Sparkle is In for 2010 Weddings

Brides have always adored sparkle! The shimmer, the shine, the dazzling brilliance of crystals just does so much to enhance the elegance and glamor of a bride and her wedding. If you count yourself among the many brides who love all things sparkly, you are in luck, because serious sparkle is seriously in style for 2010 weddings!

Naturally, the bridal gown and bridal jewelry are the ideal place to start adding the gorgeous sparkle of Swarovski crystal to your wedding day. When it comes to wedding gowns, there are lots of great ways to enhance with crystal embellishments. A subtle sparkle comes from adding a light dusting of clear crystals across the bodice of the gown – so pretty on one of the 1950s inspired organza dresses that have been hitting the bridal shops. Or go for all out glamor and drama with a bridal gown which is heavily beaded with both “ab” finish Swarovski crystals and mirror backed crystals (similar to rhinestones, but prettier). One of the most figure flattering looks is to select a wedding gown which has a crystal beaded “belt” around the middle to accentuate the waistline.

Your wedding ceremony can also benefit from some extra shimmer. One of the most spectacular effects that can be created with crystals is to use them to adorn an arbor or an altar. String long ropes of crystals and suspend them from the arbor, chuppah, or other structure. It makes a breathtaking backdrop for the wedding vows, whether your wedding will be indoors or outdoors.

Floral arrangements lend themselves to being bedecked with crystals. Why not create a showstopping floral display which will welcome your guests to your reception venue? Right in the main entrance, set a large tiered stone fountain with elaborate carving. Rather than filling the fountain with water, each tier is filled with fabulous flowers in a signature color like red or bold pink. Finally, hang rows of crystals between each tier, letting them cascade down the sides of the fountain like waterfalls. The finished effect will be truly impressive, and is sure to blow your guests away. One thing is for sure: the big crystal look is back in a big way for 2010!

Fresh Wedding Tent Decor

Outdoor weddings are more popular than ever, and most receptions will involve some sort of a tent. In and of itself, the typcial wedding tent is nothing special to look at, but with the right decorations, you can create an absolutely breathtaking environment within a tent. These are some fresh new approaches to the most beautiful wedding tent décor.

If you are having an outdoor wedding, the chances are that you have chosen a spot with gorgeous natural scenery. Why not show it off to its full advantage by choosing a tent with a clear ceiling instead of an opaque white ceiling? Clear ceiling tents to see the green trees, blue skies, and even the birds in the area. This special type of tent is especially wonderful for evening weddings, as your wedding will take place under the stars and moon. Your guests will love spending the evening at a chic party in their best dresses and wedding jewelry under a starry sky.

As for the tent decorations, the biggest trend is to decorate a tent as if it were an elegant indoor location. Think swanky ballroom, not picnic. Elegant crystal chandeliers in several shapes and sizes can be suspended from the tent ceiling to add romance and style to your reception. Fine table linens made from sumptuous fabrics like silk dupioni are just at home in a tent as a ballroom. Choose luxurious china and crystal rentals to increase the style and grandeur of your wedding.

To really make your tented wedding something special, think about setting up a lounge area. This is a trend which shows absolutely no signs of fading.  Low slung sofas, graceful armchairs, and ottomans all make good choices for reception lounge furniture. Also be sure to have enough small tables so that guests have a place to set their drinks. Punch up the style of the lounge area even more by ordering custom throw pillows which coordinate with your table linens. With details so luxurious and unique, no one will even feel like they are in a tent – all they will notice is how stunning your wedding is.

Perk Up Your Wedding With Polka Dots

There are so many fun ways that you can use pattern to make your wedding more festive. Rather than safe (and potentially boring) solids, why not introduce a cheery pattern to your wedding attire and décor? These are some suggestions on how to perk up your wedding with polka dots.

One fun idea for polka dots is to select dotted bridesmaid dresses. For a classic nautically inspired effect, a white or ivory dot on a navy dress is crisp and fresh; perfect for a seaside wedding. The timeless look of pearl bridesmaid jewelry would complete the look beautifully. If your style is more retro, choose a red fabric with medium sized white dots, which have a touch of whimsy. A great cut for this dress would be a strapless style with a red fabric belt.

Polka dots can be used in many ways throughout the wedding decorations. They would be wonderful for tablecloths to dress up a plain space. The color combination that you select will help to create the feeling that you want. Black and white polka dotted tablecloths are both chic and vintage, especially when paired with pink flowers in the centerpieces. For a cheerful spring wedding reception, a pale yellow and white polka dot fabric would be a great way to perk up the tables. Or go for a very stylish color palette of pink and brown. The polka dots will help make this sophisticated color pair more upbeat and relaxed.

When you have a great wedding design going, naturally you will want to extend it to your wedding cake. Polka dots are fabulous for a cake, and in fact if you want only one polka dot detail, this could be the place to introduce it. Small white on white Swiss dots are a classic style for a wedding cake. They look simply sweet with “pearl” borders along each tier. If ultra girly is your goal, top the cake with a large frosting bow with streamers that cascade down the tiers of the Swiss dot cake.

There are many more wonderful ways to make your wedding cheery with polka dots. From the invitations to the ribbons on the bouquets, you can have fun using either a little or a lot of this upbeat pattern. One thing is for certain: a polka dot design wedding is one which is going to be very happy and a lot of fun for everyone.

Pink and Black Wedding Style

Pink and black make a striking pair. Pink is soft and ultra-feminine, where black is dark and sophisticated. When the two are put together, you get a high contrast and high style palette that will add instant flair to your wedding.

There are some great ways in which pink and black can be used for a wedding. One idea is to go with a retro 1950s theme. The color combination of pink and black was very popular in mid century fashion, and it can provide a really cool look for a wedding. Picture the bridesmaids in knee length pink satin strapless cocktail dresses with black tulle peeking out from the hem. Add a black sash at the waist with an oversized fabric flower for a lovely detail. Finish off their look with custom bridal jewelry made from pink Swarovski pearls and jet black crystals.

Pink and black can also have a wonderful modern Victoriana flavor. This would be wonderful for a formal or evening wedding. Use motifs like intricate swirls, scrollwork, and brocade designs. A pink background with thin black scrolls would be an elegant and chic design around which to base your wedding. You could start by using it for the wedding invitations, and branch out from there.

There are some marvelous things you could do for wedding flowers with these colors. Any flower you could ever desire is available in pink. For the bridal bouquets, trim the flower stems with braided pink and black satin ribbons. Or add drama to an evening wedding by combining glamorous black feathers with pink flowers for centerpieces and bouquets.

Your wedding cake is a perfect place to showcase your wedding colors and design scheme. A pink fondant cake can be decorated with black in a variety of gorgeous ways. One of the most elegant would be a modern damask pattern. For something more dainty, try tiny black Swiss dots on a pink cake. Trim each layer with a gum paste ribbon and “bow”. Have fun planning a marvelous wedding all done in shades of pink and black.

Successfully Combining Patterns in Wedding Decor

Pattern can be a wonderful design element to use in your wedding décor. It can add so much character and personality to a wedding that it should definitely be considered as one of the most important parts of your design scheme. You can take your wedding décor to the next level by learning how to successfully combine patterns for even greater impact.

The key to pairing patterns is to choose ones that complement each other. Most importantly, they should have the same vibe. In other words, if your primary print is a Victorian inspired dusty floral, a bold mod circle design just would not make any sense with it. On the other hand, mix your Victorian floral with a rich tartan and you will have a design scheme worthy of an English country home. As for the mod circles, a wavy stripe print would be the ideal companion.

Beyond matching the basic genre of your prints, you should also take into consideration elements such as color and scale. Two disparate designs can become an intriguing combination if they share the same color palette. Even patterns that more easily combine will benefit from having at least one color in common as a unifying element. For example, if you were having an elegant beach wedding, you could combine a classic blue and white seashell print with a nautical blue, white, and yellow stripe for a lovely effect.

Once you have selected your patterns, it is time to start mixing them. If your wedding is not overly formal, a terrific look is to use two prints on the bridesmaid dresses. A strapless toile dress can be made extra special with the addition of a bias cut stripe stitched on to the hems. When your bridesmaid dresses are fairly busy, stick with simple jewelry like a nice pearl strand. Pearl bridesmaid jewelry makes a wonderful wedding gift from the bride, and it will not compete with a patterned dress. Once you get the hang of it, combining patterns can be really fun, and it is a great way to personalize your wedding.

Orange Wedding Decor for Any Season

If you are looking for a color that can add flair to your wedding, take a look at orange. Either on its own, or in conjunction with an other color, orange can be a really terrific wedding color. This is a look at some ways to use orange wedding decorations for every season.

When you think of spring, your mind probably goes to pastels. But there is nothing to say that a spring wedding cannot be designed with brighter colors. A pop of bright orange would look fantastic when paired with a pale blue. The look is fresh, current, and distinctive. A great way to combine the two colors is with a signature pattern that is used throughout the wedding. An orange, pale blue, and white stripe would look wonderful for table linens. Or you could go more formal with a large brocade motif designed in your wedding colors. This would be stunning for the invitations and the wedding cake.

Orange is a great color for summer, as it is cheery and fun. Orange can be a fun and fresh color for summer bridesmaid dresses as well. Crisp cotton strapless dresses in a cream and orange print will look as summery as a creamsicle. Finish off the look with bridesmaid jewelry gifts created from orange Swarovski crystals and cream pearls. The biggest trend in bridesmaid jewelry right now is clustered gems, which make fabulous gifts that your friends will surely adore.

There are so many ways to design an autumn wedding using orange that it might be hard to choose. Think of the crisp fall leaves, the fall pumpkins, pots of orange mums and more. Orange in combination with shades of autumnal gold and russet will create a homey and inviting atmosphere for your guests. It can be used in a rustic style, or a burnt orange can be paired with deep espresso and metallic bronze accents for a rich and sophisticated effect.

Even winter brides can use orange decorations for their weddings. Orange and terra cotta roses with hypericum berries is a beautiful way to use this color family. Other ideas for orange winter weddings include mini mango calla lilies, orange orchids, and orange tulips. These flowers will brighten a drab winter’s day and add style and sophistication to your wedding. It makes a nice departure from the typical red winter wedding floral palette, especially if you are trying to avoid a Christmasy look for your décor.

Floating Candle Centerpieces

There are an incredible variety of floating candle centerpieces that you can create. One of the best part about them is that they require no previous experience, unlike floral displays. These centerpieces are a great option for any bride who wants to save money by making her own centerpieces. The fact that floating candles are also beautiful and romantic makes it even better.

Shaped candles are one really neat option, and they are very easy to tie in with your wedding theme. For instance, if you are having a summer wedding in a meadow, floating candles that look like slices of citrus fruit are fresh and pretty. Candles that are shaped like flowers are perfect for a romantic or garden themed wedding, and they are incredibly life-like and come in a huge array of designs. Other popular shapes include hearts, butterflies, and seashells. Simple vessels with wide openings are best for displaying floating candles in special shapes.

For a very elegant or formal wedding, floating candles can be arranged in taller vessels that employ some interesting accessories. For instance, a bride who loves sparkle can add a layer of faux crystals to the bottom of each bowl. It is a beautiful complement to crystal wedding jewelry. If you want even more dramatic centerpieces, think about filling the water with shredded crystal fibers that are colored with submersible lights. This colorful lights create a wonderful glow, and the shimmer of the crystal fibers looks as beautiful as the most dazzling wedding jewelry.

Floating candles can also be used to design centerpieces for earthy weddings. Simply choose vessels like handthrown glazed ceramic pots to hold your candles. White or ivory candles will have a peaceful Zen effect when floating in clusters in shallow bowls with a layer of smooth river rocks under the water. A centerpiece of this style looks great on its own, or used in combination with floral displays.

The perfect centerpiece will help to create a wonderful ambiance for your wedding reception. Floating candles can make fantastic centerpieces that are interesting, romantic, and easy to create. For all of these reasons, you might just find that floating candles will make the ideal centerpieces for your wedding.

Luxurious Bridal Lace

Lace has always been a favorite of brides. It is prized for its beautiful designs, romantic feeling, and fine needlework. Whether you use a lot of lace or just a few accents, it will add a sense of luxury and elegance to your wedding.

Of course the most obvious way to use lace in a wedding is on a bridal gown. There are a variety of different effects that can be created with lace, depending on which type is chosen, and how it is used. One of the most classic styles is to appliqué sections of Alencon or Venise lace to the bodice and hem of a wedding gown. For a fresh daytime look, keep the lace details delicate. If you prefer a more formal or grand effect, use a wider border of lace on the hem of the gown, and heavily bead it with crystal and pearl beads to match the bridal jewelry.

Lace is a beautiful addition to many parts of a wedding beyond the bride’s attire. A romantic bouquet of sweetpeas or lily-of-the-valley would look amazing finished off with a wide lace ribbon. This idea would work equally well for the bridesmaids’ bouquets, perhaps in a colored piece of lace. Another lovely way to use lace in your wedding ceremony is as a runner. Lace aisle runners can easily be rented from your florist and create a very pretty path for the processional.

At the reception, lace is a wonderful accent for the tables. An ivory lace cloth laid over a solid tablecloth will look romantic and luxurious. For the solid underlayment, choose a color in a contrasting color to help showcase the design on the lace. Pale blue or yellow look fresh and summery under a crisp white lace; a deep tan color is elegant and understated when paired with an ivory lace.

Small squares or circles of lace can used to wrap the wedding favors. You can also purchase or make tiny lace drawstring bags, which are ideal for the classic wedding favor of Jordan almonds. The lace squares would be pretty packaging for any type of favor, and are especially fitting for a country wedding.

DIY Wedding Idea: Stencils

When you are planning a wedding, it is really fun to engage your creative side with some DIY projects. This is a great way to add personality and style to your wedding while keeping costs low. These are some beautiful wedding projects that can be created with stencils.

Wedding invitations are one of the easiest DIY wedding projects to undertake. With nice paper and a decent printer, you can get very professional looking results. A wonderful way to add a personal touch to your invitations is to stencil a design onto them. You can buy a stencil of a pretty floral or a modern geometric design, or create your own from a piece of plastic. If you decide to make your own stencil, a monogram would be ideal.

Wedding stencils can be used to create larger items as well. Keep in mind that you do not have to limit yourself to stenciling on paper. It can also be done on fabric or walls. A very unique and beautiful decoration for a ceremony would be a fabric hanging stenciled with a large monogram or other design. The fabric can be suspended behind the altar for a one-of-a-kind backdrop. If your wedding is in your own home, you can even think about stenciling a monogram or a large floral pattern right onto the wall. You can always plan to paint over it after the wedding, and the dramatic effect will be well worth the effort.

The wedding favors are a great place to try your hand at stenciling. Choose any type of favor that you like, and place it in a small paper bag or cardboard box. You can use your stencil to add character to the packaging and give your favors that really customized look. This same idea can be used for your bridesmaid gifts. Select pretty bridesmaid gifts, such as dainty pearl earrings, and then make them even more special by presenting them in hand-stenciled boxes. The personal touch will make your gifts even more heartfelt and thoughtful.

There is no end to the different things that you can create for your wedding using a stencil. The key is to choose one special motif that you can carry throughout the wedding. The attention to detail will make your ceremony and reception feel very unique and personal.

Stylish Ways to Use Bamboo in a Wedding

Bamboo has long been a symbol of Asia and the countries of Southeast Asia. In China, it is considered to be a symbol of longevity, which makes bamboo a very fitting motif for a wedding. Not only is bamboo culturally important and beautiful to behold, it is also one of the most sustainable and renewable plant resources, so it is an excellent choice to include in an eco-friendly wedding.

As with any wedding, one of the places to start is with the invitations. It is now possible to have your wedding stationery created on gorgeous bamboo paper. The bamboo paper is ideal for the letterpress styles that are so popular these days. Bamboo has several environmental advantages over the cotton rag paper traditionally used for fine stationery. For one thing, it can be grown without pesticides, unlike the cotton used for paper; for another, bamboo requires very little water, making it an ideal choice for brides who want beautiful paper that is also “green”.

Bamboo is not only fantastic for paper, it can also be used to create lovely fabric. The truly eco-conscious bride can consider gowns created from bamboo for herself and her bridesmaids. There are some beautiful styles available for all of the women in the wedding. Your bamboo bridal gown can be accessorized with handmade jewelry sets. Look for sets of bridal jewelry that are created from dazzling Swarovski crystals, which are a better choice for the environment than diamonds.

There are many other wonderful ways to use bamboo in a wedding. It can be highly decorative, and is a very pretty natural design element. Create Asian inspired centerpieces with elements such as tall stalks of bamboo, pebbles, and graceful floating flowers. Lucky bamboo in planted in tiny ceramic pots is also a very modern and hip idea for your wedding favors.

Bamboo is a cutting edge material that has a lot to offer your wedding. It looks great and is great for the environment, which makes it a super element to include in your festivities. Whether you want to have an eco-conscious wedding or just a chic one, bamboo is a fantastic thing to use.