Savannah Wedding Planner - Re Defining Moments

Interesting Bridal Registration Statistics from Bridal Monitor™

Karen Moore of Re Defining Moments - Savannah's Wedding Planner, shares interesting bridal registry statistics.

Here are some interesting statistics that I stumbled upon in my reading. A fascinating read for brides that does a typical bridal registry as opposed to those that do not.

• Brides who register have an average of 29% more guests at their wedding (143) versus those who do not register (111).
• Brides who register tend to have weddings that are more traditional, formal and romantic than brides who do not register.
• Brides who register spend 44% more on their wedding dresses than brides who do not register.
• Bed, Bath & Beyond is the most frequently used bridal registry.
• Cookware is the most often registered-for category in registry.
• KitchenAid is the most often registered for brand in registry.
• Latin and Asian brides represent a significant opportunity for registry because they are significantly less likely to register than other brides.
• Better educated brides are significantly more likely to register than less educated brides.
• Couples who register are nearly twice as likely to go on a cruise for their honeymoon as couples who do not register.
• The top 10 largest registry categories have a projected market value of $1.3 billion dollars annually.
• Martha Stewart Living is the brand that appears in the most registry product categories.

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Please share your thoughts and comments with Re Defining Moments  or email karen@unbridledimagination.com.

Contact Information:
Savannah Wedding Planner - Re Defining Moments
Telephone:            (800) 698-1310

The Long and Short of It

Karen Moore of Re Defining Moments - Savannah's Wedding Planner discuses

Setting Your Bridesmaids’ Dress Length

When it comes to your bridesmaids and their wedding day attire, the choice is yours! Now, of course you don’t want to make everyone wear something that they absolutely hate. The rule of thumb is that you make the decisions in terms of color, style, shape and length of their dresses.

Although your bridesmaids’ dress length may seem trivial in comparison to the millions of other things running through your brain, it has a subtle but integral part in setting the tone, the theme and the character of your nuptials.

Decisions, decisions.
Though today’s bridesmaids may be allowed to choose a style of dress that best suits their body type, a defined dress length is a statement of elegance for your wedding

When deciding on your bridesmaids’ dresses and whether they should be long or short, you will have to consider the type of wedding you are having (formal vs. informal), time of day and the time of year.

Formal (black-tie) weddings call for floor-length gowns, while an informal wedding (i.e. cocktail receptions, black-tie optional and/or daytime) is the perfect place for a cocktail-length dress, which is usually above, below or directly at the knee. Whichever length you choose, make sure that each bridesmaid is aware and compliant with your decision.

If the ceremony is taking place during the day, keep the dresses at cocktail length, as opposed to evening affairs where short, t-length (mid-calf) or floor length are a personal choice. Sundresses for a wedding on the beach are perfectly appropriate, while a t-length dress is a great option for an evening wedding at home.

When it comes to a climate, consider how it affects your bridesmaids. If it’s 30-degrees, your ceremony will most likely not be outside, therefore both short or long dresses are plausible However, if you, your bridal party and your guests are going to sitting outside in 90-degree weather, with little breeze and lots of sunshine, be kind to your friends by letting their legs breathe.

Straight down the line.
Directly after your bridesmaids purchase the dress, you must specify to all of them how many inches the dress should be shortened from the floor when the shoes are on. Call them directly, or send them an email with the specifics because this is often overlooked, resulting in the bridal party looking uneven.

A floor-length gown should be no more than 1 to 1 ½ inches off of the ground, with the shoes on. Therefore, when your bridesmaids go to their dressmakers, they must have the shoes they purchased for it with them. If you are firm, direct and pleasant in your instructions, they will have no problem with complying, and will look nothing less than extraordinary for your day.

**Bridesmaids Dresses from Watters.com

Please share your thoughts and comments with Re Defining Moments  or

email karen@unbridledimagination.com.

Contact Information:
Savannah Wedding Planner - Re Defining Moments
Telephone:            (800) 698-1310

Up-and-Coming Wedding Trends for 2012

Savannah Wedding Planner, Re Defining Moments predicts Up-and-Coming Wedding Trends for 2012. In years past, weddings were over the top and flashy. However as we approach 2012, the trends seem to be shifting toward more socially responsible, understated and intimate weddings. Brides are swapping enormous guest lists for intimate groups of close friends and family.

Trends are changing, and here’s how you can keep up.

Go Green

Many brides are giving up traditional wedding planning and opting for a green wedding.

 Choosing locally grown flowers, recycled invitations, and repurposing old items to become centerpieces has become a popular style.

Brides are not only saving money, but the environment as well. Guests are wowed by the bride’s crafty creativity rather than lavish spending, and the environment doesn’t pay the price. Not all brides are capable of a totally green wedding, but many are including small touches like donations to environmental charities in their guest’s names as their wedding favors or registering for eco-friendly honeymoons.

Vintage Theme

Something old is taking over in 2012.

With celebrities embracing old-Hollywood style brings about brides embracing vintage everything. Brides are bringing back just about everything from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Thrift stores and antique stores are the shops of choice for the 2012 bride. Seating displays, table settings and decorations are all taking on an aged feel. Achieve this feeling by including a family tradition started by your great grandmother or putting old wedding photos from both of your families on the tables.

Think Outside the Church

More and more couples are opting to be married in a location other than a church. Outdoor weddings and weddings in interesting locations have become a popular way to make your wedding stand out.

If you are traditional and would like to use a church, try having your reception in a creative space like a museum or park. Often these types of spaces provide their own decoration and ambiance, and the cost of decorating is minimal.

DIY

The 2012 bride is budget conscious and ready to do a few things herself.

More and more we see brides printing invitations, writing place cards and creating centerpieces themselves. If you have the time, and the talent, virtually everything in your wedding can be home made. Although a totally DIY wedding is possible, it isn’t practical for most of us.

Instead of biting off more than you can chew, try taking on just one or two DIY projects to add a personal touch. If you’re not artsy, there are plenty of projects that simply require precision and following directions. Creating a playlist of wedding songs instead of having a DJ, for example, is a great project for someone who isn’t crafty.

The Forever Trend

Of course the lasting trend for weddings no matter the year is to make them your own.

Just as high shoulder pads have come and gone, so will this year’s trends. Settling on a wedding theme that you love is what is most important.

Just because everyone is doing vintage weddings doesn’t mean you have to give up on your Kardashian inspired wedding. Do what you and your fiancé feels comfortable with, and you might end up inspiring 2013’s up-and-coming trends!

What is your favorite up-and coming 2012 trend? Share your thoughts and comments with Re Defining Moments  or email karen@unbridledimagination.com.

Contact Information:
Savannah Wedding Planner - Re Defining Moments
Telephone:            (800) 698-1310