KARA HORNER (Blogger & Media Director, The Man Registry)

Extreme bachelor parties. Whether it’s the residual Hangover effect or the need for some macho male bonding time, more and more grooms are going big when it comes to their bachelor parties, and they’re taking their entire wolfpack (AKA, groomsmen) with them. Why hit the local bar or strip joint when you can make a manly weekend of it by traveling to a cool destination within driving distance or a quick nonstop away? Beyond the tried and true, such as boozing it up in Vegas, think golfing at Pebble Beach, rock climbing in Utah, fly fishing in Montana, skiing in Colorado or white water rafting in Tennessee. Word to the wise: If you hear banjos playing in the distance, it’s time to head back–fast.

HANA ABAZA (Founder, Wedding Republic)

In general, grooms have been getting more involved in the wedding planning process and 2012 will be no exception. We’re going to see grooms injecting some of their own personality into the big day. Weddings are beginning to shift from being solely bride–centric to more couple–centric. Some great examples of this include the rise of groom cakes, a little more personality incorporated into grooms’ attire, and as we’ve seen at Wedding Republic, more grooms are actively participating in the planning process such as setting up a couples wedding registry. But fair warning… an increase in groom involvement will likely go hand in hand with a rise in groomzillas!


This cake photo was taken from a great local cake decorator.  Cakes by Nomeda!  or check out our website on floral decor for cakes!

As we approach the spring wedding season, this year’s trends are starting to surface. Something I keep hearing about but I have not witnessed yet are food truck catering and video save-the-dates…but those just scratch the surface.  4 wedding event experts have shared their observations about trends revolving around grooms and we thought we should share them with you!

Here's what the first expert had to say:   IAN (Founder, A Groom’s Diary)
"My favorite trend is that I’m finally seeing grooms get their balls back.  We’re in an era of mixed bachelor/bachelorette parties, ornate first dances and guys going for mani/pedis with their groomsmen the day of the wedding.  This year testosterone seems to be bouncing back.  I got invited to a bachelor party where the description was “I’m renting a house on the lake and buying a ****load of booze.  Let me know if you can make it.”  It was incredibly refreshing.  More basic black tuxes instead of over-thinking color-coordinated suits.  More scotch, less mojitos. More steak, less salmon.  I may sound like I just walked out of my cave, but it is good to see guys acting like guys again!"

So what do you think of IAN's thoughts?          Do you think he's right?              What trends are you seeing?

I feel like the most important floral piece of a wedding is the brides bouquet.  The brides bouquet is photographed more than any other floral piece at the wedding.  Make sure it's just what you want.  You will carrying it around for a good part of the day and it needs to be a good representation of you and your unique personality.  You will also have that photo for years to come!  Here are a few of our favorites!  You can also check out lots more under wedding bouquets on our website of course!  

This bouquet that we did a couple of years ago has be wildly popular on Pinterest!
 Check out our wedding bouquet board for more ideas!

Hey brides!  I'm sorry that this is not a great photo, but I saw this at a wedding and thought it was a very unique idea!  How simple is this, but CUTE!  Have you seen any unique place card ideas lately?  Check out our website for more unique wedding ideas!

As many of you know I like anything that is unique, outside the box yet classy.  Here is a great example.  I love when the brides want to break the mold and make their wedding truly their own.  Photo courtesy of Lifelong Studios.  The event coordinator was Staci Mandikas from Unique Event Design (how appropriate for this bride huh?) The wedding was held at the Don Vicente in Ybor.  

Every year from January to March every resource comes out with their perspective on the wedding color trends.  Here is what Smithers Oasis is forecasting.  Enjoy!  Are you following the trend or setting your own?

I came across an article from the Special Events Magazine and had to share some of their advice.  These are great concepts.  Take a look.


SPOTLIGHT THE STUNNER“When a supermodel walks into the room, no one notices her friends,” Jack Kelly says. Keep this in mind with your decor, advises the entertainment technology designer with Charlotte, N.C.-based Eye Dialogue, and you can create drama without dollars.

Take the “centerpiece” concept and apply to the room, Kelly suggests. Instead of using 20 floral arrangements at $50 per table, sink all the money into one dramatic floral arrangement in the center of the room. “No one will think that the handful of candles on their table looks poor,” he says. “Instead, they will comment to all their friends how magnificent the floral display was in the center.”

He adds:

• A custom steel gobo — the honoree's initials or a slogan — creates a unique brand that makes the event special and valuable — all for about $70.
  
  
• If you can put what would have been a two-room event into just one room, you essentially double your decor budget.
  
  
• If you can't afford to wash all the walls in one color, then throw the color onto one element in the center of the room. Kelly did this at one pink-themed Sweet 16: “The brightest thing was in the middle, so everyone looked inward. Psychologically, the room was pink, because no one stares at the wall behind them.” And, “Instead of 30 to 40 lights, we only needed four.”
  
  
• Spend big on one thing and let the rest go. “To get the ‘wow’ from a meager budget, some risk must be taken,” Kelly says. “Anything can be left out. Style is all that matters.”
  
  

Recently I have noticed that there are several blogs and websites popping up that are focused primarily on wedding color combinations.  Choosing the right color combination is SOOOOO important.  Color sets the mood of your wedding and drives the whole look.   Here is one of my favorite blogs that I have come across that is user friendly and has some great visuals!  Check it out!    The Perfect Palette Blog