Expert Advice

Spring Style Trends

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:00:00 GMT

1. Deco-ed Out Art Deco jewels are the latest craze in bridal bling, so wear your art on your sleeve with this Toi et Moi Olivia Bracelet by Sadee Says, a clasped bangle style featuring a palladium set with rows of white and matte light-green crystals. Lend an ear to these Crystal Deco Pyramid Earrings by Ben-Amun, a combo of round and baguette Swarovski crystals. Sadee Says Bracelet, $210; Ben-Amun Earrings, $195, at Heery's in Athens or online.

2. Take a Bow We have a certain Duchess to thank for bringing fascinators back in style. The trend’s latest incarnation is bow-inspired. “Bows are young, fun and complementary to current styles for spring that are fun and flirty,” says Tiffany D. Broxton of Vanilla Hue Custom Veils, Hair Enhancements and Accessories. This handmade fascinator is finished with chenille dots, Russian netting and a silver hair clip. Flora by Vanilla Hue, $125, at Atlanta Wedding Loft or online. // Photo by Brita Photography

3 What a Waist Whether you want to hide or accentuate a certain something on your figure, choosing a gown with a peplum skirt is your best bet. This ladylike look took Spring 2013 bridal runways by storm and features a flattering panel that can conceal tummies or create the illusion of curves on barely-there hips. Strapless silk taffeta trumpet gown with peplum detail and skirt with hand-pleated taffeta floral embroidery. Lexington by Amsale, $7,300, at Bridals by Lori or online.

4 Keep 'Em Separated Forget matchy-matchy. Mixing pattern and texture is what’s trending now in bridesmaids’ dresses. “It makes the whole look more custom and allows each dress to feel individualized,” says Hollie Lytle of CORE Bridesmaid Couture. This dress, made of separates, features a cotton eyelet skirt with metallic threading and a coral top. Kendra Skirt, $172, and Isabelle Top, $168, by CORE Bridesmaid Couture, at Atlanta Wedding Loft or online. // Photo by Blue Lane Studios

5 Make Room for Blooms They’re not your mama’s florals, that’s for sure! Take the age-old pattern to your feet for a modern strut down the aisle with these playful black leather heels with floral and striped cotton fabric. “A floral shoe can incorporate both the bride’s personal style and creativity, as well as the colors or flowers of her wedding,” says Ann Roth of Ann Roth Shoes. Now that’s what we call flower power. Hyde Park by Ann Roth Shoes, $425.

Four Bridesmaids Dresses To Impress

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 18:43:00 GMT

Jackson's best advice: "Consider the setting and the season of the event when picking a dress for your bridesmaids—this will help determine the style and color. One of the easiest ways to please your bridesmaids is to dress everybody in the same color, but select a style that offers a variety of necklines. That way, each bridesmaid ultimately has a say in the type of dress that’s most flattering for her."

Four Bridesmaids Dresses to Impress

Beach wedding: Sassy Stripes, from $258, by Lula Kate

Garden wedding: Tori, $200, by Love Lane

Formal wedding: Aidan, $272, by Jenny Yoo

Vintage wedding: Vela, $330, by Ivy & Aster

Mandi Jackson. 404-846-8880. bellabridesmaid.com

Groom's Guide to Custom-Fit Attire

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:42:00 GMT

Guffey's best advice: "Pick a suit or tuxedo that is flattering and reflects your personality—though subtle is better. The groom's attire should be a little different from the rest of the groomsmen."

The Groom’s Guide to Custom-Fit Attire

1. Where should a groom start with his wedding attire?
The venue will play a large part in the selection of the wedding wardrobe. Once the overall look and feel of the wedding is established, we recommend he purchase—and customize—a suit that allows him to express his individuality while complementing the style and quality of the bride’s dress. If a bride is spending more than $3,000 on an Anne Barge gown, the groom’s attire should follow suit. Clothing should address the occasion!

2. What about outfitting the groomsmen?
For wedding parties, our rental suits and tuxedos are a valuable service because they provide a uniform look. We offer tuxedos for formal weddings and a more casual tan linen suit for a less formal event. It’s a nice package, especially if the wedding party is large.

3. What are some ways a groom can customize his attire?
His choice of fabrics, from dressy, dark wools to light, summery linens. There’s also the details, like a trimcut that’s contemporary and edgy, or a more traditional cut with a classic fit. They can also inject personality with the style of the lapel or pocket square.

Neil Guffey. 404-231-0044. guffeys.com / Photo by Harwell Photography

Making the Case for the Estate Table

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 17:49:00 GMT

Mecca's best advice: "Estate tables in any wedding suggest glamour, elegance and sophistication. They also reflect a certain style a bride possesses. The very nature of the word 'estate' evokes royalty and allows the design to showcase and incorporate so many different elements of the wedding. Bridal estate tables should be as original as the bride's dress!"

Making the Case for the Estate Table

1. Create a feature centerpiece
On this estate table, one tall, dramatic silver vessel stands out above the rest. The lush arrangement includes hydrangeas, roses, parrot tulips, Calla lillies, and draping phalaenopsis orchids in shades of purple and lavender. To complement the centerpiece, the designers layered mercury glass vessels of varying heights and incorporated an abundance of candlelight.

2. Determine a signature flower
Phalaenopsis orchids were a favorite of this bride, but typically, a signature flower should be dictated by the style of the event. Here, the designers worked purple phalaenopsis orchids into the tablescape as both full stems and individual blossoms. At the ceremony, the orchids lined the aisle, draping gracefully from the open doors of antique lanterns hung from shepherd’s hooks.

3. Layers add dimension to the table
The repetition of floral arrangements—in varying heights—adds dimension, character and interest to the table. Here, square mercury candlesticks and goblets are used as vessels for flowers as well as for candlelight. Layering different-sized elements on the estate table also affords guests smooth transitions between the tall, dramatic centerpieces and smaller decor details.

4. Finishing touches add finesse
Tones of gold, silver and champagne unexpected in a garden setting—add classic glamour and elegance to this historic outdoor venue. The designers complemented the event’s purple and lavender color palette with gold and silver candlesticks and gold-toned chargers, dinnerware and Chiavari chairs to complete the overall feel.

Gabrielle Mecca. 404-321-3491. edgedesignatlanta.com

Four Ways to Make Stationery Shine

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 20:26:00 GMT

Loesing's best advice: "The most important thing about wedding stationery is to leave an impression—a visual memory guests will come away with. That first impression will not only lend a sense of excitement to your wedding day, it will also tempt them to hold onto this little package you have put so much time and love into!"

Four Ways to Make Stationery Shine

1. Make it an Experience
Eye-catching details make all the difference! Create variety through different materials (like watercolor paper) or techniques (combining clean typography with hand-written calligraphy).

2. Add in the Unexpected
Design for some element of surprise to make your guests stop and notice. Shown right: Dimension in the form of a tissue paper pinwheel gives a playful touch. That element can be repeated in different ways, from cupcake toppers to table cards.

3. Design for discovery
The physical experience of unwrapping or unfolding lends an element of anticipation. Left: This wine bottle, placed in guests’ hotel rooms, was wrapped with a map directing them to the wedding. That same map was screen-printed onto the invitation suite in lieu of an inner envelope.

4. Tie it all together
From your save-the-dates and invitations to the table numbers and escort cards to the decor of the wedding, tie it all together to make one big statement. It doesn’t have to be matchy-match, but your guests will appreciate how "you" it is.

Erica Loesing, stationer, 404-409-2602, ericaloesing.com

Six Shots You Need Captured

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 20:40:00 GMT

Knight's best advice: "Connecting with a photographer is all about building a level of trust. You'll be spending more time with this 'historian' than any one else on your wedding day, so it's important that you feel confident and comfortable to be yourself in front of the camera. Get to know the photographer; share a personal story and determine his or her listening ability. If the two of you have chemistry, then you are on your way to receiving fabulous wedding images!"

Six Shots Every Couple Needs Captured on Their Wedding Day

1. The Pertinent Details
Getting shots of the details—such as the bejeweled buckles on your shoes—will help build the perfect album. You’ve put time, attention and resources into the wedding, so you will want these captured.

2. The Reflective Groom
At some point the groom always takes a moment to reflect about the day and his future plans with his bride. The bride will only get to see this in a photograph.

3. The First Glance
The first glance photo will allow the couple to have a moment alone before the ceremony. This intimate time relieves both the bride and the groom from the pressure of taking all of their portraits after the nuptials.

4. The Important Rituals
Some couples choose unique ceremonial rituals. It is paramount to discuss the rituals with your photographer so that he/she is in the right place at the right time.

5. The Bridal Portrait
Every bride wants a beautiful portrait of herself, whether it’s a candid or a planned formal.

6. The “Wow” Couple Portrait
The "wow" couple portrait is a picture that shows the couple's personality but also reveals the setting of the wedding, like a farm.

Ross Oscar Knight. 404-313-0875. rossoscarknight.com

Planning an At-Home Wedding

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 20:59:00 GMT

Their best advice: "Planning a wedding at home is a sentimental choice. It’s also one of the easiest ways to personalize your wedding. But it can be a great deal of work for the host! Engage the services of a wedding planner experienced in at-home weddings to help navigate the process. Even if your budget does not allow for a full-service planner, hiring someone to coordinate vendors, conduct a final walk-through, and orchestrate the day is a smart investment. You want to be able to relax and enjoy the most special day of your life!"

Planning Checklist for an At-Home Wedding

What are the costs involved?
People tend to think that an at-home wedding will be less costly than one at a hotel, club or event facility. Though you will likely save on food and beverage costs, remember that you will have to import everything into your home: tables, chairs, linens, tableware, decor, tents, lighting, restroom trailer and catering staff. Costs for these items can add up in a hurry, not to mention the time and effort on the part of the host and disruption to your household.

Is there enough space available?
Tailor your guest list to the space available. Will the residence comfortably hold all those you wish to invite? Is there room for a band or DJ? If you are planning to use your outdoor space, you will need a rain plan, which can mean putting up a tent. And don’t forget to build into the budget hiring a pest control company to spray for mosquitoes!

Will the weather be a factor?
If you’re using an outdoor space and guests will be on a lawn, in a field, or traversing a country path, make sure to include this on your invitation, so everyone will know to dress for outdoor weather conditions. Consider using phrases like "in the garden" or "in the meadow" to let guests know what is to come. Your invitation should reflect the unique style of your at-home wedding.

How will you capitalize on the uniqueness of the property?
Your vendors (floral designer, rental company, caterer, etc.) must work in concert to produce the look and feel of your wedding. Communication and coordination is the key to success. If the ceremony is also at home, be sure to determine how the ceremony space will transition to usable space for the reception.

How will you handle restrooms?
Guests will search every corner of your home looking for a restroom. If this does not appeal to you, or if you don’t have enough restrooms to accommodate the number of guests, an appropriate-sized, attractive restroom trailer is a must. No matter what, be sure to hire someone to keep restrooms clean and well stocked.

How will the guests get to your home?
If everyone is expected to drive their own car, we recommend hiring a policeman to direct traffic. Or secure the services of a valet company to control the parking. Out-of-town guests will be appreciative if you provide bus transportation from the hotel. You don’t want them to get lost trying to find your house!

Will there be enough liquor on hand?
Since you will be responsible for acquiring the beer, wine and alcohol for the wedding reception, ask your caterer or liquor store professional to recommend appropriate quantities. You don’t want to be caught shorthanded!

Will I need extra insurance?
Advise your insurance agent that you are having a major event at your home. Ask about your existing liability coverage and see if additional coverage is recommended.

Who will break down the event?
Much planning goes into the event, but don’t forget to plan for afterward. At the final walk-through, review plans for decor and trash removal. If everyone does their job correctly, your home will be cleansed of everything but the happy memories!

Louise Hanlon & Mora Hanlon Hostetter. 404-226-6476. classicweddingsofbuckhead.com

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