{Wedding Trends} : Hand-Painted Cakes

I love how intricate, unique and artsy wedding cakes are getting! Gone are the days of the plain cake (woo hoo!). 2012 brought in new wedding trends, including the rise of hand-painted cakes. These sweet confections are true works of art and almost look too good to eat…almost!  As the reception centerpiece, hand-painted cakes are a great way to reflect your theme, the season (spring, fall, etc) or even be made to resemble your invitations and stationary. Below are a few recent faves:

Cake by Sweet Cakes by Karen,  Gideon Photography 

1: Maggie Austin Cakes |  2: Maggie Austin (source) | 3: Charm City Cakes West |  4: (source)

Charm City Cakes

1: Cakes by Dee-sign (source) | 2: Amelie’s House (source) | 3: Maggie Austin | 4: Nadia and Co.

Amelie's House 

Maggie Austin (source)

 1: Hey There Cupcake (source) | 2: Nadia and Co. (source) | 3: (source) | 4: Sweet and Saucy (source)

Rachelle's Beautiful Bespoke Cakes

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Wedding Trends 2012/1

Sequins

The cool thing about the sequin trend is that you get a little bit of glitter and a burst of color all in one.Try to use it on tables,centerpieces,cakes and the not to forget the maids of honor dresses.

 Rainbow Colors

A new and fun wedding trend is to incorporate every color and have a rainbow-inspired wedding. From the bridesmaid dresses to the flowers, from the decor to the groomsmen's ties.

Hanging Wedding Decor

Hanging decorations can add light or simply be that perfect addition to create the ambiance you are hoping for.



{Wedding Trends} : Bridesmaids in Skirts - how to styled, accessorized and mix-match

Bridesmaids in skirts! I love it! Skirts + tops on your favorite ladies is a fun, fresh spin on the traditional look, and takes mismatched bridesmaids to a whole new level. I can only hope to see more weddings with bridesmaids in skirts. They seem like they would be a perfect feel for a rustic inspired, casual, backyard nuptials or garden wedding. Ahhh... and totally wear again! [Skirts by Anjou Clothing, photo by D'Avello Photography]

I’ve collected some cute bridal parties that will gives you lots inspiration on how to styled, accessorized, and mix and match your two-piece bridesmaid outfits– they are all super stylish! Lets begin...

Option No. 1: Different Length.
From pencil skirts (image via Love and Lavender) and floor-length (via Grey Likes Weddings) to mini-skirts (source) and tea-length (via Project Wedding), the options on skirt length are endless!

Option No. 2: Patterns and Texture. 
Bring a touch of fun to your bridesmaids outfits by incorporating a pattern (image #1, photos 2 and 3) or add some glamour by bringing texture like ruffles (pic #4 and photo #5). My recommendation is to do the pattern or ruffles it in only one piece, either the skirt or the top, to keep the look balanced. Here are some examples..

Option No. 3: Same style, different colors.
Some brides would like to follow the mismatched bridesmaids trend, but they still would like to choose their bridesmaids’ outfit. Option number 3 is for them. Choosing the exact same skirts in the different tones of your wedding color palette looks amazing and gives your bridal party a refreshing pop of color. (image via SMP)

Option No. 4: Same color, different styles.
Give your bridesmaids the exact colors or even the fabric you would like them to wear and let them came up with their own outfits. Or you can personally choose a few variations of the same skirt [like image no. 2] or the same top [like image no. 1].

Option No. 5: Adding accessories.
Bring a little pizzazz to your bridesmaids skirt + top attire by adding accessories. They are specially useful when you would like include a third color to your gils two-piece outfit to showcase all the colors in your color palette.  But, whether it’s a statement necklace (image 4 via Green Wedding Shoes), a cardigan (image 1), a belt (photo 2) or a colorful sash (pic 3 via The Bride's Cafe), accessories can take your girls outfit from pretty to pretty amazing in one second. See for yourself!

Option No. 6: Tulle Skirts.
This is a totaly fan and super whimsy approach on the bridesmaids skirt trend. And I'm loving it! I recommend you to stop by Emmaline Bride. They recently developed a very comprehensive post about bridesmaids in tulle skirts that is totally wort-to-read if you are into this clever style (click her). [Skirts by TutusChicBoutique on etsy]

Option No. 6: Mix-and-match.
Ok, this is my favorite approach on the trend and the ultimate option to mismatched your bridesmaids. This clever bride pick two matched skirt-top sets and ask her bridesmaids to mix them up. And, what can I say about the lace and sequins?... I'm obsessed! [images by Jarvie Digital Photography]

Option No. 7: Shorts.
Now, if you are planning a laid-back, casual affair, why not have your lovely bridesmaids wear pretty shorts instead of skirts? Shorts are so comfy and look adorable... don't you think?  [Photo by Birds Of A Feather Photo via Kate Love Photography]

How amazing do all these bridal parties look? And those tutus are too fun!

If you are looking for more bridesmaid fashion inspiration, take a peek at these posts -

• The Secrets of Successful Mismatched Bridesmaids: Part 1 and Part 2
• {Bridesmaids} Rosa Clara 2012 Fiesta Collection

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{Wedding Trends} : Chevron, Chevron & More Chevron

Feeling a little more modern these days?  Well, let me introduce you to Chevron, also known as zig zag pattern. Chevron is a a uber-popular pattern these days.  It’s being printed on everything from fashion to interior decor. And of course it has made a huge splash onto weddings. I personally can’t get enough of it!  And it's no wonder why; chevron isn't only a great way to add a modern twist to your wedding details and decor, but it also creates clean lines and adds a fun pop of color.  It’s the perfect accent for a classic and preppy wedding or for a fete that’s a bit non-traditional, too.  I'm a big fan of the black and white combo with splashes of gold... very glamorous! 

There are millions of ways to incorporate it into your nuptials – from stationery to bridesmaid dresses and even pretty favors! Here are a few ideas of how to use this fun print at your big day. Enjoy! (image source)

Decor.  The easiest way to incorporate a print into your wedding is in the decor. Napkins, linens and pillows are a fun  way to tie in your colors and theme. (images source: first, second, third)

Stationary.  Simple and pretty, using chevron for your invitations sets a great tone for what guests can expect at your chic wedding.  Minted. The Freshest Designs on Paper has a great selection of chevron stationary. {As a special offer to Belle The Magazine reader, Minted is offering 10% off on all their wedding stationary using the code: BELLE10}

Cake. This is one of my favorite ways to "chevronized" weddings.  (images source: first, second, third)

Photo Booth. DIY photo booths are the new trend, so easy and carefree.  All you need is a space to set up, a stand alone camera with a timer and even add some fun props if you like. (image source)

Attire. Dress up your wedding party with items that they will definitely use again and again. An easy alternative for the groom are chevron ties. And don't get left out, here is a gorgeous option for the bride!

Ceremony Accessories. Bring the cohesive look to your ceremony by using chevron accessories like this cute ring pillow.

Yummy Treats. From decor to the cookies, chevron takes a dessert bar to a whole new level of playfulness.

Details. The small elements of your event are the perfect alternative to incorporate chevron into your wedding in a settle and elegant way. From tags and signs to drink flags and place-cards, the possibilities are endless (and DIY) !

Favors. The favors are the final touch to make your chevron wedding unforgettable.

Use as much or as little as you like.  Either way this print is guaranteed to make a big impact!

Check out more wedding trends here. Or stop by this articles to get more inspiration:

• 15 Ways to Welcome your Wedding Guest
• Gourmet Jello Shoots for Weddings

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