Bringing Out Your Inner Artist: Choosing Your Wedding Colors

 

Picking out the colors for your wedding is one of the fun things you get to plan. The task may sound daunting, but it’s really not. Just follow these three rules and you’ll be headed in the right direction.

 

Your First Color: This will be your dominant color, the one that will appear more than any other in every aspect of your wedding from invitations to tablecloths. This color will be the one that carries the most weight.

 

Your Second Color: This color is your subordinate color. It must complement the dominant color. This color should also appear along with your first color in most of your wedding aspects.

 

Your Third Color: This color serves as an accent. It should “go” well with both your first and second color choices. It will make little appearances in the details of your wedding such as flowers or accessories.

 

Because colors affect the ways people feel and evoke different responses, it’s important that you select your dominant or base color carefully. The types of responses you can expect are proven by research. Use what’s been learned about colors to make your choices. Use colors to bring out your personal taste and the kind of emotional reaction you’re looking for and, most importantly, have fun!

Bright Red: Exciting, energizing, sexy

Bright Pink: Exciting, happy, hot

Light Pink: Romantic, soft, sweet

Mauve: Soft, subdued, quiet

Burgundy: Rich, elegant, refined

Terracotta: Earthy, warm, wholesome

Orange: Fun, childlike, happy

Peach: Nurturing, soft, fuzzy

Light Yellow: Cheerful, happy, soft

Bright Yellow: Enlightening, cheerful, friendly

Cream: Smooth, rich, warm

Light Blue: Calm, quiet, peaceful

Teal Blue: Pleasing, rich, classy

Navy: Credible, basic, classic

Bright Green: Fresh, grass, lively

Dark Green: Nature, trustworthy, refreshing

Lime: Tart, acidic, refreshing

White: Pure, clean, innocent,

Black: Powerful, elegant, mysterious

Gray: Classic, cool, corporate

Silver: Classic, cool, expensive

Gold: Warm, opulent, radiant

2014 Wedding Trends

As a newly engaged you may enjoy seeing what are expected to be the hot trends in 2014. Whether you go with traditional, renew an "old" favorite, or you mix and match, here to help you are the trends as "collected" from various wedding planners, brides, magazines and newspaper articles.
 

Let's start with color. Blue, especially navy blue, and royal blue are the hot wedding colors for 2014. Combinations of various shades of blue will be very popular and are predicted to include everything from dark navy blue to turquoise, blue. Gray is a surprise for 2014. In part it's popular because of how easy it is to pair with other colors. Water colors (i.e., blues, aqua, and greens) and other bright colors will also be hot. For accent colors coral will take center stage. We'll also see lots of dark purples and plums in bridesmaids' dresses, table deco and flowers. Citrus colors such as cool reds, warm yellows and oranges will be used in wedding attire as well as for table and reception room décor.



It's no so surprise that what interests new brides the most is what's hot in wedding attire for 2014. Allover beaded simple wedding gowns and column gowns will be hot. The sophisticated, flirty look lends itself really well to a cocktail style wedding. Halter necks, lace sleeves, gold gowns and embellishments, vintage look (carried over into opulent décor) are "in" for 2014. To incorporate the vintage theme, some event planners will rent several accent pieces of vintage furniture to "sprinkle" around at the wedding venue. Just two or three statement pieces (yes, kind of like jewelry!) are all that are needed to enhance the effect. The 1920's deco style that includes the use of dramatic veils, cap sleeve, fur wraps, hair embellishments, and shades of gold will be picked up by 2014 brides. We'll also see gowns with dramatic backs, sleek silhouettes, and form-hugging fabrics.

In contrast, several top wedding gown designers are following a minimalist look that's sleek and modern, with hardly any embellishments. This look is often carried out by using lots and lots of silk. A WOW accessory is the only item that "veers" from the look. Some wedding gown designers will bring a rustic look to the table, so brides will also find gowns containing floral accents and vines, flower crowns and the use natural fiber, wood and ferns in the décor.


To accent your look, the hot items in makeup are pink lipstick and cat's eye liner. The traditional updo will stay around, but braids, once thought to be for informal "use" only, are being redefined as formal and glamorous. Whether worn as one long simple braid or several incorporated into an updo they will be hot trend in the spring.



And, let's not forget the men in the bridal party. Not much to say except that there we'll be seeing a comeback of the bow tie.



Wedding cakes continue to be in the reception spotlight. Brides are reflecting their themes in their cakes and will be selecting cakes with soft ruffles and frills, a splash of color for drama.

Today's tech-savvy couples enmeshed in technology will be using it as a theme for their wedding. Wedding apps, mobile devices, and technology will be factors in planning and executing their weddings. We'll also be seeing an increase in the use of bistro lighting to create an intimate, magical reception space and look for an increase in the use of marquees at receptions, along with other unique lighting.


The hot pick for 2014 is dramatic venue locations whose decor is opulent, glamorous and architecturally exciting. In extreme contrast, rustic locations will still be the most popular for 2014. Barn weddings, farms, ranches and some historic sites will be in demand. Bridal couples will be leaning toward ceremonies in Mother Nature's back yard. Outside in woodland areas, gardens, gazebos in the countryside, or inside with large panoramic-view windows, couples want to be a part of nature, especially during their ceremonies. That theme will be carried into the décor by using "natural" products such as burlap, wicker, logs, and wild flowers. All this fits right into the eco-friendly options that are increasing in popularity amongst bridal couples.



Also popular will be the artsy venue and the use of edgy architecture detail. The décor will include bright colored geometric designs. Flowers will match in bright colors and particularly artistic floral designs. Popular venues to carry through this theme will be art museum, galleries, or venues with modern edgy architecture. The layout of the room itself will carry through the theme with a layout of tables and food that also include fun shapes and artistry.


For answers to all your wedding planning and wedding etiquette questions, visit www.HudsonValleyWeddings.com's Wedding Guide,

Wedding Trends for 2013

Kate Middleton's impact on weddings: Lots of lace, sleeves, ball gowns, more traditional settings and details like having flower girls and a white budding bouquet. Lace is even making an appearance on wedding cakes! Let there be Pockets: Finally, pockets are coming to the forefront. Why wouldn't you want pockets on your wedding gown? Amount of money being: For the first time since 2008 the average wedding budget has increased. In 2008 it was $29,334 per wedding. In 2009 the number went down to $28,385 and even further down to $26,984 in 2010. In $27,021 in 2011. Wedding colors: Purple is up to 15% from 21% in 2010 and 16% in 2009. Blue and green have been high on the list for a long time at 30% and 24%. So far, lots of pink weddings for 2012. White is "always," but today gold, red, blush and pinks (even black) are in style. The bold bride uses the colors in her gown, while the not-so-bold bride puts the splash of color on a sash, on the lining of her gown, or in her shoes. Prints and Bold Colors are stepping forward. Bridesmaids' dresses are popping in bold and beautiful colors, as floral prints on sashes, or on the wedding cake. Wedding cakes: (67%) opt for a traditional tiered cakes, but cupcakes are gaining in popularity. They've gone from 13% in 2010 to 17% in 2011. People think they want a wedding cake but by the time they get around to ordering it, they realize it's not going to fit in their budget. Cupcakes are a great cost-savings. Cheesy Wedding Ending: As an alternative to a traditional wedding cake, brides are selecting a variety of cheeses which can be arranged tiered fashion like a traditional wedding cake would be. The trend is new to the United States, but has been around in the United Kingdom for several years. Cheese is an excellent alternative for guests who don't love sweets. If you don't want to eliminate the wedding cake entirely, a cheese "cake" can accompany a small wedding cake and guests can choose between the two. Food and More Food: Traditional wedding reception far is getting a run for the money by more eclectic, perhaps more eccentric food item and food service. Look for taco trucks, grilled cheese, mac & cheese, BBQ, snow cones and cotton candy. Whatever the favorites of the bridal couple is showing up on the menu. Location, Location, Location: Brides are taking advantage of all the atypical and somewhat unusual wedding venues. As the economy slumped, farms, museums, historical societies, and estates are realizing that there3's money in wedding receptions, so they're offering fabulous until-now-unseen locations and the brides are loving it! Summer . . . is still "wedding season," but not as much as in the past. In 2011, 37% of weddings took place in the summer, down from 41%, while fall increased to 36%. Formal Versus Informal: Casual weddings are up. Semiformal remains most common at 65%. Casual up to 16% from 14%. Formal/black tie down to 16% from 18% in 2010 and 20% in 2009. Destination Weekend Weddings are still on the rise. Bridal Couples Personal Wedding Websites: 69% in 2011, up from 65% in 2010. 58% of brides use their smartphones to share wedding-related pictures. 47% use them to look up vendor information. 2013 Hot Beauty Trends ·  A sparkling nude manicure using the new glittery but matte polish. ·  High, twisted and coiled updo are in. We don't recommend doing it yourself. ·  Black-cherry lipstick takes the place of bright red for a fresh, glamorous vampy look. ·  Gold glitter-gradient nails . . . yes it's all about the glitter gradient, delicate but still very festive. . . . And last but not least the Pantone Color of the Year . . . Emerald Green Emerald is an elegant, yet standout color (think emeralds). Tradition associated the color with growth, renewal, prosperity, healing and unity. Pantone and Sephora are partnering to offer the Sephora + Pantone Universe 2013 Color of the Year beauty collection. Available in March of 2013, the collection will be exclusive to Sephora and feature all things emerald. Incorporate this "in" color into your printed materials, beauty products and more.   Want to know more? Visit HudsonValleyWeddings.com's Wedding Guide at  http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide.htm

What About an All-White Wedding?

What About an All-White Wedding?

The white wedding gown is a tradition that dates back to Queen Victoria in the early 1800's. She could not have known that she would be a trend setter for a tradition that would live on long after she was gone. The tradition of the white wedding gown survives to this day as the favorite of modern-day bride, a tradition that some, as Chef Emeril puts it "kick it up a notch" to an all-white wedding. It takes a creative bride, one who is willing to put some extra thought into the details, in order to pull off such a wedding without her disappearing in the crowd. Let's get the "rules" straight first. Typically, at such a wedding, the bridesmaids and flower girls wear white and the flowers, tablecloths and candles, are white. The only place that there should not be any white is in the attire of the guests and it is for that reason that it's important to include that information in the invitation. The words "All white wedding" may not be sufficient, so No white attire, please" may be a better choice for wording. There are many ways that a bride can make herself stand out in the sea of white. These are a few suggestions. As to her gown, the bride might select a shade of white other than "pure white." Believe it, or not, there actually are hundreds of shades of white, including bluish diamond white, creamy, yellowed eggshell, "natural" pearl, champagne, and ivory. Another way in which she can set herself apart is by embellishments on her dress of pearls, crystal, or heavy beading. In order to avoid a monotone overload, some hint of contrast color can be added to the mix. The white flowers that are used can be ones with their green stems showing. The use of different fabrics, particularly ones with interesting textures will add a dimension of depth. In the bouquets, a mix of white flowers, as opposed to flowers all of the same variety. Orchids, for example, have a very different "presence" than daisies, or dahlias and, if a satin ribbon, or lace is thrown into the mix, the mission is accomplished! Adding metallic can be said as not adding another color, but they will add some interest and add interest to, for example, a white tablecloth with a white centerpiece. Even the menu items carry through the white theme. A creative caterer can make suggestions that might include things like hors d'oeuvres made scallops, yellowtail or crabmeat, vegetables like cauliflower and parsnips and dessert of vanilla ice cream and even white cotton candy. For party favors, boxes of white chocolates can be wrapped in white lace. Yes, it will take some extra planning and yes, there will probably be a bridesmaid or two who "look terrible" in white, but an all-white wedding can be done and will quite probably be better remembered than most others.   For answers to most of your wedding etiquette questions, please visit HudsonValleyWeddings.com's Wedding Guide at http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/!index.htm

Including a Pet in Your Wedding

Including a Pet in Your Wedding

 

In keeping with the trend for couples to personalize their weddings, some bridal couples include their family pet. This decision should not be taken lightly and preparation is the key. Begin by checking with both your ceremony and reception venues to make certain that pets are allowed. If you're getting married in a house of worship, there's a strong possibility that they have no pets rule. Your reception venue may also disallow patents based on Board of Health regulations.

When and if you have gotten past this hurdle, next up is to be fair to yourself and to your pet you by taking into consideration several issues. We have all been privy to an adorable flower girl who freezes at the end of the isle and refuses to walk. The same thing can happen to your pet, who can become overwhelmed by the number of people around. If your pet is obedient, well-trained and comfortable around lots of people, you should be okay, but if your pet is a jumper or barker, including such a pet can be a mistake. Prepare a bag of treats, toys and comfort items. Then, do yourself a big favor and hire a professional pet sitter to keep an eye on your pet, so you can go about your business. If you're going to dress your pet in wedding "clothing," try them on for size and comfort well before the wedding. Last, but not least, keep in mind that glitches happen and including a pet makes the likelihood greater of things going wrong. Weigh that against your wish and against the comfort of your animal.

HudsonValleyWeddings.com Wedding Guide

Including a Pet in Your Wedding

In keeping with the trend for couples to personalize their weddings, some bridal couples include their family pet. This decision should not be taken lightly and preparation is the key. Begin by checking with both your ceremony and reception venues to make certain that pets are allowed. If you're getting married in a house of worship, there's a strong possibility that they have no pets rule. Your reception venue may also disallow patents based on Board of Health regulations.

When and if you have gotten past this hurdle, next up is to be fair to yourself and to your pet you by taking into consideration several issues. We have all been privy to an adorable flower girl who freezes at the end of the isle and refuses to walk. The same thing can happen to your pet, who can become overwhelmed by the number of people around. If your pet is obedient, well-trained and comfortable around lots of people, you should be okay, but if your pet is a jumper or barker, including such a pet can be a mistake. Prepare a bag of treats, toys and comfort items. Then, do yourself a big favor and hire a professional pet sitter to keep an eye on your pet, so you can go about your business. If you're going to dress your pet in wedding "clothing," try them on for size and comfort well before the wedding. Last, but not least, keep in mind that glitches happen and including a pet makes the likelihood greater of things going wrong. Weigh that against your wish and against the comfort of your animal.

Tips for Getting In and Out of the Limo or Car

No Small Details: Tips for Getting In and Out of the Limo or Car

There she is wearing the most expensive gown she is likely to buy in her lifetime. There it is . . . white, delicate, fragile, weighing in at thirty pounds or more, and, sporting a train that may be ten feet or longer. Add crinoline, tulle and lace and "top" it with more of the same in the form of a veil.
 

Now try getting out of a limousine or car in a ladylike fashion while keeping the gown and veil safe from harm. No easy task, but there are some tips which may help.

Make certain that someone is available where you embark and debark (i.e., get in and out). Have that someone open the door for you. Bunch up as much of the dress as possible, pushing as much of the skirt out in front of yourself. Have someone behind you, lift and hold your train. Make sure that whoever touches your gown is wearing clean, white gloves so that no oil or dirt will mar the gown.

When getting into the vehicle, stand as close to the car as possible (we will assume that the car is freshly washed), turn your back to the door and gently lower yourself onto the seat; feet on the street, while you bend at the waist to make room for your shoulders, head and body. Once you are comfortably in the vehicle, straighten out your upper body, and turn slowly, making sure the person holding your train moves with you. This will help to avoid tearing and/or wrinkling your gown. At one time and in one movement, try to bring your feet up and into the car. By this point, you should be sitting correctly.

Sit back and gather your skirt up onto your lap, leaving your train draped across your skirt and lap. This too will minimize winkles and "de-cease" the possibility that your high heels will catch your dress. You're done for a while, so sit back and relax. Allow everyone else to enter through the opposite door, while watching for oncoming traffic.

Maintain your position. You defeat your efforts if you move over or slide around. Keep your flowers next to you or on the seat across from you, never on your lap. Flowers may be wet.

When you get to your destination, instruct the driver to pull up tightly to the curb. Allow everyone else in the vehicle to get out before you. Ask someone to take your flowers, as they exit. Instruct someone to open the door and wait for you to hand that person your train. Start to exit the vehicle. Turn your feet and your body toward the curb. Put your feet on the ground or the curb and then, head first, followed by shoulders, "lift" yourself out of the car. Then you may let go of your dress, train and skirts. You and your gown have made it!

For information about selecting a limousine company for your wedding, visit HudsonValleyWeddings.com's Wedding Guide article at http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/transprt.htm