Sugary Sweet - Brown, Pink and Cream Wedding Color Inspiration

Sugary sweet and wonderfully romantic, a combination of pink, brown and cream makes for a delicious wedding color scheme. Think of stacked ice cream cones and layered cakes made up of your favorite flavors! Reminiscent of Neapolitan ice cream, these colors are flawless for a summer wedding. This colorful inspiration should not only inspire your wedding décor but also your dessert options. A summer wedding is the perfect setting to feature an ice cream buffet of strawberry, chocolate and vanilla flavors! So feast your eyes on this delectable combination of colors, delicacies and wedding beauty!

Photo Credits: Drink trio main image, Neapolitan tablescape and Love is Sweet Frame by Aaron Sintaku Photography, Ice cream cone, Bridal Party, Wedding Cake, Garter, Cake slice and ice cream cone favors

Pretty Patterned Bridesmaid Dresses

Patterned bridesmaid dresses have been making an appearance at warm weather weddings these last few years, and this wedding season is no different! Brides are donning their maids in  dresses covered in the prettiest of patterns. Whether the pattern you choose is subtle or striking, it is a fun and flirty option for spring and summer weddings. When choosing patterned bridesmaid dresses make sure that you choose a print that will be flattering to all of your girls. Smaller printed patterns seem to be more flattering than large bold designs. If you decide to mix and match patterns, make sure that all the prints are cohesive with each other and don't clash. Not only are patterned dresses unique and fun, another great reason to choose them is when all the bridesmaids are wearing patterned dresses you will notice that the bride stands out even more in her solid white gown! Take a look at several different ways to do patterns for your bridesmaid dresses. From romantic to vintage or even geometric, there is a style for every wedding! 

Image Credits: Pretty Patterns Main Image,  Romantic Dresses-1 (photo by Anna Hardy), Romantic Dresses-2 by Maggie Heinzel-Neel Photographyc, Bold Dresses (Photo by zadesignz), Flirty Dresses, Retro-Chic Dresses (photo by Nathan Wu Photography), Vintage Dresses 1, Vintage Dresses 2, Geometric Dresses 1, Geometric Dresses 2

A Short Story: Sweet Ideas for Short Summer Wedding Dresses

There once was a bride who was looking for something unique. She thought only long dresses could be sweet. Her summer wedding would be just too hot, to dress from head to toe in such a lot! But alas she was mistaken! For she discovered a whole world full of romantic bridal gowns that let the breeze flow! At or below the knee or skimming the ankle, short informal summer wedding dresses are readily available. Whether your style is edgy or antique, sweet or sassy, dressing for your summer wedding can be easy and classy! Check out our latest inspiration board featuring summer wedding dress ideas that are perfect for warm weather and wedding day bliss!

Wear a short wedding gown for your whole wedding day or consider changing into one for just the reception. A short wedding dress will add a fun and flirty touch to your big day and not to mention keep you cool and comfortable!

Image Credits: Short dress main image from: Diana Marie Photography, Short & Sweet Dresses: from Ivy and Aster, Short & Edgy Dresses: Bride in red shoes dress from The Harrogate Wedding Lounge, Black and white dress photo, Bride with Blue Car, Sassy Wedding Dress from Stephanie James Couture, Fence and ferns bride from Scott Stater Photography, Barn bride and groom from Diana Marie Photography

Top Ten 2012 Wedding Trends

All across the bridalsphere there seems to be a general consensus about 2012 weddings... goodbye DIY!  As we move into 2012, it's time to wave goodbye to the DIY wedding trend and welcome a more classic take on vintage elegance.  While we all can agree that the vintage, DIY trend will still continue on into 2012 seen mostly through rustic and natural elements like homemade centerpieces and flower arrangements, 2012 will be the year for romance. Expect lavish details, lace, and glittery accents for a more romantic take on vintage weddings with less of the homemade projects. Sorry DIYers!

2012 weddings will see inspiration from media influences like last year's Royal Wedding and the recent Twilight saga Breaking Dawn. The rustic, woodland decor seen in Twilight's gorgeous outdoor wedding scene will be among the many copied looks for this year while Prince William and Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding will be the most coveted of wedding styles. Long sleeved and lace wedding gowns will be among the most popular trends in 2012 for those looking to recreate the classic, elegant look of Kate's stunning Sarah Burton gown.

According to Pantone's recent color forecast, bright and bold colors are also making a swift comeback as we head into Spring. Tangerine has been announced as their choice for color of the year and we are expecting this bright color to be among one of the hot wedding colors in 2012 as well. For a bold statement consider mixing this color with a bright girly pink. Other great color pair ups are modern gray or taupe, yellow, or sodalite blue.

Now to get down to business...check out our top 10 picks below forecasting what are sure to be the hottest wedding trends in 2012.

#10 - A New Take on Old Photography

#9 - Multi-Way Bridesmaids Dresses and Classy Tuxedos

#8 - Tiered Wedding Cakes and Signature Foods

#7 - Period Inspiration and Old Hollywood Style

#6 - All That Glitters

#5 - Traditional Veils and Grecian Headpieces

#4 - Tangerine and Color Palettes That Pop

#3 - Natural and Rustic Elements

#2 - Lavish Centerpieces and Decor

#1 - Lace, Sleeves, and Low Back Wedding Dresses

Credits: Lace Back Claire Pettibone Gown, #10 via Vogue, #9 tux via Lane Dittoe, Bridesmaids dresses via Two Birds, #8 via Brides, #7 via Green Wedding Shoes, #6 from Every Last Detail, #5 via Vogue, #4 pink and gray wedding via Ariella Chezar, Pink and orange wedding from Every Last Detail, #3 from The Vegas Wedding Planner, #2 via Ariella Chezar, #1 Legends by Romonakeveza, Jenny Packham, Coan Couture

Top Summer Wedding Trends for 2011

2011 summer weddings are packed full of personal accents and childhood nostalgia. This is a year for one-of-a-kind wedding themes and accents that can only be described as so you. To find out what the top summer wedding trends are going to be, we polled our brides to see what they have decided on. Read on to see all the great ideas they came up with.

1) Themes that tell a story - Our bride's number one pick for summer weddings are themes that tell a story or relate to your childhood. Did you and your FH meet in a library? Then incorporate stacks of books as your table centerpieces, use old checkout cards as place cards, and bookmarks as your wedding favors. Do you both love photography? Incorporate your interests by having a photo booth at your reception. Unique additions like these that tell a story about you and your fiance help bring a personal feel to your wedding and make it even more meaningful.

2) Country living - Summer weddings this year are all about getting back to the basics by bringing the 'at home' feeling of the country to your reception through outdoor venues and homemade accents. Think homemade reception signs, card boxes, wooden accents like birch tree centerpieces, and other rustic decor. Laid-back food selections and comfort food will be popular with items like mac n' cheese and fried chicken topping the list.   Homemade pies in lieu of large wedding cakes are a popular choice and really say 'made with love'. By opting for a smaller traditional wedding cake and including homemade pies made by family members, you will save money and have an effortless country accent to add to your reception.  Expect simple decor to also top the list.

 

3) Personalize it - Personalization is back with a bang and can be found on everything from monogrammed napkins to custom made wedding garters. To save costs, brides are adding their own stamp on their wedding through DIY crafts. Homemade monogram banners and invitations are hot right now with hand-stamped napkins and homemade wedding favors also topping the list. Embroidered wedding garters, engraved flutes, and personalized ring pillows are also popular ways to personalize your wedding accessories. File these great keepsakes away in your memory chest after your wedding and you have cherished mementos of your special day long after your wedding has passed.

4) Refreshing color palettes - Refreshing shades of pink, yellow, and green are the hot color picks for 2011. Combine yellow and lime green together for a mix that screams summer. Honeysuckle pink paired with pale yellow brings that feeling of summer while still keeping a feminine feel to your wedding day through the unique pink shade. For a unique summer twist, bold red paired with pale blue plays on the summery feeling of firecrackers and summer cook-outs while still being modern and fun.

5) Decor that makes a statement - 2011 summer weddings are all about what's unique and your wedding decor is no exception. Brides are pulling out all the stops when it comes to creating unique decorations for their venue. Using fruit as decoration is the most popular and easiest way to add a twist on traditional decor. Add lemons, limes, and other summer fruits to your table centerpieces, wedding cake, and even your wedding bouquets and boutonnieres.

6) Add vintage nostalgia - Brides in 2011 are all about vintage accents. Classic cars on display during your reception, vintage cake toppers, 1930's finger waves, and old-fashioned sundae buffets are a few additions that are increasing with popularity. It's all about what's old with this theme. When including a vintage flair, be sure to check thrifts stores and mom's attic for items like porcelain vases to use as centerpieces, retro lighting, vintage shoes, and grandma's brooch

7) Make guests feel important - Brides and grooms are paying close attention to their guests and are going out of their way to say a special thank you. In the summer heat, hand fans and personalized water bottles are popular choices to give guests to use during your ceremony. Lavish candy buffets are popping up all over reception with smaller wedding favors still being presented as guest table settings to say thank you.  To see other unique wedding favor ideas, check out our full selection of summer wedding favors.

Happy Planning!

Sources: Homemade apple pies via The Knot, Honeysuckle bridesmaids dresses via Cameron Kelly Studio