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!