What is a Bohemian (Boho Chic) Wedding Theme?

100layercake.com

To be honest with you, I wasn’t really sure either when I started this week. As I search for upcoming wedding trends in wedding design Boho is on the rise, and I can completely understand why.

"Why?" You ask. Simple. I think my definition of a Bohemian Wedding Design will give you a few hints and then I will explain the "Why" in more in detail. 

DEFINITION:Bohemian Wedding Theme is an eclectic mix of the hippie, nomad and gypsy lifestyle with an artistic flair.   Wikipedia uses the terms of free love, adventures, frugality and individuals involved with music, artistic or literary pursuits.

So there's the definition and now here is the explanation of its growing popularity.   

**Frugality and the current state of the economy. Frugality means a simple décor and a lot of DIY style.

**Free expression & personalization. There are no longer any rules in wedding design. Anything goes. It’s encouraged that couples make their events true statements of their personalities.

The even greater thing about this style is that you can create the emphasis in so many ways. For example: you can create a Beach Bohemian style, a Vintage Bohemian style, or whatever style. Totally carefree and relaxed.

Brideorama.com

 

There are 5 key elements in the design that we see over and over.

1.)    Headbands & Flower Wreaths

2.)    Flowing and relaxed Wedding Dress designs

3.)    Mix & Match flowers, centerpieces, dishware, etc.

4.)    Lots of the outdoor & nature inspiration

5.)    A touch of whimsy

I want to know, are you a Boho fan? 

What kind of Bohemian design would you come up with.

Please leave your comments and suggestions below. 

Polyvore.com

 

Watch Movies = Get Hollywood Glamorous!

As a designer, I am always designing. It doesn't matter where I am, where I am going, or what I am doing....my brain is always designing and on the look out for inspiration. Many couples and other professionals always ask, "where do you get your inspiration?"

Well, anywhere and everywhere. Growing up, my family were kind of movie buffs; always quoting lines from our favorite films, and even though I don't have much time to watch as many movies as I use to (now that I have a 3 year old) a good flick is still a great past time. Not to mention a fabulous place to find inspiration.

Here is a scene from one of my favorite Christmas movies, Bing Crosby's White Christmas. It's the perfect background for a Hollywood Glam wedding. There are several other scenes in that movie that are great too!

Love her dress and white gloves!

More great movies for Hollywood Glam inspiration are most of the James Bond movies, the opening scene of Indian Jones and the Temple of Doom,  and most of the old gangster/Mob movies. Keep your eyes and design eyes open....no matter where you are.

Where are you finding your Hollywood Glam wedding theme inspiration? What movies should we add to the list? Please post your suggestions and comments below. Happy Planning.

5 Must Have Hollywood Glam Elements

I adore the glamorous looks of old Hollywood during the 1920-1950’s where classic cinema meets the red carpet. I am thrilled to be creating a Hollywood Glam event for our local chapter of Young Lives. So, as I am working on their design I thought I would share with you my 5 key elements to creating a Hollywood Glam wedding theme.

By www.thelovelistday.com

One of the biggest challenges in creating this look, or any theme, is not to take the concept literally. Couples have a tendency to be too literal with the theme and it loses it’s glamorous feel. When you get to literal it starts looking like a souvenir shop and not a wedding….YUK! So, skip tons  (a few is perfect) of movie reels, director megaphone cones, and popcorn, instead focus on the color palette and the “bling.”

**NOTE** I just want to interject (2) important things.

1.)   Don’t have a hint of a theme, really commit to the look. You want guests to understand exactly the theme you have created.

2.)    Make sure you incorporate your personal story into the theme, by adding personalization to the decor, music, food, etc. 

Now that we have my 2 interjections, let’s talk elements.

Element #1 – the right color palette. Hollywood Glam to me is black, white and pops of red or hot pink.

www.weddingbeeboards.com

 Element #2 – a grand entrance, such as the red carpet with draping. No Hollywood premier is complete without the red carpet, so you should have one too. Choose a red aisle runner for the ceremony and watch the drama unfold.

Element #3 – feather accents. There is nothing more 1920’s glamorous than feather accents. These work great for hair accessories and table décor. Love the feather trees in the photo above. Stunning!

Element #4 – the birdcage veil. Leave the traditional veil of another theme and bring on the birdcage veil in white or black. It just screams old Hollywood Glam.

Element #5 - lots of glitz. Think rhinestones, mirrors, crystals, etc. You are going for major drama here and "BLING" is so dramatic. If you need some mirror inspiration check out this amazing blog post on how to use mirrors in your wedding day. Mirror, Mirror.

Be dramatic……be a Hollywood Star, ever so gorgeous and glamorous. Let the magic begin……ACTION!!! 

If you are struggling to create your Hollywood Glam theme are need help personalizing it for you and your spouse-to-be contact me. Let me work my wedding design magic for you. 

Which of these elements are you incorporating into your Hollywood Glam wedding? What other elements do you think are Hollywood Glam must haves. Please share your comments below. Happy Planning! 

PS - For more Hollywood Glam inspiration check out my Pinterest Hollywood Glam Wedding Board

Styles & Tips to Help Mom Create Her Wedding Day Look

So you have toiled and toiled; spent countless hours of looking for your dream wedding dress and trying on (what seems like a thousand gowns) to finally have found your perfect dress. You’ve begun to choose your bridesmaids gowns and then you come to Mom. Most of the time, couples don’t have much input on what Mom is wearing. And if you don’t care what your Mom or Mother-in-Law to be is wear, skip to the 3rd paragraph.

Okay, as an event designer with the big picture vision, I want Mom to feel special, but……….LOOK like she belongs with the bridal party. How many times have you seen wedding pictures with everyone coordinated but Mom? It’s drives me crazy. Years ago I worked with a client  (above) whose colors were black, white and red (very sophisticated, but here Mother insisted on wearing a purple dress….YUK!) My advice to you is to allow your Mother the freedom of selecting a style of gown she is comfortable in, but ask her to wear a different hue or shade of your wedding colors. That way when you are all standing together in the BIG bridal party picture everything looks cohesive.

Alright I am done ranting, now back to talking gowns. I am a designer (and soon to be Bride dress designer…Hint, Hint) who looks at every detail to create a cohesive and amazing look. It saddens me when what Mom is wearing gets over looked, because its a missed opportunity to make her feel included. It can be challenging to find Mom the right gown too. In my opinion the wedding industry doesn’t spend enough time on providing great designs for Mom.

Recently, there have been a few designers with more fabulous designs to help Mom get her wedding day look. I think the biggest challenge is Mom’s style has changed. Moms of today want something youthful, yet sophisticated, something comfortable, but not to revealing. It’s a very unique balance. So, what do I suggest?

Let’s talk about What I Don’t think Mom should be wearing first? 

•  A strapless gown. I don’t care how hot it is, it needs straps or a sleeve, unless she is wearing a jacket.
• A dress with a slit in the front. Mobility is one thing, showing leg is another.
•  A low cut top.Mom doesn't need to be showing off her assets.
•  Wild accessories. Accessories should accent and compliment the outfit, not be a show stopper. 
•   Extremely high shoe. Stiletto shoes are out. Some height is good, but remember comfort is key. 

Where does that leave us? With fashionable, a little more conservative (mature) design, with elegant styling. Here are designs I LOVE to see on Mom

inweddingdress.com

• Flowing Fabrics  - these types of outfits flatter most body types. Plus, they breath well for maximum comfort.
• Lace Sleeves  - I think sleeves are stunning and look great for any style or time of year.
• Removable Jackets  - versatility means maximum comfort. Jacket can be worn for the indoor ceremony and then removed for dancing; or take it off in the hot sun and cover up in the air conditioning. Jackets help even out curves for a more flattering look.
• Dress Pants  - some women don’t prefer to wear hose and skirts, so dress pants are a fantastic option.
• Layered Skirts  - adding simple details can take what would be a boring dress and gives Mom a little more style. (Love it!) 

www.ofweddingdress.net

I know Mother of the Bride/Mother of the Groom dress shopping can be difficult, but with these types you will help Mom (or Mother in Law to be) looking amazing~  

Whats your Mom or Moms wearing? Are they wearing a similar color? What issues have you had trying to find Mom a gown? Please share in the comments below. 

Roles of Moms in Weddings

Moms, in my opinion, have one of the hardest jobs around. I might not of said that 3 years ago, but now that I am a proud Mother of an almost 3 year old I stand behind that saying 100%! It makes me realize how amazing my Mom is and all that she has done for me. I bet many of you getting married have Moms who are already helping you with the big day of plans.

From Glamour.com

Moms and weddings have gone hand in hand through out the ages, but the role of your Mom or your soon to be Mother-in-Law is rapidly changing. Traditionally, the Mother of the Bride provides a significant amount of input and planning help. That is still the case, but both Bridal Couples and Mothers of the couple have begun to favor event designers and wedding planners. Why? 

 

I think there are two big reasons to the shift. (1) Couples of today are older, more independent, and from generation X. They tend to be more financially stable and outspoken. They have embraced their dream for their big day…..not what Mom says is okay.

(2) Couples & Moms have a greater appreciation for enjoying the process. Many times because they are busy working professionals they don’t want the additional stress of planning or having Mom plan the whole day. They want their Moms along side them at the wedding day, not running around making sure everything is perfect. (That's what they make wedding planners & coordinators like me for :-)

So, Mom has gone from planner to what? You guessed it, friend, supporter, cheerleader, and adviser. A much overall better role, if you ask me.

Mothers of the couple still continue to play vital roles in the wedding planning process in other areas. For example:

The Gown Quest - Having your Mother present while searching for the perfect gown. Moms tend to be (lovingly) and brutally honest with their daughters. They make the perfect companions for finding, selecting or creating the ultimate dream dress.

From Northsidewomen.com

Guest List Creation & Coordination – You Mom is probably the one who writes all the Christmas cards too (my Mom does) She knows everyone’s address. Plus, once the RSVP cards coming rolling back in, she may be your guest count GURU. Let her call Aunt Mabel to find out if she is coming or not. HA!

Venue Selection – It gets back to the being honest thing. Of course, your event designer and/or wedding planner will be the lead on this one, but Mom may ask or see things you don’t. She may have even more to say, if she is helping foot the bill.

Registry Buzz – It’s tacky to post where you are registered for gifts on any materials you send to wedding guests. Therefore, Moms and closest friends make the best candidates for spreading the word on where you are registered. Typically, just by pure word of mouth to friends and family.

Ceremony Participant – Your Mom make walk you down the aisle. Both Moms may participate in a Unity Candle ceremony and they may be included in the receiving line after the ceremony.

From Weddingclan.com

Of course, this is the short list. Your Mom and your Mother-In-Law to be may be included in every details or in as few as you feel they are needed.

Thanks MOM……..and……. Happy Planning!

How is your Mom helping you in your wedding day plans? Is she listening to what you want or is she trying to sway you her way? I would love to hear all about it so please leave your comments below.

5 Ways to Shake Things Up Using Your Reception Tables

You’ve walked down the aisle, you’ve said your vows, and sealed the deal with a kiss….now it’s time to CELEBRATE! So, everyone heads off to the reception. This part of your wedding day is where you will not only spend the most of amount of  your time, but most of your budget too.

Most couples spend great amount of time selecting music, deciding on food, and planning the decorations, but I bet very few couples every stop to think about the tables themselves. In fact, most couples simply use whatever tables the venue is providing. I encourage you to really stop and think about how you use the tables. You can give your reception a Design Boost simply by what you do with the tables……and many times venues have both round and rectangular to work with.

I am going to share a few of my favorite ways to use your reception tables to get a bigger design impact.  

topweddingideas.org

Lovellabridal.com

1. Mix it Up – No one ever said that your tables all have to bee the same shape or size. Feel free to use some round and some rectangular tables, use smaller tables with larger ones.
2. Create a Royal Hall – I love when long rectangular tables are lined up for a grand feast. This configuration can be a space saver, while still allowing conversation. Plus, in my opinion long tables are easier decorate than round tables.
3. Join Tables Together – you can take 2 rectangular tables and put them side by side to give you a wider overall table. Or put 3 round tables together for an unusual shape.
4. Make a Square – take four rectangular tables to make a larger square.  This is a great way to save on centerpiece costs, even though you will spend more on linens. You can use this shape to make a bar area as well.
5. Set Things on an Angle - If you are using rectangular tables why not place them on an angle? It’s easy and different. Plus, it doesn’t cost you anything extra. A win, win in my book.

icorners.com

Any one of these techniques will help give your reception a WOW factor, and you will be smiling know that all you did was shake up how you placed your tables. HA! (Aren’t you the clever one!)

What are you doing with your tables at the reception? Are you using any one of these techniques or perhaps one I missed (do I dare say such a thing)? If so, please share in the comment section below.

Happy Planning!

7 Ways to be Earth Friendly While Planning Your Wedding

So, if you can have a high style wedding look and still be earth friendly why wouldn’t you do it. I know many couples think that Eco-friendly options are more expensive and will drive up their budgets. Well, this is true and false. A major part of leaving a smaller footprint after your event is to think, Recycle, Re-Use, and Reduce.

Picture Credit: www.deepsouthmag.com

What I love about that phrase it that it gives you the opportunity to be more creative and inventive with items you have on hand…especially ones that reflect your wedding design theme & your personalities. 

As it is true, that some Eco-friendly options are more expensive many of them are not. It depends on if you are buying a product that is made from recycled materials or if you are just recycling something you have on hand. To get your creative juices flowing, I have put together a list of 7 easy ways to be Earth friendly when you are planning your wedding.

1.)    Reuse Old Furniture to add texture and dimension to your look. I love this first one. Using furniture and decorative props adds a HUGE amount of personality to your wedding, not to mention it’s a vital element for certain design themes (like Vintage, Hollywood, Shabby Chic, etc. Need more inspiration check out this post on Ceremony Props that Rock! 

2.)    Think Double Duty. This is really a no brainier and will help your bottom line too. Anytime you can purchase something once and use it more than once you are coming out ahead and helping out Mother Earth. Fore example, pew flowers can sometimes be reused for centerpieces, or place cards can double as favors. 

   3.)    Up-Cycle what you have. What a great word….UP-CYCLE. You can take an item you have on hand and paint it, cover it, “Bling” it up for a whole new look. I do this constantly with my clients. In fact, I have a saying….”take something ordinary and make it extraordinary.” Up-cycling is the easiest way to do this.

  4.)    Use Sustainable Products like hemp, bamboo or cork. Sustainable products are really cost effective and can be found in so many products. Check fabrics, woods, and decorative items for their sustainability. 

 

5.)    Organics are your Friend. Organic items will generally have a premium on them, but they are well worth it (and safer in my opinion). These items skip all that harmful man-made “enhancements” by growing them all natural. Better for you and better for the environment.

6.)    Choose Local Produce. I have to laugh at how many couples overlook their food choices. A HUGE mistake and a wasted opportunity to really dazzle your guests. Local produce is far better tasting, supports the local economy, and costs about the same as what’s at the grocery store. Most local farmers don’t use chemicals on their crops. Plus, purchasing local produce cuts down on all the transportation costs to get to your reception table too. Great Choice!

www.blissweddingsmarket.com

 

7.)    Rent Away. Well Dah! In many cases when are you every going to need 175 clear Lucite chairs again? It’s okay to rent equipment and décor elements that can really take your design to new heights without having to make or manufacturing them. Don’t get me wrong, I believe in building it if you can’t find it anywhere, but make sure to check out rental options first.

I absolutely adore weddings. I love all the design and planning it takes to make them amazing! Yet, I also understand that we have responsibility to the place we live and to the others around us to do what we can to help preserve it.  I encourage to review this list and implement at least one idea into your event. You can help out the environment and be stylish at the same time. A win, win in my book.

I would love to hear your ideas and suggestions on how you are being Eco-friendly at your wedding. If you are stuck for more ideas, shoot me an email and I will help you get the creative juices flowing. Please leave your comments below for all to share. Happy Planning!