Planning Your Wedding Archives

2020 Wedding Trends for the St. Louis Bride

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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wedding cake is still the most popular choice over cupcakes. Unique flavors are requested. Grazing and dessert tables are really “in.”
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.
Bridal bouquets are incorporating more greenery, wildflowers, and succulents. Brides are requesting large, loose unstructured bridal bouquets. Brides want to go “BIG” and “BOLD.”
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.

What Everyone Needs to Know When Planning a Wedding

I’ve seen a fairly large number of weddings, and I can guarantee you that there has never been a perfect wedding. But here are seven things that are KEY to a GREAT WEDDING.

Here’s the crazy thing about most weddings. You and your partner will share very little time together on the most important day of your lives! First, you get ready for the ceremony, then have the ceremony, and finally spent a lot of the reception dancing with parents and friends and thanking guests for coming. I highly recommend that you PLAN some alone time for you and your spouse immediately after the ceremony. Take a walk, go to a room alone, or just some place where the two of you can really share time just with one another. The Wedding Timeline should allow plenty of time for your together time and photos of just the two of you.

Don’t try to do everything yourself! The night before the wedding you don’t want to be making place cards, finishing centerpieces or arranging bouquets. In fact, you should have all your décor and decorations READY 30 days before the wedding! Those last few days before your wedding you want to enjoy. Delegate and use your family and friends. The bridesmaids and groomsmen are there as well to assist you, so don’t hesitate to ask them to take responsibility for a last-minute task.

Don’t invite too many wedding guests. Sure, I’ve seen empty spaces at tables where guests have RSVP’d and then failed to arrive. However, if you have invited 300 guests, received 290 “yes” responses, but the reception venue can only legally accommodate 275, you might have to turn 10 people away. That’s really bad. And I think most couples don’t realize this. Keeping the guest list shorter also helps control the budget – that’s the easiest way to cut expenses. And quite honestly, you want to be spending your day with those who TRULY care about YOU…not a second cousin removed that has only met you once!

Don’t blow the budget! Make a budget and keep track of your expenditures. Don’t forget the hidden extras like tips and delivery fees. I’ve heard of grooms who had to make a trip to the bank to get money to pay the DJ, or else there would be no music! It costs a lot of money to have a wedding, so make sure you have all the major items budgeted for.

Photography is one of the MOST IMPORTANT items on your budget. Your photos will be your special “take away” from the day – and images that bring back memories of your special day are just really priceless!

Create some WOW at your reception. Do you want your wedding reception something that family and friends will be talking about for years? You don’t have to spend a fortune. You just need to add some extra pizazz and show guests that you really appreciate them. Little things can make a big difference. For example, serve pre-ceremony cocktails or serve wine/sparkling grape juice during the ceremony, have an “after party”, or hire special entertain for the reception. Perhaps a singer, bagpiper to make a grand entrance, or a piano player to play requests!

Your wedding day goes fast, so just go with the flow and enjoy your day.