Ask the Planner: Kids at the Wedding

We get questions from clients on a myriad of wedding-related topics and this is one we are asked A LOT, so we thought we'd share with you all some ways to handle this concern:

Q: As much as we’d like to have a kid-free wedding celebration, we feel the right thing to do for our friends and family is to include their children. What are some ways we can keep them entertained during the reception so they don’t distract from our big day?

A: That’s considerate of you to include your friends’ and family members’ children, and we understand your concern. Having kids at your wedding can definitely change the tone of your event. Fortunately, there are many great ways to keep the little ones busy so your wedding day can be what you dreamed. One wonderful option is to bring in hired childcare and set up a room near the reception room, complete with toys and games, videos, kid-friendly food and a dim, quiet area for the youngest to rest if necessary. If a separate room is not possible, you could set up kid tables with coloring books/crayons, puzzles, again engaging sitters to keep the children occupied. Not only is this more fun for the kids, it’s more fun for their parents, too – and it will likely keep them off of the dance floor and out of your spotlight. Good luck!

Hear the 20's Roar

We all know that vintage has been a reigning trend for quite a while now, but with the highly anticipated remake of The Great Gatsby coming out in May and the explosion in popularity of Downton Abbey, the 20's has skyrocketed to the forefront of wedding theme and design.

The always impeccably dressed Great Gatsby (and friends) and the lovely aristocrats of Downton Abbey.

We simply love this trend as it affords many opportunities to bring in rich details and an elegance unmatched throughout the ages. You can go the art deco route - gold, feathers, beads...oh, the opulence! Or more vintage - the muted pastels, delicate lace and extravagant floral...just breath-taking!

To inspire you to think through possible incorporations of this fabulous trend, we've put together these lovely detail boards.

20's themed wedding stationery truly makes a statement and sets the stage four your Gatsby- or Downton-inspired event!

We LOVE apparel and accessories inspired by the 20's - for brides and grooms! Check out those gorgeous art deco earrings - in the Pantone color of the year, emerald!

Love these gorgeous 20's style bouquets. Oh, the feathers, lace and antique bling!

Rich details abound in 20's-inspired ceremonies.

These 20's era cakes are stunning, whether they feature vintage or art deco design.

Whether inspired by Great Gatsby or Downton Abbey, these 20's era reception details make us swoon!

(image sources: Ruffled, Green Wedding Shoes, Style Me Pretty, Pinterest, 100 Layer Cake, The Knot, Etsy)

Anatomy of a Cake Tasting

One of the most fun to-do’s on your wedding planning list is the cake tasting! Even if your groom hasn’t been involved much in the planning, he’ll most likely want to attend the cake tasting. While it can be fun, it can also be overwhelming unless you have a plan. You’ll want to schedule tasting appointments with a few bakeries, but no more than three. Do call ahead; all bakeries will require an appointment for a tasting and some of them only do them on certain days. Be prepared. Several details you will want to have a handle on include: your estimated guest count; your budget; the style of your wedding, your gown and floral/décor; your color palette and preferably your reception venue.

You'll want to bring any photos you've pulled that represent your style and ideas. Will you have a wedding cake and groom's cake or are you more interested in cupcakes or some other pastry? Do you have any food allergies or strong flavor preferences or dislikes? There is no point in trying a lemon something or other if you absolutely can’t stand citrus, etc. But also consider your guests and the flavors that will appeal to a majority of them.

Each bakery will put their own twist on tastings, but basically, you will have the opportunity to sample a variety of flavors paired with various fillings and/or frostings. Be sure to cleanse your palate between bites of different flavors. Your bakery consultant will direct you. As long as you’re tasting with an experienced, reputable bakery, trust that they know what they are doing and rely on their guidance regarding flavor combinations, design and amount of cake. Most of all, have fun with it!

 

 

photo credits: Joseph Mark, Graham Hobart, Visual Image, Sil Azevedo, Helmut Walker, Dorothy Gautreax, Kelly Alexander

Try This: Wish Lanterns

We find this sweet new wedding trend quite delightful.

The bride, groom and their guests release "wish lanterns" at the end of the night, usually instead of a traditional send-off with sparklers, confetti,  bubbles or what-have-you. It’s beautiful, very impactful and – perhaps surprisingly – environmentally friendly! At the end of the evening, couples (these seem to work best with two people managing them) light the wick, make a wish for the newlyweds and release the lanterns to the sky. It truly is a lovely sight to behold. The lanterns are being made with environmentally friendly materials and are completely biodegradable! Look how beautiful this is!

image sources: Phindy Studios, Wish Lantern

Spotlight on Mother of the Occasion

Although the bride is the center of attention on her wedding day, her mother and the groom’s mother usually are the hosts for several of the events surrounding the wedding activities. Whether she is classic in her style, traditional or a bit edgy, we find that moms too want to feel special on the wedding day. We are honored and proud to help dress the other most important women of the wedding day: your mom, your groom’s mom and the grandmothers.

If possible, we like to schedule an appointment for at least an hour for a one-on-one session with a stylist in the Special Occasion department of our salon. We review colors, styles, trends and then help with the selection of the best silhouette for her shape, as well as the style of the bride’s wedding. Some of the incredible lines we carry at Stardust include: Damianou, Daymor, Fouy Chov, Rose Taft and many more! Very often, we will custom design a gown or perhaps a wrap or jacket to accompany a strapless gown.

Have your special ladies give us a call to schedule their appointment so we can start helping them find their perfect dress for your big day: 972.781.1619.

A Trend for the Birds

Surely you have seen all the darling owl motifs that have taken wedding design by storm. It seems the bird-inspired décor will continue strong into the next year. But what we're seeing more of now instead of the nocturnal friends are lovebirds - perfectly suited to weddings, don't you think?! Check out some of these precious uses of the sweet theme.

 

Forever Favors: Plantables

These days, couples are doing all sorts of wonderful things to make their wedding more eco-friendly and reduce their environmental footprint when planning their big day. One of the trends we continue to see – and love – are plantable favors! Brides and grooms are giving their guests tree saplings, plantable papers, seeds and bulbs, herb clippings and even succulents that are good to go as is.

Not only are these favors environmentally savvy, but they also fit the bill of a useful and fun favor, much preferred over the trinkets and trash of weddings past. A few things to keep in mind: make it travel friendly if you have lots of out-of-towners (plantable papers would be best in this case); make it seasonal (by all means, if it’s not bulb-planting season, don’t give bulbs!); include instructions (not all your guests will have a natural green thumb). One more bit of inspiration: save some money by having these green favors do double duty by serving as escort or place cards! Here are a few lovely examples.

Enjoy An Earthly Paradise at our Claire Pettibone Trunk Show this Weekend

Claire Pettibone began her love affair with bridal gowns at the age of four, after being mesmerized by a bride walking down the aisle of the historical St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. Pettibone is known for her unique, vintage-inspired gowns finished with a modern flair. Pettibone’s gorgeous gowns feature signatures such as delicate details, intricate embellishments and their ethereal, feminine feel. The timeless gowns are made of silk, lace, tulle and more and give the bride a feeling of utter glamour and grace on her most special day.

Schedule your appointment now to peruse her stunning Spring 2013 collection, An Earthly Paradise. Call Stardust Bridal Salon at 972.781.1619.

Color Splash! African Violet and Alloy Inspiration Board

We’re excited to present you with another luscious color palette inspired by a pair of Pantone’s hot seasonal colors: African Violet and Alloy (commonly known as purple and gray/silver). This lovely duo can be incorporated into a stunning event! Be inspired:

 

 

image sources: Style Me Pretty, Ruffled, 100 Layer Cake, The Wedding Chicks, Etsy, Martha Stewart Weddings

Tara Keely Trunk Show This Weekend

Join us at Stardust Celebrations this weekend for our trunk show featuring the Spring 2013 bridal collection from Tara Keely.

Designed by Lazaro Perez, Tara Keely represents the bridal industry's hottest styles and enchanting details. The gowns are ultra chic with stunning fabrics and alluring silhouettes. Tara Keely offers the bride options from a hint of sparkle on a signature jeweled belt to the refined grace of tiered lace. The Tara Keely collection combines glamour with an unmistakable twist of modern sophistication.

Call now for your appointment: 972.781.1619.