Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue, and a Silver Sixpence in Her Shoe

Something Old: signifies the link with the bride’s connection with her family and the past. Many brides wear a piece of family jewelry or a mother/grandmother’s lace handkerchief or the wedding gown worn by her mother or grandmother.

Something New: represents good fortune, success and the bride’s hopes for a wonderful future. Often, the wedding gown is the new item.
Something Borrowed: reminds the bride that family and friends will always be there for her. "Borrowing" is supposed to come from a happily married woman, symbolizing lending the bride some of her own marital bliss for the bride’s marriage.

Something Blue: symbolizes faithfulness and loyalty. A garter is usually used as the blue item. In ancient Israel brides wore blue ribbons on the border of their wedding cloths representing love, modesty and faithfulness.

A Silver Sixpence in her Shoe: is to wish the bride wealth. Some brides put a penny in their shoe prior to the wedding ceremony.

ORIGIN OF THE BRIDAL SHOWER

When a bride's father didn’t approve of the groom, he wouldn’t give the dowry. The bride’s friends would "shower" her with gifts so she would have her dowry. Bride's friend put small gifts in a parasol, opened it over the bride's head so the gifts would "shower" on her.

All the Rage for 2010 Weddings

Eco-Chic is In

Incorporating ecologically conscious details into the wedding is the way to go in 2010. This is fairly simple to do. Brides can now select from a wide variety of recycled paper invitations, incorporate organic flowers in the arrangements, and opt for a menu with organic and vegetarian options.

Mini Cocktail Hour

Shorter cocktail hours will become the rule rather than the exception in 2010. The cocktail hour will take a back seat to the reception. Instead of spending lots of money on heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails and background music, cocktail hour will be reduced to less than 60 minutes. A shorter, but chic cocktail hour will lower costs and re-focus the spotlight on the main event: the reception. The guests won’t have to stand around for more than an hour waiting for the fun to begin!

Taller Wedding Cakes

The traditional 3 layer cake is a thing of the past. In 2010, wedding cakes will be taller and grander. Five or seven tier cakes (although some layers may be not be real cake) will be a focal point and part of the wedding decor.

Recycling and Donating

Being charitable extends to after the wedding. Brides are veering away from restoring their gowns and are beginning to move in the direction of selling their dress or donating it to someone in need. Other ways to share with the less fortunate include offering the leftover wedding food to a homeless shelter, donating the wedding flowers to a hospital, and giving reusable decorations to a church, school or organization that can reuse them.

Monograms and Initials

Personalizing the décor is very trendy. Using the bride’s and groom’s initials on the accessories and decorations is growing in popularity. The couple’s monograms can be incorporated into the invitations, cards, lighting, dinner plates, decoration, wedding cake topper, lighting accents, and ceremony runner. No one will mistake whose wedding they are attending!

Share the Wedding Using Social Media

Using your social media network is a popular way to showcase your wedding to friends and family. You or your photographer can upload the photographs on Facebook or on your wedding blog or wedding site, allowing you to quickly share the memories of your special day with those in your network. Using Twitter to post updates about the event is another new trend.

Favorite Edible Favors

The couple’s favorite cookies, candies or snacks are the hottest trend for wedding favors. The bride’s and groom’s favorite treats can be displayed on a specially designed buffet table, providing guests with the opportunity to share in foods that are especially reminiscent for the couple. The table serves as an additional accent, decorating the event while providing a topic of conversation to remind guests of the times they shared these treats with the bride or groom.

Focus on the Details

Taking time to attend to the small details that are unique and make guests feel welcome is a huge trend. Personalizing hospitality bags to include items that are family favorites or are region-specific make a great first impression. Filling the hospitality bags with weekend itineraries, booklets with suggested things to do, maps and brochures of places of interest set the tone for a fun-filled weekend. Serving a distinct menu and signature cocktail make for a special event. Setting out a special favor on a beautiful table for guests to take as they depart leaves a lasting impression of your memorable event.

Stylish Wedding Trends For 2010

Veils
Vintage birdcage veils with netting that covers the face are back in. Attaching a jeweled pin or feathered headpiece adds a kick. This gives the bride an aura of drama and glamour.

Varied Bridesmaid Dresses
Historically brides selected the same dress for all her bridesmaids. Recently brides have chosen a specific dress designer and fabric asked their bridesmaids to choose the style in that designer line that they prefer. The dresses compliment each other and the girls look great in the style the suits their body type. The 2010 trend goes a bit further. Brides are picking the color and giving their bridesmaids the freedom of finding any dress they want right off the rack. Could this be a reflection of the economy? Brides are realizing that the cost of a bridesmaid’s dress is fairly significant, so why not let friends select something they feel good in and will be happy to wear again. One important note is to make certain the bridesmaids understand how formal the dress should be as well as the length of the dress. Providing each bridesmaid with a color swatch to work with would also be helpful.

The Length of the Engagement
The year long engagement is falling by the wayside. Couples are starting to opt for longer engagements. This extended period can help relieve the stress, allowing for extra time to plan, budget, save and spread out the “to-do” tasks and the payments.

Stylish Wedding Dresses
For years strapless dresses have been popular. This trend continues in 2010, although brides are now looking at a wider array of styles to cover their shoulders, including straps, sleeves and removable jackets in sheer fabrics. Applications of flowers and lace, reminiscent of our grandmothers’ era is making an appearance on wedding gowns as well.

Get Married Unveils The New Top 10 Bridal Trends For 2010

http://www.getmarried.com/articles/?id=345

Every wedding element is an opportunity for brides to personalize and express their unique style
ATLANTA, December 7, 2009 – The holiday season—between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day—is the most popular time of year for engagements with approximately 35-40 percent (550,000-650,000) couples getting engaged to be married over the next 12 to 18 months, according to The Wedding Report*. With an estimated 2.2 million weddings projected in 2010*, more than 1.1 million brides will discover their unique bridal style as they plan every moment of their celebration. Get Married offers these brides a sneak peek of the top 10 bridal trends for 2010. From runway fashions and edible passions to techie automations and color saturations, the new bridal trends are all about personalization and expressing your unique bridal style.

“Bringing your unique wedding inspirations to life is as exciting as it is essential when creating the ‘wow’-factor,” said Stacie Francombe, founder and CEO of Get Married, a tri-media wedding lifestyle platform for passionate brides. “We encourage brides to be bold and adventurous, infusing the elements and styles that excite them in life in this momentous lifecycle occasion.”

Following is a look at the top 10 bridal trends for 2010 as determined by Get Married’s editorial and production teams as well as leading industry experts:

1. Non-linear aisle: Brides are personalizing the procession by altering the traditional aisle with a circle or a triangular double aisle, enabling the couple to enter from multiple spots with a central meeting point. Stephanie Davis, Get Married magazine editor-in-chief and new bride, wedded lake-side on a circular dock from which she and her groom entered. “Our family no longer has two sides, so everyone sat together and, as an added bonus, there wasn’t a bad seat in the house!”
2. Comfort foods with a kick: Chef Wolfgang Puck believes that comfort foods have become more popular in the current economy. Think burgers, pizza, ribs, pot pie, and risotto—but comfort does not have to mean pedestrian. “Upgrade ingredients and prepare them with great expertise. Serve hors d’oeuvres like Kobe burgers, wild mushroom risotto, smoked salmon pizzas, slow-braised short ribs or a simple chicken pot pie with lobster,” advises Puck.
3. Gifting techie gadgetry: Registries and wedding gifts have increasingly become more high tech. Brides want electronic recipe finders, books and charging plates, and matching his-and-hers PDA cases—all examples of great gadgets for the couple as well as thank-you gifts for parents and the wedding party.
4. Texture-inspired invitations: Top bridal designer Monique Lhuillier shares inspirations and details from her various collections: “A lot of fabric details from the dresses translate into the invitations. We use techniques of embossing to mimic textures and incorporate the same colors from the gowns into the invitations.” Look for details you would see on the runway on your wedding invitations. .
5. Old, new, borrowed and cobalt blue: From hints of blue in bridal fashion to saturated color throughout the wedding décor, “blues will be the most requested color in 2010,” according to Shane Murray of The Wedding Report. Bright cobalt blue is a hot hue for 2010, offering fresh, bold and atmospheric twist on the bluesy tradition.
6. Wear-again bridesmaid dresses: The urban legend of wearing a bridesmaids dress by choice after the wedding is a reality with the new silhouettes that mirror what is happening on the runway. Gorgeous and glamorous dresses with drop waists, bubble skirts and ruffles add an additional sense of style for bridesmaids to wear—and wear again.
7. Three-dimensional save-the-dates: Inform your friends and family of your wedding day with a twist. Three-dimensional elements on the save-the-dates, like a paper umbrella (signifying a destination wedding), adds character, humor and relevance.
8. Old Hollywood glam, for men!: A return to Cary Grant’s sense of style is making a comeback this year for grooms, looking charming and dapper in a white tuxedo with black-rimmed lapels. This cool old-school look brings back the sharp-looking vest and nostalgic pocket watch.
9. Blogger brides abound: Now more than ever, Get Married is seeing brides enjoy sharing snippets of surprises, ideas and images throughout their wedding planning experience. Personal blogs offer a space for brides to share, gather inspirations and explore. Check out Get Married’s robust and newly-skinned wedding blog.
10. Personalized plus: From the décor designs and inspirational invites to a great gifts and super-fab favors, Get Married is observing brides’ aspiration for distinctly personalized wedding details. Designing invitations, save-the-dates and thank-you cards and adding monograms to guest books, aisle runners and gifts (like cosmetic and travel bags) offers a hint of personal bridal style. An assortment of personalized décor, invitations, gifts and favors are available at www.shop.getmarried.com.

Wedding Style: 12 Wedding Day Details Not To Miss

The perfect groom? Check. Dress, cake, and band? Check, check, and check. While you may have the big parts covered, a few often-overlooked details will truly make your day memorable. We take you from the ceremony programs to the exit with a list of particulars longing for attention.

1. Directions & Signage

Why You don't want your guests getting lost on the way to the chapel. If you spell it out for them, they're more likely to be on time, and your entire wedding day has a better chance of running smoothly.
How to do it First, include a map or add a link to Google Maps on your wedding website so that guests have an idea of where they're going. As a safeguard, consider including a map from the ceremony site to the reception venue in your programs or your invites. For the day-of, create signage for each wedding spot (the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception) directing guests where to go. If it's an outdoor wedding, make or buy a wooden sign and paint it with an arrow. For a more sophisticated soiree, consider using printed black-and-white-framed signage in a scripted font.

2. The Entrance

Why No matter where you wed, first impressions are essential. A personalized entryway will make your site more welcoming and help guests feel at home almost immediately.
How to do it If you're having an outdoor wedding, hang leis of orchids or sun-catching glass ornaments on the surrounding trees. For a ballroom, have your florist create an escort card table arrangement with plenty of height so it's the first thing guests see. A rustic affair calls for tons of lanterns lining the pathways.

3. The Escort Cards

Why When the seating is assigned ahead of time, you save guests the pressure of searching for a seat at the wedding reception. You also guarantee that your guests of honor (grandparents and close relatives) get a quiet spot while your rowdy friends from college sit closest to the dance floor.
How to do it Escort cards are extremely easy to personalize and an excellent way to bring in your wedding day colors -- from calligraphed seating cards set atop a textured linen to apples tagged with each guest's name or small personalized bundles of lavender tied off with string. Other ways to display escort cards: Pin them to a clothesline, post them on a board covered in color-coordinated ribbon, or incorporate them into your cocktail hour using personalized stirrers tagged with guests' names.

4. The Guest Book

Why It takes more than setting out a couple of pens to make a guest book enticing enough to get all your guests to sign in. The trick is to show off your creativity in an inviting way.
How to do it Ask guests to contribute to a scrapbook by providing a Polaroid camera. Make a backdrop by hanging an attractive piece of fabric and then ask each guest, couple, or family to stand in front of it and pose. Have a close friend man the camera. When their picture is ready, they can pop it into the guest book and sign their names next to it. Or get your videographer involved and go for a live guest book reel by having each of your guests express all of their sentiments on camera.

5. The Lighting

Why The right lighting can help flatter any space and make you and your guests look great.
How to do it Use colored lighting to punch up a drab hallway. Pick a different yet complementary hue for the rest of the reception (use blue for a white wedding, amber for a pink celebration). Decorative hanging lights, lamps with patterned shades, or crystal chandeliers will transform a space from plain to extravagant.

6. A Game Plan For the Kids

Why Even if you love children, you won't want them disrupting the ceremony or reception. Have a plan to keep little ones at their best.
How to do it At the ceremony, have an usher hand out coloring books and crayons. At mealtime, seat little ones with their parents so they'll be in top form while eating. If lots of kids will be attending, setting up a nearby room with games, craft supplies, and DVDs guarantees that they'll have a good time during the reception (as will their eternally grateful parents).

7. The Loo

Why The restroom is an often-overlooked space that, when given a little tender love and care, creates an unexpected wow. It doesn't take much either -- even the slightest bit of decor will perk up and personalize this space.
How to do it Add small bud vases of flowers, give the bathroom new "Ladies" and "Gents" signs, or splurge on some monogrammed towels in your wedding colors. To really impress your guests, scan childhood pictures of the two of you through the years, laminate them, and post them on the bathroom walls.

8. The Bar

Why Let's face it: The bar is a spot where most of your guests will probably spend a significant amount of time, which is precisely why it's a great place to add a burst of color, which will boost the look of the room.
How to do it Serve some unique bar snacks like vodka-soaked watermelon balls in antique ice cream glasses, Grand Marnier-infused apricots, or ice cubes with a berry or another piece of fruit frozen inside. Consider printing your signature cocktail recipe right on your coasters or beverage napkins. Also, think about giving the bar itself a facelift: Ask your wedding planner to use bamboo, Lucite, or even laser-cut wood in a bold pattern for the front of the bar and use backlighting to create a stunning centerpiece for the room.

9. The Menu Cards

Why Menu cards designed to complement your wedding day stationery and coordinate with your signature colors will add a stylish extra touch to each of your place settings.
How to do it The menu cards can be as formal or informal as your reception. Place round menu cards in the center of each charger to suit a decidedly formal reception. A more laid-back wedding might call for the menu to be written on a chalkboard set up near the entrance. If you plan on serving a multicourse meal, consider giving guests mini menu booklets. They can even double as place cards.

10. The Cake Table

Why The cake table is often a main focal point of the reception space where many of your guests will congregate to take pictures. Keep in mind that an inadequately decorated display table can make or break your photos.
How to do it Create the perfect setting for your cake by keeping décor low to the table so you don't detract from your main dessert. Consider using a monogrammed table linen in a complementary color. Or have your florist sprinkle small flowers in your wedding hues, such as bells of Ireland or freesias. To give it the royal treatment, set your cake on a riser at a ballroom wedding or cover it with a fabric-draped canopy if you're having an outdoor party.

11. The Chairs

Why The right chairs and chair treatments can transform what was a hodgepodge room into something that's elegant and refined.
How to do it Match your chair treatments to your wedding style. If it's a black-tie wedding, cover every chair in rich, silk fabric and add a coordinating sash. For a wedding that's outdoors, consider using simple chiavari chairs instead of the plastic folding kind. For a fresh twist, get colorful, patterned chair cushions in lieu of monochromatic ones. You can also use your chairs to highlight the season. Pay tribute to the time of year by decorating every one of the chairs with a miniature wreath for a winter wedding, or tie fresh blooms to each of the chair backs if you're having a springtime affair.

12. The Exit

Why A stylish exit is the exclamation point to a great wedding day, not to mention your last chance to drive home your personal style. Take full advantage of this opportunity.
How to do it Rose petals are pretty but often overdone, so to end the night with a bang (literally), hire professionals to shoot off fireworks. If pyrotechnics are not in your budget, have your guests shower you with light from sparklers. When it comes to your getaway transportation, get creative: Drive away in a vintage car decorated with bright flowers; toss your hair into the wind on a moped; or jump into a sleek, stylish sports car. And don't forget that "Just Married" sign.

What’s Hot in Wedding Rings

1. Pave Settings

This setting is comprised of very small, faceted, cut stones that surround the wedding band. The band sparkles and shines.

2. Stacked Rings

Putting two, three or more bands together creates a bold look. The best part is that you can change the look by combining the bands in different ways. You can redesign the look on a daily basis. Depending on your mood, you can wear one band alongside your engagement ring, put two bands on either side of your engagement ring or wear three bands on one hand and your engagement ring on the other hand. Flexibility is the key with stacked rings.

3. Vintage Is In

Vintage rings are back! The defining characteristics of this style include scroll-work, milgrain work (a finishing detail on metalwork that produces a beaded effect along the edge of the metal) and filigree design. The choice is to purchase a true vintage ring or have your ring designed to encompass the vintage style with all the details specifically made to suit your taste.

4. Halos Are All the Rage

Brides are choosing to have halos envelop the diamond in their engagement ring. This gives the ring an heirloom look while making a bold statement.

5. Alternative Metals for Bands

With the price of gold skyrocketing, couples are selecting different metals for wedding bands. Titanium and stainless steel bands are becoming all the rage. With the advent of technology, these metals can be used to create stylish rings. Titanium is lightweight and comes in white color, giving the effect of platinum. The cost can be significantly less than gold. Stainless steel is more durable than gold and tarnish resistant. The patina is similar to platinum at a far more economical price.

6. Style Trends

Diamond eternity bands are growing in popularity. The range in price depends on the quality and size of the diamonds. An alternative to the eternity band is a 4 or 5 stone diamond band without having the diamonds go all the way around the ring. Micro-pave is all the rage. When used on the band of an engagement ring, the metal is less visible—all you see is the brilliant sparkle of diamonds. Another current favorite for the upcoming year is Celtic wedding bands. Handcrafted, these rings are considered art pieces. Gemstones and artistically designed wedding rings will reign supreme as the hot trends in 2010.

2010 Hot Wedding Colors

Black flower and accessories
In 2008 and 2009 black colored wedding dresses popped up. The trend for 2010 is black accessories and flowers. Some options include black table linens, black accents in the flower arrangements or black chair covers and accessories. Combining white and black makes for an even more sophisticated look.

Pink dresses
It seems that pink will be an in color for bridal dresses in spring 2010. The color palette choices include pastel, classic or shocking pink. If subtlety is the look you want to achieve, a pink accent in the dress can accomplish a fresh new look.

Red wedding gowns
If vibrant and bold is the look you want to achieve the color red is also moving to the forefront for spring 2010. Combining white with red can add an extra bit of romance to this spring wedding.

Mini wedding dress
Another trend coming out in spring 2010 is the very short dress. To achieve a dramatic look, a really chic shoe can provide extra focus.

Bright orange color scheme
Bright orange is making a comeback in 2010. Combining this vivid color with soft peach tones can create a beautiful effect. Orange rose petals, tiger lilies and orange gerberas can be used for your flowers and bouquets. Accessorizing with peach colored gift boxes with orange ribbons for favors provides additional flair.

Bright Yellow and Turquoise Shades
Bright yellows and turquoise shades are in order if you want to create a tropical scheme. Accents of blue and yellow ribbons on white or silver favor boxes will accent your theme. A cookie or candy buffet replete with goodies in shades of yellows and blues can also pull the theme together. Turquoise and yellow flowers, combined with the same accent colors on the wedding cake complete the effect.

Top Ten Considerations in Selecting Your Wedding Bands

1. So Many Choices, Narrowing It Down

First decide what color metal you and your fiancée want. Will it be yellow or white? What if you like white gold but he prefers yellow gold? No problem! There’s no rule that says you have to get the same color. Many styles come in different colors so you can still match the design but each get the color of your choice. As a compromise, you can look at bands that contain both yellow and white metals. Another decision you need to make is whether you want only metal or a band accented with diamonds or gemstones. If gems are your thing but not his, you can add them to your band and satisfy your fiancée by keeping his all metal.

2. Budgeting Sets the Parameters

Two simple gold bands generally range between $125 and $200 each. Platinum bands can cost $400 to $600 each. If you want diamond wedding bands, the price will be significantly higher depending on the size, color and clarity of the diamonds. Many couples choose to engrave the inside of the wedding band, which can run anywhere from $1 to $8 per character (letter or number). The price varies by manufacturer; differs based on the font you choose; and also depends on whether you want hand or machine engraving.

3. Have Fun and Check Out Your Options Early

Set your calendar to start browsing at least two to three months prior to your wedding date. Discuss with your partner what you each prefer, look at different options together and then focus on your budget. Come to a decision together and then comparison shop based on price and quality. If you want your ring custom made, you will need to begin your search even earlier to allow time for the ring to be made. Remember; give yourself at least an extra month if you want the rings engraved.

4. Classic and Timeless

You will be wearing your ring for many years to come. The style you select should be one that you will want to wear in 30 years. There is nothing wrong with being different but in making your choice, ask yourself whether the style will withstand the test of time.

5. Your Lifestyle Should Play a Role in Making Your Selection

Your wedding band is something you will want to wear daily. Choose a style that will be comfortable, keeping in mind your daily activities. If you constantly work with your hands, you may want to select a style that is smooth so dirt won’t get trapped in it. If you participate in sports on a regular basis or play a musical instrument, you may want a narrower ring with clean lines and a silk fit. Some brides get two bands: one for the work week and a more elaborate one to wear socially.

6. Quality Makes for Longevity

Your ring will last for many, many years. Make certain the quality is there. Check the inside of the ring for the manufacturer's trademark and the quality mark (14K, 24K, PLAT). If the ring consists of two or more metals, make sure there is a quality mark for each.

7. Size Is Important

People wear their wedding bands all the time, when fingers swell and contract, retain water and weight gain (during the temperature variations of the 4 seasons, exercising, menstruation and pregnancies.) The best time to fit your ring is when your body temperature is normal. Do not fit the ring in the morning when you retain fluids from the night before; after exercising when your fingers swell; or when you are either very hot or very cold.

8. Protect Your Ring

When making your metal selection, bear in mind that some metals are sturdier than others. Platinum is more durable than gold; however, platinum is also a softer metal and shows scratches more easily. If your ring contains diamonds or other gemstones, check periodically to make certain the gems are securely in place. Avoid doing heavy lifting or other strenuous activity while wearing a ring with gemstones. Chemicals such as chlorine (in bleaches, cleaners, and other disinfectants) can discolor or cause pitting to your band. Remove your ring and put it in a safe place or wear gloves prior to working with chemicals or abrasive cleaning fluids. Although nicks and scratches will occur on all rings, they are more readily visible on matte finishes and most easily affect platinum. One saving grace is that your jeweler can usually reapply the finish or plating on your ring to restore it to its prior state. So, enjoy looking at the ring on your finger, just take care of it.

9. Keep It Sparkling Clean

It is simple to keep your ring looking clean. When cleaning your ring, either do so away from the sink or else close the drain prior to cleaning. If your ring has no gemstones, just rub it with a soft, lint-free cloth. For rings with stones, use warm sudsy water to wash and soak the ring, brush with a soft toothbrush, rinse with clear water and pat dry with a soft lint-free cloth. If grease has gotten on your ring, dip the ring in alcohol. If tarnish is a problem, combine soap, water, with a few drops of ammonia, brush the ring with a soft toothbrush, rinse with clear water and dry with a soft cloth. Remember, prior to any cleaning, check with your jeweler to find out the safest way to clean your ring.

10. Keep It Safe

It is a good idea to insure your ring. Check to see if a jewelry rider is available on your homeowner’s insurance policy; if not there are insurance policies available for jewelry alone. The last thing you want is to lose or misplace your ring. Be cautious when you remove your ring. When you take your ring off, always put it in the same place so you won’t forget its location. Never put your ring in a pocket or purse (thinking you will put it away later) or near a sink or tub. If you are in a hotel and need to take it off, put it in the room safe.