Tasty Trend: Brunch Weddings

When most people hear the word brunch wedding, they do not think of 'elegant' as an associating word. A brunch wedding allows for creative freedom for an intimate setting that all guests will enjoy. A Saturday or Sunday wedding ceremony and brunch reception allows guests who have work early Monday, the opportunity to have a free evening. A brunch wedding also cuts cost for the bride and groom. Vendors will typically provide discounts because they have two events that day. An afternoon reception provides less competition for venues with other brides, and less expensive drink charges. Here are some creative options for a Wedding Brunch:

Appetizer bites like french toast or miniature cinnamon rolls are a sweet treat to provide guests for the pre-brunch "cocktail hour".

A buffet bar may not sound upscale, but with creativity, and a wide arrange of brunch options, your guests won't miss the sit-down dinner. Options can include an omelette bar, a pancake bar, a biscuit bar, parfaits, quiche, pastries and skewered bacon. A grits bar is a perfect choice for the Southern bride who wants a taste of home. A nice linen and gorgeous arrangements complete the look.

Drink options can include a champagne bar, orange juice bar and mimosa stations. A Bellini station is a unique option, that allows more choices and is also an inexpensive choice. Large glass jugs with lemonade or a punch is a perfect option for the bride and groom who want to refrain from alcohol.

"I Do" Spotlight Elie Saab

I love Elie Saab's bridal collections. She epitomizes the sweet, romantic bride that is very fashion forward. Below is her 2013-2014 Couture collection, not her bridal collection, but some of her pieces are perfect for the winter bride. I love the winter fantasy looks that have the right bit of sparkle for the holiday season and is still appropriate for any engagement afterwards. I can picture a brave bride wearing these looks, who wants something unique for her winter wonderland.

My favorite!

These are just my other favorite long pieces from the collection:

I love the illusion neckline on this look

The neckline is a perfect amount of sexy for this look

Emerald was the color of 2013

"I Do" Spotlight: Krikor Jabotian

I do not have much to say that would do any of these dresses justice. For the bride that wants a one-of-a-kind dress, these couture creations, by designer Krikor Jabotian, will make a bride want to re-wear her wedding dress even after her wedding day.

Where To Seat the Married Couple?

This question is more common than most believe. There are multiple seating options and couples do not have to feel forced to do the traditional long table with the entire bridal party. Here are a few  options:

Sweet Heart Table
Very Modern. The bride and groom sits here in perfect view of their family and loved ones as toasts occur.

Estate Seating
This is for the bride and groom who want a more intimate dining experience with their guest with this "family style" seating. The bride and groom tend to sit in the middle, reserved by cute signs.

Square Table Seating
In my opinion, this is a perfect choice for the couple who don't want to be separate from the guests, but do not want the long tables. The square tables are perfect seating for the bride, groom, the parents, the best man and maid of honor. 

Traditional Long Table
This is the most common seating style. The bride and groom sit with their wedding party on either side.

Say Yes To The Dress Silhouette

I am a fan of bridal shows such as Say Yes to the Dress, and Four Weddings. Although all of us watching may be adamant that we won't be that bride who has no idea what kind of dress we want.....good for you if you accomplish this. I personally have no idea what I would want in a wedding dress but I know that every female should at least be familiar with the common silhouette's and how they look on your body, in ANY dress. Here are the most popular wedding dress silhouettes:

A-Line
Amsale Bridal

 

Ball Gown
Lazaro

Fit and Flare
Lazaro

Sheath
Oscar de la Renta

Short
Monique Lhullier

And Then There Was Light!

Candlelight adds the perfect ambiance to any wedding event. Whether you use small votive candles around the perimeter of your ceremony space, or pillar candles as the focus of your centerpiece, candles add to the romantic fell of your day. Here are a few of my favorite décor looks with candles as the focus.

Don't Stop Believing.....In Bands! (Did you get it?)

As I stood in Smash Studios in Manhattan, listening to the showcases of the bands of Elan Artists, I tart to wonder....What happened to the days when the excitement of the event you go to, whether a school function or a wedding, were a result of the live entertainment that would e supplied. the age of the wedding band is not gone yet! Wedding bands hold an energy and intimacy that DJs just can't produce. The interaction and ability to read a crowd is the biggest benefits of a band (plus the random 15 seconds of fame singing with the band). A reception can be divided between a DJ and a band: keeping the guests on their toes and playing something for everyone. I truly enjoyed the mash-ups of Top40 hits, old R&B, Motown, Rock & Roll and 80's hits. Check out the website and look at all the bands. I had the privilege of hearing Djore, The Elements and a new group Sound House.