Posts Tagged ‘wedding trends’

Chic Wedding Accessories: Navy & Peacock Feathers

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012

Check out the new Navy Peacock Wedding Collection at Advantage Bridal! Navy blue is definitely in the mix for this year’s wedding colors thanks to future royal Kate Middleton, who appeared in a Navy blue Issa London dress when she and Prince William first announced their engagement. Of course, Kate’s gorgeous navy dress matched her oval blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring that once belonged to the beloved Princess Diana.

Guest Book, Guest Pen and Ring Pillow

Navy Peacock Wedding Collection $159.95

Peacock feather wedding accessories are also popular, so Advantage Bridal combined these two wedding trends to create a stunning wedding accessory collection that includes a guest book, guest book pen, ring pillow and flower girl basket. The wedding accessories are wrapped in navy blue silk and accented with purple and turquoise ribbons and stunning peacock feather.

Flower Girls

Navy Peacock Flower Girl Basket $48.95

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Hot Wedding Colors

Wednesday, May 2nd, 2012
When is a cool color a hot color?  When it’s chocolate brown!   Chocolate is everywhere, paired with baby pink, baby blue, lavender, aqua or mint green.   Chocolate brown backgrounds with pastel polka dots are huge, whether for baby products or wedding theme colors.   Picture your bridesmaids in chocolate dresses, each in a different pastel color sash and matching shoes. Wow!  Chocolate is a popular color for embroidered tote bags personalized as bridesmaid gifts.  It’s also a hot color for wedding favors and favor tags.  Best of all, it flatters all complexions and hair colors so bridesmaids adore it!
The perfect bridesmaids gift in chocolate and hot pink!

The perfect bridesmaids gift in chocolate and hot pink!

Other very popular wedding color combinations are baby pink with black, lime green with hot pink, classic black and white, aqua with pink or hot pink, and purple with sage green.   Once you’ve chosen your wedding colors, you can carry out the theme in your bridesmaid dresses and accessories, guest book, flower girl basket and ring pillow sets, reception table linens, flowers, and your cake.  Imprinted napkins to match are always fun.

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A Glamorous Affair: Ritz-Carlton Bridal

Sunday, March 11th, 2012

Is a winter wedding at The Ritz-Carlton in the works for this celebrity couple?

At Advantage Bridal, we want to be sure we cater to every type of bride and wedding. Whether you’re on a budget or puttin’ on the ritz, our inventory is carefully selected and manufactured to meet your needs. We’re even featured in the magazine Weddings by The Ritz-Carlton, a great resource for brides searching for glamorous inspiration and couples looking for a honeymoon retreat.

If you’re planning a glam, ultra lux affair, then Ritz-Carlton weddings are right up your alley. The Ritz boasts luxury hotels from Europe to the Caribbean, where you can plan your dream wedding at some of the hottest locales, as well as locations across the United States, including Hawaii, Florida, New York and California. The Ritz-Carlton is a favorite among celebrities, too. Celebrity couple Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo, who announced their engagement late last year, discuss wedding planning in a recent article on People.com.

Although they haven’t decided on a wedding date, Vanessa Minnillo has her eyes set on a winter wedding at The Ritz:  ”[I saw] a wedding booklet about the Ritz-Carlton weddings that they do and it was a winter theme and it was beautiful. Something about winter, it’s one of my favorite seasons, it’s very romantic. The twinkle lights and the greenery and the snow.”

Budget brides can always use celebrity weddings as a source of inspiration when they’re planning their ceremony and reception. Bridal magazines and Weddings by The Ritz-Carlton stay abreast of current wedding trends and top honeymoon destinations. So while not every bride-to-be can afford the designer bridal gown, the couture wedding shoes or the 5-star venue, she can create an atmosphere and mood that reflects the look of luxury. Advantage Bridal offers couture bridal jewelry, designer wedding shoes, unique veils and tiaras, custom wedding accessories and everything inbetween for the Ritz-Carlton wedding.

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Iconic Brides Still Inspire

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Formal Wedding Portrait of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, 1953. Photo: John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum

Despite bridal fashion becoming global and trends that come and go, modern brides are still inspired by some of the most glamorous and infamous style icons of past and present, such as Princess Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Princess Diana, Jacqueline Kennedy, Ivanka Trump, Princess Charlene of Monaco and Catherine Middleton.

Celebrity weddings are also a source of inspiration for today’s brides, with magazines paying mega bucks to publish pics of the extravagant affair. So, what can we expect for 2012 bridal trends?

Royal weddings and royal brides always cause a stir, and maybe it’s because of the fairy tale stories we remember as children. The idea of a prince and princess marrying seems surreal in a modern world, but royal families still prevail in many places. And  last year, all eyes were set on two momentous royal weddings between Prince William and Catherine Middleton and Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock.

Color: Bold is in (think Pantone’s color of the year – tangerine tango). Expect to see vibrant bouquets, decor accents and accessories.

Illusion Neckline: Strapless style wedding gowns with a sheer fabric neckline adds a romantic, elegant flair.

Unique Headpieces: Veils and tiaras gain popularity when a princess-to-be says, “I Do.” But other headpieces, such as bridal hats, feather fascinators and unique hair accessories will continue to be seen down the aisle this year.

Traditional Twist: Wedding dresses in off-white, champagne or pales hues have hit the runway, while Disney has launched a princess inspired bridal gown collection.

Ruffles & Lace: Lace sleeves, embellished veils, layers and ruffles are making a comeback on wedding dresses.

Crystals Galore: Brides are enamored with rhinestone tiaras, crystal accents, dazzling jewelry and sparkles here and there. After all, it’s their day to shine!

Regardless of this year’s wedding trends, brides-to-be will always look to fashion icons of past and present. In essence, following the style of an iconic bride will create a timeless and classic look that’s not trendy at all. Make a statement by combining classic and modern elements.

 

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L.A. Bride World Expo Jan. 15-16

Sunday, January 1st, 2012

Join Advantage Bridal and more than 200 wedding vendors at the Bride World Expo held at the L.A. Convention Center January 15-16. Brides bring your bridesmaids, fiance, friends and mother to see what’s in store at this mega Bride World event, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $10.  The address is:  1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, 90015. Advantage Bridal may have some extra tickets to the event, so contact us asap at sales@apgshops.com. Bridal expos offer everything from fashion, fun, wedding services, wedding vendors, wedding inspiration, wedding ideas and more, so come check out this year’s hottest wedding trends.


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2012 Wedding Trends

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

Photo: Belle Magazine

Planning a wedding this year? Got engaged over the holidays and ready to start shopping for inspiration and vendors? There’s a plethora of good ideas emerging for 2012 wedding trends and we’re excited to help brides during the new year.

Vibrant Colors: When PANTONE revealed its 2012 color of the year – Tangerine Tango – we knew to expect bold pops of color in floral arrangements, bridesmaids accessories and reception decor.

Incorporate Color Into Your Gown: Whether choosing an ivory, off-white or white bridal gown, brides can still incorporate some color whether with a bridal sash or having a seamstress sew a special emblem. This year’s wedding dress collection features pale hues of pinks, blush, blues and some bold colors for a really dramatic look.

Unique Photos: Photo booths are still big for guests, but more photographers are using props and back drops to add some fun to traditional methods.

Au Natural: Thanks to the royal wedding and with more couples choosing sustainable flowers and arrangements, natural choices continue to be popular. A subdued floral palette and potted trees set the tone for the ceremony of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. Potted plants, airy trees, succulents and choosing seasonal flowers are this year’s trend.

Miniature Is In: For example, smaller scale centerpieces and mini desserts arranged in groupings can be modern or whimsical, depending on your choices. Rather than display large centerpieces, choose smaller containers bunched with small flowers for an elegant look. Have fun with the colors, arrangements and variety of mini desserts to heighten visual appeal.

Food Trucks Gain Steam: The food truck revolution is catching on in the wedding industry and couples are choosing to end the night or celebrate the after party with various options, such as ice-cream trucks, hamburger trucks and coffee carts.

(The above trends courtesy of Bridal Guide).

Check out these real wedding photos that capture some of the upcoming wedding trends.

Expect lace, gold and romance to remain popular among brides in 2012. Gorgeous lace bridal gowns and tones of ivory and golds set a romantic atmosphere.

Advantage Bridal carries bridal accessories and reception decorations for every affair. Whether you’re looking for designer wedding shoes, couture bridal jewelry or affordable wedding accessories, we can help you effortlessly plan your big day. You want everything to be perfect and we want to bring your vision to life with our large selection of items from wedding invitations and flower girl dresses to groom cuff links and bridesmaid accessories.

AdvantageBridal.com is your one-stop shop for 2012 wedding trends. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Call our customer service reps who will gladly answer any  questions you may have. Congratulations and we wish you a stress free planning process.

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Aisle News: 2012 Wedding Trends

Sunday, August 7th, 2011
Wedding Trends

Photo: Weddings by Lilly

Brides want their wedding affair to be as unique as they are and this thinking sets new bridal trends in 2012.

Wedding palettes combine bright colors with staple neutrals: Warm bamboo, honeysuckle pink, cedar green, deep teal, purple‐hued phlox, coffee liqueur, warm camel nougat and quarry are top shades for the upcoming season.

Wedding dresses feature lots of lace, thanks to the royal wedding, along with ruffles, beading and sashes. White takes a back seat to other hues like soft beige, light blues, pink and even soft‐toned greens being introduced into the finest bridal lines. Bridal gowns are sleek and sophisticated, opposite of the traditional ball gown.

Vintage wedding elements are still strong, especially for brides wanting a truly one-of-a-kind dress. Couples are seeking unique venues, such as old buildings and re-purposed spaces (old train stations, raw factory space and combinations of indoor and outdoor spaces). Local farms and vineyards provide rustic charm with enless outdoor photo opportunities. Wedding environments are more laid back. Natural settings are popular locations: Beaches, parks, backyards and other outdoor settings.

Birdcage veils have been in style for many seasons now and feather fascinators have gained momentum with the royal wedding. The edgy, over-the-top headpiece provides plenty of style. Headbands and feathers are modern options to a traditional veil. No bride will be bare-headed in 2012, with everything from glittering tiaras to extra-large flowers in contrasting tones.

Dyeable wedding shoes in bold red, purple or blue peek from under the wedding dress. Shoe clips add sparkle and glam. Other ideas include button or feather boutonnieres, multi‐mini cakes as centerpieces and catering carts – martini bars, crepe stations, sundae bars, pastry tables and lemonade stands.

Photo booths continue to be a popular feature for guests. Social media is center stage with computer stations being setup for guests to leave comments. Webcasting to guests who couldn’t attend the day is heartfelt and, as the day unfolds, hash tags for Twitter are in sync with today’s online culture.

Venues should expect requests for longer cocktail hours, rental companies will see an increase for lounge furniture and guests can expect the unexpected. Wedding ceremonies steadily increase in personalization, focusing on the couple’s interests, hobbies and passions as part of the wedding day celebrations. Vows are being written and choreographed by couples with assistance from an officiant. Themes such as vintage, diamonds/pearls, romance, garden style, retro 50, 70’s and eco-friendly are huge.

Wedding cakes are bold this year and two-layered cakes are back with different height tiers. Cupcakes are still huge, with innovative flavors and colors. Grooms are more involved in the planning with their brides, and they are contributing their time and ideas into their day. No longer is the bride-to-be the sole planner.

The 2012 wedding season will find couples saying, “I Do” in a world of different ways. Many will continue partying well into the night with an after party, which is becoming a popular trend. This party has no rules or wedding checklists and is entirely up to the couple.

2012 Wedding Trends courtesy of the Wedding Guide.

 

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Wedding Trends for 2011

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

 

Model 2022 from Benjamin Roberts with trumpet skirt

Everyone wants to be in the know when it comes to setting trends.  Advantage Bridal has been watching the newest collections for 2011 and has spotted some styles, features and embellishments that we think are going to be big for 2011.

In 2010 it was predicted that sleeves would make a showing but it didn’t happen as big as was anticipated.  However, romance continues to be the theme in collections of such designers as Reem Acra and Vera Wang.  These designers are trying to capture the inner royalty of us all and we trend followers think that the royalty reign will continue for some time!

The influence of vintage on the bridal world translates to lace continuing to be a major part of this year’s gowns.  But don’t think that everyone will go the way of the past.  Short, cocktail style wedding dresses will be adorning those city-style weddings!

For the curvier bride, trumpet skirts are coming to the rescue.  Much like the antiquated mermaid style of bridal gown, the trumpet skirt adds a modern flair by marking out the curves on the bride while adding a great touch of flair at the bottom of her gown.

Ruffles and off the shoulder dresses are sure to be huge this year!  Which can only mean one thing…look for interesting backs on gowns.  Details are important as is the use of color in this year’s gowns.  Veils are sure to get more dramatic and add interesting touches to otherwise simple gowns.

Keep checking and relying on Advantage Bridal for up to date insider tips to the wedding industry!

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2011 Wedding Trends

Saturday, January 15th, 2011

A new year brings new beginnings.  For those planning a wedding, it’s the perfect time to start the year with renewed clarity and vision.  Stick to a budget, follow a plan and avoid indecisiveness (if you can).

It’s exciting to think about all the couples that got engaged over the holidays, whether the wedding date is set or still being considered.  The following 2011 wedding trends should help brides and grooms during the wedding planning process. Susan Southerland of the Perfect Wedding Guide provides these wedding trends for 2011.

Subtle Luxury:  The overall theme for 2011 weddings seems to be “subtle luxury,” with emphasis on creativity and personalization.  Every element should be tailored to reflect you and your groom, but not cross the line into lavish or excessive.

Intimate Weddings: Even though wedding budgets are beginning to recover in 2011, a return to the traditional lengthy guest list will not make a comeback.

Buck Wedding Tradition:  Couples will continue to buck wedding tradition and personalize every aspect of the wedding to reflect the bride and groom’s interests and personalities will be big again in 2011.

Vendor Services: With wedding budgets rebounding, some of the services that were DIY in 2010 will be given back to the pros.  Look for more professional DJs, videographers and higher quality wedding photography.

Wedding Gowns ­– Texture:  In past seasons, we have seen pops of color, lots of bling and feminine detailing galore.  In keeping with the subtle luxury tone of all wedding trends this year, gowns are following suit with visually interesting and rich textures.  (Sleeves haven’t made a big comeback on the runways, as was predicted last year.)

Non-Traditional Veils: Vintage or heirloom bridal hair combs are really hot.  Reusing old items are great for the environment and they are a great way to incorporate something special for a loved one.

Bold Colors:  Bold wedding colors are the thing for spring.  Shades that are a bit punchier than pastel, but not-quite-jewel-toned are making a big statement this year.  Look for rich corals, vibrant apple greens, violet and goldenrod.

Eco-Friendly Options:  Outdoor weddings (saves on power), recycled paper or “plantable” stationery (reduces waste), vintage jewelry and décor (reusing saves energy and waste).

Alternative Times:  Wedding brunches are big as couples try to spend wisely.  The time change can save money on food and bar bills.

Technology:  Technology is being used to its full potential behind-the-scenes (wedding blogs, smart phone apps, social media, personal websites, etc.)

Simple Wedding Cakes:  Cakes will continue to be scaled back to more modest designs with all-edible elements.

Reception Seating:  Couples will be using different table shapes and sizes at the reception to create a more casual “lounge” feel.

DIY Wedding Accessories:  Handmade and DIY wedding items continue to grow in popularity.  Handmade, vintage and rustic touches are being prominently showcased. Regardless of budget, many brides are getting into the DIY craze as materials are become easier to access and more affordable through major craft retailers and reputable online sources.

Unique Ideas:  Couples are choosing to provide their guests with a dessert bar, a candy bar, cigars and a signature drink, coffee bars, or souvenir photo booth picture strips in lieu of the traditional wedding favor trinket.

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The Year of “Sophisticated Elegance”

Saturday, January 1st, 2011

Outdoor Wedding Venue Photo: Peace 4 Art Photography

OneWed posts its Top 10 Wedding Trends for 2011, and we think many of them will be a hit with brides and grooms on their wedding day.  To sum it up, “sophisticated elegance” will make a splash from wedding venues to colors and from bridal gowns to wedding invitations.

1.     Sophisticated Elegance Returns: Elegant, sophisticated style returns in 2011. Simple, understated wedding décor, with modern design elements trumping DIY touches.  Scripted calligraphy, custom monograms and classic wedding cakes embody this trend.  Brides will wear pearls, and grooms will ditch the Converse in favor of more tasteful wedding day kicks.

2.     Outdoor Venues: Outdoor ceremony and reception venues will take center stage in 2011.  An outdoor setting leaves room for personalization and customization, a major perk for creative, hands-on engaged couples.  Lakeside venues, vineyard locations and spaces alongside sprawling mountains will dominate, with personal touches that represent the bride and groom.

 

3.     Grey is the New Black, Crazy for Navy: Bucking its gloomy stereotype, grey is the neutral “It” color for 2011 weddings.  Organic and natural shades of charcoal, dove, stone, oyster and shell will be incorporated liberally into wedding color palettes and paired with vibrant hues to make the colors pop!  And while grey remains the talk of the town for 2011, navy blue (and other deep blues) are definitely on-trend for the coming year.  OneWed asks:  “Wonder if Prince William’s royal wedding has anything to do with the crazy for navy trend?”

4.     Mad for Metallic & Bold Color Palettes: Whether it’s two bright hues with a metallic accent or several metallic shades used together, bright colors and metallic accents will be popular choices for wedding color palettes in 2011.  Gilded gold, shimmery silver and sparkling champagne will be used alone or with accents of yellow, purple or teal.  And since metallics make such a bold statement, couples will scale back over-the-top décor in favor of a more restrained style aesthetic.

5.     Big Ball Gowns: Dramatic ball gown wedding dresses floated down 2011 bridal catwalks in droves.  Wedding dress designers draped, gathered and layered tulle, power netting and chiffon to fashion wedding dresses with limitless volume.  The outcome?  Fairytale-inspired bridal style and whimsical wedding dresses for 2011.

6.     Grooms Walk on the Stylish Side: Grooms are taking a stand in the name of fashion.  Their tux choices will no longer be dictated by some “rent 5, get 1 free” deal.  Instead, they’ll choose formal looks that represent their unique style.  Bow ties will replace classic long neckties, and embroidered dress shirts, engraved cufflinks, stylish lapel pins and the color of the season ­– grey – will grace the aisles.

7.     Wedding Invitations Go Green: Green weddings continue full speed ahead in 2011.  From totally paperless wedding invitations and save-the-date announcements, to stationery printed on 100% recycled paper, invitations have truly gone green.

8.     Luxurious Textures: Luxurious textured fabrics will bring a sumptuous, opulent vibe to 2011 weddings.  Wedding dresses will feature 3D appliqués, layered light fabrics (tulle, lace, chiffon), romantic ruffles, oversized floral, and illusion fabric with eye-catching beading.  Textured linens will be layered to dress up reception tables, chair covers may be embroidered or beaded, and branchy centerpieces and floral arrangements will captivate wedding guests.

 

9.     Ethnic Influences, Cultural Wedding Details: At long last, brides and grooms are embracing and showcasing their unique cultural traditions and ethnicity.  Whether it’s a religious wedding ceremony ritual, traditional wedding day garb, cultural cuisine infused throughout the reception dinner, or wedding decor with bold, ethnic prints, you can’t help but embrace the unique cultures and ethnicities of couples in 2011.

 

10.  Revved-Up Wedding Receptions: Who wants the best day of their lives to end?  Not couples and guests in 2011, that’s for sure!  Couples will plan a post-reception after party lasting into the wee hours of the night with drinks, entertainment, dancing and snacks so that wedding guests can party all night long!

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