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wedding blog + planning guide for creative weddings | inspiration for DIY Brides

Brenda's Wedding Blog is your online resource for planning your dream elegant wedding. Helping you find the "wow" in weddings.

Posts tagged nyc weddings
7 Hot Wedding Trends for 2015 - transcending "rustic" in favor of "chic"

Today I'm happy to welcome Laura Michonski of NewYork.com to my wedding blog with her Top 7 picks of the Hottest Wedding Trends for 2015. While she focused on the trends in the NYC area - I'm seeing these trends across the US so no worries if you are outside the NYC area. Please leave me a comment as I would love to know what your favorite wedding trend is.

>>> 1. The DIY Wedding <<<

The DIY wedding has become very popular in the past couple of years in NYC. By “DIY” I don’t mean that the bride and groom are doing absolutely everything themselves in terms of pulling together the wedding, but that they’re taking over or assigning to their friends elements that were traditionally reserved for specialists. For example, you see many couples these days creating their own playlists on iPods, going down to the flower district and doing their own flowers and giving out handmade gifts as favors (baked cookies for example). I attribute this trend to a couple of things: the first is that New York City is one of the most expensive places in the country to get married (you can expect costs here to be roughly triple what they would be anywhere else in the country), and tackling some of the most expensive elements (flowers) is a great way to cut down on costs. The “rustic” wedding trend has been going strong for several years now and this is a takeoff on that idea – it has become “cool” to DIY your wedding. It allows couples to tap into the “local” trend, too – by doing everything yourself, you’re keeping things local.

wedding cookie credits: Individually Boxed Wedding Favors from Whimsical Cake Company Diamond Engagement Ring Cookie Wedding Favors from Linda's Edible Art, Mason Jar Monogrammed Wedding Cookie Favors from Truly Scrumptious Cookies, Mini Heart Cookie Wedding Favors from Marinold Cakes
 

>>> 2. Return to Old-World Glamour <<<

The rustic chic trend has been going strong for several years now and in the past year or two the trend has started to transcend the “rustic” in favor of the “chic.” Instead of Edison lightbulbs, for example, brides are starting to incorporate chandeliers into their barn weddings. There is also a movement toward all-out glamour as a backlash to this movement. Brides are starting to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of burlap bag and mason jar weddings and are longing for something more classy and glamorous. Not that all brides aspire to be Kim Kardashian, but she certainly set a tone with her Versailles reception on May 24, 2014.

>>> 3. Green <<<

Moss Wedding Table Numbers from Pointless Pretty Etsy

Moss Wedding Table Numbers from Pointless Pretty Etsy

Rustic, glamorous, DIY or otherwise, one trend that seems to be consistent is the use of greenery in décor. Brides are opting to incorporate greenery in all of its form – tree branches, moss, plants –  to add flourish to their big day. I’ve even seen a couple go as far as trying to recreate Central Park in the Plaza Hotel with box hedges and trees!

>>> 4. One wedding, two parties <<<

The idea of getting married and throwing one huge reception is changing, especially as prices for that reception continue to rise (2014 saw the highest wedding costs yet, with the average wedding costing $31,213; in Manhattan, the average wedding costs $76,328). Some couples are opting to throw two or even three parties – one small, intimate party right after the ceremony for their closest friends and family and then a huge low-key bash for all of their friends – this bash can be as simple as a picnic in the park or a shindig thrown in their apartment. It’s a great way to ensure that costs don’t get in the way of celebrating with everyone that you love. I’ve seen the third party come in when the bride and groom are both from different, distant cities and want to celebrate with relatives and friends but can’t see everyone they care about making the trip. In that case, they’ll do the wedding and a small party and then two shindigs, one in each of their hometowns.

>>> 5. Multi-course dinners that guests can enjoy <<<

Chalkboard Wedding Sign from Lily &amp; Val

Chalkboard Wedding Sign from Lily & Val

It used to be that the cocktail hour was the highlight of the wedding and few guests left the dance floor long enough to focus on the actual meal (in part because couples wanted to maximize the party, and in part because everyone was stuffed to the gills from the cocktail hour). Some couples have embraced this with cocktail-and-hors-d’oeuvres-only affairs but I’m hearing about more and more couples who are going the OPPOSITE way and opting for lighter cocktail hours in favor of a multi-course dinner that guests can actually sit down and enjoy – and then dancing. This also allows the couple to personalize the menu more with favorite childhood comfort foods, meals from first dates, etc.

>>> 6. Two (sometimes three) wedding dresses <<<

BHLDN Ceremony Wedding Dress: Adalynn Gown | Reception Wedding Dress: Barletta Dress

BHLDN Ceremony Wedding Dress: Adalynn Gown | Reception Wedding Dress: Barletta Dress

As more couples from different backgrounds wed, we see a desire to bring in elements from both cultures. This often results in brides changing from a traditional white wedding gown into a wedding gown that nods to her (or her groom’s) culture. But even brides from the same cultures as their grooms are choosing two wedding dresses – one that is more classic and geared toward the ceremony, and one that is shorter and trendier and designed for dancing.

>>> 7. A move away from traditional elements <<<

Gone are the days of the bouquet toss, the garter toss, and the family announcements. And fast upon their heels is the idea of selecting one gown for all bridesmaids (in fact, some couples are doing away with the bridal party altogether!). Some couples are even eschewing the ceremony in favor of focusing on the party. In part, this is due to the fact that more and more couples are delaying marriage until later in their careers and footing at least part of the bill themselves (on average, couples now pay for 43% of the wedding themselves). At this stage in the game, these couples know what they want and they don’t have the same pressure from their parents since they’re sharing the burden of the costs.

Laura Michonski is the Site Director of NewYork.com and a nationally recognized travel expert. Laura is often called upon to speak about trends in the travel and publishing industries and makes regular appearances in the media via outlets such as NBC, CNN, ABC News, NPR, Peter Greenberg radio, and the BBC.

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Surprise Giveaway for NYC Brides : Enjoy Bridal Bliss on the Hudson

Coming up on Sunday, April 21st from 2 pm to 6 pm, bride-to-be's in the NYC area will have the chance to see the beautiful Hornblower Infinity yacht in person. The yacht will be decked out for an evening of bridal bliss on the Hudson. You can come and enjoy a glass of champagne and hors d'oeuvres while taking a look around the gorgeous wedding venue. Wouldn't it be amazing to marry on a yacht and as the night falls you can dance away with the city lights behind you?

Today I have TWO FREE TICKETS for NYC BRIDES to attend what is sure to be a fun event. The first two to reply and leave me a comment {along with your tentative or scheduled wedding date} will receive complimentary admission. {please be sure to leave me your email address, it won't be published} Not only will you be seeing the stunning yacht, but you will be able to meet some of New York's best wedding vendors and see fashion shows at 3 pm and 5 pm. Missed out on the free tickets? Don't worry, you can still purchase your ticket for $15 here.

Photo Shoot : a fabulous NYC city themed tablescape

When I saw this photo shoot that Stephanie of Couture Parties posted on her blog the other day, I knew I had to ask about sharing it with you. I LOVE the idea of a city themed tablescape. It got me thinking that you could even do a different city theme for each table - it would be perfect for bridal showers or rehearsal dinners. Maybe the cities could be places that you and your fiance have visited together? Or cities that you wish to visit? For this particular tablescape, Stephanie created a NYC State of Mind table setting. When walking the streets of NYC from the train station, Stephanie sees cabs, streets, and t-shirt shops - so this table was inspired by these items.

I love how Stephanie incorporated the ribbons on the tablecloth to resemble the yellow street lines.

Would you consider planning a party around your favorite travel destination(s)?
I think it's a brilliant idea and something that your guests wouldn't be expecting.

Thank you Stephanie for letting me share these photos with my readers today. Please be sure to visit Stephanie's brand new site, Couture Wedding Design, and her new blog, Creating Couture Weddings.

Photography: Vanessa Tierney
Cookies: It's My Party
Rentals: Taylor Rental
New York City Wedding on a Budget

I've recently been in touch with Erica, the VP of Corporate Communications at Chelsea Piers Management, after she found me on twitter. She told me about an amazing wedding deal "that no one seems to know exists" in New York City. I guess it could be considered a little hidden gem in NYC for budget weddings with a beautiful view.
The space is called Sunset Terrace and you can host a wedding (or any sort of party) here for $75/head. And, this includes beer, wine and dinner!!!

Erica says the views are amazing and the space is gorgeous. Sunset Terrace is the same exact view as from The Lighthouse, just one floor up. Both of these spaces are part of Chelsea Piers. Other features of the Sunset Terrace includes a new redwood bar, wrap around terrace, and glass on four sides. Erica said it best when she wrote: "you can have the view and decor you dreamt about at a dream price".

Erica also wrote to let me know about another budget idea to consider at Chelsea Piers: "We also have a great bachelor party starter event at the Golf Club - beer, snacks and hitting for the guys starting at $45 a head - my husband actually started his bachelor party there and then went to dinner. It's a great way to stretch out the night without breaking the bank."

Thank you to Erica for sharing this great budget friendly option with my readers who are looking for a New York City wedding without the typical NYC wedding price tag.