Vintage Charm

 

 

Inevitably, we women find ourselves sifting through our mothers' and grandmothers' closets for a bit of fashion inspiration from time to time. Whether it's rediscovering mom's Jackie O inspired pencil dress with a slimming belt or digging out grandma's long-abandoned but oh-so-graceful cameo ring, fashion statements have a way of wearing out their welcome only to make a resurgence at a later date.

Wedding fashions and trends are no exception. What once was considered passé eventually works its way back into our hearts and breathes fresh air into styles, palettes, and ideas. We call these trappings of yesteryear "vintage." They are timeless and classic, chic and sophisticated, and they are offering some refreshing options for today's bridal couples.

If you've noticed a return to the vintage couture of the '20s, '30s and '40s, you're not alone. Brides have been finding inspiration in the earlier decades of last century for everything from gowns and hairstyles to stationery and jewelry. Period themes are experiencing a resurgence as well, as couples are turning to eras such as the Prohibition and World War II for some creative fun. Think everything from flappers and pearls to seamed stockings and slimmer wartime cuts and hems. There's no end to the creativity that can be employed to bring in some period style.

The brooch is back. Although Great-Gran may have worn it pinned to a modestly high neckline, modern brides are putting these little adornments to creative uses. Brooches have found their way into updo's, clasping waist sashes onto gowns, and even adding some bedazzlement to bridal bouquets. Running the gamut from dainty and demure to grand and glitzy, these little charmers from a bygone era offer some wonderful ways to honor the older generations of women in the bride's family. Have a host of them from which to choose? Bejewel your bridesmaids with a unique piece to add a bit of pizzazz to their dresses.

A warm welcome back to lace is in order as well, as brides are flocking to gowns with beautiful overlays and delicate backs in a host of lacy patterns. Gone for now are the billowing layers of crinoline, cathedral length trains and Cinderella-esque creampuff sleeves as form-flattering sheaths are the style du jour. I love this look. Feminine. Graceful. Elegant. Where were these simple and lovely styles when I was walking down the aisle?

Lace veils are enjoying a renewed popularity as well, and can be found in varying lengths and a wide selection of styles. For brides looking for just a touch of lacy embellishment, luck is on your side. No need to worry about covering your wedding day 'do with heavy lace. Simple veils with delicate lace borders are easy to find and coordinate wonderfully with all manner of gowns.

Brides are incorporating romantic flowers into their bouquets to achieve a vintage feel. The addition of peonies and carnations infuses a bit of shabby chic into standby arrangements of roses, lilies, hydrangeas and other favorites. Popular bouquets of late are a bit more fuss-free, yet are still breathtakingly lovely.

Flattering hairstyles for vintage-inspired weddings are as easy as a softly swept-up 'do or loosely flowing curls. Looking to kick a bit of '20s fun into your big day? Pin curls, finger waves and fun bobs can make for smashing wedding day 'dos. Or, drawing a bit of inspiration from the glamorous golden days of Hollywood might be the ticket. Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner and Ava Gardner are all sources of divine 'do inspiration for retro-looking locks.

As for decorations and favors, everything emanating a nostalgic air is up for grabs. Bird nests, feathers, antique vases and bottles, silver serving sets, candies from yesteryear, stylish cars from the '30s and '40s, and anything else that sets the vintage tone bridal couples are looking for are perfect for setting the scene.

Looking for just the right invite to tie together a vintage theme? Carlson Craft has a wonderful selection of wedding stationery options for vintage-inspired weddings. These lovely styles offer soft and subtle designs, some embossed with lace embellishments. They're utterly sublime and perfect for inviting guests to indulge in a day of antique charm and timeless elegance.

Destination Weddings: It’s all about Location, Location, Location!

Pinned on the wall above my computer is a calendar with colorful and bewitching photos of castles, beaches, lavender fields, cobblestone streets, and a host of other lovely and exotic destinations. I delight in packing my suitcase, digging out my passport and setting out for new locations. It’s that travel bug that bit me when I was young and just hasn’t let go.

Friends and relatives have been reporting that they’re receiving invites to destination weddings for such hotspots as Cancun, Paris, Hawaii, Jamaica and even Australia. My, oh, my! An excuse to dig out one’s luggage and travel gear in the name of a matrimonial celebration? I like this idea!

More and more couples are forgoing large local weddings for smaller, more intimate nuptials that combine the ceremony and honeymoon all into one upscale travel adventure. This year is projected to be a record-breaking year for destination weddings, with an estimated 60 percent increase in the number of American couples opting for weddings abroad, resulting in nearly one in five couples exchanging vows away from home. Some of the more popular choices include Mexico, the Caribbean, the Greek Islands, Thailand, and Cyprus. Across the pond, British brides and grooms are also packing their suitcases for their big day, with one in ten couples choosing destination weddings. Why are so many soon-to-be newlyweds so eager to say “I Do” on foreign soil? Well, there’s not one simple answer.

Budget has a lot to do with it. Clearly, it would be extremely rare for a couple to foot the bill for a reception of 300 guests if the wedding was in the Greek Isles. Destination weddings typically include a small, intimate gathering of closest family and friends. Colleagues of the bride’s parents surely won’t be in attendance, nor will the groom’s long lost second and third cousins. Not only does a small gathering allow the couple to cut costs, it also allows them to restrict their guest list to only their closest loved ones and friends. Many couples are finding this smaller circle of invitees to be more meaningful.

Furthermore, couples are realizing that combining the wedding and the honeymoon can make for one celebratory trip that includes amazing and exotic pictures of the ceremony plus one extended celebration with close friends and family. If an overseas honeymoon is already being planned, why not extend it a few days and make your dream destination also the locale for your vows?

Many all-inclusive resorts are really ramping up their wedding planning help and options. All-inclusives also make things easier on guests who may not be travel savvy – no worries about logistics or entertainment before and after the wedding. If a resort isn’t in a couple’s plans, there are wedding consultants who specialize in helping brides plan destination weddings, wherever they may be.

Couples need to bear in mind that planning a destination wedding will usually prohibit some family members and friends from attending. As much as we’d all love to travel to the Caribbean to see a loved one marry, sometimes travel expenses just aren’t in the budget. Additionally, couples might want to consider giving guests ample time to plan for an overseas journey. The expense alone calls for a lengthy heads up, and some of the attendees might need to apply for their very first passport, which can take several weeks to receive.

Whether a couple’s dream includes exchanging vows on a white sandy beach, atop a mountain, nestled in a vineyard, or in a centuries-old European church, there is ample help out there to assist with wedding arrangements.

Be sure to check out Carlson Craft’s innovative wedding invitations designed for destination weddings. Remember – there’s quite a bit more information that needs to be conveyed to guests regarding a destination wedding. Carlson Craft has some fabulous options that will captivate invitees, provide them with a clear picture of the wedding plans, and have them scrambling for their passports, flip-flops and sunscreen!

And to my close friends and family, if any of you are anticipating an engagement soon, I’ve always wanted to see the beautiful waters and islands of the Mediterranean!

Peacock Plumes and Beautiful Blues

My daughter’s eighth birthday is coming up, and she has only one theme request: a peacock party. This doesn’t surprise me. Peacocks and peacock colors seem to be the décor de jour as of late. This exotic bird has flown right into the hearts of brides, birthday girls and celebrants far and wide and doesn't seem to be bidding adieu any time soon!

During my college days, burgundies and dark greens were the hot colors for weddings (as eight of the ten bridesmaid dresses stuffed into garment bags in the back of my closet attest!). But as with all things, tastes change. Colors make a bold impact and then quietly drift into the background to make way for the next big color schemes. Currently, teals, blues, and greens are making a splash with brides, all colors found on the peacock color spectrum. For an added punch of contrast, orange is a hopping hue as well.

Creative brides are putting peacock plumes and colors to use in everything from dresses, boutonnieres, floral arrangements, hair adornments, cakes, invites, and programs to anything else that can be embellished with the iridescent blue-green plumes of the proud peacock. The regal splendor of the peacock color combination evokes a rich, elegant air, while offering a cooler alternative to the fall favorites of mochas, browns and plums. And the fanciful feathers themselves, with their stunning blue and gold eyes and long graceful lines, pull together a natural element that is dramatic and, well, pretty!

The blue-green palette coordinates well with ivory or white, purple, gold, lavender, aqua, and black. Browsing the internet, I even came across peacock bouquets that included such accent colors as copper, orange, lime green, pink or fuchsia. It's a fun theme to liven up and make playful.
If you haven't browsed Carlson Craft's albums lately, there are some stunning peacock themed stationery designs that will not only capture the attention of brides, but those looking for some trendy anniversary or birthday invites. Sweet 16'ers will take note, as well! These are designs that aren't pigeon-holed (forgive the bird reference) into being just wedding invites!

My daughter, endeavoring to find just the right decorations for her birthday, sits perched on the couch, mom's laptop plunked down on her lap. "Look at the cakes, mommy!" she gushes as she clicks through pictures online. Her surfing brings her to multi-tiered white, teal and blue wedding cakes with divine silk ribbons and plumes, vintage hair clips, bouquets vibrant with blues, greens, chartreuse, and gold, and the loveliest teal satin pumps with peacock feather clips I've ever seen.
While she asks if dad and I might spring for teal satin chair covers and vases overflowing with long peacock feathers, I gently explain that some fun teal and purple cupcakes might be in order as well as pin the feather on the peacock. For the moment, she's appeased.
{However, deep down, I'm left thinking that if only my sister would hurry up and meet Mr. Right, I could really make this peacock theme soar and reach new heights!}

Save the Dates

Memorial Day hasn’t yet arrived, but our summer calendar is filling up faster than dirty dishes find their way into my sink. Between birthdays, graduations, Father’s Day, neighborhood get-togethers, summer camp, and sundry other events and occasions, we remain busy throughout the summer months. I hesitate to complain; it all means we’re loved and have good friends, relatives and neighbors who desire our fun-loving company at their parties and shin-digs, right? I hope so!

The truth is, we’re your typical family of four with two active kids, full-time jobs, and extended families who enjoy our presence at family functions. And although I’m loath to resort to clichés, times seem to have changed since we were kids. Twenty-first century families just seem to be busier than we were when I was growing up. Maybe that’s just my perspective, but I will say I don’t remember quite so many camps, traveling summer sports teams, etc., when I was young.

Here is where I point out the importance of Save the Dates. I don’t recall these when I was young (but who knows – I was probably far more interested in my Easy Bake Oven to take much notice of impending social engagements), but I feel our family would be lost without them now. My good friend Anna’s Save the Date magnet took up residence front and center on our fridge door for a good number of months before the wedding rolled around. It was penned onto the calendar page well before we had time to commit to a T-ball tournament, assisting friends with a garage sale, or reserving the weekend to go to the cabin. In the lives of hustling and bustling families, Saturdays are high demand calendar real estate, so the sooner we can reserve the spot, the better! And who wants to miss out on a good friend or relative's wedding because reservations are already made for the yearly summer family vacation??

Save the dates typically go out six to twelve months prior to the event and are followed by a formal invitation about eight weeks before the event. Invitees are afforded the opportunity to literally "save the date" well in advance and make any necessary plans to attend the wedding. These become invaluable to guests who must travel lengthy distances, make arrangements for small children, or who simply (like us) have a lot going on.

Save the dates started with weddings, but these little heads-up cards and magnets have found a new calling by announcing up and coming corporate events, anniversary parties, and other fanciful celebrations. Some proud parents-to-be have even employed save the dates to announce they’re expecting and share their due date with family and friends. Carlson Craft even has options to allow parents to kick-start their picture sharing of baby by including an ultrasound image!

Some might argue that save the dates can easily be replaced by an email or Facebook posting, or other such techno-savvy option. Here's where I'm not in complete agreement. A family member of mine recently sent out text message invitations for a party. Imagine my discomfort when, in simple conversation, I asked my brother if he would be attending the following day. His furrowed brow and look of general confusion led me to believe he had no clue what I was talking about. "Didn't you get the text message?" I asked. "I'm horrible at checking my messages," he replied. "I check them about as often as I check my Facebook account." Yikes. I rest my case. Emails get overlooked and text messages can be lost or deleted. But we all seem to look thoroughly through our mail, and who doesn't love getting some happiness among the bills?

I spent a good deal of time perusing Carlson Craft's latest selection of save the dates. They are wonderfully fun and could they be any more creative? What's your style? Traditional and elegant? Modern with a colorful twist? Playful and picture-filled? Story-telling and info-packed? Crisp, clean and to the point? Believe me, you'll find it. Whether brides and grooms are looking to make a statement, set the tone for their nuptials, or simply become the lovely faces adorning the front of large kitchen appliances, Carlson Craft save the dates offer such a wide variety of styles and designs, the only problem couples face will be choosing just one!