Top 10 Trends for Weddings in 2013

Now it can be said that at Bellissimo we don't subscribe to the following of fashions when it comes to weddings. It's YOUR wedding so we believe you should have whatever you want and like, whether its the height of fashion or not. However that doesn't mean to say that current fashions won't influence you and your decisions and it isn't to say that current fashions shouldn't influence you- as long as you like it! That's the most important thing- it is your day after all. We have noticed some popular "trends" emerging for weddings for the coming season or two so we thought we would share with you at the start of this new season what we think Brides will be incorporating into their day.

1. "Vintage" elements / influences 

Vintage wedding styling has been very popular for a few years with the use of vintage china and old fashioned accessories. However, we are seeing a decline in strong vintage styling, with many people now choosing to incorporate vintage items into a different overall theme rather than the whole wedding being centred around vintage styling. Don't panic - vintage is still very much here but we are seeing it being incorporated in different ways with subtle vintage accessories and touches, for example vintage style photo frames and post boxes.

Image courtesy of Damien Bailey Photography

Image courtesy of Tatty Lashes stationary

2. Clean lines - less is more!

We are seeing  more modern weddings coming through with cleaner lines and simplicity and less frills and detailing. They are equally as beautiful with a big wow factor and many still bringing in traditional elements but keeping it much simpler and eye catching. "Less is more" is definitely the motto for 2013 weddings. Weddings will remain decadent with the materials and items used but will be less elaborate in the amount of wedding dressing. 2012 saw lots of DIY 'Stuff' being incorporated into weddings- bunting, cupcakes, ti-pis, mason jars etc however for 2013 we are seeing the beginnings of a switch to classical elegance with the simplicity doing all the talking.

Image courtesy of Michele Austin Photography

3. The romantic look- peaches and pastels

This is quite an 80's colour scheme but it is having an resurgence but without the 1980's vibe! This time round it has a very soft and romantic ambiance but feels much more up to date and modern with less of the frills and not so much emphasis on the large sleeves and shoulder padding from the 80's! We're seeing lots of peach and pale pink roses and peonies making up beautiful, full floral displays.

Image courtesy of Erika Delgado Photography

The combination of mint green with the pale peach and pinks is also looking to be very hot in 2013. It has a very whimsical, romantic yet fresh summery feel to it.

Image courtesy of Three Nails Photography

4. The Roaring 20's

Whilst we think vintage is calming down, there are some eras which will be BIG this year! The iconic design led eras, the 1920's, 1930's and the 1950's will be huge this year. We're seeing lots of vintage cars and lots of Jazz bands being incorporated into weddings as well as lots of Art Deco fonts and styling in stationary and beautiful vintage Bridesmaid dresses. We can't wait to see the Charleston and Jives coming out. The decadence yet clean lines of the 1920's makes it a perfect theme for those who want a more stripped back yet romantic wedding.

With the popularity of Downton Abbey and the wedding which featured in the last series, its no wonder the 1920's has become a popular influence for weddings.

Image courtesy of blsciblogs.baruch.cuny.edu

Image courtesy of www.roaring30.co.uk

5. Lace

Lace is a classic embellishment which will never go out of fashion but in 2013 we will be seeing it every where- not just in dresses but running throughout weddings. Kate Middleton's wedding dress will still be a huge style influence for wedding dresses this coming season- big, beautiful and full of lace detail.

Image courtesy of AFP

6. Statement back dresses

Another huge trend we are predicting for 2013- our Facebook fans have gone made for the photos we have posted of dresses with beautiful statement backs to them. You will have your back to your guests throughout the ceremony so its lovely for them to be able to see your beautiful dress. 

Image courtesy of Ariel Ranae Photography

Image courtesy of Galia Lahav

7. Patterns

2012 has seen a few patterned bridesmaid dresses but next year they are looking to be really popular, with florals, geometric prints, paisley, stripes and spots. Patterns will run throughout weddings, being incorporated into the table dressing to add interest without the fussiness and having lots of 'stuff' on the tables. However, its important not to go too over the top- remember less is more and try to stick to two or no more than three colours featured for your bridesmaids to avoid everything being too busy. 

Image courtesy of Gabriel Ryan Photography

Image courtesy of Jonathon Canlas Photography

8. Dessert Bars

So sweetie tables have been big in 2012 but next year will see the rise in popularity of the dessert table. Dessert tables are a great option if you don't want a traditional wedding cake and cupcakes aren't your thing. A dessert table can also be a great way to display your wedding cake if you are having a traditional wedding cake. Make it a real feature of the room, plus its great for the evening as it gives your  guests something to nibble on if they're feeling a little peckish! We also think macaroon towers will be a bit hit this year- they have a real wow factor and are something a little bit unusual. You can do well to combine the sweetie table with the dessert table too for a great combination of little sweet nibbles to suit all your guests or why not sweet and savoury?

Image courtesy of Thayer Allyson Gowdy Photography

Image courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

9. Naked Wedding Cakes

The back to basics theme has continued through to the wedding cake with sponge and buttercream cakes without royal icing becoming very popular. They are a more rustic option but very beautiful when adorned with beautiful roses but practically speaking we're not convinced that they are the best option- they won't keep very well and you will be testing your baker as it will have to be made very last minute!

 Image courtesy of 4 eyes photography

We have seen the emergence of Macaroon Towers in 2012 and we think they are going to be even more popular in 2013. They are a great alternative to a traditional style wedding cake and will really get a 'wow' when your guests see it. They can be in any colour to match the theme of your day and they can be made in a large variety of flavours to match your tastes.

 

Image courtesy of Allyson Meredith Cakes

Another type of cake we see emerging this year is Temeri cakes which are a fabulous alternative to cupcakes and having a really special sentiment, perfect for a wedding day behind them. Temeri cakes are inspired by Japanese Temeri balls which are beautiful handmade silk balls which mothers make for their daughters to play with. Traditionally it is said that the balls bring good fortune and happiness to the recipient. This sentiment Temeri cakes the perfect favour for a wedding.

Image courtesy of makiscakes.com

10. 'Posh junk food'

People have grown bored of having a buffet for evening food. 'Posh junk food' and street food is becoming very popular. People are wanting their guests to be served food in a casual way rather than serving themselves. Having food vans is proving to be a popular option- for example, fish and chip vans, Mexican food, Paella etc We have also seen the idea of posh burger and chips or Kentucky fired chicken emerging, served in wrappers by usherette waiters. We think this will really take off as buffets have become a bit tired and guests would rather have something a bit different. With receptions often going on long into the night with more taking place on private land, we have seen people wanting to serve a 'midnight snack' to keep them and their guests going. Cookies and boozy hot chocolate have been favourites! 

Image courtesy of Damien Bailey Photography

Image courtesy of Trevor Pearson Productions

We're also seeing a change in the drinks being served at weddings with signature or bespoke cocktails being on the Menu. Select the Bride and Groom's favourite cocktails shaken or stirred to order, with a little help from your wedding planner as to what goes down well with guests. Its great to make it really personal by having a  menu made up of the Bride and Groom's favourites but remember, your favourites might not be every body else's! Our advice- keep them light and not too alcoholic and choose cocktails made from a variety of different base alcohols, for example a vodka based cocktail, a rum based cocktail and a champagne based cocktail. A good selection for a summer wedding could be a Mojito, a Cosmopoliton, Lychee Martini, Strawberry Daquri and Espresso Martini.

Image courtesy of Angela Ward Brown Photography

We can't wait to see all of these trends in real life in our weddings this year! They are going to be beautiful!

x

Coloured glasses... a must or a no go?

On my first day working at Bellissimo Weddings, I helped Melanie to style a very beautiful and romantic wedding in a marquee in Wimborne. I have to say that when she told me the glassware was all gold rimmed, I was more than a little dubious! I knew it was a very tasteful and pretty wedding but nonetheless I must admit the first thing that came into my head was ‘tacky’! But I am pleased to say I was proved wrong! Even after being shown the glasses, I was still not convinced but we laid the tables with them and all I can say is ‘Wow!’. They really transformed the styling of the marquee and made a world of difference. The bride had chosen a very pale colour scheme of blush pinks and creams - very beautiful but Melanie was concerned that with the ivory lining and ivory carpet, the space could looked a little washed out so suggested using gold rimmed glasses. She is known for usually being right, but this time she really did get it spot on! The gold rimmed glasses looked classy and elegant and complimented and enhanced the colour scheme the bride had chosen. 

Our Melanie is a big fan of coloured glasses, having chosen to have red wine glasses at her own wedding. Again, when she told me this I wasn’t sure what to think but when I looked at the photos, the red glasses looked amazing! I really am a convert to coloured glasses for table styling now. I think my fear was that it could look cheap and out of place but I have been shown that if it is done well it looks very classy and stylish and I now believe one of those finishing touches that are really worth it!  Sticking to one colour (unless your colour scheme is multi-coloured) and getting good quality glasses are a must though! 

But be careful not to go too far. If you are laying the table with, a champagne flute ready for speeches, a white wine glass, a red wine glass and a water glass, my suggestion would be to choose one glass to have coloured and then keep the rest as plain clear glass. If you have all four as coloured glass, they could be too over powering, you just want an accent colour to run through the tables to create a real wow factor when your guests enter the marquee. On the other hand if you choose to use silver or gold rimmed glasses, you can up the anti a bit and go all out having all four or maybe three out of the four glasses with metallic rims. As they are not dense or bright colours, matching metallic rims can look better. A single metallic rimmed glass may look a little lost on its own, whilst three or four metallic rimmed glasses would not be over powering.

Image courtesy of blogstylizimo.com

The colour of these glasses is very subtle but match the colour of the napkins perfectly. Other than the glasses and the napkins, there isn't much colour on the tables, meaning it doesn't look too over the top.

Image courtesy of James Hazelwood Photography

These glasses are just stunning, they add a bit of glamour to the table and match the silver charger plates to tie together the colour scheme.

Image courtesy of Jones Design Company

A very rustic look with different coloured glasses- it looks great but you have to get it right! The use of so many different colours could look a mess if you're not careful but this scheme is bright but subdued so works well.

Image courtesy of pinkpumpkin.co.uk

Pretty in Pink! This design has just used coloured wine glasses which makes a statement. If they had chosen to use all pink glasses, it would have looked over the top. You can see pink glasses throughout the of the photo showing that having coloured glasses works really well to bring an accent into colour the dressing of your wedding.

Image courtesy of stylemepretty.com

The blue glasses are pretty much the centre focus of this table dressing. Other that a couple of small vases of flowers, the glasses are all that they have used to dress it and what an impact it makes. The glasses give a real wow factor and prove that you don't need loads of items on your tables to dress them.

These images are from a wedding we planned and styled last year and the colour scheme was a collection of greens and again one single coloured glass at each place setting was used to really draw out the green accents throughout the colour scheme of the wedding.

Image courtesy of Angela Ward Brown Photography

Image courtesy of Angela Ward Brown Photography

With just two colours running throughout this colour scheme, the coloured glasses emphasise the green among the taupe. Without the glasses, the green wouldn't feel like part of the colour scheme and the whole room could have looked a little bland. These fabulous green wine glasses also prove that the coloured glasses do not need to match the clear glasses in shape. Being a different shape can add more interest to the tables. Coloured glasses are difficult to find to hire so finding coloured glasses to match the clear glasses in shape will be virtually impossible!

Image courtesy of weddingchicks.com

This is very chic. It might not be considered to be a usual colour scheme for a wedding but this might make you think twice. The ivory and cream really soften the black. The black glasses really are the finishing touch to this table, clear glasses would have cluttered the theming.

Image courtesy of EFC Photography

Image courtesy of EFC Photography

We were recently asked to help to style and dress the stunning 300 year old Grade II listed wedding venue Cams Hall for a Wedding Showcase day and we were asked to introduce some tables duly styled to suit the Oval Room to give brides an idea of how they could dress their own tables. The Aubergine and gold table is very luxurious whilst the apple table feels a little more rustic! Rather than filling the tables with lots of decorative bits and pieces, we used colour to add interest and the coloured glasses were a vital ingredient!

What do you think? Have we converted you too?

Nicolle
x

Gemma and Stuart's Elegant Sunny Wedding

A gorgeous sunny day, Saturday 1^st June 2012 was Gemma and Stuart’s wedding day.

Their reception was to be held at on Stuarts’ parent’s farm in Wimborne. The marquee from Pole to Pole Marquees was set up on their lawn the week before and was installed with cream carpet and stunning crystal chandeliers chosen by Gemma. The day before the wedding, we went to the marquee to dress it. With 120 guests, it took us all day to make sure everything looked perfect!

A special thank you should go to Damien Bailey who was the photographer for Gemma and Stuart’s special day and has allowed us to use his stunning images in this blog.

Although the rain threatened on the morning of the wedding, it soon cleared off to be a beautiful sunny day! We were back to the marquee bright and early the next morning to greet the arrival of the flowers, cake, bar, photo booth and technician for the band.

Gemma and her bridesmaids got ready for the day at her Mum’s house in Throop. Gemma looked breath taking in a custom made Suzanne Neville dress. The beautiful lace and low buttoned back were a perfect, romantic combination. Gemma’s bridesmaids wore pale rose pink floor length dresses by Two Birds which can be tied in up to 15 different ways. Their dresses matched perfectly but allowed them to each wear a style that suited each of them.

The ceremony took place at Throop Church and the girls were all driven to the church in a stunning black and cream classic car provided by Barnes Wedding Cars. Gemma’s Dad gave her away and the ceremony was an extremely moving one but luckily Melanie was on hand with tissues! 

After the ceremony Gemma and Stuart went back to her Mum’s house to have some photos taken in her stunning garden which backs straight onto the river.

Whilst Gemma and Stuart were having photos taken, all their guests made their way back to Stuart’s Parent’s house for the reception. A smaller drinks marquee was set up right next to the house where guests were greeted either with Champagne or Elderflower presse. Gemma didn’t want guests to go into the marquee straight away as she wanted it to be a surprise to them all when they first walked in to sit down for their meal so it was our job to make sure they stayed out! As it was such a beautiful day, all the guests were more than happy to stay outside and enjoy the sunshine! Guests were entertained by Keysworth String Quartet who played amazing versions of songs both new and old- a cover of Coldplay was a particular favourite of ours! They were also treated to delicious canapés of Mini bangers and mash on toast with red onion chutney, Smoked salmon & dill mousse on crostini with keta, Asparagus wrapped in Parma ham with truffle oil, Gazpacho soup shot with basil oil and Wild mushroom and herb tartlets

 

At 2.45pm Melanie called everyone in to the marquee to be seated for the wedding breakfast. By the front door of the marquee was the stunning seating plan in an ornate white antique style frame which was made by Emma Farwell Designs. Next to this was a vintage ivory bird cage for guests to put their cards in. The tables were laid with Ivory table cloths with gold table runners, silver cutlery, ivory napkins rolled and tied with gold ribbons, gold rimmed red wine glasses, gold rimmed white wine glasses, gold rimmed champagne glasses and water glasses. 

The place names also made by Emma Farwell Designs were luggage tag style which were tied around the stem of the wine glasses. Gemma and Stuart opted to give their guests charity pin badges as favours which we put into cute little gold envelopes and leant against the water glasses. In the centre of the tables were stunning floral arrangements by Arcade Flowers. Some arrangements were high whilst others were low and were made up of blush pink coloured roses, stunning peonies and cream roses which also matched Gemma’s bouquet and the bouquets carried by the bridesmaids. The flowers were placed on mirrors and had glass tea lights place around them.  The guests were bawled over by how stunning the marquee looked. Gemma and Stuart were equally as delighted with the end result. In the centre of each table was an envelope. Guests were asked to write their names on either a ten or a twenty pound note and put them in the envelopes. Melanie then went round each table and pulled a note out of the envelope and whoever the winning not belonged to won the beautiful table centre! All the money was donated to a childrens' charity.

Melanie announced Gemma and Stuart in and they were received by a huge cheer and round of applause. Once Gemma and Stuart had made their way to their seats Beales Gourmet started serving the food. The starter was Buffalo mozzarella, avocado and tomato timbale with pesto dressing, followed by roasted Sirloin of Beef with horseradish mashed potato and vegetable bundles served with red wine jus for the main course and a delicious quartet of desserts of fruit skewers with strawberry dressing, apple crumble with rhubarb sorbet, chocolate espresso mousse and passion fruit cheesecake. It was such a beautiful day that Jason from Pole to Pole marquees was able to take the sides off of the marquee.

After the food it was time for the speeches, all of which were very moving but amusing!

By the time this was all done, it was time for the evening guests to start arriving  which meant it was time for cutting the cake followed by the first dance!  But before this it was time for Gemma to change into her Jimmy Choo’s for the evening and add a stunning crystal belt to her dress to add a bit of sparkle for dancing! The cake was a three tier white sugar paste cake which was delicately decorated with lace which was copied exactly from the lace on Gemma’s dress- stunning! The cake was made by Lisa Notely Wedding Cakes and was made up of a chocolate layer, a sponge layer and a fruit cake layer. For their first dance Gemma and Stuart danced to 'Long to be close to you' by The Carpenters and treated their guests to a choreographed dance at a pre-wedding dance lesson. 

Then it was time to get into the real party mood! The cocktail bar provided by the Great Mobile Bar Company was now in full swing and going down very well with guests! The photo booth from Smiley Booth was also set up and getting busy with some fun and fab photos which were to be put into a guestbook for Gemma and Stuart.  Gemma and Stuart also declared their sweetie bar officially open and guests loved  filling up their white and pink stripy paper bags with pick and mix sweets and taking them back to the dancefloor! It was an indulgence that took may right back to their childhood with marshmallows, bonbons, love hearts and sherbet lollies. Gemma and her Bridesmaids had worked really hard creating this sweetie bar and they did an amazing job - it looked fantastic. 

The band, Fat Chance and the Disco provided by MaxDiscos kept the guests entertained and got everyone up on the dance floor! After dancing away, guests were beginning to get hungry again so went outside to indulge in fish and chips from a traditional fish and chip van! Not surprisingly this was a big hit with the guests. And for pudding, a slice of wedding cake which was a choice of traditional moist fruit, chocolate and lemon cake. 

The party continued long into the night, with all the guests enjoying the music and cocktails! 

When Gemma and Stuart returned from their honeymoon they sent us a lovely thankyou card which was so appreciated:

'To Melanie, We miss you! The wedding already seems like a lifetime ago, I wish we could do it all again! Thank you so much for making our day perfect, we have had so many compliments from people and so many guests commented on how fantastic you were. You truly are every girls dream to a perfect wedding! Lots of love Gem and Stu xx'

We loved working on this wedding. Visually it was stunning and we hope we achieved the look exactly how Gemma and Stuart had imagined it but also we loved working with Gemma, Stuart and Gemma's wonderful Mum in the 18 months prior to their wedding day to ensure everything ran perfectly on the day. Gemma and Stuart made their own decisions but valued out ideas and suggestions which made them the perfect couple to work with. We wish Gemma and Stuart lots of love and happiness for their future together.

x 

Suppliers for Gemma and Stuart's Wedding:

Wedding planning- Bellissimo Weddings- www.bellissimo-weddings.co.uk

Wedding styling- Melanie and Nicolle, Bellissimo Weddings- www.bellissimo-weddings.co.uk

Marquee- Pole to Pole Marquees- www.poletopolemarquees.co.uk/

Photographer- Damien Bailey Photography- www.damianbailey.com

Catering- Beales Gourmet- www.bealesgourmet.com

Wedding Car- Barnes Wedding Cars- www.barnesweddings.co.uk

Flowers- Arcade Flowers- www.arcadeflowers.co.uk

Wedding stationary- Emma Farwell Designs- www.emmafarwelldesigns.co.uk

Cake- Lisa Notley Wedding Cakes- www.cakesbylisanotley.co.uk

String Quartet- Keysworth String Quartet- www.keysworth.co.uk

Bar- The Great Mobile Bar Company- www.thegreatmobilebarcompany.com

Photo Booth- Smiley Booth- www.smileybooth.co.uk

Band- Fat Chance- www.fatchanceband.co.uk

DJ- MaxDiscos- www.maxdiscos.co.uk

Traditional Fish and Chip van- Wedding Fish and Chip Catering- www.fishandchipcatering.co.uk