Some interesting new trends I’m hearing about from my couples this year…
People are definitely feelings a lot freer about their clothing choices. A really great way to not only get more value out of your investment, but also express yourself, is for the men to purchase suits instead of renting tuxes. And bridesmaids are wearing less, well, ‘bridesmaids-y’ dresses, and more real dresses that they can wear again. And they don’t even have to match … although it is nice to have them selected in the same colors. It’s a ‘green’ choice as well, a way to invest in something you will use again and again.

If Michelle is wearing it, you know it's fashionable!
Speaking of colors, this year it’s definitely purple! And that goes for men as well, as a purple tie is fabulous and even purple shirts.

Purple even for men - it's hot this year!
Couples continue to speak with me about unique ritual ideas for their ceremonies, and I’ve been blogging about that a lot. Last week I wrote about sharing wine, water or foods such as bread and salt. I also wrote about how important your vows are, and how they express something important and personal about you.
What about your ceremony music? I have one couple who are using some of songs from Sting’s ‘If On a Winter’s Night’ album – nice choice! Another couple chose ‘Everybody Wants to Rule the World’ for their recessional. It’s just a favorite of theirs. Don’t take too much from the words. Speaking of the recessional – this is where you can really mix it up, musically. This is a very upbeat and joyous moment, so a really ‘up’ song can add a lot of energy.

Purple can be traditional as well.
More people are choosing not to have a receiving line, and let me encourage you to feel free to discard this tradition if it doesn’t work for you. There is no ‘must’ in weddings. Do what works for you. Many people feel frustrated waiting in the receiving line. Just be sure to visit every single person at the reception!

A Simpson's Cake Topper would be perfect for me!
Even cake toppers are getting more unusual. It’s just another little way to put your personalities into your big day.

The purple dress is here.

A cool cake topper for the right couple.































the possibilities of spring
It’s finally March… the sun has been shining; what a difference a week makes. It really feels great!
I’ve been thinking about remarriages and I hope every couple feels great about their upcoming wedding. There is much beauty, and much to celebrate with a remarriage – whether a second or even third marriage. It is a leap of faith to take a chance on love again.
A wonderful couple celebrating a new beginning.
I sometimes sense a bit of awkwardness, when a couple tells me this is not their first marriage; there is sometimes hesitation about the appropriateness of celebration. But I feel completely the opposite. I believe it is important and worthy of celebration. Everyone deserves the opportunity to honestly express their hopes, dreams and where they are in their lives.
It is also a time when you can feel freer to create the wedding of your dreams (rather than that of family or peers). When remarrying, you’re older, wiser, and more certain about what you want from life and from marriage.
And you can express this however you wish.
Celebrate your way!
Creating or choosing vows that are a bit different is a wonderful way to give voice to your renewed hope, trust and this new chance to start over.
There are no special rules about the size or scope of a second wedding. It can be as large and formal or as small and intimate as you want. The most important thing is to create a wedding that is what you truly want, and personalizing your wedding in many ways.
Involving family, especially children is very important as well. I promise to write more about that soon.
Yes, it feels like spring, and all things are possible.