Wedding Planning Trends of 2009

by Lisa Nelson of Elegant Event Design

1. Minimalism – couples are starting to cut down and focus on areas that are most important to them. I advise all of my clients to forgo favors. Brides and Grooms do not see what’s left behind. In 99% of cases, the favors are left behind.

2. Green – Many couples are opting to go Green on a number of levels. Some, it cutting out many of the paper products and opting for recycled stationary, others are using sustainable products and serving only organic products. Some are greening only aspects of their weddings and others are greening the entire affair. Couples are increasingly becoming environmentally conscience.

3. Simplicity – Smaller, more intimate wedding parties are in.

4. The cut – The economy affects the wedding industry as well. Brides, Grooms, and parents are moving towards more intimate celebrations. Couples have also postponed or opted for smaller destination weddings. I had a mother of the Bride say to me “ We can afford the lavishly expensive wedding, but because the way the stock market is – that is not how I want to spend money right now”

5. Photojournalism – Not much to say here. As in recent years, couples are shying away from the traditional and opting for something more documentary in style. They are also moving away from the “picture in the frame” style Art Leather album to a modern Magazine type layout.

6. Socially responsible – couples are giving money to charity in lieu of favors. Often times, they choose a charity that is close to their hearts. They are also asking their caterers about the possibilities of packing up food and donating it to others in need. I have had a bride donate her flowers to a hospital. What better way to cheer up patients than a bouquet of perfect white callas!

7. Sophistication – The Bride is choosing a more simple and sophisticated look for her and her Bridesmaids.

8. Tradition – couples are shying away from tradition. They are writing their own vows, cutting out announcements, cutting out bridal party dances, opting not to have bouquet and garter tosses. They really concentrate on making the event reflect them and their personalities.

9. Using friends and family – UGH, I would really advise you not to do this. There is a reason why there are professionals in this industry. I have seen a wedding cake drop to the floor. It’s really not the way to save money.

Happy New Year!!!

Happy Holidays!

Tightening Up

-by Lyrik08

With gas prices iffy and the cost of food rising, are your daily finances affecting your wedding finances? How do you plan on paying for your wedding costs when everything around you seems so expensive?

Read some tips on how you should (and shouldn't!) finance your wedding on TheStreet.com. Also click HERE and HERE to find out how other brides are funding their weddings.

Should You Pipe Down About Your Wedding At Work?

Yep, some etiquette experts say some brides-to-be need to "button it up". According to THIS article on ABCNews.com, brides-to-be should be careful about engaging in too much wedding talk in the office. Apparently, some women are accused of blabbing about the details without considering whether they can invite everyone.

In the end, some co-workers are left bitter. What do you think? Do you know someone who constantly talked about their wedding plans around peole they couldn't invite? Maybe you were that person? Give us your point of view in our comments section.

Bonny Bridal Gowns

We are taking a look at some of the newest wedding dresses and we're happy to report that many mainstream companies are making lovely gowns in plus sizes.
Bonny dresses are in wedding boutiques and online wedding stores around the country. It's no surprise that this company jumped on the trend very early and is now showing off some fresh, modern silhouettes.



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Yahoo's Ranking of First Dance Songs

We were wondering which songs were popular for first dances at weddings and found a ranking by Yahoo called Most Popular Wedding Songs for the First Dance. Some of the selections are no-brainers. But some of the others, are... I mean, is "On Bended Knee" by Boyz II Men really a wedding song? As I recall the lyrics are something like:

Darlin’ I can’t explain
Where did we lose our way
Girl it’s drivin’ me insane
And I know I just need one more chance
To prove my love to you
If you come back to me
I’ll gurantee
That I’ll never let you go


Chorus:
Can we go back to the days when our love was strong
Can you tell me how a perfect love goes wrong
Can somebody tell me how to get things back
They way they use to be
Oh God give me a reason
I’m down on bended knee
I’ll never walk again until you come back to me
I’m down on bended knee


But don't mind us. Take a look at the list and tell us what you think. You'll find the top list HERE along with links to the songs themselves. Enjoy!