Trendwatch Thursday: Springtime Garden Parties

This year, spring weddings will be spritely and fresh, with inspirations of the new blooms and bright palettes of the season.

The beauty of spring garden parties is in their simplicity and minimalist appeal, the emphasis on white décor, with lively colors for accent pieces and bouquets, and the intimate ambiance. Spring parties are ideal for smaller ceremonies with an outdoor venue, but are definitely for the couple who enjoys the closeness of family and friends, and thrives in their romantic bubble!

Table decorations and center pieces will be the standout element: a vase of spring flowers, such as lilacs, tulips and daisies will add warmth and vibrancy. Candles and modern lanterns will give a natural lighting effect, either hanging overhead on string, or sitting in crafty, original holders, to use on tables. Parties can be held near waterfronts (a place for a quiet moment with your love), or in your own backyard! 

How-to Tuesday: Party Favors

The wedding day is not only a memorable day for the bride but for the guests as well. They’ll remember how beautiful the venue was, the exquisite food, how they danced to their favorite tunes and most of all, how outstanding the GDS bride was in her couture gown.
At the end of the night, your guests will leave full of memories of love and joy- and with a bonbonniere that your guests will cherish. The gift should be something that reflects the couple, and is pretty and practical.  Items for the home, like a wine or champagne glass are always well appreciated.  Imported chocolate is a tasteful (and tasty!) choice, too. Your gift will represent your wedding theme, inside and out. On this note, packaging matters too. Wrapping and décor on the gift should be part of the beauty; a flower garden theme wedding will include nature colors such as green with a few roses on the side. The wrapping should be consistent with the wedding theme, color theme and season.
And remember…the most memorable gifts are those that say something about the love of the bride and groom, and their thanks to you for sharing their special day.

How To Tuesday: Table Decor

First comes the ring, followed by the venue, then the bridal party, and then the dress. Something is definitely missing... 
Table decor is often the last thing on the to-do list for a bride, yet it is the one of the aspects that are most important. Where everyone sits down to dine and reminisce and congratulate the newly weds, the ambiance and  mood is set by the decorations. The centerpiece is a statement that your guests will notice as soon as they walk into the reception. So you can guarantee it is (next to the bride’s dress) the most-attention grabbing element. 

Here is a How-To on what to consider for your table decorations:

•       Personality & style (What are you trying to project? What is your theme?)

•       Cohesiveness (Colors and themes should match with the bride, bridesmaids and all floral arrangements.)

•       Added thematic details  (Place cards, ambiance lighting, table runners all add to the drama.)

•       Centerpieces (You are not limited to flowers!i If your theme is fresh and rural, an organic fruit basket can be a stellar centerpiece.)

•       Utensils! (What are your metal accents – rustic silver, bronze, gold?)

•       Napkins (Another opportunity to bring out your color palette!)

•       Glasses & plates (Dare to try new shapes and sizes.)