What's In, What's Out

What's In:

• White palettes – even bridesmaids.

• Monochromatic palettes.

• Shabby chic – robin's egg blue, pink and grey.

• Black is always classy and zwtimeless.

• Tiffany blue with aqua.

• Cherry red and lime.

• Coral or yellow, and grey.

• Hot pink.

• Dark and bold like deep purples and blues.

• Citrus colors: yellows and oranges.

• Jewel tones.

• Plum and sage green.

• Traditional 60s and 70s like teal and purple, and orange and avocado green.

Sources: Beginning 2 End; Occasions by Coral & Chloe; Special Events Alaska

What's In:

• Mermaid, trumpet and full ball gowns.

• Victorian styles. Think corsets, lace and high collars.

• Romance. Soft fabrics, plenty of lace, exaggerated ruffles and big flowers.

• The little white dress. Wear a full, elegant gown for the ceremony and a short, playful white dress to party the rest of the night away.

• Raw cut fabrics. Fabrics like chiffon or organza that have a cut, unfinished edge to create full, gathered, threedimensional florals or designs.

• Unique necklines.

• Optional long sleeves, jacket, shawl or capelet to match the dress.

• Softer shades of white like pale ivory or off-white.

• Blush pink gowns.

• Belts; and beaded or colored sashes.

What's out:

• Stark white gowns

Sources: Arctic Rose Bridal Salon; Anderson's Bride

What's In:

• Silk, silk crinkle chiffon and lux taffeta.

• Shorter gowns.

• One shoulder strap.

• Bright colors.

• Dyeable shoes to match the gown color.

• Following the Royal Wedding, Pippa Middleton has made us all rethink white, and its parent shades of pearl, ivory, cream and nude.

• Rich jewel tones and deep-hued tones like bold blues, eggplant purples and gorgeous greens.

• Colors like slate and pewter paired with a midnight blue, pale lavender or white.

• Black and white. Sometimes the simplest color combinations can be the most elegant.

Sources: Donna's Corner; David's Bridal

What's In:

• Peaches, soft pinks and shades of whites.

• Peacock colors and feathers.

• Bright colors in oranges and yellows.

• Blue and teal mixed with a shade of light pink or cream.

• Vintage.

• Bouquets wrapped with everything from lace to birch bark and twine.

• Big, traditional cascade bouquets done in a bridal holder instead of a hand tie. Including a special heirloom, keepsake, etc. in the bouquet and/or handle.

• Tiny bouquets.

What's out:

• Busy multi-colored bouquets with flowing ribbons

• Glitzy bouquets

• Overly structured, traditional bouquets with only flowers in a holder.

Sources: AK Bouquet & Event Design; Uptown Blossoms

What's In:

• Aenemone.

• Grasses and sticks.

• Stephanotis.

• Water Lily seed pods.

• Fiddlehead Fern buds.

• Spider mums.

• Gerbera Daisies.

• Alaska grown garden mixes with woodsy natural elements.

• Textured greenery, green flowers and succulents.

• White, cream and blush combinations of garden roses peonies, cymbidium orchids and calla lilies.

• Tropicals and orchids of all varieties.

• New varieties of roses such as Amnesia (a subtle antique lavender with a touch of green blush) in romantic "girly" lush bouquets sometimes coupled with hydrangeas especially the newer green variety.

Sources: AK Bouquet & Event Design; Uptown Blossoms

What's In:

• Simple, elegant cakes with accents inspired by the bride's gown and wedding décor.

• Buttercream.

• Whipped cream frosting that is much lighter and less sweet.

• Italian-style cake that is less dense than American cake recipes.

• Mini cakes. Cupcake-sized, individually iced and decorated.

• Red velvet cake.

• Faux cakes for presentation and fresh cakes to enjoy.

• Faux fresh flowers made of sugar.

• Edible monogrammed cake toppers.

• Big oversized flowers.

• Peacock feathers with matching colors.

• Butterflies.

• The color blue.

Sources: Creative Cakes by Jeryll; Olympia Catering & Cakes; Superstar Pastry Design

What's In:

• Cupcakes.

• Fun, interactive desserts like a Smore's bar or ice cream stands.

• Custom chocolates.

• Mini tarts or pies.

• Mini baklava.

• Italian Crème Custard.

• Monogram cookies as favors.

Sources: Designing Divas Wedding & Event Planners; Olympia Catering & Pastries; Superstar Pastry Design

What's In:

• Man cave.

• Cigar bar.

• Groom's cake.

• Bow ties and cummerbunds in patterns.

• Skinnier lapels.

• Non-pleated pants.

Sources: Alaska Sunset View Resort; Creative Cakes by Jeryll; Anderson's Bride; Your Story Event Planning

What's In:

• Using an element of inspiration such as a meaningful phrase or a particular flower as your "theme" and incorporate that element into each piece of the wedding.

• Vintage design. Original crafted pieces like handpainted table numbers, fabric banners, and lace anything. Incorporate old picture frames, candelabras and birdcages.

• Rustic fusion. Weave some of your own unique, personal elements into a rustic theme like old furniture.

• Birch bark. Birch print linen, birch containers, wraps for bouquet handles, etc.

• Décor hung from the ceiling like Chinese lanterns, fabric, lights, etc.

Sources: AK Bouquet & Event Design; Designing Divas Wedding & Event Planners; Your Story Event Planning; Cory Carroll Floral & Event Design; Special Events Alaska; Art Services North

What's In:

• Clear tent tops.

• Tents with dramatic fabric liners and lighting.

• Heater lamps, tent heaters and bistro table heaters.

• Combine two or three tents to create larger spaces.

Source: Special Events Alaska; CBC Rental & Supply LLC

What's In:

• Floral centerpieces in various heights and sizes within the same color palette.

• Incorporate feathers and crystal garlands for the added "wow" factor.

• Vase fillers like glass marbles, shells, acrylic ice, water absorbing gel beads with LED lights and different flowers.

• Colorful or patterned linens, like damask.

• 'Walk about tables.' A costumed person centerpiece table with wheels that strolls around an event serving up beverages, appetizers, favors, etc. They can also help with guiding guests to their seats and handing out pre-cut cake.

What's out:

• Elaborate, over-the-top centerpieces.

• Identical centerpieces and décor. The decor should all coordinate and tie together intentionally but have some life and variation.

Sources: AK Bouquet & Event Design; Designing Divas Wedding & Event Planners; Your Story Event Planning; Social Ice Tables & Events; Cory Carroll Floral & Event Design; Special Events Alaska; Art Services North

What's In:

• Everything from highlight pin spot lighting, under table décor lighting, custom monogram lights to all out wall wash décor lighting.

• Dramatic lighting for the perimeter of rooms.

• Intimate lighting through a collection of candles and votives.

• Elegant lighting with lush, vivid colors and movement.

What's out:

• Disco and Rock & Roll dance lighting.

• Laser lights and flashy carnival lighting.

Sources: Special Events Alaska; Art Services North; APE Alaska Professional Entertainment; Alaska's R & R Productions Professional DJ Entertainment - Event Lighting & Photography

What's In:

• Gowns to match the wedding party and colors.

• Older flower girls and ring bearers.

• Sashes.

• The ring bearers match the attendant or groom with vests, matching shirt color and khaki or dark dress pants.

Sources: Donna's Corner; Arctic Rose Bridal Salon

What's In:

• Update classics like a large high bun, chignons, French twists and soft finger waves for a modern look.

• Hair that looks effortless and soft with lots of texture.

• Accessories like vintage French pins, rhinestone barrettes, real flowers, feathers and ribbon headbands.

• Romantic, soft tosseled glamour waves.

• Loose side buns.

• Incorporate braids, fish tails, flowers or ribbon.

• Simply pulled up updos - similar to the 60s and 70s but a little softer and not so perfectly placed.

• The "goddess" look with tighter natural curls combined with braids and floral looking tiaras to exaggerate the look.

• Half up, half down styles with a lot of movement and messy curls.

• Bird cage veils.

• Hair accessories like broaches, clips and antique ornaments.

What's out:

• Tight, slicked updos.

• Perfectly placed curls.

• The Snooky bump.

• Ringlets.

• Tight-crunched barrel curls.

• Side ponytails.

• Baby's breath.

• Fake flowers.

• Plastic tiaras.

• Too intricate and overworked hair.

• Long veils.

Sources: The Beauty Room Day Spa & Beauty Boutique; Jasmin's Hair Design; Beehive Beauty Shop

What's In:

• Smokey, dramatic eye with a nude lip.

• Natural but elegant.

• Dewy-flawless skin and soft, smoky eyes.

• Lash extensions or false lashes to enhance their eyes.

• Fall/winter brides: dramatic with beautiful crimson or red lips.

• Spring/summer brides: adore pinks, peaches and rosy stained lips.

• Pink. Shades of pink are flattering on all skin tones.

Source: Lux Makeup Studio; Alaska Makeup Team

What's In:

• Colors: teal and salmon pink.

• Unique paper like printed wood or seeded papers.

• Pockets are still huge.

• Tear-off RSVP design where the invite unfolds and the bottom is torn off to create an RSVP postcard.

• Wording: fun and unique wording that fits the couple.

• Envelopes: colored envelopes to match the stationery. If the paper is too dark, use a unique wrap around address label that stands out in any stack of mail.

• DIY. Buy blank stock such as pockets, unique paper and commercial adhesive. This allows you to decide exactly how much work you want to do.

• Eco-friendly paper.

• Chevron design.

• Matching the wedding programs, table number cards, drink tags and thank-you postcards to the invitation design.

• Custom stamps. Upload your own photo or design and select the correct postage for your invitation.

• Decorate your invitation with photographs of yourselves.

• Small "save the date" magnets included in a larger card.

• As an afterwards favor: Send a thank you card with a photo from the wedding of the couple or guest.

• Follow up with a first anniversary or holiday card. Your guests want to hear about the exciting newlyweds and their new adventures.

What's out:

• Colors: pink and brown.

• Grosgrain ribbon (ribbed and usually low quality).

• Thin, matte white cardstock.

• Wording: "request the pleasure of your company."

• White envelopes with an Avery address label.

• Mass-produced, bulk designs that don't reflect the couple's interests.

• Wordy postcard-sized "save the date" magnets that aren't strong enough to stay on the fridge.

• Generic thank you cards without a handwritten note.

Source: The Chocolate Lily; Starburst Press; Bell's Nursery

What's In:

• Reception grand entrance introductions for the wedding party with personality, style and flair to set the tone for the reception.

• Having family and/or friends sing or entertain during their celebrations.

• Entertainment professionals. Emcees who know wedding etiquette and can keep your party fun and on track.

• Interactive things like photo booths that can record video messages from your guests, cotton candy machine, etc.

Source: APE Alaska Professional Entertainment; Five Star Entertainment; Alaska's R & R Productions Professional DJ Entertainment - Event Lighting & Photography; Special Events Alaska

What's In:

• Intimate photos together before the ceremony. The "first look" will be one of the most memorable moments of the day, allowing more time with the guests.

• Dramatically lit portraits at a picturesque location off site.

• Photos with texture added to the processing.

• Photos that share personality and what you love to do together.

• Wear-it-again shoots.

• Fashion-based, glamour shots.

• Epic romantic scenes.

• Engagement party and/or rehearsal dinner sessions. Take advantage of the casual atmosphere where everything seems less staged.

• A "bridal session" (photographing the bride in her dress on a different day so the bride is not rushed or stressed).

• Spending more time on the intimate photos of just the bride and groom enjoying each other on their big day.

• Mini accordion photo books.

What's out:

• Photos with drastic blurred edges or a light vignette added to the processing.

• Stiffly posed formal photos.

• Indoor formals. People would rather brave the cold to have an image they haven't seen a thousand times before.

Sources: Alaska Photography & Design; Ambience Photography; Sugar Six Photography; Chugach Peaks Photography; Shalem Photography; Cameo Productions; Blink Photographic

What's In:

• Choreographed ceremony entrance with upbeat music and fun props.

• Having a live band and MC combo. The MC will take over during band breaks so guests won't leave when they get bored.

• Personalized playlists and "Do Not Play" playlists.

• Unique, meaningful songs that are special and memorable for the family and couple.

• Music that everyone is familiar with, knows the words to, and enjoys dancing to.

What's out:

• Standard ceremony music.

• Traditional and cliché reception music like the chicken dance and electric slide.

• Karaoke.

• Cheesy, predictable music that has been overplayed, and heard at every wedding.

• Sound systems that don't sound as good as your home theater system - use a pro!

• Music so loud you have to leave the room to have a conversation.

Sources: APE Alaska Professional Entertainment; Five Star Entertainment; Alaska's R & R Productions Professional DJ Entertainment - Event Lighting & Photography

What's In:

• Teddy bear toss.

• Bouncy houses, inflatable slides and house combos including a climb and slide.

• Inflatable games (gladiator jousting, bouncy boxing or sumo wrestling).

Source: Special Events Alaska; For Fun Alaska

What's In:

• Experimenting with signature cocktails like a cotton candy martini or champagne cocktails. Plus you can tailor the color to match the bridal colors in the wedding party.

• Ice signature drink tables. These tables hold a pre-determined amount of glasses. These three-tiered tables are made of ice and each tier has holes in it to hold the glasses. This is a wonderful idea to set an amount or limit to the alcohol being consumed at the event.

• Signature martini bar separate from the regular bar.

• Instead of offering plain champagne to your guests, add a splash of Chambord for more flavor, and drop in a cherry for presentation. The additional cost on top of the champagne is minimal, yet the visual and flavor impact is a memorable one.

• If you want the champagne flowing all night, place it in a fountain for visual effect and consider adding real fruit juices for added flavor and color.

• Assorted ices in different flavors, shapes and sizes. For example, a Manhattan would use cherry ice cubes instead of using a cherry garnish; or lemon lime crushed ice in a margarita.

• Add an ice ball for an extra pop to the experience. Crystal clear and round, ice balls do not melt as quickly as regular ice and they take on the color of the drink.

• Ice luge. Luges have two grooves, which have a better staying power for the duration of the event. Use one for alcoholic beverages and one for non-alcoholic so the kids can have some fun too.

• A punch fountain made of ice.

• Local Alaskan beers and spirits.

Sources: Anchorage Convention Centers; Impressions Catering; Social Ice Tables & Events

What's In:

• Taking video during the photography sessions.

• Fusion imaging. Bring together both photos and video into the final product.

• Love Story Packages. Tell the story of your romance. Include pictures from your childhoods, videos from vacations you took together, and funny stories from friends about your relationship. Project it on a screen during your reception before your first dance—but do keep it brief so your guests don't get restless. Then have scenes edited into your final wedding video.

• Proposal videos. Your personal proposal story recorded in an exclusive documentary-style interview. The love story can be told with an added personal touch featuring your selected photos and home video.

• Wedding invitation teasers. Show your style, theme and personality by broadcasting a small sample of your relationship on your Facebook page, or set as the intro on your wedding invitation page, or looped on a projector screen in the lobby at your wedding ceremony.

• Custom compression schemes. Go beyond the simple DVD: Now you can share a few personalized statements with your spouse on a visual loop on a digital frame, or watch your processional with a friend on your phone, or strut your stuff on Facebook with your very own director's cut wedding montage in HD.

What's out:

• Asking a family member or friend instead of incorporating professional videography into your budget.

Source: Cameo Productions; Envisioned Studios

What's In:

• Heirloom quality cookware, appliances and cutlery like All Clad Stainless Cookware, Mauviel Copper Cookware, Le Creuset French Ovens, Vita Mix Blenders and Wusthof Knives.

• Non-traditional, fun appliances for entertaining like the Zoku Quick Pop Maker, the Sodastream Soda Maker, the Whirley Pop Popcorn Popper, Emile Henry Pizza Stone and the GurglePot.

• Baking products like Magic Dough Pastry Mat, bakeware by USA Pan, and the Emile Henry pie dish.

• The groom's list: knives and barware.

• Fiesta Ware dinnerware.

• Coffee centers.

• Casual, neutral pattern dinnerware that could easily dress up with different linens for any occasion: Denby, Portmeirion, Noritake or Mikasa.

• Riedel wine glasses (stemmed or stemless).

• Henckels cutlery.

What's out:

• Fine China.

• The bride registering without the groom.

• Table linens.

• Formal dinnerware.

• Crystal stemware.

• Silver flatware.

Sources: Metro Cooks; Habitat Housewares; Bell's Nursery

What's In:

• Sweetheart tables – 4' or 6'.

• Serpentine tables. They can really change the dynamic of the room.

• Risers. Used mostly for the bar and/ or dessert tables.

• White padded resin or wood folding chairs that don't require a chair cover.

• Cocktail tables with or without stools to encourage mingling.

Source: Cory Carroll Floral & Event Design; Special Events Alaska; CBC Rental & Supply LLC