Out with the Old, In with the New

As a wedding planner, I use many different resources to spark my imagination for design ideas. It is very important to keep ahead of the next seasons style to make sure that each event is not only personable to the couple, but also a unique event.

There are a few classics that have withstood the test of time, such as the first dance and cake cutting. However, there have been a few changes with the past year that have broken the mold for the typical wedding reception. Read about a few of these changes and see if you would like to make the change for your big night.

Cake vs. Cupcakes: 
The Trend: I am seeing very few brides wanting to order a large wedding cake. Cupcakes are the new reception dessert. Mini cupcakes allows each guest to pick from multiple flavors. Some of the most popular flavors are white cake (replacement of the wedding cake), chocolate, red velvet, lemon, and peanut butter chocolate. Cupcakes are also an easy way to incorporate wedding colors and/or theme.
 

The Reasoning: Why order a large cake that most guests only eat a few bites of when you can offer other desserts that please every taste-bud?

Florist vs. Bride Creativity: 
The Trend: I love florists, but have been seeing less and less of them lately. Wedding magazines and online photos have made it possible for brides to recreate decor elements. Florists are still used for bouquets, boutineers, and corsages, but have less involvement with the reception decor. Abstract yet simple centerpieces have been seen more and more as they are easy to replicate and carry the color scheme and theme throughout the venue perfectly. In a few instances, I have had the bride host a Centerpiece Party with her bridesmaids to celebrate the upcoming wedding and to construct the centerpieces.

The Reasoning: Having the opportunity to personally perfect each and every centerpiece instead of hiring a florist saves money for other aspects of the wedding.

Guest Book vs. Photo Booth:

The Trend: If you attended a wedding prior to 2010, you signed a guest book before being seated at the ceremony. Now that it is 2011, you might be surprised that when you show up, there is no longer a "check in" at the door. While there still is a guest book idea, it is now coupled with a strip of pictures of your loved ones and a heartfelt message to the newlyweds. The photo booth takes three pictures of your loved ones and prints two copies of the photos. The first is a favor for your guests to take home; the second is placed inside a book where you guests can write a message to you. The book of guest photos is then a cute and sometimes laughable keepsake for the bride and groom for years to come.

The Reasoning: The traditional guest book lacked a personable link between the couple and their guests. The photo booth not only allows the guests to personalize a message to the couple, but is also the perfect favor to each and every guest.

Wedding and reception trends are constantly changing. If you are doing one of these new ideas for your big day or feel that you are starting a new trend yourself, please share it with us! 

Breathtaking Videography

There are only a handful of videographers that can truly surprise me with their artistic ability to capture the moment. Selecting a person or company to capture your special day through video should be just as important of a decision as the venue or photographer. It takes a special skill to capture the perfect angle, accurate audio levels, and the day's breathtaking moments.


I present to you: Alea Lovely. Her ability to capture the pure love and meaning of a marriage is unparalleled. I have coordinated and attended several weddings and not once seen such amazing work. You can see her personable relationship with her clients through her photos and videos as she highlights their love in a way that suits them perfectly.

View one of Alea's videos here on TheSpecialEvent and visit her full portfolio at Vimeo: 

I highly recommend contacting Alea today to discuss your upcoming wedding. You will want the video that you show your children and your children's children to accurately demonstrate the love that you share with your other half. What a precious and life-long gift you can have to relive one of the most memorable days of your life.

December Reception at The Cotillion

December has never been the leading month for weddings. Who would want their guests to plow through the cold weather and possible snow to attend their reception? For those who decide to host their wedding in December, finding design samples can be limiting. On December 11th, The Cotillion hosted a wedding reception that not only got its winter wonderland touch with a light dust of snow, but so was tastefully decorated to accompany the season. This was a great event that everyone enjoyed!

Studio Chyree provided the photography for the evening and has put together a promotional video. Check out their amazing photos and holiday decor in the video below.

Un-Official Photos from KC Unveiled

KC Unveiled was a huge success at The Cotillion this past weekend! Check out some of the amateur photos that I caught during the day.

If you missed this show, we hope that you can make it to the KC Unveiled Bridal Show coming Fall 2011!

That Catering Company

I have started an exciting adventure with a catering company located in Kansas City. That Catering Company has been in business for three years providing delicious food for companies and private clientele. After working the same market together, the owner, Niccole Young and I have brainstormed a great alliance to increase wedding business.

I am excited to begin working more with That Catering Company to develop their presence within the wedding industry. If you have someone looking for their perfect menu, feel free to contact us: 816-726-2877! That Catering Company offers a complimentary consultation to customize your menu as well as a free tasting to ensure that it is up to par for each and every one of your guests.