With all the new recently engaged girls out there, I thought I would share with you some of my wedding trends for this season.
Luckily everyone still says farm weddings are in! Good thing for us on 
Whidbey Island as we are loaded with farms. Jenne Farm, Crocket Barn and Fireseed Barn are all just perfect for that memorable chic farm wedding. If you are going for the rustic reception, you have an entire palate to play with. No need to have a constructed tablescape, let loose and go organic. Use everyday vessels in non-traditional uses. A little creativity can really play to your advantage.
Also, beach themed weddings on our Island are still making a splash! Have fun with it and use that to your advantage with non-formal attendant and groomsman attire. I am not saying you have to go kitsch, but just think outside the box.
What I am noticing with some of my brides-to-be is the street savvy attitude of “why should I rent it when I can buy it, use it and then sell it?” They are smart in their hunt for the items they want, often buying for far less than what it would cost to rent the item and then sell it for close to the purchase price. They often purchase items from past brides, resell all if not most of their items to other brides-to-be. The money they save is used for the splurge item they really cannot live with out or used towards the honeymoon. Bridal economics, makes sense to me!
I am noticing some definite cake trends this season so this Whidbey Party Girl! got on the phone with my personal cake guru, John Auburn of JW Desserts to talk shop about what trends we are both noticing and what trends John is creating for this season!
Smaller cakes this season, not as many layers, but still very elegant. In fact, John has come up with an amazing concept to still give a girl her dream cake with plenty of oomph, but without having to fight the battle of the bulge with the wallet. Isn’t this cake just divine with its opalesence shells and towering height? The attention to detail that John’s pays to all his creations is second to none!
Individual square cakes are going to be huge and elegant for the bride who is going for the more personalized event. John assures me that cakes will still be decadent in flavors that will continue to be as unique as each and every bride.
When it comes to choosing a wedding favor, what I have done in the past is try and tie in this element with the reception or have it be reflective of the bride and groom. I have done cigars and mini cognac in pouches for a cigar bar, another time we have done vanity wine bottles, his and her themed gifts. Then there is the standard boxed sweets, chocolates, candies, etc.
My personal favorite indulgence is supporting those causes near and dear to me which leads me to my latest cool and forward thinking wedding favor, charitable giving. What I am doing with a couple of brides this season is placing on the guests table an elegantly framed card stating that a donation to “x” charity has been made in lieu of wedding favor. A small statement about the organization follows to educate the guests as to why the bride and groom chose that organization.
I know this option will not appeal to all brides, if this is not for you, but you are on a budget, start now and take advantage of great sales out there at some of the better department stores and home furnishing boutiques and lock in those wonderful wedding favors at really super great prices.
Lastly, my greatest indulgence trend for this season is the trousseau! The trousseau is back and who better than D. Porthault to bring it back in fashion! And for those things they have left out, you can dash to La Perla to round out your trunk. As I always say, it’s La Perla or nothing!
