For my first “real” post, I thought I’d start off  by highlighting some of the popular wedding trends for the year.  Some of these are brilliant, fun, and even romantic ideas.  You can choose (or have chosen), to plan your wedding using one of these trends or let them just give you a little push in the right direction.  Maybe one will inspire you in the flower category or even a detail on your wedding dress!

Go BOLD!
This year, instead of choosing flowers and decor that have a traditional feel — go bold! Use vibrant pinks, yellows, oranges, and teals in centerpieces and bouquets for that bright eye-catching effect. Wrap bouquet stems or even add a colorful ribbon to your wedding gown for an even more dazzling look.

Think Square
“Step out of the box” — or into it — by using square shaped tables for your guests at the reception. Square tables are not only different, but they also add a modern look to any room.

Lace & Embroidery
Less isn’t always more! Glamour up your wedding gown with embellishments! Add lace, embroidery, beads, and pearls. Carry the embellished look into the reception by jazzing up table covers, invitations, and even floral arrangements with the fancy adornments.

Cocktail/Happy Hour
What a better way to keep your wedding guests occupied during the beginning of the reception?! While you are off, probably getting your photos taken, allow the party to start with a little cocktail! This provides a comfortable atmosphere for everyone to get to know each other while they wait for your big entrance! Take it a step further by having the band or dj play bar room tunes to complete the feel!

Unconventional Locations
Can’t think of that perfect place to have your ceremony? Why not choose a location that is special and unique to your relationship, even if it is a little out of the ordinary! Maybe your first date was at an aquarium, or your favorite place to visit is the zoo. Have the ceremony there! This will make your reception memorable for all involved!

More Than Just Flowers
Why not try adding a little something extra to your wedding floral arrangements? What’s becoming popular is mixing in different items such as fruits, feathers, jewels, and even shells or colored stones. Not only does this make your flowers stand out, but it adds color and sparkle as well.

Add a Little “Belleza“
Italian for beauty of course! This year, what’s hot, or “caldo“, is having your fairy tale wedding in Italy! Italy is well known for their romantic cities and settings, not to mention their cuisine! Tight budget? Opt for an Italian themed wedding instead.

CIAO!

“Love is a symbol of eternity.  It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end.”

Dear Readers -

Welcome to our wedding blog! As an employee of Afloral.com, I get the chance to speak with many customers on a daily basis, and a good portion of these customers are brides-to-be. I have had the opportunity to see designs, arrangements, dresses — you name it — that these wonderful ladies are putting together for their soon to be weddings. Through conversations and photographs, I have been able to get a better understanding of the bridal world.

On top of that, I have had the pleasure to discuss weddings a bit more with some customers — helping them match colors or giving an opinion or two when asked. Now, I of course, would never expect anyone to follow my advice, but sometimes, an outside eye or ear, is all you need. Sometimes, it’s fun to share your projects and knowledge with others. And sometimes, just talking to someone else helps relieve a little bit of that wedding stress.

This prompted me to do a bit more research. What else are brides-to-be looking for? How could we come up with a website that is geared towards helping these ladies’, especially the do-it-yourself bride? I have viewed many other sites, and spoke with many more people working on their wedding planning. Also, as a lady who is in relationship, I have to admit, I have the whole wedding planning fantasy happening in my own mind…

I’m hoping this wedding blog becomes a valuable and fun source for information. I am here to share what I can, throw out some tips, great websites, and be here for anything from questions to conversations for all you brides out there!

So congratulations and let’s get wedding planning!!

LeAnne
“Love is a symbol of eternity.  It wipes out all sense of time, destroying all memory of a beginning and all fear of an end”