Hot Trends Archives – Dream Weddings on a Budget

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Budget Friendly Wedding Trends 2010

Sunday, August 9th, 2009

In the current economy, it’s not surprising to see wedding trends moving in a budget friendly direction for 2010. Among the top trends predicted to be hot for 2010 weddings there are a number of budget friendly trends you’re going to love!

Intimate Backyard Weddings:

In a trend that brings to mind the wedding at the end of “In Her Shoes” with Cameron Diaz, many 2010 brides are opting for elegant, intimate weddings in their own backyards. This growing trends is extremely budget friendly for obvious reasons: no location fees, smaller guest lists and a more casual menu allow for a much more affordable affair. If you don’t have a great backyard – consider the yard of a close friend or family member. A local park may be the next best thing. Brides opting for this style of wedding need to keep the weather in mind and make sure to have a foul-weather back up plan.

DIY Wedding Favors

DIY Brides are going to love the return of personal, handmade wedding favors. While handmade wedding favors may be a time consuming option, 2010 brides appreciate the savings and their guests appreciate the personalize sentiment.

Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses

The perfectly matched group of maids is a thing of the past. Brides are opting for mismatched styles in a number of different ways. Some brides are choosing to allow their bridesmaids the freedom to choose dresses they love (at prices they pick) by simply providing a color guideline. Other brides are choosing to outfit their maids in a variety of colors that compliment each other. Patterned styles are also popular, as are combinations of patterns and solids. Why is this budget friendly? This allows your and your bridesmaids to shop at smaller boutiques and shops that wouldn’t generally be considered bridesmaid gown shops.

Statement Jewelry

2010 brides want to make a statement but without the cost. One great way brides are choosing to do this is with bright, bold statement jewelry. Statement jewelry pieces don’t have to be expensive: bright colored beaded necklaces are huge this year – and a lot less costly the pearls or diamonds.

Nearby Destination Weddings

Brides who love the idea of a destination wedding are turning to more affordable options closer to home. This may be a local beach, a bed and breakfast or a small local resort where the couple can have their dream destination wedding without the travel expenses.

Meaning Over Materialism

Over all, as we adjust to the changing economy, brides are beginning to adjust their priorities. 2010 weddings will concentrate more on the meaning of the even rather then the materialism. As brides look for ways to cut costs, they will also be looking for special ways to convey the true meaning of the event. Many brides are choosing to concentrate more on the why rather then the how.

Posted in Hot Trends |

Best Spring 2009 Wedding Trends

Sunday, November 16th, 2008

If you’re throwing a Spring 2009 wedding event – or are planning on attending one – learning about the season’s top wedding trends can make the event even more unforgettable. Wedding trends for Spring 2009 capture some of the season’s fresh designer trends from the runways, and the year calls for a mix of classic styles and modern designs.

From Grecian-inspired gowns for the bride to flapper dresses for the bridesmaids, here are some of the best Spring 2009 wedding trends to plan for:

Wedding Trend for Spring 2009: Black Flowers and Accessories

Black wedding dresses were a top trend in 2007, and black reigns on with black accessories for 2009. Pick up black roses or rosettes, black table linens and black and white color combinations for a sophisticated and modern look.

Wedding Trend for Spring 2009: Pink Flapper Dresses

Pink is a top choice for color this Spring 2009, so deck out the bridesmaids in classic, pastel or shocking pink for a modern twist to basic cream and white. Flapper-inspired dresses with their fitted, mid-calf length style get a fresh look in innocent pink.

Wedding Trend for Spring 2009: Red-Trimmed Wedding Gowns

Red is a bold and vibrant addition to the usual pastels and classic white ensembles for Spring weddings, and you’ll find it trimming wedding gowns and bridesemaid dresses this season. The red and white combination adds a twist of modern romance to any Spring wedding.

Wedding Trend for Spring 2009: The Mini Wedding Dress

Super-short wedding dresses are a fresh trend for Spring 2009, giving you every excuse to show off those legs this season. Pair this look with ankle-tied sandals for a chic, dramatic look this wedding season.

Sabah Karimi writes about wedding trends, fashion and style for several online and offline publications. Read more about Top Wedding Trends for Spring 2009 in this Spring 2009 wedding trends article.

Posted in Hot Trends |

Wedding Vow Rings

Tuesday, February 19th, 2008

I was unbelievable excited when I discovered this company! Traditional ring engravers will do one or two lines, with a limited amount of characters. Jerry Beirn of Wedding Vow Rings has taken engraving to a whole new level, perfecting an engraving method that allows him to engrave entire wedding vows inside your man’s (or your) wedding ring!! You could also have a peom, song lyrics, verse or other special moment engraved!

They have more then 200 different ring styles you can pick from, both traditional and comtemporary including white gold, yellow gold, titanium, platinum and sterling silver. If you already have a band you love, they can engrave your existing band as well!

If you’re looking to make your man’s wedding band really special, here is an article from Jerry Biern that you should find quite interesting.

Engraving Your Wedding Bands? New Technology Creates Romantic Possibilities.

What is more romantic than looking inside of your wedding band and seeing a personalized engraving with special meaning for the you and your spouse? There are a few ways to accomplish this task that your jeweler will recommend and now some new processes available that increase the limits of the message that can be created.

Let us review the traditional methods most currently being used in the marketplace – First, there is hand engraving done by an artisan engraver using a hand tool called a graver. It is not a perfect process and the results will depend on the quality and skill of the craftsman doing the work. Also commonly used is machine engraving which is much more precise but usually limited to one row of words using up to 20 characters.

Now, a specialty process adapted to a not so new technology, called laser engraving, has opened up a whole new realm of possibilities for wedding couples who are thinking of engraving their rings. Wedding bands are now being created with entire messages that are clearly readable and up to 225 character long. This allows the ability to write whole passages, even entire wedding vows, on the inside of the wedding bands. Currently , bridal couples are engraving civil vows, religious vows, love poetry, even Shakesperean sonnets. This sentimental and romantic addition to your wedding bands can forever be a reminder of the commitments made, and add a special and unique touch to your wedding day.

Posted in Bridal Gowns & Accessories, For The Guys, Hot Trends, In The News |

Liz Claiborne Black & White

Wednesday, January 16th, 2008

I stumbled onto the Liz Claiborne Clearance section today, and hit pay dirt!! Check out these gowns in black and/or white. Any one of these gowns would be gorgeous for a bridesmaid, engagement party, and in some cases, even a informal bridal gown! The best part – most of them are on sale for under $50!! Plus, for a limited time you can get an extra 25% off already reduced items at LizClaiborne.com! (Offer valid 1.17.08-1.22.08) That’s pretty sweet!!

Liz Claiborne Black & White

$45, $40 and $40

Liz Claiborne Black & White

$90, $95, $90

Liz Claiborne Black & White

$40, $70, $65

Liz Claiborne Black & White

$50, $40 and $40

Posted in Black & White, Bridal Gowns & Accessories, Coupons & Sales, Hot Trends, The Real Deal, Weddng Party Attire |

Trend Watch: The Heigl Look

Friday, January 4th, 2008

One growing trend predicted to be hot in 2008 is the bird cage veil. Made popular originally by Reese in Sweet Home Alabama and then seen on Jessica in The Fantastic Four.

Katherine Heigl gave the trend a huge boost when pictures of her December 07 appeared in OK Magazine spotting a stunning, chic birdcage veil with gorgeous pear shaped drop earrings!

Trend Watch: The Heigl Look

Want the look, on a budget? Of course you do!! Take a look at what we found!

Birdcage Veils on Ebay, including the one shown above, sell for between $32-$60 ($38 for the one shown). You can also find a variety of colors including white, ivory, pink, red and black.

But – it’s more then just the veil that makes Heigl’s look pop – the stunning pear or teardrop shaped diamond earrings are amazing as well! So – we thought we better get some options for that as well:)

Trend Watch: The Heigl Look

This first find is from Blair- a $126 pair of CZ earrings currently on for $59.99.

Then, I found a little jackpot over at Emitations – check out these amazing styles!

Trend Watch: The Heigl Look

Prices, in order shown: $35, $119, $59, $65, $65, $89, $49.95 and $22.50

The Miaarte has these three gorgeous sets, each $23/pair.

Trend Watch: The Heigl Look

Enjoy:) I anticipate another post on this look later this week, just don’t want to throw to much at you at once:)

Posted in Bridal Gowns & Accessories, Designer Style Replicas, Hot Trends, Real Weddings, eBargains |

The Obi Sash Trend

Thursday, January 3rd, 2008

Earlier today, I posted another Trend Watch on Wedding Style, this time talking about waist detailing including belts, beading and the obi sash – all of which are popular for 2008. While I was looking for more affordable options to share here, I came across an eBay auction I had to share:

If you like the Obi Sash style – you will love this custom wedding gown with a black sash. This gown was altered to be a more exaggerated mermaid style making it a one-of-a-kind gown and it is selling for a mere $350! Great deal on a great dress!

I also found this amazing deal on Target – this belted gown is currently on sale – $24.99 for the lace belted top, $49 for the ball gown skirt. That’s a pretty impressive gown for $75!

The Obi Sash Trend

Posted in Bridal Gowns & Accessories, Hot Trends, The Real Deal |

2008 Trends on Budget

Tuesday, January 1st, 2008

Welcome to 2008! Over on Wedding Style Diva, we are currently discussing 2008 trends that have been showing up on the runways in some of the new collections. I thought you guys might enjoy some budget-friendly versions of the trends so as I post on there, I will post a budget-friendly version here as well.

So today’s trend was Cover-ups (click here to see the WSD post). Cover-ups, especially sheer and lace versions, have been very popular on the runways this season. If you would like to get the look,you don’t have to spend a fortune. You can add a shrug or bolero to any gown. Many bridal salons will carry these in their accessories selection – and of course, there is eBay:) Here are a few examples of cover-ups we found online and on eBay that would dress up a gown beautifully.

BUDGET FRIENDLY TIP: Often, when you have a very limited budget for a dress, that means you must pick a much simpler style. A great little lace bolero is the perfect way to add a ton of style without a huge price tag.

From Online Bridal Store – these are just a few of the options they offer in lace, fur or satin. These ones sell for $39.95 – which makes them the perfect, affordable cover up.

2008 Trends on Budget

Another one that I really liked was this crochet bolero. It’s unique, and has a very romantic look to it. It doesn’t hurt that this Crochet Bolero is amazingly priced at $18.95 either. Perfect for an early spring, fall or winter wedding.

2008 Trends on Budget

Posted in Bridal Gowns & Accessories, Hot Trends |

In Love With Phalaenopsis Orchids

Thursday, July 12th, 2007

The exotic phalaenopsis orchid has been a very popular choice for today’s brides, even making it into the biggest weddings this year (Eva Longoria & Tony Parker, July 7, 07) and last year (Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes).

It’s not hard to see why this amazing flower is so popular – it’s unique in that it works for almost anything! It is formal enough for the most elegant black tie weddings, exotic enough for the most exotic destination location, and still fun enough to fit in and add a touch of elegance to even a informal, casual event. The bright white color matches everything, and works with nearly any theme and season.

Of course, the flowers themselves are beautiful enough that some brides even use the flower itself as the theme that ties the wedding together.

In Love With Phalaenopsis Orchids

Phalaenopsis Orchid Bouquet Ideas

Phalaenopsis orchids, while beautiful, are also not the most budget friendly flower. That doesn’t mean you can’t have them in your wedding on a budget, it just means you have to be wise.

The key is not to overdue it. An entire bouquet of orchids is nice – but a bouquet of less expensive flowers like roses or carnations – designed to showcase 2 or 3 orchids can be just as stunning and much less costly. Even just a few sprays, tied together into an arm bouquet, is stunning! If you love the all-orchid bouquets above – splurge a little on yours and choose a less costly flower for the bridesmaids, making your bouquet the focal point of the floral decor!

The same goes for centerpieces – the beauty of the orchid is it’s simple, clean lines. A single potted orchid with two stems makes a stunning, modern and elegant statement without overdoing it. By finding places to use your orchids as focal points and accents, you can the elegance without a huge price tag.

Additionally, it is a good idea to compare silk and real prices and see if you can find a great deal on a good silk version that you can use to accent bouquets, centerpeices, the cake, and more.

Posted in Beach Weddings, Black & White, Celebrity Weddings, Destination Weddings, Flower Wedding Themes, Flowers, Garden Wedding, Hot Trends, Orchid Weddings, Wedding Themes, Winter Weddings |

COTW: Black & White Wedding Cakes

Monday, July 9th, 2007

We haven’t done a Color Of The Week in a long time, and I think it is time that we come back to it. I have decided to revisit Black & White because I see this theme coming up often and I love it.

We’ve done a post before with Black & White Wedding Cakes – and it has been a very popular theme this year so we thought we would see if we could find some more ideas! You can find our first Black & White Gallery here. Our newest gallery offers 18 great designs for a black and white or tuxedo themed wedding. They range from simply (aka affordable) to luxurious, fun and funky to elegant and formal. Enjoy – and don’t miss the rest of our Black & White posts all week:)

COTW: Black & White Wedding Cakes