2012 Wedding Trends - Part 2

The secound big trend we saw for 2012 was the use of dramatic color and design in weddings. Have you ever been called a "drama queen"? Then your wedding is a great time to let that drama come out! I don't mean turning into a bridezilla and making it to that crazy TV show! I mean you are wearing a gown that is larger than any other piece of clothing that you will ever wear - this is the time to add dramatic flourishes to the rest of the wedding plans. We are seeing a huge use of the color red in weddings in the next couple of years. Red has long been considered the color of love and passion and makes a very dramatic statement in wedding design. It can be used as the primary color or as an accent color with black, white, plum, pink or with other vibrant colors such as orange, yellow and turquoise.  Red does catch the eye so if you love it, use it in bold groupings of color such as the entry piece shown here.

When choosing red flowers as with other colors, consider the shape and texure of different flowers and how you are going to use each of the individual varieties. Will they be in bouquets, on the men's lapels, or in fantastic decor for your reception? There are many different shades of red so don't be afraid to mix deep rich black magic roses with anthurium and ginger from the tropics and add in textures with hypericum berries, dianthus and anemones.

Drama doesn't have to be achieved by just color choices. When planning your decor for your wedding and reception, think about making a couple of dramatic statements. Many of my brides and grooms opt for what we call the "WOW" factor. This means that when your guests walk into your reception, they gasp and say "WOW". Even if you are on a limited budget, consider creating a couple of areas that will make the guests' eyes pop when they walk in. Many times this can be achieved by placing a grouping design at the entrance to your reception area. This also makes a great place for guests to have family pictures taken or stop and sign notes to the bride and groom or pick up their escort cards.

Sometimes adding larger designs in a couple of places in the room make much more of an impact than dividing your budget with medium sized centerpieces on all the guest tables. Think of what you want the guests look at and do during your celebration. Is it a time for them to sit and watch the bridal party - then consider a beautiful backdrop and setting with a sweetheart table for you and your groom or for the entire bridal party. Do you want your guests to roam around the room and have pictures taken, visit the candy or ice cream sundae bar, or gather to talk with friends and family they haven't seen for a while? Then set up small vignettes to draw them to these activities and away from just sitting at their tables. Remember this is the first party that you and your new husband have thrown and you want your guests to enjoy themselves.
So if you want to create an unforgettable experience for your wedding guests - don't forget to include some dramatic touches to your decor and events with color, design and activities that will make them say "WOW, this is the best wedding I have ever been to!"

2012 Wedding Trends - Part 1

There are several trends coming to the forefront for 2012 wedding planning and decor. So if you don't find yourself comfortable in today's topic, check back for the next couple of posts and see which of the trends is most like you. The first trend we saw in design for next year is the return to nature and natural products. With the number of our One of a Kind brides opting for outdoor weddings this year, I think this trend is already in full force.

But if the thought of bad weather, back up plans or heat stroke makes you nauseous, then use natural elements to create the outdoors inside. The use of branches, mosses, river rock and many unique types of greenery and foliages give this style a very rich set of textures. Succulents such as hens and chicks as well as large leaves and grasses can give your wedding a very organic feel. This style of bride wants more style than a ball of colored roses to carry and is weaving natural elements into bouquets, boutonnieres and decor.

photo courtesy of Marah Grant Photography

Weddings we have designed in this style in 2011 have included pods, berries and even log and bark slabs on table tops in a wide variety of color combinations to achieve that natural look. From a fresh white, ivory and green to a bold orange, red and yellow combination the foliages, branches and elements from nature will incorporate your love of the outdoors into a comfortable air conditioned setting in the summer and a heated venue for a winter wedding. So if a love of nature is a love that you and your fiance share, then give your wedding that natural feel in decor, designs and personal touches that mean the most to you!

San Francisco Inspiration

What an inspiring week at AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers) Annual Symposium. Once a year in July our membership from all over the world gets together somewhere in the United States to share ideas, industry trends and of course FANTASTIC floral art. Since my induction into this prestigious organization in New York City in 2004, it is an inspirational highlight of my summer each year. This year we met in sunny San Francisco where the temperatures were in the cool 70's and the city gave us an incredibly diverse culture to explore. From little Italy to Chinatown, Nob Hill to Fisherman's Wharf and the historic cable cars to Union Square with its upscale shopping, San Francisco has something for everyone.

This would make a great honeymoon destination!! But over the next few posts, I want to share with you some of the outstanding design and trends for the coming year that we experiecned at AIFD Symposium! Stay tuned!!