A WEDDING PLANNER’S EXPERT TIPS FOR STYLING A CHRISTMAS WEDDING

Styling a Christmas wedding can be tricky.

Do you go all out with fir trees, stockings, and a life-sized Santa Claus in the photo booth? Or do you play it down with rustic touches or an entirely white theme?

To help us on our quest for classy Christmassy wedding decor, we consulted the experts.

And if anyone knows a thing or two about throwing a chic festive soiree, it’s top luxury wedding planners, Collection 26.

Photo by JLB Wedding

COLLECTION 26’S CHIC TIPS FOR A CHRISTMAS WEDDING

A wedding in the winter months allows you to add an extra bit of sparkle and opulence to your big day.

Incorporate sumptuously rich colors, luxurious textures and enchanting lighting to your décor preparations for a show-stopping celebration.

Follow our expert tips to find out how…

RADIANT ORCHID

Photo via Hotel Banquet

Choosing the colour scheme for your wedding is one of the most important elements to consider as it will directly affect the mood and atmosphere you are trying to create.

For those unafraid of a bold statement, Radiant Orchid is a sensational shade to incorporate into your décor.

Named as Pantone’s Colour of 2014, it’s a fresh alternative to the seasonal reds and greens we are so used to seeing this time of year.

Photo by Katelyn James Photography via Bridal Musings

Luxurious silk drapery in this gorgeous pinkish – purple hue will enhance and add drama to your ceremony entrance as well as set a warm welcoming tone.

Magenta LED up-lighters and colour filters will add a dramatic splash of colour to dark corners and highlight venue features.

The exotic shade looks stunning when it is incorporated into floral arrangements. Orchids themselves are a wonderful option for winter as they are in- season and readily available. Working wonderfully as both a subtle tone to accent neutral bouquets, or as a bold, vibrant centrepiece in itself, this colour is a magnificent choice for your winter wedding.

WARM TREATS

Photo via Upcycled Treasures

Nothing says winter more than cocoa, butterscotch and egg nog. Our event designers love to incorporate hot drinks bars into their catering designs for the ultimate festive touch.

Perfect for adding an interactive element to the reception space, guests are free to help themselves to delicious toppings such as marshmallows, caramel and whipped cream.

Use an eclectic mix of vintage crystal jars for the toppings and chic espresso glasses to serve the drinks.

DECADENT FEASTS

Photo by Jaque Lynn Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

Couples are increasingly favoring informal style dining concepts, with sharing dishes and buffet tables for a more relaxed feel.

Create an enticing display of dishes using an assortment of textures such as oak slabs and pair with contemporary metal plates and antique glassware.

We love the use of vintage French wine boxes as cake stands, which create a chic, rustic look.

Add a seasonal touch and dash of colour by filling spaces between dishes with deep green ivy garlands. Accent with vibrant red cranberries for a show stopping winter feast like no other.

ENCHANTING LIGHTS

Photo by Gina & Ryan Photography via Style Me Pretty

As wedding planners, we love to inject texture and depth to our creative designs. In the winter season, we introduce foliage and wood to our decorative arrangements as they add a perfect seasonal touch.

The combination of lighting and foliage is ideal for creating an eye catching, yet ambient atmosphere.

Entwine holly stems around cast iron candelabras and wrap bannisters with ivy and fairy lights to achieve a cohesive winter look throughout your venue.

You could go as far as to install an entire twig ceiling with hanging filament light bulbs for an enchanted, winter forest look, a wedding décor feature we are sure to see more of next year.

(idress.co.nz)

Photo by Leo Patrone via Once Wed

Such gorgeous ideas – don’t you think? I love the idea of foliage and candles – so elegant and effortless.

Thanks so much for Collection 26 for sharing their expert tips, take a look at their website for even more inspired ideas.

Crop Tops & Something Blue: It’s The 10 Hot Trends From Bridal Fashion Week!

If you’re planning a wedding for 2015 this is your first look at the gowns hitting stores at the end of summer. Come August, the stores will be full of floaty frocks and structured satin, in which to waft through your snow-capped nuptials. Whilst classicism pulses through the veins of most bridal gowns and trends (white may never lose favour), designers have turned their attentions to the fashionable and adventurous bride too.

Olivia Palermo set the tone for separates back in the summer in her tuille skirt and cashmere sweater combo for her Manhattan wedding and trousers, crop-tops and shades of blue all made appearances. There’s a new take on lace, and necklines have plunged and risen simultaneously. Without a cupcake dress in sight, the contemporary bride is an altogether cooler entity. Most notably is the rise of the luxe hippie; the modern boho ‘Reformation’ look that took summer by storm and continues to weave into the winter months has made a play for the Bridal market… and we’re a little bit in love.

Here we break down the 10 bridal trends that you need to know:

View More Wedding Dresses : http://www.cmdress.co.nz/wedding-dresses

1. 1920s

Fringed tiers, antique beading and flapper frocks all make for an elegant gown for a vintage fan. Whilst you can definitely find an antique dress from this era, the new season simply nods to the ’20s details but they’re wrapped-up in a sleek, fresh silhouette – no fussy embroidery allowed. Silver beading is extra festive too.

From left: Theia, Naem Khan, Reem Acra Spring 2015 – Getty 

You can buy the dress from cmdress.co.nz/wedding-dresses

2. Crop Topping

It was only a matter of time until the midriff worked its way onto the bridal circuit. As with the current street style trend, the key is to keep that flash of flesh slim and high. A high-waist skirt is essential.

From left: Reem Acra, Theia (middle and right); Autumn 2015 – Getty

3. Rich Hippie

Take a Juliet balcony gown and add a dash of Woodstock and you have the new hippie bride vibe. This isn’t a slouchy look though, it’s soft and luxurious. Whispy braids are optional but oh-so pretty.

From left: Claire Pettibone (far left and far right), Delphine Manivet (middle left and middle right); Autumn 2015 – Getty

4. Miss Havisham

Victoriana lace has been huge on the bridal scene for, umm, ever. But since K-middy’s white lace shoulders graced Westminster Abbey, the antique fabric has been on every other wedding dress around. The way to wear it now? Heavily laden and somewhat gothic a la Miss Havisham. Dripping candelabras are a must.

From left: Badgley Mischka, Marchesa, Temperley, Monique Lhuillier; Autumn 2015 – Getty

5. Off-the-Shoulder

The ’70s is having a major moment on the catwalks and beyond. And no less so than at New York’s Bridal fashion week. This off-the-shoulder look is by no means slouchy – minimal and louche, it’s impossibly elegant. Sign us up.

From left: Houghton, Delphine Manivet, Dennis Basso; Autumn 2015 – Getty

6. Overlay

Jackets and boleros have been a bridal go-to for many years. The new cover-up is the overlay – a layer of chiffon, lace, or simply an organza veil worn as a wrap. It’ll stop you feeling too bare on a chilly day, whilst adding a soft, diaphonous haze.

From left: Reem Acra, Angel Sanchez, Theia, Monique Lhuillier; Autumn 2015 – Getty

7. Separates

Be a rule-breaker and wear two pieces on your wedding day. Opt for a simple tee a la Olivia Palermo, an A-line skirt or go Bianca Jagger in a pair of trousers (the flare isn’t going any where – get involved).

From left: Houghton, Monique Lhuillier, Naem Khan; Autumn 2015 – Getty

8. Sleeve

Slim or billowing, the lace sleeve is elegant and hides a multitude of sins. It’s the bride’s best friend.

From left: Monique Lhuillier, Claire Pettibone, Badgley Mischka; Autumn 2015 – Getty

9. Something Blue

Something old, something new, something borrowed… forget the garter, choose head-to-toe forget-me-not for your something blue. Winter pastels are something of a modern classic now you know.

From left: Houghton, Theia; Autumn 2015 – Getty

10. Star Wars Princess

The comicon bride will enjoy a cloak on her wedding day –

From left: Delphine Manivet, Temperley, Theia; Autumn 2015 – Getty

View More Wedding Dresses : http://www.cmdress.co.nz/wedding-dresses

Tips For A Successful Outdoor Wedding Ceremony

 

If you will be married soon, you probably have many questions about planning a wedding. It is going to be a fun and exciting time for you, so you don’t want to end up stressing out at every turn along the way. That is where the article ahead can help. There are lots of tips to help you avoid major stress.

The wedding dress may be a major expense. Perhaps you could look at dresses not considered as wedding dresses. You should check out the selection of bridesmaid dresses at the bridal store. One could fit your style at only a fraction of the cost. Besides, you can have a dress altered and still likely spend less than you would have on a wedding dress.

You’re going to look at the pictures from your wedding for many years to come, so make sure that you get good quality photos taken. Be certain to hire the best photographer you can to get a clear and touching record of your special day.

DO not select a dress that requires you to go on a starvation diet. You can dehydrate and get dizzy by rushing weight loss. The last thing you will want to do is faint. A good idea is to get a dress that has a corset back; this way, you can keep it on or take it off on your wedding day.

If the bride has sensitive skin she can find excellent ways to take the stress out of their lives so they don’t end up with facial irritation by adopting a good skincare routine. You can use sea salts and other all-natural soothing scrubs and skin care products for a brighter complexion.

You can rent jewelery and diamonds if you wish to look at your best but cannot afford to. This will allow you to look stunning without actually having to invest in the diamonds.

Full length mirrors are great for practicing the “aisle-walk.” If you will be wearing heels, this is even more crucial. If you’re worried that you will twist your ankle, you can wear flats instead. Wouldn’t you rather have mediocre-looking footwear than wearing something that could cause harm?

Instead of spending a fortune on a wedding cake, get a bunch of mini-tarts or cupcakes. Many people like these sorts of arrangements because they are convenient, versatile and affordable. Guests can take home wonderful treats as they depart.

When you choose to invite family members to join you at your destination wedding, ask them if they would like to stay for the honeymoon, as well! This saves people money based on hotel discounts for guests that stay longer, and it also helps maximize the fun. This helps make your wedding experience more memorable for everyone!

You don’t want to have your guests waiting as you have your wedding photos taken. You should take wedding pictures beforehand. Pictures with the couples respective parents should also be taken in advance to cut down on wait time for the guests arriving at the reception.

Now that you know the many things to do and the many things not to do when planning the perfect wedding, you can go ahead and plan it without losing your mind. Enjoy this time and plan the wedding of a lifetime.

Tips For Finding Wedding Gowns At A Discount

 

This article contains a number of tips that will help to ensure that your wedding planning goes smoothly and you have a wonderful, unforgettable wedding day.

Bear in mind the cost of the alcohol that you will be serving at your wedding, and try to find one that is cost efficient. For example, an open bar can cost you an arm and a leg, especially if it’s open throughout your reception. With only a quick question, your venue should be able to provide you with their alcohol serving options.

Try for a date that is not in the middle of wedding season. That may means having a wedding in a less popular month or on a weekday, but the savings can be significant. You can expect to pay more if you schedule your wedding during this time. If it is imperative that your wedding be at this time, be sure to make your reservations far ahead of the date.

When you are planning on who will be giving the speeches at the wedding, have them rehearse the material before you so that you can make sure everything is appropriate. For example, you would want to eliminate any jokes that apply to a very specific group within your guests in order to avoid anyone feeling excluded and to make sure the speech is well-received by all who attend your wedding.

Incorporate small decorative elements into all your wedding decorations. For example, the bow in your hair can be the same as those used in the floral arrangements on the tables. These tiny details will give guests an idea of how hard you have worked to create a dream wedding.

Try talking to local and specialty boutiques and bakeries about individual-sized portion cakes if you don’t want a fatty and expensive cake. Many bakeries will offer healthier options, such as 100-calorie cupcakes, fruit fillings, meringue toppings, or gluten-free ingredients.

Craigslist is a good place to look when you want to locate someone local to assist you with a wedding. Prior to giving them a dime, meet them personally, but have your groom along for safety.

If you are giving a speech at a wedding, plan ahead and rehearse it several times. Being well prepared will help you to not freeze up, or babble on nervously, and will help you give a thoughtful and well spoken speech that you can be confident about.

Instead, you could place candles (non-scented) on the table tops to add a romantic feel to the reception.

When planning your destination wedding, be mindful of all your guests as well as their travel plans. It may be that guests will already have vacations booked for the days, and they need lead time to accommodate your day. Send out invitations 8 months beforehand.

If you are going to be giving a wedding speech, make sure that you practice and plan appropriately. Being well prepared will help you to not freeze up, or babble on nervously, and will help you give a thoughtful and well spoken speech that you can be confident about.

A fun idea is to invite your family and friends on a cruise for your wedding. The wedding itself will almost feel like the honeymoon. Many cruise companies have special deals for wedding and honeymooning couples.

As previously mentioned, the day you get married is a momentous occasion in your life.

Make Sure You Have The Perfect Wedding With These Tips

 

Your wedding is important, and planning it is a challenge. There are a lot of things that must work smoothly together to make your day work. You have a lot on your plate, so figuring everything out may be difficult. For this reason, it can be a very smart move to hire a wedding planner. You will receive great help in this article.

Practice how you’re going to walk the aisle a lot before your wedding date arrives. Try to do this on location to ensure accuracy. This allows you to have confidence in every step on the big day.

Wedding dresses can be very expensive. Perhaps you could look at dresses not considered as wedding dresses. For example, a bridesmaid dress is typically much less expensive and may be just what you’re looking for. Even if the dress needs alterations, it could still be cheaper than an actual wedding dress.

Choose wedding decorations that reflect your personality and that of your partner. Your decorations should also help tell the story of your relationship with the person. Pick a wedding theme that tells the story of your relationship.

If you want to save money on a cake, consider cupcakes or mini-tarts. Such ideas are great for their affordability, adaptability and ease of use. Guests can take home wonderful treats as they depart.

Really consider your vows, as this is one of the central parts of a wedding ceremony. Keep in mind the magnitude of the commitment that you are pledging and how each of you will be making sacrifices during your marriage. Express your love in your vows.

When choosing a makeup artist, look at their past work. Are you impressed with their style? Make sure it’s to your liking. Don’t be one of those people who is stuck with makeup they don’t like an hour before they walk down the aisle.

Craigslist is a good place to look when you want to locate someone local to assist you with a wedding. Prior to giving them a dime, meet them personally, but have your groom along for safety.

Craigslist is a good place to check out local talent to assist with your wedding. Be sure you meet up with them in person, safely, before you pay them any money.

Once you have your dress paid off and all ready, it is wise to leave it at the store so it can be properly stored until the big day. It can get damaged or wrinkled while hanging in your closet. If the bridal shop holds it, you will have a clean, pressed dress for your ceremony.

If you want to have multiple courses during your meal, give them some sweets and appetizers on every table to keep them busy as serving takes place. Get sugar roses in colors that match your theme, or perhaps some crisp crackers.

Now that you’ve come to the end of this article, you’ve learned some principles you can take to heart and use to produce the perfect wedding. These handpicked tips will take much of the stress and hassle out of designing a momentous and highly memorable wedding experience for the bride and groom.

Tips For Planning The Perfect Wedding Day

 

How is it possible to make your wedding day extra special within a minimal budget? This article has some great tips to save money and have a great wedding.

You can save a lot of money by purchasing your wedding gown online. However, remember to give yourself plenty of time for alterations. Keep in mind that sometimes the alterations will cost more than the gown itself. Be sure to include the potential alterations cost into your budget.

Ethnic catering can give your reception that extra spice your guests crave. Too many people serve up chicken and steak, so go against the grain and spice things up. Be certain you make the dinner at your wedding memorable; after all, it’s your big day!

Use decorative items for every part of your wedding theme. Try using ribbons on the bouquet that go with those on the centerpieces, or try adding them to your gown or your hair. It’s the little details which will make your wedding look superior as it shows you’ve put a real effort into make it your perfect day.

Flowers look beautiful as centerpieces on the dinner tables, but don’t overdo it. Frequently, these flowers are a nuisance to your guests, since they get in the way. Additionally, many people are allergic to flowers. To give the tables a romantic look, consider using non-scented candles as a centerpiece.

When choosing a venue for the reception, be sure to account for enough space to dance. You want to have ample room for everyone to get down, so if the dance floor of your favorite venue is lacking at least make sure that you can add some size by moving nearby tables and chairs.

Check your wedding venue to emsure that there will be enough room for a dance floor. You want room for people to move freely as they dance. Move furniture if necessary to make room for exuberant dancing.

Perhaps enlist the help of a friend to help you to carry all your camera gear around. They can help you with other stuff, like gathering the family for group shots, also.

Plan an itinerary and post it online. Share this with your guests, so they are aware of what is happening when. Include relevant information about the rehearsal dinner, reception and so on, so that each person knows where to be.

If it possible for you to afford it, consider having your wedding on a cruise and invite only your closest family and friends. By doing this, you can be on your honeymoon as soon as the ceremony ends. Some cruises have specific rates for couples who get married and honeymoon on their ship.

If you wish to have a wedding cake that stands out and is a focal point in your reception, you may want to consider a matching piece of fabric. You can use solids, patters, silk, velvet or satin to tie the elements all together.

Don’t feel overwhelmed by the options available to you, instead let the tips in this article guide you and make your life easier. The information you found here will help you to keep a level head and focus on the most important things so your wedding will be exactly what you want it to be.