Marc and The Gap.
  • A rich-looking sheepskin jacket is always a classic amongst top designers. It's always a perfect fit for the more mature, classy gentleman who has achieved a certain status and wants to show it. Sheepskin jackets are guaranteed to keep you warm throughout the whole winter season. These are available by Armani, Prada and John Varvatos.
  • For those of you who can't afford leather, opt for a dark gray mohair trench coat (single-breasted). These can be found at Sisley/Benetton, Armani, Banana Republic, and J. Crew.
  • For a sportier look, get a quilted jacket with a fake fur hood and cuffs. The furry and fuzzy added touch is extremely hot this winter. Don't worry if you look like an Eskimo; at least you'll be toasty, not to mention very fashionable. You can find them at DKNY, and most trendy department stores.
 
 
Going to a rave or black tie affair? Check out our next post and look smashing...

 

This blog was originally posted on Ask Men and written by Chris Rovny