Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Wedding Style

With so many accessible (and wonderful!) wedding resources available to brides these days, it can be quite dizzying when trying to find images + ideas of your wedding style. I've spent countless hours searching The Knot, Wedding Bee, and hundreds of wedding-related blogs, saving picture after picture of weddings that fit "my style". I love every single wedding resource out there, but it is overwhelming to narrow down what you like. Here is a quick list of wedding styles and resources to help you during your search:

Traditional
Do this ring a bell?: hiring a calligrapher, having a five-tiered buttercream cake,or a 12-piece band? If all of this sounds familiar, then you are most likely a pretty traditional bride... But traditional doesn't have to mean "cookie-cutter"... Be sure to incorporate your family's traditions to put a personal spin on your wedding- wear your mother's veil, carry your grandmother's rosary around your bouquet, or have your first dance with your husband to the song your parent's first twirled away to. It is OK to want traditional elements because thats who you are- a traditional and fabulous gal! :)

Websites you might like: The Knot, Brides.com, Get Married, The Preppy Wedding, Classic Bride

Modern
Are you a big city girl? A trend-setter and the life of the party? Look for invites with bright colors and cool graphics. Modern brides are opting to hold their wedding in interesting venues like art museums and lofts. Choose cupcakes instead of wedding cake, make a signature cocktail, or bring in a photobooth for your guests! There are so many trendy elements to incorporate, but just be sure to only pick a few and make them your own!

Websites you might like: Wedding Bee, Brooklyn Bride, East Side Bride, Simply Modern Weddings, From "I Will" to "I Do", What Junebug Loves, DC Nearlyweds, InStyle Weddings

Vintage
Vintage and retro styles are becoming more and more popular these days: birdcage veils, centerpieces made from antique vases, using a typewriter for the guest book, or riding on a tandem bike or in a vintage car for your getaway... whatever vintage elements you incorporate, you are sure to have a beautiful and glam-filled wedding!

Websites you might like: Vintage Glam Blog, Snippet & Ink, Ritzy Bee Blog

Off-Beat
Let's face it... not every girl has been dreaming of their wedding day since the age of five. You still love the idea of celebrating your union with the person you love in front of your friends and family, but in a "different way". I truly think unique and off-beat weddings are some of the best and most personal kinds (I've even seen bridemaids on rollerskates! How cool is that?!). So go ahead, overdo it, go crazy, and make it yours. Your guests will never forget your big day!

Websites you might like: The Off-Beat Bride, The Unwedding, Rock 'n Roll Bride

Eco-Friendly
AKA- the infamous "green wedding". You love your earth and you want to let people know it. Supporting your local farmers + businesses is a great way to keep your wedding green. Find a farmer's market and choose flowers that don't have to be imported, give your guests seeds or pine tree saplings as a favor (or better yet- maple syrup from Michigan!), and donate your centerpieces to a nursing home once the wedding is done. And remember, you don't have to "Go green" with every element. You'll feel really good choosing a few eco-friendly items and will be helping our earth at the same time!

Websites you might like: Eco-Chic Weddings, Planet Green, Green(ish) Wedding

DIY + Budget Bride

With today's economy, there is no shame in wanting to save money on your big day. Costs can add up quickly so DIY'ing (or Doing It Yourself) has become extremely popular. There is also no need to be as crafty as your talented best friend or your sister... just put your mind to one or two DIY projects and you'll find that you can save some serious dough. And if you want to stick to your budget: borrow a veil, cake cutting set or toasting glasses, and learn to negotiate with vendors. Ask a family member to make your cake (or cupcakes!) or DIY your stationary! There are countless ways to cut costs on your big day while still throwing the wedding of your dreams. It just takes some research, creativity, and a little extra work on your part :)

Websites you might like:
The DIY Bride, A $10,000 Wedding, A Practical Wedding, Budget Savvy Bride, Bridal Bargains

Today's brides are creating their own unique traditions and incorporating fun new trends into their big day. Whatever type of bride you are, remember to make your wedding day your own!

No comments: