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Sunday, April 24, 2011 Have a Senior graduating? Elegant Design Events can take care of your party for...

Wednesday, March 16, 2011 Now that we are offering chair covers and linens, I am constantly searching for...

Sunday, January 23, 2011 The new year always brings in new trends. This year weddings seem to be moving in two...

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Have a Senior graduating? Elegant Design Events can take care of your party for you! We offer graduation invitations, thank you cards, party planning services, candy buffets for a cool, special touch, and linens to make it all come together! We would love to help make your child's graduation one of the most memorable days of your life!

Now that we are offering chair covers and linens, I am constantly searching for cool, new linens and chair covers. One thing brides ask me all the time is, "doesn't a bow look so dated?!" And, honestly, some people just don't love a bow! SO, it set me out on a quest for some awesome new ideas for ways to cover your chair without the frilly look of a bow!

Check out the amazing ideas I found below...

This "lay over" look is very simple and elegant.

This is a step-up of the "lay over" look with it being wrapped around the cover to show off even more of the sash.

This chair cover and sash does have a bow, but with the flower and two colors of sashes, the frilly-ness is out, classy and fun is IN!

Using broches makes the sash look very sleek and modern.

Tying the sash vertically is a great idea for chairs that aren't covered. And, it looks stunning!

Tying the sash in an "X" with a flower or jewel is very elegant and much more creative than the classic bow.

And, finally, my absolute FAVORITE idea for how to use a sash! Taking two or three different sashes and tying them down the side of a wooden chair looks AMAZING! It is very modern but also very classy and sets the tone for a very unique event!

Whatever you desire for chair covers, sashes, specialty linens, and more; contact us today to learn how we can help you with a totally unique look! Linens by EDE would love to help make your day unforgettable!

The new year always brings in new trends. This year weddings seem to be moving in two directions. One is towards a light, airy feel; almost whimsical. The other goes back to a more elegant, upscale feel (while working on a smaller budget). Read the article below for some trends you can expect to see this year!

This article was taken from Your Wedding Company, check out their site: http://www.yourweddingcompany.com/index.php/action/createTrends/

2011 Wedding Trends

The following trends have been compiled from hundreds of sources in both North America and Europe to guide your selections and inform you of the vast array of options available.

Wedding Dresses

Romantic, flowing dresses in floor-length styles remain popular. Brides today choose dresses with flowing, soft fabrics, ruffles, satin sashes (at the waist), and delicate floral details. Most dress silhouettes are refined and include the delicate overlaying of fabrics such as chiffon, tulle and lace. Gowns with crystal, cubic zirconia, and/or pearl embellished bodices are very popular at the moment.

The modified A-line skirt also remains prominent on the fashion runways (slim through the waist and flared at the bottom) although many designers have included ball gowns and tea-length styles in their lines as well. Strapless gowns are perennial favorites, but this season has brought back the off-the-shoulder look for brides who want to accentuate their neckline or draw attention to gorgeous jewelry.

Wedding Accessories

Shorter trains and veils (especially the bird cage veil) are popular as are pretty boleros, and shawls. For colder weather, brides choose wraps of faux-fur, velvet, heavy satin, or pashmina. Light weight fabrics, including organza, lace, tulle and chiffon, make perfect wraps for the Spring or Summer bride and reduce sun exposure on bare arms and shoulders.

Pearls, rhinestones, and crystals remain the top jewelry choice for necklaces and earrings. Crystal brooches are also a popular accent for wearing on the dress, in the hair or on the bouquet handle.

Wedding Hair Styles

There are no clear trends in hair styles, although wearing the hair in long romantic waves or loosely pulled back are popular choices for brides with long hair. Hair ornaments such as hairpins, brooches, and hair vines made with crystals, pearls, rhinestones, and/or silk flowers are also popular.

Beautiful tiaras and combs made with either rhinestones, crystals, or pearls have been the trend for many seasons and seem to be getting smaller as more crystal-embellished dress styles take center-stage. Some brides are placing their veils directly on their hair or using a single silk flower for a simple, classic look. Visit our hair gallery for hundreds of hairstyle ideas.

2011 Wedding Color Trends

The table below includes popular wedding color choices:

turquoise	coral	B&W	yellow	fuchsia

deep red	chartreuse	slate grey	purple	latte

See more color schemes and inspiration.

Wedding Bouquets

Ninety five percent of wedding bouquets are hand-tied, where the flowers are gathered together and the stems are wrapped in wide satin ribbon. Brides wanting more glamorous bouquets choose beads, brooches, jewel pins, pearls, crystal/rhinestone picks, and monogrammed ribbon to dress up plain ribbon-wrapped stems and blooms. With the continuing popularity of the beach and garden themes, brides wanting a more rustic and natural look to their bouquet add elements such as shells/starfish, feathers, berries and pinecones.

The rose continues to be the most popular and elegant bouquet flower. Lilies, peonies, hydrangeas, tulips and orchids represent the trendier choices. Arrangements with a just-picked and looser casual look have replaced the more tightly-bound bouquet shapes of previous seasons. Vivid flower colors will continue in popularity.

More and more mothers are carrying small posies instead of wearing the traditional corsage. Silk flowers are also popular for their versatility and life-like appearance. Visit our extensive bouquet gallery for ideas and inspiration.

Wedding Reception Decorations

Brides are choosing centerpieces that are in the same color tones, but of different sizes. They are also changing the shape of the tables, mixing round with square. These trends give the reception tables a more interesting look and a less "coordinated" feel. Unique vase fillers include glass marbles, sea glass shells, acrylic ice, water absorbing crystals/beads, and fresh fruits such as lemons and limes.

Faux rose petals, diamond confetti and shells/starfish remain the most popular confetti. Also, flowering vines or individually cut flowers are placed directly onto table linens. Reception chairs are decorated with either tulle, fabric overlays, floral swags and/or ribbons. Other popular decorating items include Chinese lanterns, garlands and balloons. Disposable cameras, placed on each table, allow guests to capture candid moments.

An increasingly popular trend is the candy buffet or confection bar. This consists of a variety of candies or treats placed in varied sizes of glass containers and grouped on a table. Pretty silver spoons or scoops in each container allows guests to fill small boxes or bags as take-home favors.

Bolts of economical tulle fabric are typically combined with white lights and/or floral garlands for draping between pews and decorating banisters and ceilings. Click for more tulle decorating ideas.

Candles, always a popular choice for centerpieces, lend a romantic feel to any room. Choices include pillars, tea lights, tapers and floaters. Since some facilities do not allow candles, alternatives include faux tea light candles, battery operated LED lights, and fiber optic lights.

Head tables are replaced with a small table for just the bride and groom. Many couples plan weekend weddings that start on Friday and go for the entire weekend. Dove releases add drama and excitement to the event. Butterfly releases, despite the environmental issues, also remain popular.

Today's couples most often pay for their own weddings and make their own decisions about what they want for their wedding day. Using a budget calculator allows them to allocate their money and prioritize wants and needs. They want to enjoy a wedding that is uniquely theirs, and one that displays their own sense of style and personal taste. Personal touches appear throughout the entire wedding, and can be found in attire, favors, decorations, stationery, photography, themes, flowers, gifts, and locations.

Wedding Favors

Although completely optional, couples now opt for more unusual, useful, and personalized favors to thank their guests for coming. In many cases, the favors do double-duty as place-card holders, table decorations, and even centerpiece arrangements where larger favors are grouped together in the center of the reception tables.

Favors can be ready-made items, although currently less popular, or hand-made and embellished with ribbon and accents that coordinate with the wedding theme or color scheme. This is definitely an area of weddings that has gone DIY in recent months.

Children's Attire

Flower girls are sporting fairy wings and cute wands, although baskets of rose petals, posies, pomanders, and dainty purses remain popular. A-line dresses and dresses accented with chiffon overlays steal the show. Floral head wreaths or dainty tiaras finish the look.

The tuxedo is still the most popular choice for the ring bearer. Ring pillows often come in colors, other than just white and ivory, and include bead, pearl, ribbon or floral accents. Popular fabrics include velvet, lace, and satin.

Wedding Transportation

Limousines, exotic cars, and horse-drawn carriages are top picks for wedding transportation. More unconventional choices include motorcycles, horses, two-person bikes, hot-air balloons, and sleighs.

Wedding Locations/Venues

Mansions, churches, beaches, country clubs, resorts, hotels, public gardens, museums, yachts, and private homes are still the most popular locations for weddings.

Wedding Ceremony

A current trend is for couples to walk down separate aisles during the ceremony and meet together in front of their guests. They write their own vows and incorporate their children in the case of second marriages. Pets are also part of the day. Brides riding their horse in outdoor weddings or walking their dog to the altar are not unusual.

Grooms typically escort their mothers down the aisle.
Brides are escorted by both father and/or stepfather, or by her mother, mother and father together, or grandparents or by a significant person in their life.

Traditional guest books remain popular, however, a trend that has been around for many years is to display the couple's engagement photograph on an easel at the ceremony entrance. The photo is matted, framed without glass and takes the place of a guest book when guests sign the matting. Some couples ask their guests to sign a scroll which they later have framed.

Wedding Planning

Wedding inspiration boards are increasing in popularity as they are a great tool for helping brides focus their wedding ideas, color schemes and decorating details. Choosing a wedding motif is also helpful in coordinating the overall wedding day decor or theme.

Eco-friendly or Green Weddings

Going green is important in almost every area of life including weddings. Many couples are choosing organic fabrics, flowers, food and invitations, etc. In the event of global climate change, making green and sustainable choices helps our environmental crisis tremendously. Decisions that lessen the amount of carbon emissions promote sustainable practices, support local businesses, foster community and worldwide health and longevity. Let's hope this trend is here to stay!

Wedding Cakes

Cakes decorated with handmade icing flowers, shells/starfish and delicate dots and scrollwork remain popular. Couples are choosing cakes that fit with the location, theme and season of their wedding. Four to five layers is the average size for a wedding of 150-200 people.

Buttercream or smooth fondant frostings are most common. Popular cake flavors include lemon, chocolate, carrot, spice and "white" although some couples are choosing non-traditional flavors such as gingerbread, espresso and hazelnut. Flowers, sculptures, and large monogrammed letters are replacing the traditional bride and groom cake top.

Wedding Photography

The photo-journalistic (candid) approach to wedding photography is preferred by many brides to the traditional posed shots. Capturing the day's events as they happen helps tell the story of your wedding. Naturally, posed pictures are still enjoyed and requesting that some of the photos be black and white is common.

Wedding Themes

Currently, the top wedding themes are "beach", "garden", "winter wonderland", "vintage glamour", "woodland/rustic", and "Tiffany Blue" (aqua) and "sparkling diamonds." Destination and ethnic-influenced celebrations also remain popular choices. See more theme choices.

Wedding Stationery

Stationery adorned with ribbon, beach, feather, rhinestone buckles, or floral accents remains in high demand. Ribbon is used for decoration, or to simply hold the invitation together. Handmade stationery is a more personal, and with the popularity of scrap booking, stamping, and various computer programs available, there are endless creative options. Many couples choose to add this personal touch to their wedding.

More wedding planning tips, advice and galleries!

http://www.yourweddingcompany.com/index.php/action/createTrends/

Wedding Window

Before we share our next gorgeous affair with you we wanted to take a time out to let you know about some fabulous new features from our friends at Wedding Window. You know we’re particular (okay, fine obsessed) with the little details. So you can imagine our delight when we found out that Wedding Window added several new options for you to customize your page and make it even more personal. Now you can upload unique theme photos for each page of your site. You can choose everything from your feature photo on each page to the taglines and text so you can get that just-right look and your entire site. You can even take advantage of their super simple photo library options and upload all your own photos too.

No more teeny-tiny little photos for you! Wedding Window added a Slideshow Lightbox Display so that guests can get up close and personal with you and your spouse to be. Go ahead show off those engagement photos!

Wedding Window has also included a Dedicated Music Request Form Page so your friends and family can get the party started by accepting music requests right in your site. All the submissions are accessible from your account and downloadable so you can provide a playlist to your DJ.

And of course you still get all the must-have wedding website features, like rsvp’s, planning tools, and the Wedding Window Custom Color Tool. Trust us, we totally understand that you want that just right shade of blue… You can use the custom color tool to match your website theme to your wedding colors exactly. Wedding Window makes it easy to set the tone for your entire wedding before the Save the Dates even hit the post office.

This article is taken from Style Me Pretty, check our their site for some amazing wedding ideas, tips, hints, tricks! Wedding websites are a GREAT way to tell people more about your wedding and to receive RSVP's. Enjoy! www.stylemepretty.com

Hiring a Planner: The Hows and Whys

June 22nd, 2010 — Practical Planning

The Q: I’m recently engaged and live in the Boston area with my boyfriend. My family does not. We’re looking to have our wedding up here in New England (where we met) and I’m thinking about hiring a planner. The thing is, I’m not 100% sure what to look for? Any tips? Are event designers the same as a planner?

The A: This is a GREAT question and I think for anyone really looking into spending the money on professional wedding help, you should be asking yourself this. First, not everyone who plans designs, and not everyone who designs “plans” all aspects of the day. You should ask the individual to clarify what it is that they do.

However, more importantly, before you start looking, ask yourself “WHY am I hiring someone?” Because the truth is the barrier to entry to becoming a “wedding planner” is so low these days that the term is broad and WHAT one person does as a planner is totally different from what someone else does who has the same technical job title. Think of it like the title “Engineer”… some people build bridges and dams, other people manage a sound board, etc. And the difference in fees between “types” of planners is great. So step one is WHY you want someone on board.

The Logistician:

Some people want a planner because they are completely overwhelmed by the process and want someone to hold their hand on the day itself. This person is looking to hiring a logistician. Someone who is thorough, detail oriented, works off tons of checklists and sees the forest for the trees. Their background should be in something organization oriented and you should expect to pay a modest fee. Because they are mainly logisticians, you should expect that they have a high volume of clients, so ask them about their work load and their staffing on the day of and the number of weddings a weekend. If this is what you are looking for, I’m sure you can find someone who is getting started or who perhaps has a background in other kinds of event production and management and is seeking to break into weddings.

The Negotiator

Other people higher a planner because, in addition to the qualities of a logistician, they want someone to insure that their “investment” in their wedding is going to pay off- by guiding their spending and leading them to the right people at the best price. If you are this couple, you are looking for someone with some experience. They may or may not be a designer, but you want someone who has been in the business for some time who has the relationships to deliver on your desired results. Someone who joined the Association of Bridal Consultants and hung a shingle 5 months after their own wedding isn’t going to be able to leverage relationships (or have the volume of business) to help you get the best prices or even to help you find the BEST FIT for you. In addition to bringing experience to the table, they also should be a bit of a match maker of sorts and be able to read personalities to create a “team” of professionals that will best suit who YOU both are as a couple. Someone with experience shouldn’t be cheap and if you want someone to manage your spending, you should be willing to INVEST in them. Ask them about their vendor roster and their experience with various venues. Are they recommended at a venur or by a vendor? Vendors and venues can often be better judges of performance than past brides. I wouldn’t be too weirded out if they haven’t worked in your particular venue before if they are experienced, as a good event professional with experience should be able to learn/ manage nearly any venue.

The Experience Designer

Finally, some people want a planner because in addition to all of the above they want their wedding to be a unique, memorable and positive experience for their guests from start to finish and they want a hand in helping them to craft that experience. This couple typically knows who they are and what they like and dislike, but they need someone to assist them in tranlating and executing that into “wedding language”. At this level, you aren’t looking for just a “planner” you are looking for someone to help you create an experience. So in addition to portfolios and examples of their past weddings, ask yourself when meeting prospective candidates (or in reviewing websites) “What does this person bring to the table (in addition to experience) that I DON’T have?” Perhaps its a culinary or hospitality background, perhaps its training in interior design, perhaps its a specialty in a cultural or religious style of wedding or a mastery of destination weddings or a particular geographic region. Ideally it’s a combination of all of the above.

When you meet with the “experience designer” you will know. They will start by asking you questions about your vision and your take on entertaining and about who you are. They may or may not be an event designer in addition, but they will immediately bring imagination to the table because they “dream” in events. With this type of “planner”, the logistics and the negotiation are inherent to them being able to experience design, and in a lot of ways you are judging them MORE on their unique skills, personality, past work AND degree of comfort. You SHOULD expect to pay a lot more for this person as they are a specialist and are doing more than guiding you through a checklist. You SHOULD also expect to get a high degree of attention for your fee and an enormous amount of bang for your buck in the end.

Ultimately, your planner should fit your needs and personality, but shopping and deciding will get easier if you make an honest assessment of what you need and what each candidate brings to the table!

This article was taken from Always a Blogsmaid. You can visit their website and read this article here.

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