Wedding Trends: The Rings

Today's wedding trend is a little homage to engagement season.  It's never too early to start thinking of fun ways to capture your gorgeous bauble on your wedding day.  Everyone loves a great shot of their wedding rings.  Here are some of our favorite ideas.

{Nestled in between scrabble tiles, via Louisville Wedding Blog}

{Rings in the bride's shoes, via Style Me Pretty}

{Sitting on top of coffee beans, via My Wedding}



{Resting on piano keys, via Fairmont Photography}



{Sitting on top of a cork, via Lovella Bridal}

{Around a set of vintage keys, via Dust Jacket Attic}

{On the day's newspaper featuring the wedding date, via Allegro Photography}

{Sitting on the wedding invitation, via Bridal Guide}

{On fruit, via Bespoke Bride}

{On succulents, via Marta Locklear photos}



{Hung by clothespins, via Kokoro Photography}



{in a bird's nest, via Linda Lewis Photography}



{in the bride's bouquet, via Steve Holms Photography}

Wedding Trends: Fall

Today I'm sharing some of the little details that I'm obsessed with for fall weddings, apples.  I love apple picking and it's one of those signs that fall is here, much like the changing leaves.  Here's a look at my favorite ways of incorporating apples as favors into your fall wedding.

Apple pie served in a martini glass via The Brides Cafe

Carmel Apple favors via 2 Excited Nests

Apple cider favors with toffee, yum! via Candles and Such

Mini apple pies, love the presentation! via One Stylish Bride

Apples fresh from an apple orchard, via WeddingBee

delicious apple donuts, via Belle the Magazine

Apple butter, love the sign! via Gabby's Gluten Free

Wedding Trends: Bridal Headpieces

Bridal forehead jewelry, sometimes called browbands, are a great way to accessorize your wedding dress.  With celebrity brides like Alicia Keys, Kim Kardashian, and Camila Alves perfecting the trendy forehead jewelry style.  We love it because it works with multiple wedding styles, from retro to boho.  And it's a way to add some extra bling and sparkle to your overall look.  Our top picks are simple, elegant pieces that bring a touch of romance to your look.  And although, these celebs wore their hair pulled back, we thing loose flowy locks are uber romantic with a forehead piece.

{Alicia, Kim, Camila}



{Photos via: Top Row: 1|2|3; Second Row: 4|5|6}

Wedding Trends: Changing Your Last Name

For most brides once they've said their I Dos, it's time for a name change.  Although some brides have mixed feelings about adopting a new last name, for some it can be overwhelming.  Especially when they are unsure of which documents require a change,  and how to go about doing so.  Not to worry, we've complied a list of documents you'll need have changed and how to do so and which forms you'll need.

{via}

From miss to Mrs.
Legally required name changes:
1. Social Security Card: Required documents: Proof of Identification (Driver's License, Passport), Proof of Age (birth certificate) and a copy of your Marriage Certificate. You'll also need to complete the Social Security SS5 Form and bring all four documents to your local social security office.
2. Driver's License: To apply for a name change on your IL Driver’s License you’ll need either your new Social Security Card or your marriage certificate. There is a $5 fee for correcting a license.
3. Passport: You will need an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate, a passport photo, your current passport, a fee, and either the DS-82 form (if you've had your current passport for over a year) or the DS-5504 form (if you've had your current passport for less than a year)

Don't forget to notify the following institutions of your name change:
- Financial institutions: credit card companies, personal bank accounts, retirement funds, mortgage/lease information
- Insurance carrier: Home/Auto/Life/Health
- Employer: Payroll Department, Benefits Department: 401K
- Educational: School or Alumni Association
- Other: Voter registration, gym membership, social media/networking sites

Wedding Trends: Top Knot

Loving the top knot on brides this season. It's so refreshing and yet timeless at the same time, and it really makes your face pop.  Why we love top knots:  they're simple, elegant, but so trendy right now.  They work great on any face shape and are perfect with bangs!  Dress it up with a headpiece, hair jewelry, or a gorgeous veil.

Here's our new favorite wedding hair trend on some famous faces:


 {Photos via: Top Row: Top Knot; Second Row: Hilliary, Nicole, & Molly; Third Row: Jamie, Katie for ROH, Bride no.1; Fourth Row: Kate B, Kate H, and Bride no.2}

Cultural Wedding Trends: Sofreh Aghd

The sofreh aghd (wedding spread) is a traditional part of a Persian ceremony. Each item of the elaborate sofreh aghd, symbolizesa quality the couple plans to share as husband and wife.  The mirror of fate and 2 candelabras are placed at the head of the table, representing brightness and light in the couple’s life ahead, it is also the first time the groom sees his wife's face during the ceremony.  Decorated walnuts, almonds, eggs and hazelnuts represent fertility.  A bowl of coins symbolize wealth and prosperity, while crystallized sugar symbolizes a sweet life together.  The importance of faith is symbolized with a holy book that rests in front of the couple and a prayer rug at the center of the sofreh aghd.

Some of our favorite Sofreh Aghd tables:

{via}

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Wedding Trends: The Wedding App

Unsure if you want to create a wedding website?  Wish there was a more mobile and more tech savvy option.  Appy Couple has got your covered.  You can now create your own downloadable wedding app.  With different themes and screens to choose from, there's one that will fit your wedding perfectly.  The bonus, you get a free coordinating wedding website.  The only downside is that it's only currently available for the iPhone and iPad, an Android version is in the works.  Your entire wedding website content is featured in this user friendly app, send private messages, feature your bridal party, get RSVPs back, add your registries, and it syncs perfectly with social media.  Sign up for an invite now.

Wedding Trends: Signs of Love

I love how couples are incorporating their personal touches with signage for their weddings. Weather it's for the photo booth or saving seats for the new Mr. and Mrs., signage is quickly becoming the instructional decor of choice.  Here are 5 ways to add signage to your wedding.

1. Here comes the bride signs: so popular, and a great way to get the kids involved. {photos via Martha Stewart Weddings and Green Wedding Shoes}

2. Photo props signs: perfect for a photo booth or professional photos, and it's the perfect way to infuse your personal style into your pictures. {photos via Style Me Pretty and Ruffled Wedding Blog}

3. Ceremony Signs: because a little word or phrase can mean so much, perfect for outdoor weddings.  {photos via Style Me Pretty and theKnot}

4. Candy Bar signs: because love is sweet {photos via  Special Day and Etsy}

5. Seating sings: getting creative with bride vs groom's side or the blending of families. {photos via Indian Wedding Site and WeddingBee}

Wedding Trend: Braided Updo

The bridal hairstyle du jor this year has to be braids.  Whether it's a braided up do, a fishtail braid, or subtle braids in your hair, braids are becoming more popular for both brides and the bridal party.  We love the fact that braids are so versatile and can add glamour, elegance, softness, drama, or romance to your hairstyle.  With so many different ways to incorporate braids, there's one that is the perfect compliment to your perfect dress.

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{Photo Credits: Top Row: Fishtail Braid, Low Bun Updo, Braid Ring Updo; Second Row: Messy Crown Braid; Side Braid with Hair Accessory; Side Braid} 

Wedding Trends: Groom's Style

Let's face it, although most eyes will be on the bride when she makes are first entrance, her eyes will be on her man.  And gentlemen let's not disappoint our wives-to-be.  We love all the fun, dapper, and classic groom style out there.   From classic greys and navys, to bow ties, to personalized attire, fedoras, bright colors, and classic tuxes. Here are some of our favorite groom's styles.

And don't forget to sign up for our blog-aversary giveaway!

{Photo Credits: Top Row: Grey Groomsmen, Personalized Tie; Second Row: Pink Shirt; Navy Suit; Navy Vest & Bowtie; Third Row: Fedorra, End of Night Tux, Forage Bowties}

Wedding Trends: First Dance Songs for 2012

Maybe it's because I was blown away with Princes Lea's (Rachel Barry) performance of Without You on last week's episode of Glee, I couldn't help but think it would make a perfect  first dance.  For those of you practicing your first dance moves in anticipation of your wedding this year, here's a list of our favorite wedding songs for 2012.

1. Etta James - At Last
2. Bruno Mars- Marry You
3. Train - Marry Me
4. Lady Antebellum - Just A Kiss
5. Sade - By Your Side
6. Beach Boys - God Only Knows (Love Actually Soundtrack)
7. Des'ree - Kissing You (Romeo & Juliet Soundtrack)
8. Jason Mraz - Lucky
9. Michael Buble - Everything
10. Chantal Kreviazuk - Feels Like Home
11. Glee Cast - Faithfully (Journey)
12. Clarie Danes - Time After Time  (Evening Soundtrack)

Wedding Trends: Put a Bow on It

Wrap it up this year with a bow.  Love the flirty, femininity, of adding a bow to your nuptials.  Whether it's with your attire (head pieces, hair styles, dresses, bags or shoes)or his, a little bow adds a touch of class.  Bows are tying up wedding day decor and fashion in a big way.  Some of our favorite ways to add bows to your wedding day, enjoy!

{Photo Credits - Top Row: Bouquet, Programs, Garter; Second Row: Wedding Car, Groomsmen T-Shirts; Third Row: Cake, Shoes, Dog ,Dress}

Wedding Trend: Balloons

Whether it's for an engagement shoot, save the date, or your wedding day, balloons are popping up in a big way.  They're an excellent way to create vibrant, colorful photos or soft romantic ones, and most people find they're very budget friendly.  Love the idea but want to incorporate it into your wedding decor, we love this wedding ceremony idea.

{Engagement}

{Save the Date}

{Proposal}

{Bride & Groom}

{Get Away}

{Day After}

{Escort Cards}

{Bridal Party}

{Martha Stewart Weddings}