Thursday, October 29, 2009

2010 weddingtrends

Smaller and personalized weddings are the newest trend so expect to see smaller weddings that stress romance but put less pressure on the purse strings. Couples are choosing less guests means a more intimacy wedding with their closest family and friends.

Eco-chic weddings are the newest buzz with couples looking to keep their wedding 'green'. Creative and unique ideas such as recycled paper invitations, recycled rings, plantable wedding favours, a horse drawn carriage, organic menus... are all great options for an eco-chic wedding, a trend that is becoming more and more popular and will continue into 2010.

Romantic princess-like wedding dresses are back. Knee-high wedding dresses welcome back the classical, romantic bride. The applications of flowers, tulle and lace will be very big in 2010, bringing back the beautiful decade of the 30s. Classic strapless is still in.

Smaller more personalized cakes and decorated cupcakes are continuing to grow in popularity. So long to the 4+ tier wedding cakes that tower the couple. The introduction of these non-traditional cakes adds a unique and fun element to the wedding and is always a hit for both adults and kids.

Candy buffets and edible wedding favours are very popular. Candy and homemade sweets always make an impression and truly express thanks, plus you get to send your guests home with your love.

e-Weddings are top of the list. The Internet has made it easier to send out real-time e-invites, provide updates by e-mail and post pictures on personalized wedding websites for family and friends to share before and after the wedding day. Other trends for 2010 include forms of social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

Charity begins from the heart and what better time than weddings? This is the new trend for 2010. Brides are donating their dresses to others in need, offering the leftover food from the wedding dinner to a homeless shelter, or donating their fresh flowers to a church, hospital or association that may reuse them are all ways that a happy couple are able to give and still receive.

Friday, October 9, 2009

Canadian Chinese Weddings

For those who are Canadian-born of Asian decent, there are many more details to consider when planning and coordinating a wedding. More and more couples are looking to wedding planners to not only help them on their special day but to make sure that both the bride and groom's cultures and customs are infused into the ceremony and reception. As with any newly engaged couple planning a wedding, specific details that will personalize their wedding in reflection of their heritage or personality are important - it represents who they are and where they came from.

There are certain Chinese-inspired ceremony details to include or consider when planning a wedding:
  • Picking the right date - the date should be selected from the Chinese calendar and its sometimes done by consulting a fortune-teller or feng shui expert. The best suited date is selected for the couple based on their birthdates and Chinese zodiac signs. It's considered good luck to marry on an even day and month of the year.
  • Choosing the right colour scheme - the colours chosen are important as red symbolizes happiness and gold is the colour of wealth. Colours to avoid are black and white which is often related to mourning or death in the family.
  • Languages - incorporating both english and chinese in invitations, programs, speeches, and thank you cards will include guests that do not speak either language.
  • Symbols - use the symbol of a dragon or phoenix on programs, use red paper and have a gold "double happiness" symbol printed on invitiations or programs.
  • Tea Ceremony - this is the quintessential Chinese wedding tradition in which the couple would serve tea to both set of parents and family and friends join in games and offer red lucky envelopes or jewellery to wish the couple a happy life together.
  • Decor and music - choose flowers that match the colour scheme such as peonies, orchids, or lotus blossoms. As for music, incoporating some chinese music into the night will keep guests in your celebration.
  • Praying to the Gods - some more traditional couples, paying homage to their ancestors and family members who have passed are important. This would include setting up an altar at home, burning incense, and providing offerings by burning paper food and money. These offerings with prayers are to offer respect and to ask ancestors and deceased famly to watch over and protect the happy couple.

Many couples have found wedding planners help them not only focus but help them bring out the culture and customs into their special day of marriage. As with most couples, wanting a wedding that reflects them personally - where they were born, how they were raised, and why they fell in love - and ties both bride and groom's family together are a priority...what better way than to intertwine both Asian and traditional North American wedding themes for guests to learn and enjoy.