2023 Wedding Trends

2023 wedding trends are off to a great start! You’ll be seeing many new ideas and inspiration throughout the wedding industry. With the Pantone Color of the year for 2023 being Magenta, wedding decor will include vibrant colors including wedding palettes of textures, furniture, and fashion. A lovely way to bring in color to your design include florals, guests place settings, dance floors, stationary and wedding dresses (yes…floral wedding gowns). The sky’s the limit.

Lighting will be a creative opportunity to provide unique installed light fixtures that elevate and transform your space into a memorable decor element.

Micro weddings continue to be very popular and will continue to do so. Micro weddings are like having a dinner party for a small number of guests, with tablescapes that can be fun, eclectic and custom from your dinnerware to stunning florals and furniture settings.

(courtesy of Pretty Little Vintage Company)

Over the top “After Parties” are popular with custom espresso martini bars, 3D and 360 photo booths, pop up lounges for a club feel and even aerial dancers.

Architectural and interior design elements like wood and textures will enhance your event space for a unique style and vibe, whether your vision is rustic or elegant.

Food is always an area where I encourage our couples to explore as there are so many options other than the traditional wedding menu(rubbery chicken is never a favorite). Farm to table is very popular as they source locally for fresh ingredients. Caterers and chefs are able to customize your menu to your particular taste and liking.

Fun food elements include nostalgia food like your school favorites of mini grilled cheese and tomato bisque soup combos, truffle french fries, a tasty version of Monte Cristo sandwich wedges and mini pastry mac-n-cheese. Comfort food is always a crowd pleaser and that’s just the hors d’oeuvres!

A fine dinning experience would include elegant created menus of braised short ribs and french onion soup boule. Elevated from the traditional hors d’oeuvres of bacon wrapped scallops and lobster roll.

(courtesy of Pretty Little Vintage Company)

Dessert is always a great way to wrap up a celebration. Butter cream painted cakes are very popular, which elevate the traditional wedding cake. Creativity and color are the key. Don’t overlook dessert tables, which have been popular for awhile and will continue to be so. A dessert table allows you to have an array of options, options and more options for your guests. You’ll be sure to find one of your favorite sweet treats from candy apples and donuts displays to mini desserts. There are options galore.

(courtesy of Making with Megan)

Signature drinks are a fun way to infuse your personality. One of our favorite signature drinks was a “Candy Apple” (red wine and cherry sparkling cider) which worked perfectly with the vineyard setting for our couples wedding celebration. What’s your favorite drink? It can easily be worked into a signature drink for you.

As we move forward in the 2023 wedding season, you’ll see couples personalizing their big day, as it should be. This celebration is the perfect opportunity to make memories that last a life time. Happy planning!

Mary Homer

Fairy Tale Weddings by Mary

http://www.fairytaleweddingsbymary.com

(Contributing partner – The Bride)

(Photo Credits – Pretty Little Vintage Company, Making with Megan)

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2021 Pantone Color of the Year

Every year Pantone chooses a color for the ear. It’s typically the “it” color for weddings, celebrations, and design. This year, 2021’s color is Ultimate Grey. You may ask, why? You should look at grey as a neutral color, like beige or white. Grey works with almost every other color on the color wheel. It’s also very popular right now in room designs and furniture. My own office is painted grey (surprise it’s the 2021 color of the year).

In planning your wedding, 2020 was a difficult year. Many weddings were canceled due to the pandemic or were down sized to micro weddings. However I’m convinced 2021 will be a much better year for brides and grooms. Grey decor and brides maid dresses will pop up for sure this wedding season. Use a pink sash or belt (or any color from your wedding color scheme) and you’ve transformed a simple grey gown into something special. But how else do use this color and what colors compliment this color?

When planning your wedding decor, using grey in your color scheme is fairly easy. Grey compliments pinks, greens, purples and even reds. It compliments most of the colors on the color wheel. You’ll find grey in table linens and runners/sashes for your guests tables and chairs. You can bring it in to your floral centerpieces with lambs ear filler and additional decor with pops of grey. Grey makes for a wonderful foundation to build your color scheme while making your wedding feel like you and your personality. Be creative. You may be surprised at the outcome and very, very happy you did.

Happy planning!

Fairy Tale Weddings by Mary

http://www.fairytaleweddingsbymary.com

Home Weddings vs Covid 19

We’ve all been impacted by the current pandemic involving Covid 19. However, remember we will celebrate again! Venues, dress shops, bakeries and all your wedding vendors will reopen. You can’t cancel LOVE! So let’s talk about “Plan B”.

You’ve planned your wedding packed full of fun and personality, down to the very last detail, ensuring your ceremony and reception will be a wonderful experience for your guests. Then everything closed and we had a “stay at home” order for essentially everyone near and far. Now what do you do with all those plans you worked so hard on? Do you postpone our wedding and reschedule? After all, no one plans fore a pandemic.

Consideration now moves to home weddings, especially if you have a back yard that is lush and park like. How do you pivot from a large, lavish celebration to an intimate home wedding?

First, I want you to know that you shouldn’t underestimate what you can do with a home wedding. The sky’s truly the limit. It will still be a great experience for your guests. However, here is where the real work begins if a home wedding is in your future:

1. Choose a new wedding date, even if it’s not your typical Saturday or Sunday. Midweek wedding dates are becoming popular and may make more sense for you and your guests.
2. Whether your backyard is large or small, you’ll need to revisit your guests list, as any location needs to be consider for maximum occupancy and comfort. No One envisions having to revisit their guests list; however our current times will likely require you to do so. So your guests list that was originally 100, 200 or even 300+ guests simply won’t be possible in a smaller space. This will be difficult, however remember many guests who were traveling distances or have compromised immune systems may not be able to attend at this point. Who do you want and need at your celebration? Additionally, be sure to check the local guidelines in your area to ensure you are in compliance.
3. Once you finalize your guests list, you’ll ant to coordinate with your vendors to determine who and what you’ll still need. You may need to revise y our contracts to add or remove services. If you’re working with a wedding planner, he/she will be your liaison with your vendors, handling any changes as needed. Remember your vendors are here to help you through the process, despite any changes.
4. Even though things may be a bit different now,, things will be okay. This is a celebration about you as a couple and your love for one another. Don’t sweat the small stuff (or the big stuff for that matter). So when you’re overwhelmed, which is to be expect and completely normal, take a deep breath and remember you are not in this along. You have vendors who will be there for you and if you have a wedding planner, he/she will be your rock, your sounding board and full of ideas to re-imagine this exceptional day for your.
5. Don’t be afraid to add a virtual component to your wedding ceremony, so guests who you couldn’t invite are able to share in your wedding day. Weddings may change a bit now, but people love to be a part of a love story and YOURS is the most important to them.
6. Self care at this point needs to be a priority. Enjoy a glass of wine with your BFF (even if it’s a Zoom call for now), share your concerns with your planner, family or friends so you have it off your chest (you’ll be surprised how much better you’ll feel) or exercise (whether gyms are open or not at this point). Taking care of YOU is a priority.
7. Lastly, don’t forget to relax and ENJOY your wedding day! Your wedding comes and goes in 4-6 hours but your love for one another will last a life time.

Happy planning during these changing times!

Mary Homer

Fairy Tale Weddings by Mary

http://www.fairytaleweddingsbymary.com

Wedding Colors We’re Crushing

Wedding Colors We’re Crushing On

http://www.colincowieweddings.com/articles/ceremony-reception/wedding-colors-were-crushing-on?utm_so

Do I REALLY Need A Professional?

This weekend was a beautiful weekend as we move into Fall.  My granddaughter Devynn and I decided we would make some cake pops.  Anyone who knows Devynn and I know we love to bake!  Whether it’s the family Christmas Cookies we make every year or just a fabulous pan of brownies, baking is in our blood.  We even kid we’re going to open a bakery together some day.  So this weekend we decided to make cake pops and yes we now know cake pops are definitely not “our thing”.  We made the pops too big, then too small, burned some of the chocolate and had such a hard time trying to cover the pops with chocolate, let alone the ones that fell down the sticks because they were too heavy.  We decided we’d leave the cake pops to the Professional Bakers.  Buddy Valastro (Cake Boss) where are you when we needed you?

When you’re planning your wedding, you always think, “I can do that” or “I don’t need to hire someone to do that”.  Not everyone has the eye of a photographer or a florist who designs gorgeous floral arrangements.  Whether it’s your centerpieces, your wedding dress or your invitations you really should consider a Professional.

A Professional’s expertise is priceless!  You’re not only hiring them for your wedding, you’re hiring their expertise, their experience and their creativity.

If you know a Professional or you have a family member or friend who is a Professional in their field, by all means talk to them.  Their input and recommendations as experts in their field will help guide you in your decisions as to who to hire.  Or your friend may be taking photography classes at your local college, but does he have the eye and ideas of a Professional Photographer?  You can purchase your flowers from your local grocery store, but a Professional Florist can design and bring your vision to life, even on a budget.

Keep an open mind when you speaking with Professionals. Be honest and share with them what you’re looking for and your expectations.  Not every Professional will be a good fit, so if you don’t find a good match in one field, reach out to someone who is more your style.

Happy Planning!

Mary Homer – Fairy Tale Weddings & Events

http://www.fairytaleweddingsandeventsbymary.com

Wedding Cake Trends

Wedding cakes have been around for as long as most people can remember.  Over the past several years cupcake towers have had quite a run instead of cakes.  But the trend is changing and couples are leaning toward wedding cakes again.  This is very evident if you follow Pinterest, with loads of inspiration, colors and ideas.

So what are the current trends in wedding cakes?  Here are a few for you to consider:

1. Metallic cakes are very popular for an evening or elegant affair.  It can range any where from gold and silver to bronze, copper or pewter.
2. Ruffled cakes you will see everywhere on Pinterest. It’s fun, romantic and unexpected.  This style cake can be used in every style wedding or celebration.
3. Ombre’ cakes are currently on trend.  Regardless of your color scheme, there’s an ombre’ cake for you.  This style cake is fun and adventurous.
4. Naked cakes have made a splash this year.  This is a basic cake without any exterior frosting, which will work perfectly in a rustic style wedding.  Now you may think because the cake is naked, that it won’t taste very good.  You would be wrong.  Although there is no frosting on the exterior of this case, it certainly can pack a punch with flavor.  Depending on your style, this may be the perfect fit for you.

Regardless of your style, theme or color scheme, your cake is an expression of who you are as a couple.  So be adventurous and daring.  Is it a little nontraditional at times, certainly, but if it reflects who you are, it will be perfect!

Happy Planning!

Mary Homer – Fairy Tale Weddings & Events

http://www.fairytaleweddingsandeventsbymary.com

The Cool Air of Fall

Fall is in the air.  Today and the last couple of days have been a bit cooler than normal for this time of year.  But it does allow us to prepare for the cooler weather that fall brings.  If you’re planning a fall wedding or event, the cooler weather certainly plays a factor in your guests needs.

A Fall wedding can certainly be held outdoors.  But to do so, you do need to plan ahead to ensure your guests are well taken care of. Planning your celebration in a beautiful white tent will cause there to be a need to be sure you have enough lighting, as we all know it will start to get darker out sooner. The use of several chandeliers, string lighting around the perimeter and uplighting will help set the mood.  Don’t forget about candles….whether they are simple votive candles or substantial pillars.  All of this will be factored in the aviance you are building in the tent.

As Fall comes upon us, it becomes cooler.  So don’t forget you will likely need a few portable heaters to ensure your guests are comfortable.  Although dancing will certainly keep you warm on a cool evening, not everyone care to dance.

If you’re planning your celebration at a traditional venue, why not bring in some aspects of Fall to your event?  Fall colors include forest greens, oranges and browns. Play with these colors to develop a one of a kind and inviting room.  Crisp apples and the color are is a fun way to bring in a punch of color.  Use apples or oranges in your centerpieces, by filling your vessel full of them and having a beautiful fall centerpiece of florals on top allowing you to have a beautiful centerpiece on your tables. Cranberries are another fun way to bring in the fall feel.  Fill your clear vessel full of cranberries and use branches with crystals to elevate your fall theme.  The hanging strands of crystals will add a hint of grandeur to your room.  By adding colorful leaves, greens or branches you bring in a custom rustic feel to your venue.

You can find inspiration for a rustic or fall decor for your event.  Look around you, inspiration is everywhere this time of year!

Happy Planning!

Mary Homer, Fairy Tale Weddings & Events

http://www.fairytaleweddingsandeventsbymary.com

Sweets For My Sweet

Have you ever been at a fabulous event and come across an over the top Dessert Table?  Have you wondered how they do it?  Dessert tables are pretty easy for even the most challenged of us. However to put together a great dessert table you need a plan.  So here’s a few tips for you to follow.

• Plan ahead.  If you plan ahead things will come together seamlessly.
• Choose a color or theme.  This will help you decide on the many choices you will have and give you a cohesive look.
• Bake and freeze your goodies ahead of time.  The last thing you want to think about on your wedding day or for any celebration is worrying about baking.
• Mix in store bought bake goods.  Whether you purchase them from your local bakery or the grocery store, they will look wonderful mixed in together.
• Think outside the box.  Use what you already have.  Don’t be afraid to attach a beautiful plate to a substantial candle stick; use your white vessels (plates, bowls, platters and trays) they’ll look uniformed; experiment with different shapes and sizes.
• Have a design plan as this will give you a custom look and don’t be afraid to dress it up.
• Shop your closet and use what you already have.  Think about fabrics (scarves, runners, linens, pretty paper, etc) to every day vases in your cupboards, as you’re building a scene for everyone to “ouhhh” and “ahhh” over.
• Use different heights to create dimension and visual interest.

By following these simple tips, you’ll find you’re able to create a memorable sweets table everyone will be talking about for some time to come. Be creative, be fearless and have fun!

Happy Planning

Mary Homer – Fairy Tale Weddings & Events – http://www.fairytaleweddingsandeventsbymary.com

contributions from The Knot and Amy Atlas, author of “Sweet Designs”

 

The Power of Color

I’ve had the pleasure of planning a large number of weddings now and a question I always like to ask my clients is “What are your wedding colors?” Some brides know immediately, after all they’ve dreamed of this big day for a very long time.  Others aren’t quite sure.  Let me say this, there are no rules.  Your wedding is the perfect opportunity to paint a picture for your family and friends as you move into marriage and you become a married couple.  I’ve listed some suggestions to help guide you through this process.

Don’t be afraid of rich colors like burgundy, royal blue or even plum, bring it in everywhere.

Stay away from Stark White as it doesn’t give you any dimension.  Try using soft ivories and off whites.  It will soften your look and will look better on film or in pictures.  It will also give you the base to layer in your favorite colors.

There are three types of color families you should become familiar with:

-Full Color, which are primary and secondary colors with strong vivid hues.  They include red, blue, margenta pink, purple, green and yellow.

-Medium shades of colors, which aren’t so intense, are pink, lavender, peach and light yellow.

-Soft hues include lighter tones of ivory, white and luscious yellow.

When you mix these different color families, you obtain contrast and a three dimensional look, especially in your flowers. Having a conversation with your florist is so important when it comes to your color scheme. Your florist will be able to bring that pop of color you’re looking for out in your centerpieces or using softer tone flowers make your centerpieces soft and romantic.

What ever color choices you make, it should reflect you and your soon to be bride or groom.  If you’re outgoing and full of energy, bursting at the seams, lots of color would certainly be in order.  Are you more traditional and subtle, then softer tones will bring the feel of romance and love to your color selections.

Happy Planning!

Mary Homer – Fairy Tale Weddings and Events

http://www.fairytaleweddingsandeventsbymary.com

The Endless Circle of Love

You received an engagement ring from your fiance’ but have you wondered what it means?  Engagement rings and wedding bands represent many things in many cultures.  The most common meaning is Love, Commitment, Fidelity, Honour and Eternity.  After all it is an endless metal band around your finger.

They say the wedding ring dates back to Egyptian hieroglyphics on the walls of Egyptian tombs, which were translated by archaeologists.  2000 years ago, Asian puzzle rings were commonly used as wedding bands. It’s said that sheiks and sultans required each of their wives to wear one as a pledge of fidelity while he was away.

Ancient Egyptians and Romans believed that the ring finger of the left hand follows the vein of love, which is connected to the heart.  Isn’t it amazing that a single band of metal can symbolize eternal love having no beginning nor an end.

We all know your engagement ring will typically be found on your left ring finger (next to your pinky).  But how will you wear them once you’re married?  Traditionally, your wedding band will be placed on your ring finger first and then your engagement ring.  The symbolism of this being your wedding band is the closest to your heart and a never ending circle of love.

While engagement rings and diamonds are beautiful and amazingly stunning, especially paired with a matching wedding band, the love that you have for one another is never ending and a ring is a symbol of that love.

Happy Planning!

Mary Homer –  Fairy Tale Weddings & Events

http://www.fairytaleweddingsandeventsbymary.com