Expert Advice

Ask a Jeweler

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:11:00 GMT

Making that once-in-a-lifetime purchase can be daunting. Here, Rachel Mucklow of Mucklow’s Fine Jewelry demystifies the buying process and helps grooms select a ring with confidence.

What are the top three things any man just starting the engagement-ring search should know? First: You are looking for the perfect symbol of your love, not a one-way ticket to the poor house. Second: This is one of your last solo acts, so you want to put your heart and soul into it, not just your wallet. Third: You are planning to spend your lifetime together, so be realistic. Anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, birthdays, are all occasions that can be marked by jewelry. My best advice to the groom is to take some dollars away from the engagement-ring budget and buy a jewelry chest—after all, your job is going to be to fill it during your life together. The above is not meant to scare you about the reality of purchasing jewelry during your lifetime, but to stress the need to be realistic, practical and, above all, in love during the process.

What are the most important questions they should be asking a jeweler—or most importantly, themselves? Have a game plan. What style ring does she like? What shape stone? What color metal/type of metal (gold, white gold, platinum, etc.)? Once you have some ideas, then you are ready to look—and get to know the jeweler. This is a significant, life-changing purchase, and the role of the jeweler is to educate and help you with your decision, not just sell you a piece of jewelry. This is a lifelong commitment, so do business with a jeweler that you can trust for years to come.

Do you make recommendations or offer any advice on insurance policies? Yes! The best advice I can give is to call the insurance representative they currently deal with and also research the subject via The Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company. This company is the primary insurer of the American Jewelry Industry. Other sources of information can be found from The Gemological Institute of America and The American Gem Society.

What kind of necklaces or earrings do you recommend for brides? How much “bling” is too much? Basic cultured pearl stud earrings with a matching cultured pearl necklace is the most classic wedding dress accoutrement. The great thing is that these are literally available in all price ranges and budgets. I think that you can’t have too much bling if you honor the environment. If your wedding is simple, keep it simple. If it is over the top, bring out the diamond tiaras.

What’s the most unique ring you’ve ever designed for a couple? One of my favorite stories involved a young couple from Newnan who came to me after the fact for an engagement ring. How’s that? Well, the original engagement ring was literally a gumball machine plastic ring (a symbol of his love at the moment). Now, I thought that was so cool! We did find a very nice diamond to be her permanent engagement symbol. But the best part was that we were able to replicate the gumball ring into gold and ensure that it would be that enduring symbol of their love and that moment when he asked the question and she said yes.

What’s the best way to maximize your budget? Blow it? The best thing to do is not get caught in a quest for a “perfect” diamond. Remember that whatever diamond you put on her finger will be perfect to her. It’s human nature to research the four C’s and to be drawn to the colorless D color, the flawless clarity and, of course, the biggest stone your budget could possibly afford. If you look at diamonds for what they are—natural precious stones (imperfections included in most)—you’ll realize that the stone doesn’t have to be “perfect” for it to be perfect for you and your budget.

Mucklow’s Fine Jewelry, 770-486-3400, mucklowsfinejewelry.com

How to Create the Ultimate Registry

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:46:00 GMT

From the moment you announce your engagement, family and friends will want to send gifts. Although registering early is an important step in the process, you’ll want to think carefully about how many places—and exactly where—you’ll register. Though the convenience of the web makes buying easy, it’s often the in-store experience offered by brick-and-mortar stores that makes your guests feel comfortable knowing they’re investing in something meaningful for the bride and groom. Here, Barbara Heath, whose home and gift boutique The Mercantile offers the best of both experiences, explains.

Creating a bridal registry can be overwhelming. What are some general registry do’s and don’ts? Do keep in mind your guests’ budgets for gift giving. Don’t over register. Keep your registry to two to three stores. Otherwise, you’ll find that you will get incomplete sets of things and have a lot of work exchanging presents.

In the South, many gift givers are still of the traditional mind-set and want to buy silver, crystal or china. How do you suggest modern couples approach adding nontraditional items to their registries? It’s important that couples select items that they will use often. Integrating some contemporary pieces with the traditional will give those more formal pieces a sense of being more “approachable.” An example is integrating iron and glass pieces from Jan Barboglio with fine china presents.

What are some time-honored items that every bride should consider adding? Match pewter is a wonderful addition to a registry. It is timeless and can be used in both formal and informal settings. Fine table linens are also something that you will have forever. Our linens from LeJacquard are made in France, and their patterns are so varied to match any decor.

What sets the bridal registry at The Mercantile apart from other retailers, local or national? Through our Internet retail partnership with Taigan (taigan.com), we can post the bridal registry online, along with images and customized videos of the registry. This allows for friends near and far to shop at their convenience 24 hours a day. Additionally, we will provide a 10 percent discount to the guests who purchase items for the couple, as well as a gift certificate, equal to 10 percent of the total value of all items purchased, to the couple as our wedding gift to them. The registry can include items traditionally found on a registry, such as china, pewter, etc., but also items to help set up a new home, such as art, furniture and lamps.

What’s the easiest way to let your guests know about a registry? In our world of high-speed Internet, probably the quickest route to reach your guests is to have us invite them to peruse your registry. If you provide us with your guest list emails, we can create a secure mailing list—we do not share this list with anyone.

Every guest deserves a sincere thank-you, regardless of the gift. What’s your rule of thumb when it comes to thanking guests for their gifts? Emily Post states that thank-yous should be sent out within one year of the event; however, I say, “Just get it done.” Don’t wait a year—you want to enjoy post-marital bliss without feeling as though you are remiss in your thank-yous.

The Mercantile, 404-816-0060, blog.mercantileatlanta.com

Portrait: Lauren Rubinstein, larphotography.com

Ask a Floral & Event Designer

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:32:00 GMT

A bride may have dreamed about walking down the aisle her entire life, but when the stroll to her betrothed is designed by Edge Design Group, she won’t find a bland white aisle runner awaiting her arrival. Never ones to conform to traditions, owners Gabrielle and Maxine Mecca design graphic motifs such as a heart, scroll or other symbol to personalize the walk down the aisle and wow guests who think they have seen it all. Other signature touches: wedding canopies with beading, draping and ribbon intertwined with florals for a one-of-a-kind timelessness. Here, the pair elaborate on their over-the-top designs.

Talk to us about your signature aisle designs. What are the first things you ask a bride before your imagination starts churning? My first question would be how flamboyant does the bride want to be and where she wants to take the design of her wedding. If a bride comes in and says she has seen the aisles we have done before but would like something more extravagant, then my imagination runs wild. I tend to ask myself, “How am I going to outdo myself for this bride’s aisle from all other aisles we have done before?’”

How does the venue ultimately determine the kind of designs you’ll create? What are the main design elements you need to keep in mind? Generally, the selection of the venue by the bride and groom reflects their overall personality and the style they are trying to achieve for their wedding. A traditional hotel environment would lend itself more to candelabras, ornate chargers and china, along with an abundance of soft, lush floral designs, whereas a more urban loft space will reflect a more city-chic feel. In this case, the couple is usually looking to go bold and modern such as unusual-style glasses with flowers submerged in the glass. The use of shape, color and simplicity creates a statement.

Where does your inspiration come from? What typically inspires the shape of a pattern you’ll incorporate or the color palette of the flowers you’ll use? The color palette starts with the bride’s inspiration; then we build on that by using different tones and shades of accent colors. The shape of a pattern tends to come from the architecture. We want to look beyond just a simple floral.

Can you put a number on the amount of rose petals used in a typical aisle design? Whew, let’s see. The average elaborate aisle consists of approximately 750 to 1,000 rose heads. As far as petals go, it tends to vary per rose head. We’re talking about 2,000 petals! Of course, this depends on the length of the aisle.

What colors and flowers will be hot for 2012? What’s not? We are seeing a lot of purple and lavender coming into play for 2012. White and platinum is going to be huge as well. Red is fading and I cannot imagine it will be big in the year 2012.

What are some of your favorite venues to work your magic? The Biltmore Ballroom is a gorgeous space to work with, especially with its magnificent chandeliers. The Imperial and Georgian ballrooms have an ornate and elegant style where one can create a traditional-style wedding. Another is the ruins at Barnsley Gardens. The old-century feel of the ruins in the mountains is breathtaking. The InterContinental is a classic hotel as well. We have done some very traditional Southern weddings there and some contemporary-modern. It’s a versatile space.

Describe one of the favorite aisle designs you’ve ever created. The art deco emblem we created at the Biltmore is hands down my favorite. This aisle was for a couple whose wedding was inspired by a 1940s theme. Red and white rose petals made up the design, and it was stunning!

Edge Design Group, 404-321-3491, edgedesignatlanta.com

Portrait: Iain Bagwell, iainbagwell.com; bottom image: Anna and Spencer Photography, annaandspencer.com

Ask a Wedding Photographer

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 20:08:00 GMT

There are very few days you’ll be photographed more than on your wedding day, so it’s important to find a photographer who not only shares your vision or aesthetic but will also exceed your expectations, from the moment you meet until months later, when your wedding album is in your hot little hands. This is your red-carpet moment, and you’ll want the photos to reflect that. Lori Suzanne outlines the costs—and how to stretch the budget.

What makes a good photographer? Like any profession, knowing the technical skills of your equipment and having years of experience working in many varied situations to be able to photograph in all circumstances. But beyond that, a talent for composition, having great instincts and being able to anticipate moments, people skills and finding your own unique way to really connect with your clients (humor helps!), and of course, a little luck.

What goes into the expense of photography? Equipment including multiple cameras and lenses, lighting, backup gear, computers, hard drives, monitors, insurance, membership in professional photography organizations, education and trade shows to stay current, and the cost of demo albums to show potential clients. Those are all the tangible costs. The intangible is the amount of time spent in post-production editing a wedding, posting the images online, doing the album design, etc., which can be 40-plus hours for one wedding. Intangible costs are definitely more than most realize.

How long are you typically at a wedding? Three hours before the ceremony until the bride and groom leave the reception. There is a lot to capture before the ceremony, including getting-ready photos, detail shots, venue photos, portraits and guests arriving.

What are some portraits that are at the top of your must-shoot list? I don’t have a “recipe” for posing, because what works best for one couple won’t necessarily be flattering for another couple. I like a lot of natural shots and really just go with the personality of the couple, the mood of the day, and the lighting. I like to do a lot of shots where the couple is interacting with each other and tend to forget I’m there. That’s when a certain magic occurs.

When is the best time to shoot formals? Before or after the ceremony? That’s a very personal decision for the couple, and I always defer to them for the ultimate decision. However, I will give input as to when the lighting will be better based on the time of year and the ceremony time. We will get a lot more pictures if we do them before the ceremony. If the bride and groom are not seeing each other, there is always more of a rushed feel to get them to the reception and not keep their guests waiting. If we are at a large, scenic venue where the couple wants various photos on property (think golf course or Chateau Élan), it’s best we do them before the ceremony.

What do you suggest for a budget-conscious couple? Don’t try to squeeze everything into an initial photography budget. Like everything else, you get what you pay for in terms of talent, experience and quality. Focus on the quality of the photographer and photographs first, then worry about an album later. Most of my clients take six to 12 months to get me their album choices, even when an album is included in their contract. If a couple meets with me and is concerned they can’t afford a complete package, we find a way to make it work, which may include getting the album later, when the initial expenses from the wedding are over.

Are second shooters necessary? Yes, I absolutely believe in second shooters! It’s impossible to be in every place at all times. A second shooter will also provide different vantage points, a slightly different style and a different personality to the day. Sometimes the most candid shots come from the second shooter from a side angle when the bride and groom are posing for the main photographer.

Lori Suzanne Photography, 770-642-4554, lorisuzanne.com

How to Plan a Destination Wedding

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:56:00 GMT

Thinking about getting married in a far-flung locale? Planning a destination wedding has never been easier, thanks to savvy resorts with full-time coordinators on staff and amenities from discounted rooms to an array of venues on-site that allow your guests to enjoy their vacation without ever leaving the property. Here, Laurie Taylor, wedding coordinator at Omni Amelia Island Plantation, offers her in-the-know tips for getting started.

What are the first things brides should look for when booking a property for a destination wedding? The most important thing to look for is an on-site wedding coordinator who you feel confident in handling your big day. In many cases, you will not return to the property more than once or twice before the wedding, so it’s crucial to have a go-to person who can answer all of your questions and be your eyes and ears as you plan from afar.

Should brides bring their own professionals from home, or do most resorts have a quality list of local vendors? Both have their benefits. If you have a band that holds special meaning to you or an officiant from your hometown, by all means include them in the wedding plans. But be prepared to pay for additional expenses such as airfare, accommodations and meals. Resorts typically have a list of top local vendors, but you should always ask your on-site coordinator for advice. Most likely, they’ll let you know who has worked well with the resort in the past, and this can take a lot of pressure off you to research and coordinate a first-time vendor.

Are there any additional perks offered to a bride planning her wedding at a resort? Every resort differs in the special accommodations they make, but most packages will include some sort of overnight accommodations and an in-room amenity for the wedding night such as champagne and strawberries. The Omni Amelia Island Plantation offers these items as well as an island hopper (four-passenger golf cart) for the bride and groom during their stay—a great way to travel around the 1,350-acre resort. The hopper can also be decorated for a special send-off at the end of the wedding reception! Many couples want their guests to receive a discounted rate, which will vary greatly from season to season, so take that into consideration when choosing your wedding date.

A preliminary site visit is obviously necessary before brides book a property, but is it also necessary to visit a second time? A second visit is not necessary but is highly recommended. If time or travel restrictions make a second visit impossible, all of the plans can absolutely be made over the phone and via email. However, a second visit is ideal in order to schedule a menu tasting and walk through the timeline and flow of the reception to really envision your big day.

What are some other elements brides should keep in mind before booking? Choose a property that has everything you need throughout your wedding weekend. When your guests are traveling from out of town, many will not have their own vehicles, so it’s great to be able to put together an itinerary that’s easy to execute and keeps everyone on-property. The Omni Amelia Island Plantation has plenty of options for on-site rehearsal dinner locations, a spa and salon with a bridal spa coordinator, 54 holes of championship golf, 23 tennis courts, brunch locations and more. Having on-site options available creates a stress-free experience for you and your guests.

Walk us through the lines of communication between an on-location planner and a bride before the big day. The majority of the planning will be done in advance of arriving at the resort. I recommend setting up at least one longer planning conference call prior to the trip to walk through each aspect of the wedding from start to finish. There should also be a brief face-to-face planning meeting upon the bride’s arrival at the destination to walk through the timeline and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Omni Amelia Island Plantation, 904-261-6161, omniameliaislandplantation.com

Ask a Wedding Photographer

By Elizabeth Ralls — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:42:00 GMT

Did you know that on average, an eight-hour wedding will result in anywhere from 500 to 800 digital images from which to choose? Although it’s a shoe-in your mom will love (nearly) every photo of your big day, narrowing down the selections you’ll want memorialized for years to come—in an album or on your walls—will require lots of editing and forethought. Which is why choosing a wedding photographer who matches your style from the get-go is so important. Genya Garrett and Wesleyann Knetzer, the chicks behind VUE Photography, who recently moved to Atlanta from Florida, share their secrets for making the right decisions.

What’s your photographic style—and what is your story-telling approach? We’re definitely emotional chicks and feed off of the vibes around us. Our approach has a photojournalistic base with an editorial flair. No matter what, we always lean toward finding the lighthearted or humorous moments throughout the day.

Your website says that the two of you are “emotion junkies.” What does that mean, and how does that translate to your work? One of the main reasons we’re in this business and attracted to weddings is because we crave the connection with our clients. To say we get a thrill out of our jobs would be an understatement. We chase the happy, we crave the heart-stopping moments, and we cross our fingers for tears of joy. When the images are viewed, we hope people can feel as though they were a part of the event, relate to the situation and bubble up with joy. We want our images to ooze laughter, tears, giggles and warmth!

You two have been in business together for three years. Explain why having two shooters is so critical in capturing the special moments of the big day. We truly are each other’s peanut butter to jelly, mac to the cheese, caffeine to the coffee. We feed off of one another’s energy! By having two shooters, you’re assured multiple views and angles on your event. Everyone wishes that they could be in two places at once … but unless you have a secret time machine or a clone, that’s just about impossible. By having two, you’re simply going to have more covered.

Coming from Florida, you must still have quite a few destination wedding clients. How important are platforms like Skype and social media in connecting with your destination brides? We love to get to know our clients and give them a glimpse of our personalities, too. With many of our clients being out of the state, Skype has opened huge doors. It’s so much fun to sit down with a bride in Canada over coffee from hundreds of miles away. It’s something that we’ve just started and look forward to doing more. Facebook is another extraordinary avenue. It gives both parties a day-to-day glimpse of each other’s lives.

Gone are the days of solo bridal portraits and pre-bridal sessions. What are the latest trends in wedding photography? For us bridal portraits are really few and far between. We compare it to registering for fine china; it’s kind of out these days. Clients seem to be going a more relaxed route by doing a day-after session where the goal is to enjoy your new get-up instead of packing it away (like china) and only bringing it out on special occasions. A day-after session allows you to get a little more creative with your images, visit fun locations, not worry about getting a bit dirty. Let your new groom carry you through a field, eat ice cream outside your favorite shop mid-July and get drippy, or even run toward the ocean waves! The possibilities are endless and memorable.

VUE Photography, 404-844-8568, vuephotographyonline.com

Ask a Floral & Event Designer

By Elizabeth Ralls — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:28:00 GMT

Ring bearer “pillows” with hand-studded hypericum berries, hanging amaranthus and a ring box surrounded by exotic lady slipper orchids, poppy pods and kangaroo paws. Aisle “runners” of rose petals complete with graphic patterns like a heart, scallop or scroll. Gabrielle Mecca and her mother, Maxine, of Edge Design certainly know how to make a bold, sophisticated statement. Here, Gabrielle shares her secrets for creating over-the-top elegance.

How did you get into the floral and event business? Actually, my mother! I would assist on the weekends when I was in college. After graduation, I became serious with learning the business and understanding the design process. I have relied on the creativity and innovation of my mother and other talented professionals.

What are the signs of a wedding with an Edge touch? Details, details, details. Custom aisle designs have become one of our signatures. Whether it is an entrance piece, custom ceremony or style of tabletop, we always find one particular element that has to be unique to each wedding.

What trends are you totally into? High and low tables. Mixing square and round tables is popular, but we are seeing the use of high pub tables and low dining tables to change up the look even more. Other trends we like: Vinyl patterns on dance floors, mini wedding cakes at each place and bridesmaids carrying all the same color but different flowers. Also, adding sofas and dining chairs at guest tables in addition to Chivaris makes a statement.

Many brides find a raw space intimidating. What are unique design elements that can take a wedding from good to great? Elements that I like to add to a raw space are lounge furniture and dessert bars. Whether it is modern furniture or traditional furniture, it makes guests feel comfortable and at home. Accenting with custom pillows in the wedding colors or monogram is a fun touch. Lighting also makes any room more intimate.

What are some details brides often overlook? Detailed place settings. Beautiful chargers, stemware and flatware finish the tabletop design. Place settings are important especially for formal seated dinners. Also, we can’t overemphasize the importance of a wedding planner to make everything run smoothly.

Where should brides with limited budgets focus their resources? Bridal party flowers and reception. Ceremony can remain simple while focusing on the union between the couple. Since the couple and guests spend more time at the reception, I suggest allocating the majority of the budget there.

How do you suggest dressing up bridal bouquets and boutonnieres? Brooches and crystals are beautiful accents to any bouquet. Family heirlooms of jewelry or lockets are special tokens. A jeweled cuff handle for bridal bouquets adds subtle glamour and elegance. Boutonnieres can be accented with textured floral, or elements that reflect their hobbies and personality. We have accented boutonnieres with fishing lures, collegiate pins and monograms. Accents of the wedding and personality of the couple can be reflected in the personal flowers.

What are some easy ways to spice up tables at a wedding? The use of lighted tables is a great way to change up the traditional table setting. The look is high-impact and typically doesn’t require a lot of floral. Adding layers is also very important. Centerpieces can be multidimensional using layers of flowers and candles.

What happens to all those flowers after an event? We encourage our brides to donate flowers to nursing homes, churches, and even use them for brunch the next day.

What’s your signature style? Lavish and detailed. We have a saying: “It’s not done until it’s overdone!”

Edge Design Group, 404-321-3491, edgedesignatlanta.com

Portrait by Iain Bagwell / Event photo by Debbie Peacock Photography

Ask a Planner

By Elizabeth Ralls — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 20:27:00 GMT

Regardless of how many items you can check off that all-important wedding to-do list at first glance, there’s one item line you won’t want to leave blank for long: Hire a wedding planner. Not only can an esteemed professional make priceless recommendations (and introductions) on everything from venues to caterers, he or she will also forge a personal relationship with you, your betrothed and your family that will extend beyond planning the day of your dreams—and keep your guests talking about your soiree long after the last slice of cake has been cut. Here, Eliana Baucicault of ellyB Events shares her insights.

What’s the most important thing brides should look for when it comes time to select a wedding planner? Brides must make sure that they connect with their planner. Since you spend so much time together learning likes and dislikes, you have to ask yourself, “Would this person be my friend outside of this planning process?”Nothing is better than connecting with the person responsible for making your dreams come true.

How do you like to keep in touch with clients? I am a big fan of over-communication. I tell my clients to choose the method they are most comfortable with. This can be email, phone, text, faxes, whatever it takes to make them happy.

What’s the best month to get married in Atlanta? My favorite is April. The weather is just right, not too hot and not too cold, and you are not competing on prime dates with the rest of the other popular months.

What are some creative ways to ask friends and family to save the date? I love the idea of the save-the-date video. It is so cute to create and have everyone see the two of you (and your story) in action. It is also something that you can keep forever.

Beyond a DJ or band, what are some outside-the-box entertainment options available to Atlanta brides? On-site flip books are always a surefire hit. Also, food trucks or even ice cream trucks are a great way to end the night, like having Pinkberry or the King of Pops arrive for the last hour of the event.

EllyB Events Inc., 877-44-ELLYB, ellybevents.com

Tablescape by Chris Hardin and Aaron Thompson

The Case for a Custom Wedding Gown

By Allison Weiss Entrekin — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:07:00 GMT

The only thing worse than showing up at a party and seeing someone else in your dress is showing up at a wedding and seeing the bride in the gown you just ordered. Opting for a custom dress eliminates this possibility, and it isn’t as pricey as you might think. Atlanta designer Katriesa Raines of Olive says she’s created one-of-a-kind wedding dresses for as little as $600. Here, she gives her pointers for designing bespoke bridalwear.

Seek a Shared Vision
As you compare custom wedding-dress designers, pay attention to their portfolios to get a feel for their style sensibilities. If you want an ornate princess dress, don’t choose a designer whose tastes tend toward the understated. And if you envision a playful ’80s look, don’t call Raines. “If you see my dresses, they’re all inspired by the ’50s and ’60s—they’re ladylike and modest,” she says. Raines says brides should check out her forty or so dress silhouettes, pick one they like and begin brainstorming from there. “I can add a sleeve, make it short, take out a big V in the back, you name it,” she says. If none of her silhouettes seem like good starting points, she’s probably not the designer for you.

Walk in With an Opinion
Inspiration boards. Magazine clippings. Antique photos. Raines loves ’em all. The only thing she doesn’t love is a bride who has no idea what she wants. “If you don’t have a look in mind when you come into your initial design appointment, I’m going to challenge you to really look at this process and decide if it’s for you,” Raines says. Come prepared to discuss the feel of your wedding, your color palette, the dress style you want and your favorite fabrics (she’ll have lots of samples to touch or try on). At the end of the meeting, Raines will take your measurements in the silhouette you’ve chosen and draw up a sketch of the dress.

Timing Is Everything
Raines advises brides to meet with her at least six months in advance of their wedding dates. “But,” she says, “everything is made locally, so I can turn it around fast if I have to. I’ve done custom dresses in as little as thirty days—but it’ll cost ya!”

Fall in Love With Your Fabric
The second appointment is the fabric-choosing session. Raines sources several options based on the initial design meeting, then lets you choose the one that’s most true to your vision. She says brides rarely source their own fabrics since Raines can get hers at a lower cost, but she’s willing to work with a bride who’s dead set on a fabric she’s already found. “I once had an Indian bride who loved my silhouettes but wanted to remake her sari,” Raines says.

Meet Your Dream Dress
After you choose your fabrics, your dress goes into production—usually a sixty- to ninety-day process. Then it’s time for the appointment you’ve envisioned for months: your first dress fitting. “Because we’ve made it just for you, nine times out of ten it fits perfectly,” Raines says. Still, she has a tailor on hand in case you want the waist a little higher or the V-back deeper. If you need any alterations, you’ll return for a second and final fitting. “Then we take it away to save for your big day!”

Olive, 404-274-5432, olivestyle.com

Photo by Kristy Dickerson Photography

Ask the Trendsetters

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:00:00 GMT

1. Clear Winners
A contemporary and sleek first impression for your guests, acrylic or lucite wedding invitations add that wonderful wow factor as soon as invitations are retrieved from the mailbox! Whether the clear winner is lovingly protected by a luxurious silk box in a fabric chosen from your wedding colors, or presented inside a metal clam box wrapped with a colorful band of paper, it's the ultimate in modern wedding style.

Coppersmith Photography

The invitation is only the beginning—consider acrylic programs and menus, too.

2. Small Preludes
One trend that has gone from the restaurant to reception is the request for tapas-style small plates served as scaled-down versions of entrees that pack a big flavor punch. Whether butler-passed or served in succession at a sit-down reception, in lieu of the standard three-course meal, the centuries-old Spanish tradition affords culinary creativity while providing a flavorful experience for your guests.

3. Tying the Knot
Floral elements leaping from one arrangement to another is truly an art form, and this year, we’re seeing innovatively intertwined floral arrangements take center stage when it comes to creating modern drama at guest tables. Multiple centerpieces of structure and varied height flow into one another, creating a wonderful lush table centerpiece.

4. Mobile Mixologists
Specializing in the creation of cocktail recipes, mixologists are becoming the latest craze for your cocktail reception design. Consider it an additional investment in the entertainment for the evening; mobile bartenders will not only provide a creative bend on favorite cocktails, they’ll also blend exciting, one-of-a-kind libations right before your eyes. Our favorite: the deconstructed Hemingway Daiquiri with a homemade rum foam.

5. If You Pleats
Sharp pleating is ruling the runways for couture, and we’ve also found the look romancing its way into wedding styles, adding a much-needed update to the ruched bodice detailing we’ve seen for several seasons. Look for crisp folds to add visual dimension in the form of pleated ruffles, hemlines, and train details. The effect allows for great contrast with dramatic draping, creating a level of playful texture.