We are soon to close the door on 2019, and before you know it, 2020 will be here.  So, I thought it might be a good time to talk about the wedding trend predictions for all you 2020 Brides.

1. Today’s bride is focused less about choosing a church/chapel and more about finding a LOCATION that is special to them as a couple.  More venues are being selected that feature outdoor facilities where everything, including the ceremony, is all at one location.
2. Wedding décor shifts away from the “traditional” look to something that feel fresh and more “personal.” Unique lighting is becoming a key focus with a mix of hanging pendants and chandeliers to set that romantic tone.   Beautiful lighting is a must.  Ceremony décor incorporates unique arches mixed with greenery and colorful flowers.  Living plants are added everywhere.  Foliage, like Eucalyptus is being draped on entries and head tables.  And small plants and succulents will be used for guest tables.  Vintage elements still remain important and reflects back to family connections.
3. Some of the bridal shops predict that bridal gowns for 2020 will be more elegant with longer trains and beautiful lace detail. It’s a mix of long sleeves – some brides love them and others say no.  Brides want a more sophisticated, slim unfussy, elegant style over the big ballgowns.  Bohemian elegance is very popular.   Sexy, backless dresses are the rage and dresses with pockets are requested more.
4. Couples tend to spend their budget more lavishly on smaller groups. Less focus on things like “favors” and more focus on experiences like late night snacks and special entertainment.
5. You will see more prints in weddings, like stripes, and chevon. Many bridesmaid dresses will incorporate these elements, going away from the “traditional” same color dress to a blended mix of colors and shades.
6. Makeup will be more classic glamour and hair will feature soft up-dos and loose hair that drapes down the neck and shoulders. Bold red lips and crystal brooches will be hot.
7. Wedding cake is still the most popular choice over cupcakes. Unique flavors are requested.  Grazing and dessert tables are really “in.”
8. Brides are choosing the newer photo booth options. Some like the Photo Booth Guest Book while others like photos connecting instantly to Social Media, and not actually having prints.
9. Bridal bouquets are incorporating more greenery, wildflowers, and succulents. Brides are requesting large, loose unstructured bridal bouquets.   Brides want to go “BIG” and “BOLD.”
10. And YES, more and more brides are finding BrideSTLouis.com to be their best source to plan their wedding! It’s “Everything Weddings!”

So – what are your plans for your wedding?  Share with us your ideas and one lucky bride will win a FREE Ticket for two to our Sept. 15, 2019 Wedding Planning seminar.

 

So many of us here in the St. Louis area absolutely love FALL – and as October is one of the busiest months in our industry, it’s obvious that our brides love Fall too!  Fall represents COLOR!  Find inspiration from the leaves changing and seasonality around you.  There are so many shades of autumn’s color that you can choose for your wedding that are stunning.  The cooler temperatures inspire autumnal shades and so we thought we would suggestion some of our favorite color combinations that are vibrant that can make your wedding spectacular.

 

Cranberry and Mustard Yellow

Yes, cranberry is a staple color for fall, but very few brides add mustard yellow as a secondary color.  Dried Yarrow or Dried Leaves can be used in floral arrangements and the contrast of colors is stunning.

Metallic Orange with Brown, Beige and Sage Green

Autumn is associated with orange, but make it brilliant with a “metallic” orange.  It’s a great combination for a rustic wedding and you can incorporate pumpkins, dried wheat arrangements, and orange/red mums.  For the sage color, succulents fit the bill.

Wine with Gold

Rich and Bold – a Merlot Color Wine pairs beautifully with Gold.  There is a wide range of seasonal flowers like wine color tinted calla lilies, dark red roses and hypericum berries that can create an elegant statement.  Gold charging plates on your reception table with the wine color floral décor speaks classy and refined.

Dark Emerald Green and Gold

If you are a red head – green is your color – and why not employ the power of that combination for your special day.

Dusty Blue, Sage Green and Navy

So elegant and romantic.    You can’t ever go wrong with these colors.  Your guys would look stunning in dark Navy Blue Suits and you can add that romantic touch to your bridal bouquet with the softness of the dusty blue and sage green.

Dusty Blue with Burnt Orange

Again – a great fall color combination.  Floral arrangements of seasonal dusty blue flowers coupled with orange and white flowers is perfect.

Cream, Tangerine, and Copper Brown

Once again you can steal from the fall palette to create a unique and noteworthy theme.  Tangerine is so vibrant!  Copper Brown allows you to add elements of antique copper table centerpieces, so unique and special.

What will guests most remember about your wedding?  While great food is always important,  it’s so much more than that.  Your reception is the biggest party that you will ever plan, and while it marks the importance of the fact that you just married the love of your life, your guests will look to you to be entertained.  They will remember a FUN experience.  Making your party personal and unique will keep them talking about the great night they had for a long time.

First there are some basic reception concepts to follow, like creating good seating arrangements.  A good seating arrangement creates good conversations among friends and people that have common interests.  Put college buddies together and teenagers together, etc. and don’t try to force strangers to struggle to make connections.

And, of course, food should be a big part of being a guest.   I love the new food options that can be introduced – like pasta stations, potato bars, and such.   If you choose to do several courses, you might arrange for some short entertainment between courses.  This is a good time for a quick toast from a favorite lifelong friend or a salute to your parents.  Do you know someone who sings or plays a musical instrument – now is a great time for a quick song.   And keep good food coming all night long!  Have a slider bar or serve toasted ravioli toward the mid part of the night to kept their energy up.  You might even consider hiring a food truck for late at night.

After the food, comes great music and dancing!   Great music keeps the dance floor full, so be sure to arrange with your band or DJ music that everyone will like.  Play some of your favorites, but be sure to include some older tunes that everyone will enjoy.  This is the time that you and your wedding party should play an active part in getting everyone up to dance.

And for your unique sparkle, here are some additional ideas for your reception that could add a special twist:

Stage a Whiskey Tasting Bar or create an area to make your own special margaritas!

S’mores Stations, Chocolate Fountains with Fruit, Popcorn Bars, etc are yummy.

Specialty Coffee Bars with flavored syrups and toppings are popular.

Outdoor weddings might include country games like horseshoes, ring toss or croquet, or even a petting zoo.  You might also arrange a late night hay ride or, for a winter wedding, a sleigh ride.

Laser Light Shows or perhaps fireworks or a sparkler send off can be fun.  (Be sure to get the long 36 inch sparklers.)

Provide party gear like glow sticks, sunglasses, beads and fun trinkets.

Create a Stunning Unexpected First Dance or have a MOB performance.

Rent a Dry Ice Machine and dance in the fog!

Balloon drops on the dance floor can really get the party hopping as well.

Have Unique Entertainers – live art painting, belly dancers, caricature artists, or professional ballroom dancers.

For a different twist hire singing groups like an a capella group, country banjo players, etc.

Bring in Specialty Artisans – For example, hire someone to demonstrate how to make hand rolled cigars, or bring in a barista for special lattes.

Having kids?  Create a special kid’s area with entertainment just for them.

Bring in the new photobooths – fish eye, slow motion, video, and many more options are available today.

 

The possibilities are endless.  Keeping your guests surprised and entertained all night long will make for a reception that will be the talk of your friends and family.

 

Recently we had a future bride ask about outdoor places with gazebos or gardens that could be used for wedding ceremonies.  (She was looking for FREE or almost free!)  So – I tossed together some locations that come to mind.

Oak Knoll Park in Clayton.   They have large and beautiful large trees.  Also, there is a sunken garden area that is available on the West side of the property.  And a plus, there are also outdoor restrooms available here too.

Alton Gordon Moore Public Park – Alton, Illinois

Forest Park – Waterfall off Lagoon Street, The Muny Entrance (Gazebo and beautiful lake in front of the Muny), General Grounds, the Basin area, and Old World’s Fair Pavilion are my favorites.  Don’t forget about locations within the zoo grounds as well.

Faust Park – By the old Village, Outside the Butterfly House, or at the Thornhill Mansion grounds that is behind the Butterfly House.

Missouri Botanical Garden – That’s not free, but it is beautiful.

Kiener Plaza They removed the beautiful waterfall, but it is still a fun location.

Carondelet Park

Water Tower off Grand

Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit.   It’s $5.00 per person to enter, but it’s worth it!   They have a beautiful lake and in spring 1000 of daffodils.

Bee Tree Park in South County.

Klondike Park – Augusta, MO Off Highway 94

City Garden (Downtown) – It has a nice waterfall

Tower Grove Park – Most everyone knows about the ruins, the lily pond, and the many, many gazebos.

Castlewood State Park off Manchester Road in Ballwin

The J.C. Stage in St. Charles on the Riverfront.  It cost a little to rent, but it’s very nice.  They also have two other smaller pavilions.

St. Louis Arch Grounds – It’s beautifully renovated.

Ball Park Village is Fun

Bellevue Park – Belleville, Illinois.  It has a beautiful gazebo and a medium size lake.

Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton, Illinois

Lafayette Square & Park  – They have a nice gazebo and a beautiful bridge over a garden area.

Laumeier Sculpture Park

Queeny Park in Manchester – Try up in the garden area (Close to the closed Dog Museum) or down by the lake.

Chesterfield City Park – A beautiful water fall area, a lake, and the gazebo

St. Ferdinand Park in Florissant – Both Lake & Gazebo.

Various New Town Locations in St. Charles

Drace Park in Des Peres – not well known, but very nice.

Longview Farm off Clayton Road in Town & County.

Creve Coeur Lake Park

Kirkwood Trail Station – Get married inside the train station.  A great location when the weather is bad.  Kirkwood Community Center also has a nice lake and walking path.

Fort Zumwalt Park

We, of course, would love to hear any additional suggestions from you that we can share with our readers.

Are you looking for a Distinctive Destination for your wedding?    Here are fourteen suggestions of great wedding venues that will set your wedding apart.   These are just a few of the great locations you can find at our sister site, VenuesofStLouis.com.

 

Garth Woodside Manion, Hannibal, Missouri  – www.garthmansion.com

Contact: Julie

Phone:  888-427-8409

Of the many wedding venues in Missouri, Garth Mansion is special as it offers their beautiful historical mansion and bed and breakfast experience.  Enjoy the manicured property and additional cottage space.  Their personalized planning services makes it stress free and easy.  The gardens and property features accentuate every aspect of the outdoor beauty one would want for their special day!

 

Cedar Creek, New Haven, Missouri –  www.cedarcreekcenter.com

Contact:  Jeni Grunzinger

Phone: 636-266-9975

Located just one hour west of St. Louis, in New Haven, Missouri, the natural beauty of Cedar Creek provides a romantic setting for your truly unforgettable wedding. Featuring on-site overnight accommodations for up to 125 guests, a salt water pool, a golf course and so much more. Popular areas for use include The Barn, The Lake, the Saloon and Town Hall, and our on-site restaurant located in our iconic Western Town. Why not turn your wedding day, into your wedding weekend? The possibilities are endless!

 

Defiance Ridge Vineyards, Defiance, MO – www.defianceridge.com

Contact: Michelle

Phone:  636-798- 2288

Defiance Ridge Vineyards is a beautiful facility located in Missouri Wine Country and provides a gorgeous setting to celebrate your special day.  Enjoy the vineyard, sparkling lake, and lush garden – offering great backdrops for your photos, and roaming area for your guests to explore. Your wedding at Defiance Ridge can tell your story and reflect your personality and vision.  With accommodations for a small or large gathering and full catering menu, they can help you craft the perfect event that guests will never forget.

 

 

Foundry Art Centre, St. Charles, MO – www.foundryartcentre.org

Contact: Melanie, events@foundryartcentre.org

Phone:   636-255-0270

The Foundry Art Centre in located alongside the Missouri River and Katy Trail in downtown St. Charles.  The beautifully redesigned interior of the old Foundry is where railroad cars were once produced and it is now a cultural center of national and international regional art.  Dramatic high ceilings, balconies above for viewing, combined with flowers, music and delicious food, makes The Foundry your special venue.  Truly one of a kind location.

 

 

Dodson Orchards, Fredericktown, MO – www.dodsonorchards.com

Phone:  573-561-3093

Experience the magic of your wedding inside the authentic 100+ year old barn, surrounded by your loved ones.  Dodson Orchards is located in the rolling hills of the Ozarks and is about an hour’s drive south from St. Louis County.   You will be the main attraction and because they are an all inclusive venue, you can relax knowing that everything will be just as you envisioned.  Plus, you have full access to their vast array of rustic chic décor and antique furniture pieces to use as accents and gift tables.

 

 

Hermann Hill, Hermann, MO – hermannmoweddings.com

Contact: Becky

Phone: 573-486-4455

Host a romantic, private wedding ceremony along the scenic Missouri River at Hermann Hill Weddings, a picturesque and popular wedding event venue nestled in a storybook setting in Hermann, Missouri.  The location is conveniently accessible to couples from St. Louis to Columbia via I-70.  The maximum number of guests you may host for an indoor ceremony is 225, while up to 300 guests may be served for an indoor reception or outdoor ceremony.  Hermann Hill offers various packages that can accommodate most budgets.  Included in some of the packages are use of a Bride and Groom’s room, use of pavilion for reception, use of chapel or gazebo.

 

 

Inn at Hermannhof, Herman, MO – www.innathermannhof.com

Contact: Samantha,  sales@innathermannhof.com

Phone: 573-486-5199

The Inn at Hermannhof is a perfect weekend getaway destination in the romantic Missouri Wine Country.  It is situated in the historic town of Hermann, Missouri – known for its German heritage and one of the oldest wine growing regions in the U.S.  If you are having out of town guests, this is a perfect spot as their bed and breakfast can accommodate your family and friends all in one great location.

 

Peace Tree Farms, Eolia, MO –  www.PeaceTreeFarms.com

Contact:  peacetreefarmsllc@gmail.com

Phone:  573-470-6777

 

Peace Tree Farms is dedicated to conservation, organics, preserving nature and the beauty of our Earth.  They specialize in Custom Weddings within their 150 Acres of Beautiful!  Choose your perfect ceremony and reception site – garden and main pavilions, lakeside, woodland, or orchard and meadow.  Coming Fall 2019 the new Garden Barn.  If you can dream it, Peace Tree Farms can make it happen.

 

Aeries Terrace Banquet Center, Grafton, IL – www.aeriesview.com

Contact:  Angie events@aeriesview.com

Phone:  618.786.8438

Memorable events deserve an unforgettable setting – someplace different.  Aeries is close to home, yet being there feels like an escape.  Awesome, natural beauty and adventure around every corner.  You wedding will be at the edge of a breathtaking panorama that is simply the best view in the Midwest.

 

Pour Vineyard, Red Bud, IL – www.thepourvineyard.com

Contact: Travis – thepourvineyard@gmail.com

Phone:  618-304-4516

 

The Pour Vineyard is located in Red Bud Illinois and is one of Illinois’ newest wedding destinations.  Pour Vineyard offers a rustic barn, large lake and over six acres of vineyards.  They offer many ceremony locations and they allow you to choose your own vendors.  About 200 can be accommodated for a barn ceremony and 224 for a vineyard or lake ceremony/reception.

 

Seven T Farms, Sullivan, MO – www.seventfarms.com

Contact:  Matt & Mia,  events@seventfarms.com

Phone: 573-915-6760

Many say that Seven T Farms is the perfect backdrop to say “I DO”!  From modern to vintage, Seven T Farms offers a unique setting for your wedding or event.  Enjoy a 300 acre venue located one hour west of downtown St. Louis just outside Sullivan, Missouri.  They have several ceremony options, a large reception room with stage for a head table or DJ setup, and an additional room perfect for rehearsal dinners or cocktail hour.  The patio offers outdoor seating, an indoor/outdoor bar, stone fireplace and a stunning view overlooking the farm.  An on-location bridal suite accommodating up to 12 is also available for rent.

 

 

 

The White Owl, Wright City, MO – www.the-white-owl.com

Contact:  Janie – thewhiteowlinfo@gmail.com

Phone:  636-030-6005

The White Owl is a private outdoor event venue that works hard to craft a personal, unique, and unforgettable event for its customers located in Wright City, MO. They believe events such as a wedding, birthday, anniversary, graduation, corporate celebration have the power to do more than celebrate a milestone; they create long-lasting impressions through social interactions, memorable moments, and custom personal touches. They also believe in enjoying what you do and doing it with the ones you love.

 

Noboleis Vineyard, Augusta, MO – www.noboleisvineyards.com

Contact:  Angie

Phone: 636-482-4500

Looking for your dream wedding in a vineyard?  Noboleis Vineyards offers panoramic views of rolling hillsides while the surrounding vineyards offer the backdrop to an outdoor ceremony and/or a reception for up to 200+ people in a tented pavilion.  There’s a bride’s loft for getting ready, plus great photo spots in the vineyards and cellar.

 

The Larimore, St. Louis, MO – www.larimoreweddings.com

Contact:  Dena – info@larimoreweddings.com

Phone: 314-265-2531, 314-868-8009

The Larimore is a private, historic estate established in 1858.  This venue boasts 6 acres of enchanting grounds, the charming Victorian mansion and an elegant banquet center.  This hidden gem is perfect for those searching for a spectacular event that is “unique” and offers plenty of “WOW” factor!

Every bride needs to know a few things about working with their wedding photographer to capture those amazing images that you absolutely love.  Here’s how to help your photographer capture your special day and get those images.

You hopefully hired a professional photographer that has done this many times.  So, trust your photographer to get those basic, must have moments like the first kiss or the walk down the aisle but also give your photographer the time and freedom to capture your day and your special moments.  You don’t need to create a basic “shot” list of the day’s events.   Don’t work harder then you have too – after all, you hired a professional who knows what to capture.   Make just a “short” list of five or six formal groups, besides the basic (bride, groom, bride and groom, wedding party, bride groom and family) that you will want.  No one wants to waste an hour of this special day posing for photos.  It’s a wedding – not a family reunion.

 

BE ORIGINAL

Don’t make the day all about recreating Pinterest photos that have been done over and over.  Those shots are no longer original, and those shots can “date” your image.  Keep your images “TRUE” to the day.

Share with your photographer details such as any plans to open a special keepsake that you will wear or give, or the fact that a special family member that has made the trip just for you.    For example of a detail shared – one bride had embroidered in her husband’s suit, their wedding date.

FREEDOM

Enjoy your day and let your photographer capture the natural emotions of the day.  The best images are not planned and capture feelings and shared time with others.  It’s the little things – the touch of a hand, the embrace of your Dad just before you walk down the aisle, that a good photographer will capture for you.  And these are photos that you will love forever.  They will always have a special meaning to you.

ALLOCATE ENOUGH TIME:

The TIME part also means that you need to dedicate a portion of the day for just the two of you to share time and let the photographer capture the essence of your love and emotion naturally.  That might mean taking a 15-minute walk or just going outside to the courtyard with each other.  Ask the wedding party and family members for a few moments of private time.  After all, it’s your wedding day and the most important thing is to share these moments with the man you just married and the man who is the love of your life.  Even if you choose not to do a “first look” take some time alone with one another.

Many brides like to get photos “out and about” on their wedding day.  Downtown by the Arch, by the Old Courthouse, Forest Park or other parks, downtown St. Charles, etc.  Some choose to go to their favorite bars or places where they had their first date.   Great shots many times include the front of the church where they got married.  It’s always fun when a couple includes hobbies and interest that they share as well.   You need to plan ENOUGH TIME between the ceremony and the reception to capture these shots.  Consider time to travel to the location (and potential traffic), time to get everyone arranged, and then time to get back to the reception.   Limit your choices to one or two locations that are most important to you.  It’s going to take more time than you realize, so talk to your photographer and let him/her guide you.

Wedding photography is important because those images keep your memories alive!  The images are the essence of the emotion of the day.  At the end of the day, it will be your story that is told.    Most photographers love to blend into the background and let all the moments come naturally.  And most photographers I know want to make sure that couples enjoy the experience as much as possible.

CLICK HERE for a complimentary booklet that will go into more detail about Planning Photography for Your Wedding Day.