Be Inspired

If you are planning a wedding for 2011 or 2012 now is the time to do some retail therapy! What is in style in the retail market now will be hot in the event industry in a couple of years. Therefor, if you are taking your time planning your wedding, look at what the hot colors are at the stores right now for inspiration.

For 2010, we take our color inspiration from the pantone color pallette of 2008. They had a mixture of neutrals, pastels and jewel tones that compliment each other quite nicely and I think many of these hues make for great wedding colors!

In 2008 Pantone's color of the year was "Blue Iris" which looks like a deep blue with purple undertones. It is a jewel tone and would pair well with a contrasting color like bright sunny yellow.

Jewel tones from the Pantone forecast of 2008 include: olive green, pink mist, rococo red, freesia yellow,and snorkel blue. The pastels that Pantone forecasted for 2008 were: cantaloupe, spring crocus, daiquiri green, silver gray and croissant taupe. Pairing the neutrals with either the pastels or jewel tones will be the color trend for 2010. I predict we will see a lot of berry red with cantaloupe, or daiquiri green with taupe.

There are going to be so many visually interesting color pairings this year for weddings and I'm so enthusiastic about it! If you just got engaged and plan to have a wedding this summer or fall, these are the colors that are cutting edge in wedding style right now. I know that there are endless color combinations like rococo red, cantaloupe and silver or freesia yellow, iris blue and ivory that will bring a unique event design like we've not seen for a few years. 2010 weddings are sure to be stunning!

PHOTO CREDITS: HOLLYCHAPPLE FLOWERS, MARCO PATISSERIE, PINK FROSTING, CAPE FEAR WEDDING, ZCASHE.COM

To Chair Cover or Not Chair Cover....That is the Question

Chair covers can be a tricky issue when planning a wedding. A lot of couples look at them as an unnecessary expense and it is true, chair covers are completely optional.
However, it is my personal opinion as a wedding planner that if you have the funds to do so you should cover those darn ballroom chairs!!! Or even better, bring in some beautiful Chiavari chairs.

When creating your event design, it is important to remember that although the ballroom chairs are probably in good shape and functional, the room will look fantastic if you cover them.

Why? Well, for one, most ballroom chairs have burgundy or brown upholstery, sometimes there is even a small pattern on them and this can clash with the color scheme of your wedding. Also, chair covers give a much softer look to the room overall. In addition, you can easily match them to your color scheme either by using a colored sash or chair cover.

They also come in such variety! You can get damask, bold geographic prints, or solid colors. Chair covers definitely "finish" the room and makes it look uniform and completely esthetically pleasing. It is really classy to walk into an event and see a beautifully set table with fantastic floral arrangements and chairs that match perfectly with the overall theme.

The other option that always works well is renting Chiavari chairs. These chairs are very classic and they come in a wide variety of colors. You are also able to match the chair pad to your color scheme. I find that they work well as ceremony chairs and then can be reused at the reception as well. This is definitely the route to go if you want to have a uniform look to your wedding but think that chair covers are a little too feminine or just don't go well with the event design.

Now, this doesn't mean that if your are not able to have chair covers or Chiavari chairs that your wedding ceremony or reception won't be beautiful. I'm just advocating this option if you have room in your budget or if you could move some numbers around to make room in your budget.

So, I think I've answered the question fairly. Are chair covers optional? Yes. Should they be included in the event design? Absolutely.


PHOTO CREDITS: CHAIRS & TABLES R US, MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS, SNIPPETS AND INK

The Importance of Videography

In this daunting economy, many of my clients are forgoing videography. They rationalize that they have the photographs and so they don't need a video of the event. While I always respect my client's wishes, I really think videography is an important aspect that should be included.

The video of the wedding day is something to be shared with family, friends and future children. It is also really cool to see the moments leading up to the wedding, when you and your spouse were separated and getting ready for the nuptials. It is also priceless to capture the heartfelt moments when you say your vows to each other and kiss for the first time as husband and wife.

Many people think that uncle Fred taking video on his camcorder will suffice. Sadly, they are often disappointed with shaky video, non existent audio and lots of footage of family and friends instead of the newlyweds.

Professional videographers also have a way of capturing important moments and often can use their artistic integrity to create a masterpiece. They use meaningful music selections and capture the minute details of the day, as well as private, intimate moments between the couple.

Photo albums are great, and so is videography! It is your special day brought to you in living color with the most romantic moments highlighted. I really hope that brides and grooms everywhere budget accordingly for this must have service!

PHOTO CREDITS: Livweddings.com