Celebrity Weddings 2013 Part 1

If you're all about what's happening with your favorite celebrities, then grab some popcorn and indulge in this juicy info.  Quite a few wedding bells have rung in Hollywood this year.  Check out some of the newlyweds and their wedding details:

Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler

These two were married on June 8, 2013.  Kristin, known from MTV'S "Laguna Beach", and Jay, NFL quarterback, said their I do's at Woodmont Christian Church in Nashville, TN.  She wore a beautiful strapless A-Line gown, while he sported a grey suit.  After the ceremony, they set off to a nearby historic warehouse for the reception.  The former reality TV star told People Magazine, "The flowers and everything were very simple but it was very warm and cozy.  It was all about the lighting and the candles and the atmosphere was just so warm.  It was absolutely perfect." 

Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez

Halle and Olivier discreetly exchanged vows on July 13, 2013.  Halle is best known for her role as Cat woman, and Olivier for his great acting, especially in France.  Their ceremony and reception took place at Chateau des Conde in Vallery, France.  How romantic!  After her two previously failed marriages, this one came as a surprise.  "Who know?  I swore marriage off, right? Never say never people", says the actress. 

Keira Knightley and James Righton

The actress, best known from movies like Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean and Pride and Prejudice and Klaxons keyboardist tied the knot on May 4, 2013.  They had a private, down to earth ceremony in South France at the Mazan town hall. There were just about a dozen friends and family members were present for the moving ceremony.  Her new hubby says, "I just fell in love with someone who happens to be amazing.  We had a beautiful wedding and there was a lot of love".  Knightely wore a simple tulle dress created by Chanel and Righton looked sharp in a black suit and popping blue tie.  

Amber Rose and Wiz Khalifa

Model, Amber Rose, and rapper, Wiz Khalifa got married on July 8, 2013 after welcoming their new son into the world in February.  The two are arguably the most affectionate couples, as seen on the green carpet at the BET Awards.  The couple got married in secret, letting their fans know on Twitter later that day.  "Me and Amber got married today.  Weddings this fall.  Thought I'd let ya'll know" the rapper tweeted.  

We are looking forward to seeing the celebrity trends this fall! 

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Nashville Event Planning 

Wedding Signage

Wedding signage is becoming a huge trend in the wedding world.  Couples use wedding signage in many ways for multitudes of reasons.  It can easily (and frugally) add touches of elegance, glamour, humor and whimsicality to your wedding.

Wedding signs can also be exceedingly helpful to guests and save them from possible confusion.  They can lead them to ceremony sites, cocktail hours and reception areas.  They can also tell them where to sit at the ceremony.  If you have a tight budget you could even write the itinerary on a chalkboard(or any other kind of signage) and display it for everyone to see as they enter or leave the ceremony.  Your wedding coordinator will of course handle these details, though it never hurts to have a back up and some extra decor!

There are a few ways to get wedding signage.  One way is to simply order it online.  There are many websites that have pre-made signs that you can buy.  You can also custom order online or ask a local craft store if they offer custom signage.  Or, if your crafty, then you can make your own!

Before you set off to the store to make your own signs, decide on what kind of signs you want to make.  If you're incorporating multiple signs into your wedding, you will want them to be fairly consistent.  Next, you can either look up a tutorial online on how to make your desired sign or you can consult someone from your local craft store.  Here are some examples of wedding signage and how they can be incorporated into your theme.

The wood frame and chalkboard sign adds to the rustic feel of this wedding.  

The mix of different fonts on this chalkboard is so creative and fun.

The black, white and pink on this glossed sign is very classy and elegant.

Our team loves burlap!

  It really brings out the rustic and chicness of this outdoor reception.

I love how festive this colorful sign is.  It's so fun and inviting!

Gold frames are a great way to create a vintage atmosphere with hardly any effort.

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Nashville Event Planning

Wedding Regrets

There are so many decisions to make when planning your wedding, you're bound to be less than ecstatic about the result of a couple of them.  The truth is, nothing is flawless.  Makeup may smear and that form fitting gown may seem like a much better idea after trying to maneuver around in your gorgeous ballgown, layered in beading and tulle.   Here are some of the most common things brides say they would've changed.  

1. "I would have hired a wedding planner."- Taking on all of the stress, decisions and financial planning is a daunting task.  Do yourself a favor and hire a professional!  Professionals, like Nashville Event Planning, will be able to guide you through the process, reassuring you that you are not on your own and that you're getting the best deals possible with other vendors.  We will help you stay within your budget, but also give you the quality you desire.

2. "Pick the venue before the date."- Avoid setting the date and choosing the venue that is available.  Choose the venue that best suits you and your groom to be and then set the date.  It's much easier to figure out a date than it is to find a venue you both like, that's in a good location and is in the budget.  

3. "I shouldn't have splurged at the last minute on unnecessary impulse buys."-  Set a budget and stick to it.  A wedding planner will help TREMENDOUSLY with this.  A professional can tell you what is and isn't necessary.  When it's getting close and the pressure is on, it's hard to tell what purchases will really make a difference and the ones you'll regret.  We can guide you in the right direction and keep you from spending unnecessary money.

4. "I wouldn't worry so much about getting my dress dirty."- Some of the prettiest pictures will be outside, under trees, in fields or even in a creek.  Have fun and get it cleaned later.  

5. "I would've hired a videographer."- If you want more then just pictures to capture the most precious moments, be sure to hire a videographer.  Some photographers have a package that includes videography.  Don't wait until the last minute though.  Make time to find someone with good reviews.  

6. "I wouldn't have chosen a buffet."- Buffets can be inconvenient at times.  Guests with children, disabilities or older guests don't like to stand and wait in a line and then try to manage to get back to their seat with everything on their plate.  A seated dinner helps the reception flow a lot smoother.  It also speeds dinner up so you and your guests have more time to mingle and celebrate.

7. "I should have chosen a venue that had better options for pictures."- If your venue doesn't have any scenic spots for pictures, then you might end up having to travel a bit to get the pictures you want.  This takes a lot of time and can be hectic trying to corral the whole wedding party off to a different location and back.  Instead, make sure your venue has plenty of options for great pictures that you'll be forever happy with!  If you have to, you can always toss the dress back on another day to get your perfect shots in front of your favorite football stadium! 

8. "I shouldn't have invited so many people."- Inviting too many people can dig your budget into the ground faster than you can say "I do".  Invite the people who you want to share your day with, who you couldn't imagine it without.  A guest count of 200+ isn't necessary for most couples.  It will limit your venue options and also take a huge toll on your budget.  The more people, the more cake, food and guest favors.  

9. "I wish my dress fit better."- It may take 4 fittings to get it just right, but you'll sure be glad that your gown is hugging you in the right places on your wedding day.  It's worth it to pay a little extra or put a tad bit more time into your dress rather than to hope it fits and have a slip of a strap or a loose bodice. 

10. "I wish I would have been more comfortable."- Sure, those 5 inch heels are super trendy.  Too bad no one can see them under dress.  The truth is, you could wear flip flops and no one will know the difference, unless of course you're wearing a short dress.  In that case, get you some fabulous flats for the reception!  Dress to impress, but also to enjoy the party.

11. "I should have spent more time with my guests."- Remember that your guests have come just for you.  Make a stop at each table to say hi and thank them for coming.  Or even try to make a round through the reception.  You may not get to talk to every person, but try your best to be appreciative and enjoy their company.

12. "I wish I had slowed down to enjoy the moment."-  This seems to be the most common regret among brides.  Probably because the day is so hectic, and so exciting it just flies by before you know it.  You've been waiting for 1+ years and it feels like it's gone in five minutes!  Make a point to just stop, slow down and soak it all in.  Before the ceremony, during the ceremony, during pictures, at the reception, any chance you get savor the moment.  Having a wedding planner will take all the stress of coordinating of you so that you can relax and enjoy your night.  

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Nashville Event Planning

"Picture This!"

Pictures are such an easy and affordable way to add some spark to your wedding.  Using them as a part of your decor is a great way to show your guests special moments in your life.  They'll enjoy getting to know you and your husband even more by taking a look at your past.  It's also a great way to personalize your wedding!  

One of the many ways you can incorporate photos in your wedding is to take pictures of your fiance' and yourself holding up table numbers.  Set them on the table in any type of frame.  You will have a centerpiece, conversation starter and table number all in one!  You mostly see these table pictures at fun-themed weddings, however you can coordinate the pictures you take with your theme.  For example, if your theme is rustic and western, put on your cutest cowgirl boots and find a pretty field as your backdrop.

You can also use wedding photos of your parents and grandparents to show your family's marital lineage. This makes for an intimate setting.  I think it's a very touching way to honor your family.

Memory boards would have to be one of my favorites.  They show the story of how you and your husband came to be.  You can show pictures of how or where you met, your first date, vacations and engagement photos.  Whatever pictures show special memories in your relationship!  This would be perfect for any type wedding, whether it be rustic or the finest of elegance.

Family trees are not only informative and interesting, they're beautiful!  They would look great at an outdoor wedding, or a wedding with a nature theme. 

Social media seems to be the main form of communication these days. So why not incorporate it into your wedding?  Couples want to see their wedding from not only their own point of view, but yours too!  After all, isn't it the guests that brides are trying to impress?  "Instagraming" your wedding is becoming a huge trend.  Couples set up an account and get you to use a certain hashtag so that all of the pictures can be seen on one page.

If you are old school like me, you can give your guests disposable cameras as wedding favors.  Let them use the cameras throughout the night and have them leave the film in a box as they go.  This is such a cool way to capture all the things you'll be too busy to see!

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Nashville Event Planning

Refreshing Reception Ideas

Creative wedding ideas for this year:

NEP Bride and Groom. Wedding venue Loveless Barn 

Set out a wine bottle or barrel for your guests to sign.

Let your guests use a typewriter to write you cute notes and/or advice.

I absolutely love this lighting with the draping. It is so elegant and romantic. 

Mixing lanterns and light makes for a fun yet stunning reception decor.

Date Jar: Let your guest share their favorite date with the new couple. 

How cute is this apple themed wedding!  Perfect for a fall affair.

NEP bride and groom. 

I love the idea of games at the reception.  It's such a good way to keep your non-dancing guests entertained.

Bubbles are a cute idea for a daytime exit.

However, these sparklers at nighttime are just magical.

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Nashville Event Planning

The Great Gatsby

Old Hollywood glam themes are making a huge statement right now.  This is mainly due to the recent showing of a new film called The Great Gatsby.  The film is based on book, also called The Great Gatsby, which was written in the 1920's.  After being scooted to the back of the bookshelves for 20+ years, it made a comeback in the 1940's and was then considered a literary classic.  The story was about a character named Jay Gatsby, a young mysterious millionaire and his intense feelings for Daisy Buchanan.  The story took place during the 1920's, which was the jazz age.

This story paints a picture of the American dream, which is why it's become so popular to base your theme around it's intricate details.  Between it's romantic ambiance, lively atmosphere and glamorous design, this theme is sure to please all of your guests.  Details of this theme include pearls, gold(dish ware, jewelry, etc), crystals, white feathers, slim fitting dresses with all over beading, and extravagant hair pieces.  Be sure to include some champagne to set the tone. This is definitely a "go big or go home" type of theme.  Place a feather here and there and it might look a little off.  But a bouquet of white feathers set on black linens with gold and crystal accents will blow your guests away!  Here are a few pictures of some gorgeous Gatsby themed weddings.  We can do this for you!

If you're looking to "wow" your guests and make a lasting impression, this is definitely the theme for you!  It makes for a very lively, fun and interactive atmosphere that your guests will love.  We would love to turn your wedding into an American dream inspired fantasy!  

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Nashville Event Planning

Fall Preview 2013

Fall weddings are becoming more and more popular.  It seems like everyone wants to exchange their "I dos" in the crisp fall air, surrounded by the changing leaves.  This beautiful scenery offers plenty of details for designers and wedding planners to be inspired by.  It also gives the perfect atmosphere to host a beautiful affair.

Gowns

All over beaded/glam

Maggie Sottero

Embroidery/Nature inspired embroidery/Textured fabrics

Claire Pettibone

Open-back

Jim Hjelm

Pearls

Sheer straps

Colors
According to Pantone, the official color of the year is Emerald.  Other colors that will be making a statement are Turbulence, Mykonos Blue, Samba, Acai, Koi, Carafe, Vivacious, Deep Lichen Green and Linden Green.  These make up the fall 2013 color created by Pantone.

Food and Drink
 Seated dining with plated meals are a huge hit.  To add a pop of some extra glam, throw in gold silverware and Gatsby style glasses and centerpieces.  As for drinks, toss the martini and pour the bubbly!  Champagne bars are taking center stage in 2013.

Cake
We foresee that the most loved wedding cakes this fall will be inspired by nature (birds, tree branches) and dress detail (lace, ruffles).  We also expect to continue to see ombre and chevron patterns.  We're anticipating tasting some crazy flavors this year, due to the current cupcake craze.  Though I think we'll see the majority of brides stick with the classic flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.  As far as icing goes, more and more couples are choosing buttercream instead of fondant.  It's more appealing and has a better taste. Just because you take away the fondant doesn't mean you can't have a beautifully decorated cake!  There's plenty of ways to achieve the taste and design you desire.

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Nashville Event Planning