2010 Weddings Style Forecast

I hope you all had a wonderful christmas and new year! Thank you for all your support in 2009 and we hope you stop by throughout 2010. To our new readers welcome!

We're very excited about 2010 here at Imbue Weddings. We have lots of beautiful weddings ahead as well as the launch of our own Boutique Hire Range next month with the release of our 2010 Catalogue.

So to kick start the year here are our style predictions for 2010.

No.1

Simply Gorgeous Beach Weddings

Beach weddings in Queensland have always been a bit tropical, casual and easy going. This year we predict a trend toward a more simple and sophisticated approach. The normal white folding chairs are out with brides choosing more unique options like bench seats or cushions. The colour palatte also gets a make over with the stunning washed out neutral colours of the beach taking main focus over bright jewel tones.

No.2

Vintage is back

Did it ever go away? With the focus being huge on neutral colour schemes this year vintage takes on a new identity. A grown up version which is elegant and refined but pared down with natural textures. Vintage Milk Glass is growing in popularity and once only seen in American weddings will start to emerge as a very popular centrepiece choice for brides.

No.3

Different Dessert Bars

Not just about lots of candies, dessert bars are now featuring more mini treats like tiny cakes and tarts or truffles. Still very popular and will continue to be so with more styling options being provided to couples.

No.4

Top Colour - Blue!

Not just something blue. The hues of blue this year are far more grown up and stylish. Forget baby blues or pale, washed out tones. China blues and blue greys take centrestage on a background of warm neutrals. Wedgwood blue and duck eggs add vintage charm to even the most boring bases.

No.5

A touch of rustic

Full rustic weddings are a thing of the past. This year expect to see elegant, classic styling accented with french provincial touches. Beautiful tables with simple flowers and refined ceremonies are kept grounded with textures like distressed wood, white washed wicker and the odd bit of tarnished silver.

(Image Credits: Lisa Vorce, Style Me Pretty, Lisa Vorce, Imbue Weddings, Style Me Pretty.)

Choosing your Bridal Jewelry

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In the months and weeks leading up to a wedding, it might begin to seem to a bride that her life is centered on food, flowers, music and planning. This is fairly typical, but something very important can get lost in all of the “business” of a wedding.

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Mens Grooved and Polished Wedding Band from ABAZIAS

One thing that many brides and grooms tend to overlook when getting ready for their “big day” is the importance of many “little things”. For example, many brides focus on their dress, veil, shoes and bouquet and remember their bridal jewelry towards the end of their planning and scheduling process. This is unfortunate, because bridal jewelry is often something of remarkable sentimental value, and handed down from generation to generation due to its remarkable worth and classic appeal. The majority of pieces tend to be made from precious metals and diamonds which only increase in value as the years pass. My best friends sister was married just this weekend past and she, as matron of honour, gifted her sister with a stunning pearl and diamond set. It's a way of creating an heirloom and a wonderful tradition within the family of handing the set down from mother to daughter.
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Diamond and Pearl Post Earrings from ABAZIAS

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No one wants to reach the end of their wedding day and toss their necklace, earrings or bracelet into a jewelry box and forget about them because they were “offhand” pieces bought without any real consideration. Sadly, the planning of a big event like a wedding often makes shopping for such important and valuable items something that gets put off until the last minute.

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Round Cut Diamond Eternity Band from ABAZIAS

This means that shopping for bridal jewelry should be something at the forefront for both the bride and the groom at the time they actually begin planning their wedding. In fact, many grooms will purchase bridal jewelry as a wedding day gift for their fiancé, but usually only after they have gone on a shopping trip or two together.

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Three Stone Sapphire Ring for that "Something Blue" from ABAZIAS

Most bridal jewelry is quite valuable and contains items of long-lasting worth. Traditionally this means diamonds and precious metals will be the dominant choice, but the incredible array of designs, options and choices make it possible for the bride and groom to own coordinating or similar pieces. Taking the time to shop for bridal jewelry will provide a couple with the opportunity to make the right choices for their style and future.

Beautiful Amethyst Pendant for Bridesmaids from ABAZIAS

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Abazias has a gorgeous range of diamonds and jewelry. For more information on the stunning jewelry featured please visit their website Abazias.com.

(Image Credits: Getty Images; all others from Abazias.)

Find the right bouquet style for your gown

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There are so many bouquet styles available (not to mention sizes), but there are a few main ones which time has proven popular. When choosing the right style you should take in to consideration a few things. The first thing you should think about is the over all style of your wedding. This will help you to select the right type of flowers for the bouquet along with your chosen favourites. The second thing you want to think about is your wedding gown. For example if you want a slimming look you will choose a lengthening gown and the perfect bouquet to complete the look would be a trailing bouquet. See below for the best combos:

The Cascade Bouquet

Perfect for a wedding that's tropical or more formal and opulent. Great for those brides wanting to look slimmer. If you have a pear body shape steer cleer of this style of bouquet.

Pair with... a slimming dress.

The Posy Bouquet

Great for most types of weddings. If you have a petite body shape this bouquet is perfect for you. If you are tall try a very large posy bouquet.

Pair with... a full ball gown

The Hand Tied Bouquet

Ideal for a garden or relaxed wedding. Follow the same guidelines as for a posy bouquet.

Pair with... a more relaxed style of gown.

If you have your heart set on a cascade bouquet but know it won't suit the dress you also have your heart set on then this may be the perfect solution. Add cascading ribbons to a posy or hand tied bouquet for the best of both worlds.

And always, always carry your bouquet below your waist, resting it at your hips greates a longer torso which is much more elegant.

(Image Credits: Brides; Kathleens Florist; Brides; Real Simple; Caroline Herrara; Real Simple; Caroline Herrara; Brides.)

Is Airbrush Make up for you?

All brides want to look beautiful on their wedding day (and the photos!). Traditional makeup might be the safe and easy way to go but it does have some draw backs. It rubs and wears off and by the time you get round to photos that’s not such a good thing. Airbrush makeup may just be the answer for a lot of brides. Its benefits include not only a flawless finish but also the following:
It’s very hygienic as no brushes or hands touch your face.
It minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.
No more foundation mask as it blends into your neck.
An almost exact (99.9%) colour match possible with Airbrush makeup.

For more information visit The MakeUp Bar Website or The Powder Room Website.

(Image Credit: Mia Connor.)

Wedding Trends for 2009

Bright colours continue to be popular but there is also a come back of the traditional all white wedding. Instead of being the over done look of the past however this year will see a definite relaxed and “no frills” approach. Expect to see white weddings which though traditional are also sleek and modern with touches of leaf green or black and taupe.

Floral trends look to be simple, elegant and refined with an element of individuality rather than being traditional or fussy. Colours of flowers are bolder and brides are choosing to have bouquets of one type of flower or a combination of very unusual ones such as orange blossom, freesias, peonies and succulents and even feathers. Pastel colours and filler flowers are out unless you try something unusual like using a flower traditionally only used as a filler and give it the spotlight by creating a bouquet just of that flower.

The green approach continues to be big following from last year with brides choosing to either offset carbon emissions by purchasing through a specialized company or doing so in inventive ways. Charitable donations as favours are becoming very popular. Couples like the natural earthy appeal of a “green” wedding and are combining this theme with a minimalist, modern style, creating a look which is completely fresh.

Personal interests and hobbies are being used as inspiration for the overall theme as well as for quirky touches. Have you included personal touches in your planning? We'd love to hear some individual ideas.

See our post later in the day for Imbue's Fav Picks for this year.

(Image Credits: The Knot; Divine Flowers; The Knot; The Knot.)

Dress Codes Deciphered!

You’ve sent out your save the date cards, followed a few months later with a carefully thought out invitation. You’ve included all the details you know you should, checked them over a million times. And suddenly you’re inundated with phone calls from friends and family alike asking what the dress code means. So in preparation here is a short decipher to the intricacies of dress codes. I hope it helps.

White Tie –
The ultimate in formal glamorous dress! Men wear full black tuxedo with white pique shirt, white vest and white (self tied) bowtie. Women wear full length evening gowns. Usually worn after 6pm only.

Black Tie –
Worn after 4:30pm. Men wear black tuxedos with black bow ties and black shoes and socks. Women can wear either full length or short dinner gowns.

Cocktail –
Usually for after 5:30pm. Men wear dark suits with shirt and tie. Women wear cocktail dresses and glittering accessories.

Smart Casual –
Ideal for a less formal affair for any time of the day. Men wear a suit with a white or pastel coloured shirt, with or without tie. Women wear dresses or tailored pants with dressy tops.

Informal –
Men wear tailored jackets with tailored trousers. Women dress as if they were going out to a nice restaurant.

(Image Credit: theknot.com)

Colour Schemes for your Wedding

Are you having trouble finding the right colour scheme for your wedding? Want to know what the best colour to go with robins egg blue is? Go to the link below and have a spin on the colour wheel. Very helpful whether you have no idea or some idea of the colours you'd like.

http://www.brides.com/weddingstyle/receptions/colorstudio/

(Image Credit: instyle.com)

Children in Weddings

I had the pleasure of being a guest at a friends wedding on the weekend. It was such a relaxing and joyful day and for once I simply sat back and enjoyed the occasion as it unfolded! There were two gorgeous little children in the wedding party as well as some among the guests. Even though the day was lovely there were a few things that were decidedly not child friendly and didn’t the kids let us know it! There’s always a risk that children will make noise during the ceremony, fall asleep under the tables or refuse to eat the fancy food because all they really want is chips. If you decide you would like to have children at your wedding, and do think about it because the innocence and wonder they bring really does add to the magic of the day, there are a few things you can do to avoid disaster.

Keep a sense of humour.
Children are very unpredictable. If you’ve chosen to have a flower girl or page boy expect the unexpected. By doing so you’ll not only feel as though a weight has been lifted but ultimately you open the door for some great moments and these unique memories are the ones that will have you smiling for years to come.

Keep them entertained.
If you ever went to a wedding as a child you should know how boring and tedious they can be for someone who really doesn’t fully understand their significance. Have a table for kids at the reception to keep them occupied and busy filled with fun things like crayons and paper, books and games.

Feed them first.
A hungry child is a grumpy child. Serve the children their meals at the one table if possible whilst the adults are enjoying pre-dinner drinks. Ask your caterer or venue if they will do a deal for kid’s meals. Most will be happy to even if it’s not something they offer as a standard.

Employ a child minder.
If you can afford it this is a great idea. The children can be watched during the ceremony somewhere near by. During the reception the children can be minded whilst still allowing them to enjoy the party in their own special way. There’s nothing cuter than watching toddlers on the dance floor! If you can’t afford it then assign members of the wedding party to do the job. A well respected adult can help some parents with squealing babies and children at the ceremony, escorting them to a spot where they can be settled down. A responsible teenager who loves kids and isn’t old enough to partake in the adult celebrations will feel useful if asked to read stories and mind the little ones.

Tips for planning the perfect wedding.

" What the world really needs is more love and less paperwork".

(-Pearl Bailey)

Congratulations, you're engaged!

Planning your wedding can be a joyful time full of cake testings and lunches at wineries. Once the honeymoon stage is over though, you're left with piles of paperwork, bills to pay, contracts to stress over and worst of all you can run out of time if you've been busy with work!

Here are a few tips every bride to be should know before they start the daunting task of planning their wedding.

Tip No.1: Create your own personal wedding profile.

Include things like a couple of preferred dates (it's best to have about three options, this is so if you find the perfect venue you won't be disappointed if its booked on your date), the bridal party (now is a good time to jot down their contact details, you'll need them throughout), a "guestimate" and a wish list.

Tip No.2: Consider hiring a wedding planner.

This may sound like biased advice and it probably is! There is a common misconception that wedding planners are only for celebrities or the wealthy. The truth is a wedding planner can not only prevent you from feeling completely overwhelmed with stress, they can also save you time and money. How can they save money? They have great deals with suppliers and the inside information on which ones have the best prices and products. And if you ask them to include their fee in the budget you provide it's like you're getting the service for free.

Tip No.3: Find a venue right away.

The most important thing by far is finding the right location for your ceremony and reception. you'll find it nearly impossible to plan anything else without having your venues booked first. One way of minimising stress (and money) is to have both the ceremony and the reception in the one location. A great added benefit of this is that it cuts down on carbon emissions. A boutique winery or privately owned gardens have wonderful settings for ceremonies and have beautiful rooms or marquees for receptions.

Tip No.4: Don't get carried away.

The wedding industry is inundated with photographers, florists, venues, makeup artists, the list goes on! Not all are good and bad. Don't get the grass is greener syndrome. Try to stick to seeing about three of each supplier. Look at their testimonials and portfolios. If you're still having trouble deciding, give yourself time to think on it. Then if all else fails go with your gut feeling. If you get on fantastically with that photographer for example then chances are it will make your day a whole lot smoother and happier.

Tip No.5: Create a wedding checklist.

Include all the things you need to do and the absolute cut off day for getting them done. Also it might be a good idea for you to work out a filing system and invest in a good folder to keep all the little bits and pieces in.

Tip No.6: Don't be afraid to delegate.

Weddings are a fun time for everyone. Your family and friends share your joy for getting married. So don't be afraid to ask them to do you favours and help share the workload. Just don't turn into a bridezilla and remember if someone gets it wrong to take a step back, breathe deeply and say to yourself, its okay. Trust me, it will be!

(photo courtesy of instyleweddings.com)