Trends in Color for 2011

All indications are that this year, wedding colors are bright and bold!  I’ve been doing some research, and these are the colors that keep popping up over and over:

Teal - looks great not only with a beach theme, but also with silver and coral.

  Bright Yellow - it's a happy color, and it looks great paired with brown or light green.



 Rich shades of purple accented with pinks and grays are very traditional yet fresh and modern.

Corals are taking a front row when it comes to wedding colors!  Add some browns or teal if you're daring!

Chartruse - a softer lime green - looks wonderful when paired with

plum, brown, gray or teal.



Keep in mind, however, that trends are just that - trends.  The key is to choose a color that you love.  Something that is all the rage today may just looks plain silly 25 years from now.  For example, brides in the 80's chose bridesmaids dresses that had huge sleeves, and were dripping with fake pearls.  Beautiful then, but now...not so much.  So don't choose a color just because a magazine or a blog says it's the color of the moment.  It's your wedding.  It should be all about your favorites!

Rock Idols at your Reception - for a price!

Do you really want a reception that people will be talking about for a long time?  Is the sky the limit as far as what you can spend?  Well, one way to do that is to hire a professional entertainer that your guests won’t soon forget.

According to booking agency Celebrity Direct, some famous entertainers are available to perform at weddings – for a price.  Here’s a look at what you can expect to pay if you’d like these stars to play your reception:

$1 million+ : Jay-Z, Mariah Carey, Elton John

$500,000+ : Black Eyed Peas, John Mayer, Alicia Keys

$250,000+ : Sheryl Crow, Michael Buble, Tony Bennett

$100,000 or less: Gloria Gaynor, Hanson, KC & The Sunshine Band

$25,000 or less:  DJ Pauley D, Kim Zolciak, Kris Allen

So if you're dreaming of having your first dance as a married couple to Mariah Carey's hit "Dream Lover" and you want her there to sing it, you probably better plan on a  really, really large wedding budget! 

-adapted from Bride's magazine, March, 2011

More Do's and Don'ts...

Here's a few more do's and don'ts...good things to keep in mind when you're planning your wedding!

DON'T forget to consider black and white photos.  They are classic and classy.

DO spend some time working on your makeup.  You don't want to look overly done, but camera flashes can be harsh, so it's important to wear some makeup.

DON'T forget to send an invitation to the officiant and your wedding party.

DO remember to return rental items undamaged and on time.

DON'T dismiss the idea of preserving your wedding gown.  You may want to give it to your daughter or granddaughter, and you'll want it to be in good condition if you do.

DO consider having two bouquets - one to keep and one to throw.

DON'T seat divorced parents at the same table.  Let them each host their own table to avoid uncomfortable situations.

DO store your wedding photos, videos, and mementos from your wedding day carefully.

DON'T go over three minutes when delivering the toast.

DO be on time for the ceremony - don't make your guests wait!!

DON'T decide to tan a few days before the wedding.  If you really want that tanned look, consider a spray tan or lotion.  You don't want to look like a lobster or be uncomfortable on the big day!

DO force yourself to stop a couple of times during the ceremony and take it all in.  This is what you have worked and planned for - enjoy yourself!

Your Mother-In-Law

Oh, boy, there she is - your fiance's mother.  She seems to come in two types: generous and kind, or bossy and demanding.  Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are dealing with your mother-in-law to be:


First, remember that your actions, and hers, are going to set the tone for your relationship for the rest of your lives.  It's true - if you marry her son, she will always be a part of your life, like it or not.  So it's in everyone's best interests for you to get along. 
     When you marry a man, you get his family, too.  Maybe you love his mother but dislike his aunt.  Well, you get her, too.  A marriage really is the joining of two families.  I was reminded of this recently when all the women in the family got together for a 50th birthday party, complete with ugly sweaters (for fun!) and bingo (for even more fun!).  One of the guests was my aunt's sister-in-law.  She's not blood related, but she's part of the family now, and we treat her as such.
     I think it's important to keep in mind that your mother-in-law is just as important as your mother.  Her son is getting married, and she'd most likely want to be part of the day, so think of ways that you can include her - ask her opinion on something like cake or flowers; ask her to attend one of your gown fittings; ask if you can include something from her wedding in yours - for example, carry one of her handkerchiefs or use her cake knife.  Include her in your bridal showers.  Keep her in the wedding loop.

     If she is pushy and insists on you doing or having things you don't want, be gentle in your rebuttal.  Thank her for her ideas or offers, but be kind and polite as you turn her down.  A good rule of thumb is to "blow sunshine up her skirt" before you turn something down.  For example, she offers her hideous, 1980's veil for you to use.  Gently say something like "Gosh, I'm so flattered that you would offer something so precious to you, but I think I've decided on a veil that really compliments my dress.".

So, keeping in mind that your mother-in-law will probably be your children's grandmother, that she is  very important to your finance, and that she'll be a big part of your life, treat her with respect, grace and gentleness and you'll have a stronger marriage for it.

Feeling stressed planning your wedding?  Looking for someone to handle the details on the big day?  Or just want someone there during the ceremony to make sure things run smooth?  I can help!  Contact me through this blog comments, via phone or text at 513.407.7165 or e-mail me at innobrations@yahoo.com. 

Also, I do more than plan weddings - check out my website at www.innobrations.com!

Wedding Traditions, Part Two

Diamond Engagement Rings
In medieval times, the groom would most often pay for the bride's hand in marriage. Precious stones were often included in this payment as a symbol of his intent to marry. While this practice eventually stopped, the gift of the precious stone as a symbol of intent remains today.

The Ring Finger
All wedding and engagement rings are worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. The vein in this finger was once believed (by ancient Romans) to go directly to the heart. Medieval bridegrooms placed the ring on three of the bride's fingers, in turn, to symbolize, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit (thought of as God the Mother or Goddess). The ring then remained on the third finger and has become the customary ring finger for English-speaking cultures. In some European countries, the ring is worn on the left hand before marriage, and is moved to the right hand during the ceremony. However, in most European countries the ring is still worn on the bride's left hand. A Greek Orthodox bride wears her ring on her left had before marriage, and moves it to her right hand after the ceremony.

Wedding Rings
In ancient times, when life was much harder and oftentimes shorter, husbands practiced a superstitious ritual to ensure their wives' spirits wouldn't leave too soon. The husband would wrap the bride's ankles and wrists with ropes of grass believing this would keep her spirit within her. Over the years, as religious beliefs evolved, the meaning (and material) of the bonds evolved as well. Today, brides thankfully don't bind their wrists and ankles, only their ring fingers, and grooms have adopted the practice as well. The grass gave way first to leather, then stone, then metal, and finally to gold and silver. Today, the rings symbolize the love and bond between husband and wife.

Planning a wedding 50 years ago: 1961 vs. 2011

A few months ago, I bought a few vintage bridal magazines.  They are so interesting - the dresses, the colors, the articles.  I have The Brides Magazine from 1961 and 1962.  The magazines have very few articles, but lots of pictures - in black and white.  It seems that there are just as many pictures of china and silverware patterns as gowns!

Today, a bride usually begins planning her wedding around a year before the big day.  Most of the timelines that you find in bridal magazines begin twelve months out.  Not in 1961 - weddings were planned in three months!  Here's what Bride's Magazine recommended in Spring, 1962:

Three months before:
     - Decide the type of wedding: formal or informal.
     - Choose the church.
     - Make arrangements with catering and music.
     - Order wedding dress, attendant's and mother's dresses.
     - Decide on colors and furnishings for your new home. 
            (I guess this was very important!)
Two months before:
     - Determine budget for trousseau, clothes and linens. 
            (A "trousseau"  is an outfit for the bride.)
      - Start guest list.
     - Choose silver and china patterns, and glassware design.
            (Not even a big consideration now!)
One month before:
     - Mail invitations. 
            (Now, we mail them two months ahead!)
     - Have showers.
     - Check on costumes for bridal party.  (Costumes?  Really?)
     - Have photographer on hand for final bridal gown fitting.
     - Order cake in little white boxes.  (Why?  I don't really know!)
     - Decide on menu for wedding breakfast. 
            (What is a wedding breakfast?)

One week before:
     - Have luncheon for bridal party.
     - Make sure gifts are perfectly              displayed. 
           (Yes, you had to display the gifts!)

     - Get some rest and a couple of beauty treatments.

     - Pack for honeymoon, uncrushables first. (I'm not sure what "uncrushables" are!)

This timeline wouldn't work now.  There's no mention of limos, favors, reply cards, save the date cards, or flowers.  A modern wedding involves so many more details!  A wedding planner can help you if you need help planning your big day - contact me if you're feeling overwhelmed!

Some Wedding Do's and Don'ts

The weather is beautiful and spring-like today - this kind of weather means that soon it will be wedding season.  If you were engaged recently, congratulations!  If you're planning a wedding and you're feeling overwhelmed or don't know where to start, contact me at www.innobrations.com, or call or text me at 513-407-7165.  I can be there to help you plan the entire wedding, be there on the big day to make things run smoothly, or anything in between!

Wedding Do's and Don'ts...the first round....

DO remember your guests with small children.  Consider providing childcare at your reception so guests with young children can enjoy the celebration without worrying about their kids!

DO contact the church or synagogue where you will be having your ceremony and ask about rules or guidelines concerning music. 

DON'T forget to involve step-parents in your ceremony in some way, perhaps a reading during the ceremony or an invocation during dinner.

DON'T forget to pamper yourself.  It reduces stress and makes you feel relaxed and beautiful.

DO remember when shopping for a gown, be realistic about your expectations for losing weight.  A gown can be taken in; rarely is there enough seam fabric for it to be taken out, and there also could be stitch holes visible.

DO consider table visits during your reception.  It is a grand display of appreciation and respect when the bride and groom spend a few moments with their guests at their tables.

DON'T forget that the best way to let people know that you have registered for gifts is through friends and family.   While it's impolite to include this in wedding invitations, it is acceptable for the hostess to include it on shower invitations.

DON'T forget about the vegetarians on your guest list.  Fortunately, it's easy to accomodate virtually all dining preferences and restrictions with a little planning!

I'll visit this topic again soon - with more Do's and Don'ts!

Valentine's Day

I wondered about Valentine's Day weddings and engagements.  Do more people get engaged on this most romantic of days?  Below is an article that I found online and interesting enough to share!

It's estimated that 2.2 million couples get married each year. That stat came from a 2006 Census Bureau report, but they didn't have any specific break down about percentage of engagements that take place on Valentine's Day.  One site that credited the Diamond Information Center with publishing a stat that approximately 10% of marriage proposals will happen on Valentine's Day. Valentine's Day is one of the most popular days to get engaged, but so is Christmas (figured that), Thanksgiving (surprise), New Year's Eve, and the bride-to-be's birthday.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the most popular gift given to celebrate Valentine's Day is greeting cards. (65%.)

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the gift used least to celebrate Valentine's Day is jewelry. (Only 11%.)

The United States isn't the only country to celebrate Valentine's Day. So does Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and Australia.

The first Valentine thought to ever be written dates back to 1415 when Charles, the Duke of Orleans, who was imprisoned in the Tower of London, sent a love letter to his wife. It even still exists. (As part of the British Library's collection.)

About 40% of the 180 million Valentine's cards purchased will be done so by parents.

It's estimated 15% of women will send themselves flowers on Valentine's Day.

Getting Hitched without too many Hitches!

After the big question has been popped, you've said "YES!", and you've announced it to everyone, reality steps in and you realize...you've got a wedding to plan.

It's a big undertaking with a lot of details.  Modern weddings are very different from 100 years ago (when they often married at the bride's home), 50 years ago (when the reception was usually cake and punch only), and even 30 years ago (a buffet at a rented hall).  Every bride dreams of the "perfect" day, but that is really just a dream.  With so many details, there's bound to be some things that go wrong, so in order to enjoy your day to the fullest, here's some tips on how to handle the enevitable hitches:

 ~ Don't wait until the last minute.  Planning is the key to a smooth-running day.  This includes both the major things, like booking the ceremony and reception venues, and the small things, like purchasing your shoes.
~  Remember that things WILL go wrong.  When they do, try not to get overly upset; look at your options, and go with the one that will work the best.
~ People aren't perfect.  Making sure that the major players (family, wedding party, etc.) are kept "in the loop" helps to avoid miscommunications, and those can lead to stressful situations.
~ Be prepared for a million questions. Everyone wants to do what you want for your day, so when everyone is asking you what you want to do in EVERY situation, take a deep breath, and appreciate what they are trying to do.
~ Keep your eye on the prize.  At the end of the day, you'll be married to the man you love.  It doesn't matter if your bride's bouquet was the ugliest one you've ever seen.  (I thought my bouquet was really ugly, but it doesn't even matter 26 years later!) 

It's hard when things don't go the way you expected or you want.  But if you can bend and twist like a tree in a storm, when it passes you'll still be beautiful and standing tall!

Wedding Traditions, Part 1

Most brides follow traditions when they marry.  Some are family traditions, some are just traditions.  Do we even know what they mean?  I sure didn't, so I did some research.  There's just too much for one blog entry, so I'll be throwing them in every so often. 

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.This good luck saying dates back to Victorian times and many brides try to arrange their wedding attire accordingly. Something old represents the link with the bride's family and the past. Many brides choose to wear a piece of antique family jewelry or a mother's or grandmother's wedding gown. Something new represents good fortune and success in the bride's new life. The wedding gown is often chosen as the new item. Something borrowed is to remind the bride that friends and family will be there for her when help is needed. The borrowed object might be something such as a lace handkerchief. Something blue is the symbol of faithfulness and loyalty. Often the blue item is the garter. A silver sixpence in her shoe is to wish the bride wealth.

Thank You Notes - So Important!

Thank You notes.  I can hear a collective groan from all the brides out there.  Yep, they are a pain.  But they are definitely necessary!

If it's important to mail an invitation to a guest, then it is twice as important to send them a hand-written, sincere thank you note by mail.  When you don't send thank you notes in a timely manner, folks get upset.  And with good reason.

Let's look at a wedding from a guest's perspective:
First, as your wedding guest, I take valuable time out of a weekend day to attend your wedding.  I've taken the time to dress nicely, shop for a gift and a card.  I've taken the time to wrap the gift.  I show up to the wedding early.  I go to the reception, and wait for you to arrive.  I have a great time at the reception, enjoy the food, music and company.  I get home too late to really get any chores or errands finished.  And I live in your city - it's much more than that for out-of-town guests.

The cost of attending a wedding is mostly the cost of a gift.  This does not include clothing or fuel.  Of course, the cost goes way up if a guest travels from out of town - then you can add in lodging, food and other travel expenses.  Destination weddings require most (if not all) of the guests to incur travel expenses.

In light of all that, it's easy to see why guests get upset if they haven't recieved a thank you note from the bride and groom!  Often, out-of-towners send gifts through the mail, and they don't know if the bride received them if they don't get a note.  Most of the time, the bride and groom often open the gifts after the wedding, and the guests wonder if their gift made it that far.  When a guest gives cash as a gift, they also wonder if that card got lost or misplaced.

So, brides out there, here are a few guidlines for thank you notes:
1.  They MUST be handwritten and sent in the mail by the postal service.  Do NOT send an e-mail, or worse yet, a text.  Spend the money for stamps - it's important.
2.  They MUST include a mention of the actual gift and how you intend to use it.  For example, "Thank you so much for the blanket.  I love the color and it will sure keep us warm on those cold winter nights!"
3.  They MUST be mailed within TWO months of the wedding. 
4.  Send thank-you notes as soon as you recieve a gift before your wedding.  Once you send invitations, gifts often start arriving in the mail.  Getting those notes out promptly saves you from forgetting someone later, and also lets the folks who sent them know that you received the gift and appreciate it.
5.  Order your thank you notes when you order your invitations.  That way, you'll have them when you need them.
6.  Be grateful for every single gift, even if you hate it or don't know what it is!  Someone important enough to be invited to your wedding took their time to choose it because they care about you and your groom.  Who cares if you find it horrible?  You don't have to display every gift. 

So remember:  a bride with class and grace who is a wise woman will make sure her thank you notes are a fabulous as her wedding and her gown!

What's Hot In 2011?

According to the January/February issue of Bride's Guide magazine, there are a bunch of things that are going to top the trends this year:

~Vintage looks are chic.  Decorate your reception with crystals,      wallpaper, and blue. 

~Table numbers are out.  Use illustrations or names inspired by your story.

~Peonies and anemones are flowers that evoke tradition and romance.  Cherry blossoms in the spring are lovely, too.

~Tradition is in.  Look at old photos of your mother and grandmother and consider recreating their bouquets.

~In food, the trends are leaning toward whimsical hors d'oeuvres, such as shot-sized Bloody Marys with a grilled shrimp and a cucumber wedge on the side.

~ Cooking stations are on their way out.  It's difficult for people to wander around and balance plates.

~Cakes are sparkling with sugar grains that resemble diamonds.

~Cake toppers are making their appearances again.

It seems that "vintage" and "traditional" are the words this season.  Go ahead and be sentimental...carry your grandmother's handkerchief, copy your mom's flowers, wear your aunt's pearl necklace.  And don't forget your mother-in-law to be!  Including something from her wedding makes her feel included, and could set the tone of your relationship for years to come.

If you want some fabulous ideas, just give me a call, e-mail or text.  I can help you make your wedding day something unique that you'll remember forever!

"Will You Be In My Wedding?!"

You're engaged!  He proposed, you've got a ring on your finger, and now all you can think about is your wedding.  You have about a million friends...how do you choose your bridal party?

Most girls already have decided who they want in their wedding before they even get a ring or the proposal.  When most people are asked if they want to "be in my wedding" they are thrilled and respond with an enthusiastic "YES!"  But despite the excitement, there are some things to consider when you choose a your attendants. 

First, being a bridesmaid or groomsman is a job that requires responsibility.  Your attendants will need to be there for the rehearsal, rehearsal dinner and the day of the wedding.  Often, bridesmaids will be invited to bridal showers, luncheons, and other wedding-related events.  They will need to help shop for their gowns, and that includes trying on different dresses, ordering them, and fittings.  As you can see, it takes a lot of commitment!  You'll want to think about which of your friends is reliable and would be willing to be where you need her to be - on time.

Also, there is a pretty big financial commitment, too. Bridesmaids are expected to buy their gowns and shoes; they often pay to get their hair and nails done the day of the wedding.  They purchase wedding gifts and shower gifts.  The same goes for the groomsmen and ushers: they rent a tuxedo, attend a bachelor party, and purchase wedding gifts.  And then there are additional costs if your attendants have to travel for your wedding.


So, when you ask someone to be in your wedding, it's a good idea to gently ask them if they are able to afford it - for example, "I'd love you to be a bridesmaid, but I want to make sure you can afford to buy a gown and shoes.  It's okay if you can't!".  Sometimes, attendants back out at the last minute because of money or time, and this can really mess up a bride's plans!  There are options if there is someone you just can't imagine not being in your wedding, like offering to help with their costs from your wedding budget.  The key is communication.

Once someone has agreed to be in your bridal party, keep in touch!  Make sure you are in contact and aware of what's going on in their life.  For instance, perhaps an attendant got a new job which limits the times she's available for you.  Or maybe, someone lost their job and can no longer afford to be in your wedding.  Take these things as they come, and work out solutions in a calm and understanding way.  After all, the ones you choose to be in your wedding are the friends and family that you are closest to!

It's an exciting and memorable time, and you'll want to keep things going as smooth as possible.  Having attendants back out is a stressful thing for both the bride and the attendant, so avoid problems by heading them off before they even happen.