Wedding Inspiration 2013

We’ve been following the 2013 upcoming wedding season and there are just so many great ideas that this year’s brides can turn to for inspiration.

Wedding gowns have definitely shifted from white and ivory to  popular pink this season and the pinks are simply stunning! You can literally get married in any colour dress you choose.

 

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We’re seeing a lot of lace, big and small trains and intricately designed dress backs and fronts, laden with details like pearls and beads that are fantastic. The ball gowns with their huge skirts are back as well as the svelte and stylish ones.  Today, you can marry in any colour that you want. There are more sleeves this year versus the strapless styles that have been so popular these past seasons and jackets are also a feature. Today look is very feminine and pretty with lots of lace.

Bridal shoes are one of the hottest accessories in fashion today and there is no limit to the styles and colours available. They can be full of bling; and flat or heeled, as they peek out from under your wedding gown. We love the fact that they are so varied, stylish and beautiful!

Bridal gloves are back, but they are just starting to gain some traction. There haven’t been many, but they are being showcased in some of the fashion ads. We are closely watching what develops.

Veils  are available in both short and long styles; in lace and tulle and they are a sight to behold.

Fascinators, made popular by the wedding of Kate Middleton to her Prince William are emerging as a popular head piece once again, after a long hiatus.  Hair clips are huge accessories as are hair braids. We are predicting that we will see more braids during this upcoming season, sprinkled with gems, clips and glitter. And, hats for guests are making a small comeback after an absence of many years.

Bridal parties continue to wear the same shade of bridesmaid dresses but in different styles; we love this idea because the dresses can be worn at another time and won’t sit unused in a closet after the nuptials.

Regal purple, blush pink, tangerine, gold, silver and gem tones continue to be the colours of choice for this year, but we are also seeing rainbow weddings, where every colour is utilized. They are joyous, bright, bold and a sight to behold.

Grooms are back to wearing tuxedos and it’s great to see them complementing their brides. Today’s tuxedo is not like their father’s, it is fresh, new and 21st century in design adding a feel of special to the day!

A bridal gown is the most thought out garment for the wedding day and when so much time, energy and money is spent, it’s great to have a well attired groom by her side. Their photographs will also be more striking when they are both dressed in sync and looking like a million dollars.

Bow ties are back in a big way for grooms and their groomsmen; they are making a hit in many colours and patterns.  Pocket squares are also available in all shades to coordinate with the bridesmaids’ colours.

Bouquets this season are gorgeous with colourful and awesome flowers.  Some are sprinkled with rhinestones and flowers or are just made of gems or ribbons. They are stunning and certainly not your mom’s bouquet. The look is fresh and unique and each one is a work of art.

Wedding cakes are big and small; tiered, individual and mini, They are more astonishing in design than one could ever imagine. They are lavishly decorated and the flavours are varied.  Cupcakes towers are still popular, as are macarons and they are fun!  Groom’s cakes are back and dessert bars are huge and laden with all kinds of sweets and stunning chocolates, fruits and pastries.

Cookies are also making a huge comeback and they are superbly decorated. We saw some this past week that were exquisitely beautiful decorated with bridal themes.

Food stations and mobile food bars are big with so many delightful choices for menus and beverages.  Specialty coffee, ice cream, gelato, waffles and crepe bars are getting rave reviews! Guests love the innovation of today’s weddings and feel so spoiled with the elaborate food choices that are available to them.

Lounge furniture also continues to be items that couples are requesting for a more intimate and relaxed reception feel. Chair covers are evolving from the simple covers that they began as to a fancier incarnation with ruffled covers.

With the arrival of wedding season 2013, if a bride can dream it, she can have it. More outdoor weddings are taking place on farms, on beaches, (both homegrown and in exotic locations) and in beautiful tents.  One venue for the ceremony and the reception continues to be popular as brides find locations in barns, historic sites, re-purposed warehouses, vineyards, golf courses and private clubs.

Photo booths continue to be  popular and a fun ice breaker for guests to meet one another. Some hold up to 10 persons with fun props; and the photo produced is a great favour to take home.

Our job is to bring these grand ideas to you, our local brides so that you can choose what makes you happy and what is economically viable for your budget. We know that The Wedding Guide Windsor|Essex County works with great, reputable wedding professionals who can deliver what you want with flair, while working within your budget.

Watch this blog page throughout this season of proposals, as we continue to be committed to bringing you all the wedding news from around the globe. As we see innovative ideas and great tips, we will be sharing them with you both here on our blog, as well as on our Facebook page- http://www.facebook.com/bridaltalk

Every couple’s wedding has a different style and feel to it and each one brings love, dreams and family together to celebrate a new union.

We salute all our wedding professionals for the creative and talented work that they provide to this industry and for making all the dreams come true!

2012 Weddings Kick Off Soon!

It’s a given; you’re getting married and you want it to be memorable and affordable.  As a 21st century bride, you are no different that any bride and groom that came before you.

Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

When you know your expectations and set your budget, you are ready to start planning your wedding in earnest. Stick to that budget, it’s your road map and it will keep you grounded and organized.

Unique and personalized weddings are definitely in style right now.  From ceremony sites and venues to menus and décor,  couples can easily add details to make it their one-of-a-kind day.  Picking one luxe item and highlighting it as a focal point will add your combined personality to the day and make it very distinctive.

Cakes vs cupcakes is  still a huge decision to make, with both being stunning and delicious. You may want to order a small and beautiful cake, so you can do the  cake cutting ceremony. In any case, these delectable treats are both vying for prominence on your sweet table!

John Lyons Photography, Windsor/Essex/Kent- will travel

Purple continues to be a hot  and regal colour this season, but you’ll also see bold colours like tangerine tango and neon shades making inroads during this summer’s weddings.

Bridal bouquets are taking centre stage also with beautiful bling jewellery surrounding the flowers. We spoke about this last season and it’s caught on and it looks absolutely beautiful, while taking care of something old and something new at the same time. We have also seen gorgeous feather bouquets, (also spotted and written about last season) dotted with rhinestones to create a real blingy look. It’s new and interesting and can really set off a bridal gown with great élan.

John Lyons Photography, Windsor/Essex/Kent, will travel

Beautiful lace is in, and it’s showing up as fantastic bridal gown fabric,  in gloves, (back after a long absence), hair fascinators, head bands and backdrops for wedding venues. Lace is always an element that depicts “special” and we love the look and feel of it for upcoming weddings. It’s feel of femininity cannot be overlooked!

Bridal teas are having a resurgence after being on the back burner for years. They are a also a time for special indulgences and for slowing down life and simply enjoying. Incorporate them into a bridal shower and it makes for a very inviting afternoon.

John Lyons Photography, Windsor, Essex, Kent County- will travel

Lounge weddings also continue their popularity as they provide an intimate space for guests to catch up with one another in a quieter setting. It evokes the feeling of a club  and of days gone by.

I am often asked to give a bride and groom-to-be some advice for their future life together. If there’s one thing that really makes for a grand relationship it’s simply showing  respect for one another and being kind. Honour one another always and never go to bed angry!

 

 

Marcy’s Cakes is a Sweet Wedding Experience!

Eleven years ago, Marcy Milne found her grandmother’s recipe book with its handwritten notes,  written in the margins and she hasn’t looked back. While studying for her  Masters and Doctorate degrees,  she started Marcy’s Cakes and after her graduation, she returned to cake baking as a full time occupation.

Photo: Marcy's Cakes

Cake decorating is an art much like photography and Marcy has her own unique style. Her custom cakes are fresh; eggs, milk, butter and sugar are natural ingredients that produce a beautiful and delicious cake. With many flavours, fillings and icings to choose from and with names like Sunshine Lemon, Calypso Coconut, 24 Carrot and Golden Almond, her cakes have been discovered by Windsor and area brides-to-be.

Fillings for cakes vary and Marcy makes everything from Vanilla Chai Latte to butter cream, ganache, cream cheese and the traditional fruits. The choices are endless and her creativity is always up for a new challenge.

Photo: Marcy's Cakes

Her handcrafted,  specialty cakes, cake balls and cupcakes are an indulgence and look as good as they taste. Each cake is made from scratch and they are simply unique in design and flavours, reflecting the personal taste of the couple’s wedding theme.

Anything goes for today’s cakes, including Milne’s Tuxedo cake with alternate layers of vanilla and chocolate cake filled with vanilla butter cream and chocolate ganache, Pink Lady, a vanilla cake layered with raspberry and vanilla buttercream and Breakfast at Wimbledon,  layered with strawberries and whipped cream. Her flavours,  fillings and exterior finishes will make  your mouth water.

Marcy recently appeared on Slice Network’s, Cake Walk and showed off her style, baking a stunning Hollywood themed  wedding cake that was a wow!  Decoration is all important and she can take any idea and produce a memorable dessert. She knows that after a day of celebrating, nothing will taste as good as a freshly prepared, beautiful custom wedding cake.

Photo: Marcy's Cakes

The wedding cake is also  a focal point and second only to the wedding dress for attention, as well as being the spot for many picture- taking memories at the reception. Milne takes great effort to “touch” it as if it were her own. Weddings are special for her and the details are ever- important, as she takes pride in adding those touches to make it spectacular.

Marcy is also baking the Groom’s Cake,  which is  a gift from the bride to the groom, which is a delightful way to honour him.  It can be  modeled after a hobby, sports or a special interest. It is served at the rehearsal dinner or presented any time during the wedding celebration.

Her new shop scheduled to open  October 18 and Milne is now booking weddings into 2012. Her custom cakes and dessert confections are only limited by your imagination.

Come to Marcy’s Cakes for endless  wedding possibilities,  authentic elegant taste treats  and the sweetest moments of your wedding day! Specializing in wedding, cheesecakes, cake balls, cupcakes  and special event cakes.

2694 Howard Avenue, 519-962-1099,  http://www.marcyscakes.com

Aisle Style Weddings

Brides today want their wedding day to be as unique as they are. And this outside the box thinking is setting new trends for savvy brides in 2013. Designers are artfully combining bright colours with staple neutrals: much like an artist would paint a beautiful work of art.

Warm bamboo, honeysuckle pink, cedar green, deep teal, purple‐hued phlox, coffee liqueur, warm camel nougat and quarry are top colour shades.

Wedding dresses have a lot of lace; a trend we forecasted six months ago. There are ruffles, beading and  coloured sashes that are sexy and white is not as popular as soft beige, light blues, pink and even soft‐toned greens being introduced into the finest bridal lines.

Styles for gowns are sleek with brides not seeking out the traditional ball gown. Vintage is still strong and  there’s no chance of finding their dress duplicated. They make a statement and are stunning in their design.

The venue is still a hot location, with couples seeking old buildings that have been re-purposed such as old train stations, raw factory space and combinations of indoor and outdoor spaces. Local farms and vineyards provide a rustic charm and the outdoor photo opportunities provide endless opportunities. Wedding environments will be more laid back; bookings with nature settings are popular locations. Beaches, parks, homes and other outdoor settings are also being utilized.

Birdcage veils have been in style for many seasons now and the Royal Wedding provided the fascinator, an edgy, over the top headpiece. Headbands and feathers are modern options to a traditional veil. No bride will be bare‐headed in 2012 with everything from glittering tiaras to extra large flowers in contrasting tones.

Shoes, once dyed satin white can now be bold red, purple or blue, peeking out from under that dream dress. Add a feather clip for a touch of fun.

Other ideas include button or feather boutonnieres, multi‐mini cakes as centrepieces, catering carts, such as martini bars, crepe stations, sundae bars, pastry tables and lemonade stands are vying for the bride’s attention. Photo booths continue to be a popular feature for guests.

Social media is centre stage with computer stations being set‐up for guests to leave comments. Webcasting to guests who couldn’t attend the day is heartfelt and, as the day unfolds, hash tags for Twitter are in sync with today’s online culture.

Venues should expect to receive requests for longer cocktail hours, rental companies will see an increase for lounge furniture and guests can expect the unexpected. Ceremonies will have a steady increase in personalization, focusing on the couple’s interests, hobbies and passions as part of the wedding day celebrations. Vows are being written and choreographed by couples with assistance from an Officiant.

Themes such as vintage, diamonds/pearls, romance, garden style, retro 50‐70’s and eco‐friendly are huge. Cakes are bold this year and 2 layered cakes are back with tiers of different heights. Cupcakes are still huge, with innovative flavours and colours.

Grooms are more involved in the planning with their brides, and they are contributing their time and ideas into their day; it’s a new culture in the industry‐ one that until recently has been entirely female.

This wedding season will find couples saying, “I Do” in a world of different ways. Many will continue partying well into the night with an after party, which is becoming a popular trend. This party has no rules or wedding checklists and is entirely up to the couple.

Wedding Guide Preferred Vendors are dream‐makers; the go‐to service providers with big shoulders and creative thinking. They can make a wedding come to life with all of the above ideas. This area is cosmopolitan irrespective of its size and anything and everything is possible for the next season bride!


Dessert Bars are Hot!

I have to say that one of my favourite trends right now is the dessert bar, which offers fun and a whimsical feeling to the wedding reception. A wedding is a party, so give your guests the opportunity to let go of their responsibilities and worries and be a kid again.

There is nothing sweeter than providing your guests with an awesome experience and the dessert bar is a great opportunity to do just that. By offering lots of options and unique choices, you will impress your guests. People will approach the table and say, “oh my, where do I start?”

John Lyons Photography- Windsor, Ontario- will travel

What should be included? Anything that will hold up sitting unattended on a table for a while. It doesn’t require the same level of formality as the rest of the reception because guests will be serving themselves.

Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario – will travel

The key to a successful dessert bar is to include a wide variety of desserts like decadent chocolate creations, mini-cheesecakes, a chocolate fountain and a full display of candies.  Make sure you incorporate glass cylinders or containers at varying heights and complement it with unique bags, fun twist ties and a customized, personalized thank you label.

John Lyons Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

You can also offer a Coffee/Cappuccino/Expresso Bar as well as an Ice Cream Sundae Cart.

Some “unique” dessert bar offerings for 2013 are:

Macarons are almond paste dough that can be dyed to match your theme colours and filled with either gelato, ice cream or icing. It’s a new item that is quickly gaining in popularity and guests love them.

Ice cream or Gelato desserts are also a new favourite that can be personalized to match the theme or personality of the couple. It’s new and unique!

 Ice cream floats  are so child-like and fun; who can refuse one? Offer guests their favourite ice cream flavour and mix it with a soft drink, soda, beer or even wine.  Yummy, refreshing and ideal for any sweet tooth!

Cake pops are the newest and trendiest dessert today. They are decadent little cakes on sticks and can be covered with a rich chocolate coating that can be dressed up or down. Chocolate cake shooters are also emerging in the market and they are infused with liqueur and served in a thin shot glass.

Vanstone Studios

Rich chocolate brownies are making their appearance along with cupcakes, (still going strong) pies, cakes and whoopee pies.  You’ll also find jars of jelly beans, gourmet chocolates and old fashioned candy,  all brightly coloured and festive on the display table. When you combine gourmet flavours and high style together,  you are guaranteed an instant hit.

There is nothing nicer than sending your guests off into the night, remembering  your delectable treats, long after the dance floor closes.

Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel