Events Blog

Another ball has dropped and 2012 is upon us; Happy New Year!  However the ball in Times Square wasn't the only bling to be seen this past week.  With the holidays comes a whirlwind of wedding proposals. Research indicates that over 1/3 of all engagements in the U.S. happen between Thanksgiving & New Year's Eve. All of those engagements bring new trends and ideas for 2012 weddings.  This wedding season it's all about natural decor, illusion necklines and having fun.

   Tree bark, natural colors and leaves.  It might seem like we are talking about a nature painting but in fact, wedding centerpieces are the topic here.  Many brides are using potted plants (which can double as take home favors) as centerpiece mainstays.  Greens and leaves are also very popular, especially given their very reasonable price and durability. Finally don't forget to mismatch.  Centerpieces that don't all look the same are hot, hot, hot. So, don't forget to use different flower types, colors or even elevation levels to make your centerpieces stand out.

   It may have started with the royal wedding but the illusion neckline has now made it's way to the trend meter.  2012 wedding dresses are all about personal style and wearing what you, as a bride, look good in and are comfortable with.  The illusion neckline can make what was a strapless dress or open back, a bit easier to wear for the common bride. After all, confidence is the most important accessory for any woman.  When you feel good in what you are wearing, it shines through.

   The proof is on YouTube and it can be seen on invitations and in reception themes;  brides and grooms want to have fun at their wedding!  Forget the stuffy events of the past; brides want to dance down the aisle to R&B favorites, grooms want to dawn sneakers and bust a move into their reception, forget the formal menu and bring in food trucks with burgers and fries.  It's all about being fun, unforgettable and fancy free. After all this is your big day and it should be your style.  Make it fun, make it creative and most important make it your own!

Have you ever wondered what all of the “stuff” in a wedding symbolizes?  Why do brides carry a bunch of flowers in front of their beautiful dress? Why does the groom hack into the gorgeous wedding cake and stuff the brides face in front of a room full of people? And my personal favorite, why is the bride expected to wear white? As a wedding planner I get these questions quite often.  So often, in fact, that I had to actually sit down and figure out why all of this “stuff” actually takes place on a couple’s wedding day!

Why does the bride wear white?

White has long symbolized virtue and purity, two traits synonymous with weddings and brides from long ago.  Today, however, most brides are adding their own twist to the traditional white.  Many choose to go with the subtle hint of color by choosing an off white gown, while others go totally non-traditional with pinks, beige or even red!

Why does the bride carry a bouquet?

This is an ancient tradition first started with the bouquet of both flowers and herbs which brides carried to ward off evil spirits and to represent fertility.  The bridal bouquet has changed over the years, eliminating the herbs, but staying traditional in size and shape.

Why does a bride wear a veil?

The face covering veil became part of the wedding tradition as a means to protect the bride from jealous former suitors.  Unfortunately this would not work in today’s weddings simply because the invitation pretty much gives away the name of the woman getting married.  If that doesn’t work, everyone pretty much knows she’s engaged when she changes her Facebook status!

Why do the bride and groom cut the cake and feed each other?

This customary act started as symbolism of a nurturing relationship.  Wow – I think this is a very important point to emphasize to grooms to be… it’s supposed to symbolize a nurturing relationship, smashing cake in the face of your new wife does not symbolize a nurturing relationship guys!

Why do the bride and groom give rings to each other?

Historians have said that it became customary to place wedding rings on the fourth finger of the left hand because it encircles the vena amoris vein that runs directly to the heart.

Why is there a honeymoon after the wedding?

The honeymoon was developed in Babylon some 4,000 years ago, it was a tradition for the groom to receive from the bride’s father all the honey based beer he could drink in a month. The calendar in Babylon was based on the lunar cycle, or honey month and eventually honeymoon.  So ladies, go ahead and let your new hubby drink all the beer he wants on the honeymoon, it’s required tradition!

For help making any of these special wedding symbols come to fruition at your event, call Six Cents Events today!