Sunday, December 16, 2012

An All-American Wedding for a Casual Vibe


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Typically, weddings are thought of as rather pompous affairs, with magnificent churches, intricate flower arrangements, champagne and caviar, and of course, the type of elaborate wedding dress that could double as a parachute should the need arise. 

These days, however, an increasing number of couples are choosing a more laid back and casual atmosphere for their big day. This could be for any reason from a tight budget to an appreciation for the simpler things in life; but don’t be mistaken, the well-loved all-American outdoor wedding is anything but ordinary. 

If cathedrals and chandeliers don’t appeal to you and a more low-key theme is what you’re after, here are some great tips and ideas for making your All-American wedding an unforgettable event. 

Decide what your interpretation of “casual” is

This may seem odd, but different people have very different ideas of what “casual” should be. For the one, it means not wearing a tie and popping open the top button on a shirt, while for another it means flip flops and shorts. 

In order to plan your wedding just the way you want it, you’ll need to work out what your expectations are and how you can incorporate them into your casual themed wedding. Maybe you’d like the dress code to be relatively formal, yet have the wedding in a laid back environment like in a forest or on the beach. 

Or maybe you want everyone to dress comfortably (smart casual) and do something as low-key as a picnic in a park or even a BBQ in your own backyard. Generally, the key is to find the right balance between elegance and simplicity. 

Pay attention to the invites

Invitations can really set the tone for your wedding and help guests to know what to expect from the event. Classic wedding invitations for example, would be pretty and poised, perhaps with a picture of two rings intertwined or lots of white lace and ribbons, whereas the invitations for a casual wedding can be more imaginative and use actual photos of the couple or have an amusing twist. 

Have fun with the invites and don’t get too stuck on following traditions like white paper and flourished handwriting. Use colors, photos and whatever else you feel will embody the theme that you and your partner have chosen for the wedding. 

Choose the a location and décor that fit your theme

For a casual American style wedding, you want people to feel relaxed and at ease in their environment, and the location and décor will play a big part in accomplishing this. You want your guests to be able to let their hair down, laugh with friends and lounge in chairs or sofas that don’t make them feel they have to sit up straight or worry about staining the upholstery. 

Outdoor weddings are especially great for casual weddings, as you can skip the traditional white tablecloths and go with a décor that blends with your surroundings. A large park or clearing in a forest (preferably one that isn’t too remote – think of your guests) can make a lovely outdoor setting where simple things like hand picked flowers and checked tablecloths don’t feel out of place. 

If you are forced to host your wedding indoors due to the weather at the time of your wedding or any other reason, you can still hit that casual note by adding fun touches like lanterns, colored napkins and potted plants, and going with a serve-yourself-style buffet that allows guests to enjoy the food on their own terms. 

Decide on the dress code ahead of time

Before you send out your wedding invitations, decide what type of dress code you would like, and be sure to make that clear to all who will attend. Casual is one thing, but you may feel a little less than delighted if some guests turn up in their scuffed jeans and tees.

The best way to encourage guests to put a little more effort into their casual outfits is to list some kind of theme on your invite. This could be anything from “summer at the seaside” to “flowers in spring,” but giving them some type of guideline to follow will ensure that everyone fits in well with the wedding you have planned and there is a somewhat uniformed look to it all (this is something you will appreciate later on when looking at your wedding photos). 

Choose an appropriate menu

Just as your décor and dress code should go with the theme you envisioned, it is important to match your food to the occasion and, of course, environment. If you are doing an outdoor wedding at a location that is not your backyard, you will want to include plenty of foods that can be eaten cold or at least at a temperature that is less than piping hot. Think cold meats and salmon, olives, cheese, coleslaw, fresh bread and garlic butter, and even simple favorites like hotdogs and hamburgers that can be assembled by the guests themselves. 

At indoor weddings it is generally easier to keep foods hot by using hot plates and other such devices, so you can include pretty much anything you want, as long as it will still taste good after sitting on a hotplate for more than an hour. 

Drinks should also be self-servable, so make sure you have plenty of carafes for wine, water and non-alcoholic beverages. Don’t think you have to provide an open bar with every drink imaginable either. Simple staples like wine and beer are enjoyed by most people, and can easily be bought in bulk at any supermarket or wholesaler.

Aileen Pablo is a Filipina Event Management blogger from OpenColleges, one of the pioneers of Online education in Australia and one of the leading providers of event management courses.  If you want to feature her on your blog, drop a line at aileen@oc.edu.au.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Summer 2013 Issue 23

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Wedding Style Guide International is proud to release the Summer 2013 Issue 23 as a Digital ONLY magazine.
The Summer 2013 Issue 23 is designed for easy viewing online and is full of all the latest ideas and fashions for you to be inspired for your special day, your wedding day!


We present Kelsey Genna's latest gowns! Amazing gowns from down downunder - New Zealand! At only 21 years old you will be wowed by the designs!


Tutu Du Monde presents the cutest outfits for kids!


Val Stefani from USA gowns are stylish and extravagant! See her latest here.


We were surprised to discover the unique style from Tekay Designs in USA. Her gowns are unique designed luxury without the price tag!


Blu Wedding Boutique and Amy Elizabeth Rodd Photographer joined forces to create the most beautiful Vintage Tea Party photo shoot featuring the gorgeous gowns from Mia!


With all the stress of planning and organising the big day what better idea than to gather your bridal party at a spa resort like Authenticity in Port Elliot, SA. Beautiful! Peaceful! Relax!


Trash the Dress photo shoots can be lots of fun after your wedding day. What to do with that dress? Have fun!


Melissa from Melbourne Street Flowers created an inspirational dessert table idea. You can either use the receipes and ideas for your wedding or for one of the many pre-wedding events.


Alice Richards and Lisa Diedrich Photography joined forces to create the MOST inspirational wedding photo shoot full of ideas for you. Includes a fabulous wedding cake from Faye Cahill Cake Designs that is just to die for!


Artaquis Photography presents Reve Blanc photo shoot. A range of gowns, dresses and accessories that are inspired by the 1950-60s. Just elegant and graceful - exquisite!


La Gartier talks about the belt renaissance. You can enter the draw to win one of Sarah's gorgeous hand made garters to wear at your wedding!


Can't decide where to go for your Honeymoon? Wedding Style Guide presents images from two resorts in Samoa. Totally peaceful, relaxing and fun!


Maree Jeanette from Melbourne tells us what accessories are the latest fashion and how to choose what is best for you!


A lot of couples are choosing to marry overseas these days. Going back to where their parents or ancestors are from but there are many pitfalls to this idea. Wedding Style Guide speaks to the experts to find out how you can avoid any problems and how to go about making this idea a reality.

Wedding Style Guide went beyond just Real Weddings in this issue.


Holly and Michael went above and beyond with her DIY Real Wedding. Lots of tips and ideas! Involve everyone and see the results!


Felicity and Turk being "foodies" themselves wanted to be different and took the idea of A PROGRESSIVE DINNER to A PROGRESSIVE WEDDING Held in Italy they took their guests and family to 4 different venues.
Just so amazing and different!

See all this and more in the Summer 2013 Issue 23

You can view this magazine on your iPad or iPhone, amongst many other mobile devices!

Wedding Style Guide International continues to be your design and styling leader!

Your only destination for wedding inspiration!

 

Monday, December 3, 2012

Johanna Johnson Spring/Summer 2013

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Still is the Night, Not so my Heart

‘Still is the Night, Not so my Heart’ is the latest luxury bridal collection from Johanna Johnson. The elaborate chorus girls from the Ziegfeld Follies, whose lavish costumes were the talk of 1920’s New York, were a source of inspiration for Johanna when designing this adorned collection.


The Beaumont


The Hepburn


The Everley


The Zephyr


The Vintage Slip with Everley Swarovski Bodice Chain

There is a strong focus on accessories, in particular the body adornments featuring draped Swarovski chains, elevating some of the cleaner silhouettes to a more detailed level of luxury.


The Vintage Slip with Viola Swarovski Bodice Chain


The Monaco


The Gilda with Austen Belt


The Brooks (Louise)

Vintage details and Art Deco influences can still be seen throughout the collection, but Johanna adds that there is a new softness to the silhouettes this season.


The Vaudeville with Vaudeville Tulle Overlay Skirt


The Vaudeville with Austen Hand Beaded Cape


The Tuscan


The Gershwin

The title ‘Still is the Night, Not so my Heart’ is due largely to Johanna’s nocturnal design tendencies.


The Magnolia with Zephyr Belt


The Bourdain


The Golding


The Golding with Golding Tulle Overlay Skirt

A key element of the collection are the number of styling options available, and the versatility to create separate Ceremony and Reception looks.


The Dorchester with Austen Belt


The Octavia


The Muse with Austen Belt

With further expansion on the cards, keeping New York time has become a must and Johanna is often to be found sketching into the small hours over the meticulous details of this embellished collection.


The Heiress

This luxury collection is available now and has limited numbers available of each design until March 2013 unless sold out previous.

For any further enquiries and full look books please visit
http://www.johannajohnson.com/




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