Trends for 2010-2011:  Short and Sweet wedding ceremonies and gowns….no veil…strapless and off the shoulder…

Would you consider 2010 the decade of the woman or possibly the decade of the financial rise of women? Approximately 80% of financial decisions are made by women. There are more woman millionaires in this country than ever before. Take note, this trend will effect more than just weddings.  Women are doing as they want, and getting what they want.

More Brides Elect to Hire Wedding Planners & Designers:

Brides ages 35-50 are on the rise, whether first or second marriages. Women age 35-55 are ready to spend on luxury items and will pay more to have someone handle all the details for them. They prefer service & expect quality. Brides are more knowledgeable & informed than ever before, with WE tv & wedding specific programming, it is a wonder the wedding planners are needed at all. However, the brides want/need help & expect to leave the work to others that have perfected it. After making personal selections, previewed by the designer, they are able to focus on their career & personal development.

Varied Seating

From Royal Tables to an assortment of square and round tables almost anything goes. There is a distinct trend toward maximize the venue space as well as creating a dynamic and dramatic look for the space. Chiavari chairs have become a normal visual, while still very much THE choice for a chair upgrade many brides are seeking the next HOT look. Many are using see-thru organza fabric slip covers and also benches for the ceremony or a royal style table for the reception. Others have selected the Chameleon Chair (Clear Lucite) for their unique a la carte design.

Colors

If you want to be in the know for next wedding season’s color, just watch all the bridal magazines right now. Brides are planning the wedding 6-18 months out. So naturally, what’s in the magazines now will start to materialize 6-12 months down the road.  The colors in the magazines are Clementine, Chocolate Browns, Hot Pinks, Lavender Grays and Lime Green.

Highly Themed

The most notable trend is theme weddings. While color has been the dictator of “theme” in the past; now the couple expresses themselves through strong themes over color. A great example of this was revealed in the premier episode of “My Fair Wedding” with David Tutera. Who has ever heard of a Swamp theme prior to June 6, 2010?

Simply create a memory to reflect on through the times of celebration and be a support during times of trials. This is one day, the cornerstone for a lifetime together, “you and me against the world”, let the little things blend into the background and bind together the important ones. Let’s start a new trend toward forever.  This can be done using in-common traits of the bride and groom or their families.  It can be done in mocking or in celebration.  You take the wheel!  Personalize it!

The author:  Lisa Marie is an acclaimed event designer of Creative Ambiance Events.  Her team is in demand world wide.  They have been enjoying her brides and grooms throughout the past 15 years (who’s counting) and has previous experience as an interior and architectural designer.  Lisa Marie loves creating an absolutely fabulous reflection of the bride and groom for their day.  She has been interviewed by HG TV and has clientele from Maine to NYC to Florida and the Keys.  Her innovative creations will transform your space too!  Her latest creation:  A clear top/side tent in the middle of the woods…trees outside illuminated with amber flood lights and crystal draped tree tops on every table in vases lined with moss from river rocks nearby….Bringing the outside inside to the outside???????

Neuman's Catering in NY/Caterease Jan 2010 Article
These centerpieces have taken on a number of forms. The one in the photo was done for a tabletop competition, which Neuman's is pleased to report we won despite being the only caterer among a host of talented floral and event designers. Everyone was a little shocked when they walked away with first place.

Neuman's looks for a dramatic, diverse selection of foods that can be easily consumed by the guests at the table. Selections often include a variety of dips, homemade breads in many forms (focaccia batons, sticks, flatbreads, twists, etc.) and savory treats like olives, miniature peppers and attractive seasonal vegetables and fruits.

Cheeses may also fine their way onto the display, but they have to be careful not to make the guests work too hard to get what they want, and to position the foods so they are not reaching too far. Cheeses may be precut so that no knives are required and a Lazy Susan may be helpful in making the food more accessible.

The centerpieces are also 'green' because they are not growing, cutting and shipping flowers from around the globe. Since they are consumed on-site there is much less perceived waste.

The only drawbacks are that the food may need to be replenished or else the centerpiece starts to look a little sparse later in the evening, though guests are understanding that they have eaten the decor.

Are they profitable? It depends on what you can charge. Neuman's is billing anywhere from $150 - $300 per centerpiece, depending on the complexity and the size of the table. They are time-consuming to produce but they are a great 'value-add' and they keep more dollars in your pockets than in the florist's, so from that perspective it is found money. It is also a way for Neuman's to differentiate themselves in a crowded market, they enjoy knowing they are doing something that others have not done yet.