Don’t you just love weddings? From the simple to the extravagant, I love looking at what people choose, and I’m addicted to “Don’t Tell The Bride”… I dread to think what my boyfriend would plan with an unlimited budget and no input from me! I’ve been researching what’s hot for weddings in 2010, and here are the top 8 new wedding trends…

1. Backyard Weddings

Whether it’s for the control or the money saving, backyard weddings are a huge right now. You can decorate however you want, choose your own alcohol, nothing is banned, and your guests will feel instantly more relaxed. It’s also perfect if you are planning to leave early for your honeymoon, as your parents or friends can clean up for you and theres no risk of it costing you a fortune!

2. Handmade

Handmade invitations have been a hit for brides on a budget for a few years, but this year handmade is going to a new level. From growing your own flowers to printing initials on wine glasses and even making your own wine, adding the personal touch to your wedding is hotter than ever. So buy those professionally designed and completely gorgeous wedding invites, and unleash your creativity on the food, the cake, the wine or the gifts.

3. Peacock

The peacock trend is gorgeous, and it’s set to be huge this year. From just taking the colours, the bright cobalt blue, deep emerald greens and flashes of silver, to peacock feather decorations and jewellery, there’s no doubt that when done right this is a glamorous and striking wedding theme. My favourite idea so far? Marrying in a nature reserve, with wild peacocks wandering about. The wedding pictures were divine!

4. Our Style

Photo Credit: Honey Pie!

More and more grooms are rebelling against the traditional suit look and allowing their personality to influence their outfit, from wearing Converse trainers to skinny jeans and bowler hats. I’ve even seen photos of a groom in his teams football strip! If you’ve always imagined him in a suit, give him some freedom with the small details, such as his tie and cufflinks, so his outfit is a little bit his.

5. Sentimental Value

This year, its not just ‘something old’ which has sentimental outfit, whole weddings are being planned and prepared around ‘preloved’ items. From wearing Mum’s wedding dress to using Nan and Grandad’s rings and marrying in the property that has been in the family the longest, everything is from a family member, and is packed with sentimental value. It also means you’ll save a fortune, and everyone will have a special attachment to your day. What a great idea!

6. Romantic Stylings

Photo Credit: Vibrant Photography

The new 2010 wedding styling mixes modern and traditional, using the very hot strapless top as a starting point. The designs incorporate lace, ruffles, and flowers, making gorgeous new versions of 70’s style dresses. The more extravagant styles feature knee high or shorter hemlines, racy low cut necklines and even bright colours! Pick a dress you love; after all, you only get to a be a Princess once!

7. Wedding Cake Upgrade

2010 wedding cakes aren’t the standard two or three tiers we are used too, oh no. This year, cakes measure between five and seven tiers, mixing different cake styles and being teamed with cupcake towers and a chic cocktail hour after the vows. If you do go for a high cake, make sure the cake is freezable to extend the time you have to eat it in, or distribute it between guests as they leave for a sweet treat!

8. Photography

Photo Credit: buradori

Wedding photography has been very similar for the last few years, but 2010 has given it a much needed shake up. The pictures are taken throughout the event, from engagement photo shoots to buying the dress and choosing the venue. Then the actual wedding pictures are mixed up a little, with some humorous pictures added, and pre-prepared scenarios which focus on your favourite details. My advice? Think about what you want, and show samples to different photographers. Look through their photos and have a think… you need to have complete confidence in them, so take your time in choosing!

I love these new trends! They give you the perfect way to make your wedding personalized while keeping it on trend, and the weddings I’ve already been too this year have been amazing! Take your time in planning and pick the elements you love from each trend. You’ll get a wedding that’s unique to you and you’ll love it. What do you think will be a big 2010 wedding trend? Please let me know!

This photo shoot seems to have caused some controversy on the wedding blogs, some brides hate it and could never think of trashing their dress this way. Other brides love the artistic message the couple and photographer Michael Maler are trying to make.  Check out 5 ways to really get trashy in your wedding dress , love it or hate it.

5. Find an abandoned house…

To get trashy in your dress you first need to find a great location like an abandoned house or lot. In this photo the couple looks angry and ready to fight. Is this a sign of things to come or is it art? If I were ever to do a trash the dress shoot I would want to look happy and excited with a sexy attitude! How will you get trashy in your dress?

4. Grab a Smoke and a Gun…

Is that a gun in his hand? Getting dirty in a beat up truck in your wedding dress can be sexy, but a gun may be taking it to the extreme. Perhaps if he were a cowboy or had a military uniform on and was ready to protect his new wife the concept would be sexier. What do you suppose the message is in this photo?

3. Get your Drink On…

She looks upset and lost while her new husband is in a drunken sleep. If you check out the video session it’s at this point where she has the gun in her hand and puts it to his head! I understand the twisted outlook on weddings and how the pressure of the industry and family members can get to you, but would you look back at these photos and smile?

2. Show some skin…

Do they look like a real couple or do they look like models promoting the photographer’s talent? Here the bride looks frightened and afraid of her husband who is demanding her to take off her wedding dress. That may be part of the story behind the photo, but where is the passion and the love?

1. Burn Baby Burn…

After all the drinking, smoking, trashing, and gunslinging it’s finally time to burn her dress! It’s a bold statement that says to me that they want to move on from the pressures of planning a wedding to having a rocking marriage. In the end they are walking away from the mess of it all holding hands, they are walking away together. Could you burn your wedding dress or would you donate or sell it?

This is what the couple wanted and they have definitely achieved it with a great photographer who made their vision come to life. It’s badass, grungy, trashy, hardcore, crazy, and extreme. It’s who they are. Could I do it, no not everyone could. What is your take on this “trash the dress” session?

To have kids or to not have kids in your wedding, seems like a simple question. It’s not so simple when you have pros and cons swimming around in your head as you get closer and closer to your big day. What if the kid misbehaves or doesn’t want to participate when it comes time to walk down the aisle?  For all the kids who get excited when they hear about your wedding, here are five pros that may help push you towards having a little flower girl or ring bearer.

5. Kids are cute and full of love…

Just one glance at this adorable flower girl puts a smile on my face.  Children just want to be loved as they have so much love to give in return. Most kids eat up the opportunity to feel special and to feel like they are adding charm to your wedding day. To make certain you get a photo of your flower girl as cute as this one bring mom or dad along so the little one feels comfortable and don’t forget their favorite toy.

Princess Bride Child Costume

4. Kids are fun and full of energy…

Kids keep the party going and they help keep our own energy going. This little guy looks like he is having a great day and is proud to be the ring bearer. How cute are his shoes and suit?  Yes along with their energy may be some screaming and running around, but weddings are meant to be fun! Let go of the stress and join all the kids running around the dance floor at your wedding and start enjoying all the hard work you and your spouse put into this momentous celebration!

Spanx Power panties with tummy control

3. Kids are full of laughter…

At those too serious moments when you need a laugh just ask any kid to tell you a joke or have them say or do just about anything. Kids love to laugh and know all about having a good time, just ask kids why they watch SpongeBob! They know how to make our lives better and when you look back your photos and see kids like this funny little guy you will be thankful that you chose to have them in your wedding. So laugh it up with all the children during your big day and throw in a SpongeBob gift that they will be sure to enjoy while sitting at the kids table.

2. Kids are unpredictable…

Sometimes unpredicted events can give you a great wedding story to tell for years to come. On your 10th anniversary you’ll look back at your wedding album at the kid who wouldn’t let go of the dress as you walked down the aisle with your new husband…the little guy had the biggest crush on you and wanted you all to himself! This is the story that makes the best of the pros for having children in your wedding so bring toys, dolls, coloring books, and games to keep the kids entertained and to make for sweet unpredictable stories not cranky ones. If you really want to go all out for the kids hire a clown or a magician who will definitely keep them happy, just make sure they’re not afraid of clowns!

Remember that kids are just that…kids! Even if you get the crying flower girl or the ring bearer who stomps his way down the aisle it still makes for a fun memory and a fun day! You and your new spouse are getting married and get to spend the rest of your lives together and nothing is going to get in your way of the love you share.

1. Including kids includes great ideas…

Having kids in the wedding makes for great ideas like this adorable flower girl being pulled in a wagon by the ring bearer in this wonderful photo. Think of ideas and ways to include the kids in your special day. Ask the ring bearer to dance with you after you have danced with your new husband or ask the flower girl to dance after you have danced with your new wife. If you don’t have anyone to walk you down the aisle I’m sure your ten year old nephew would be honored to step in. Remind the kids to sign the guest book and make a toast to the new couple or have someone include them in a toast.

Weddings can be one of the most important days of our lives and capturing those special moments like the groom’s first glance at his beautiful bride is a very important part of that day. But how do we go about choosing the right photographer to make certain that those moments will be shot and how can we trust that our pictures will turn out beautifully? Listen to these 5 tips and you shall find the perfect photographer who will capture the perfect memories for your wedding day.

5. What fits into your budget?

Now that you both have crossed other big items off your list, how much are you willing to spend on the photography? Did you go over budget on your gown or venue, but you still want the photographer who may be more than you can afford?  If so don’t be afraid to contact them and ask about their prices and see if they are able to negotiate. Tell them that you’re thankful for their time, however your budget won’t allow for their prices. This is when the photographer might surprise you with a return email or call and ask you about your budget and what will work for both of you. Don’t forget to check out every detail of the photographer’s wedding package and what’s included within the price they are given you. Ask how much extra photos cost, photo albums for your parents, and if engagement photos are included. Don’t be left in the dark and find a bill in the mail that isn’t what you negotiated.

Could you be lucky enough to have one of the Top 10 Wedding Photographers of 2009 like Jasmine Star? Jasmine captured a special moment for Jessica and Roy as they took their first few photos together on their wedding day. You can see the passion they have for each other and now Jessica and Roy will forever be able to hold on to this moment with thanks to their talented photographer. Contact Jasmine (who is the photographer in the top photo) to see if her prices fit into your budget.

4. Do some research…

Within the last five years the internet has blossomed with wedding blogs like Weddingbee.com, photographer blogs like JessicaClaire.net and wedding message boards like the ones at TheKnot.com. The information is out there waiting for you to find it, so start Googling! Find brides in your area who had a great experience with their photography and ask them if they can email you a sample of their beautiful pictures. Ask your family members who to stay away from, remember theres a horror story for every great photographer story. When you do find someone who has great reviews set up a meeting to check out their work and see if it fits your style.

Would a fun personality work with your style? Are you willing to play around on the rings in the park and make for a unique and memorable shoot with photographers Jessica Claire and Braedon like couple Allison and Delwin did? Every serious shot needs a fun one, so contact Jessica or Braedon to ask about their style.

3. What are you looking for?

Do you want your wedding to tell a story with candid, emotional pictures or do you want to have certain posed images with the bridal party and guests? How do you want to remember your day? For our wedding I want those random shots that tell a story and show the love in the room and the bond that everyone shares with us. However, I would also like us to have a few photos with our bridal party and our family members. Though I don’t want us to look posed, I do want to have these photos just incase the random shots don’t capture everyone that came to our wedding.

SPANX Higher Power High-Waisted Mid-Thigh Shaper 032

Another important idea to think about is how you want your photos edited and processed. Do you like how photographer Jaci Clark has edited this photo to make the moment more romantic? The first photo just looks like a simple shot that any photographer could have made at a wedding, but with her artistic eye Jaci has turned this photo into a touching memory that the bride and groom will think of every year on their anniversary. Contact Jaci if this is how you would like to remember your big day.

2. Make a list…

There are so many elements of your wedding day that are important and obvious to you, but that doesn’t mean that your photography knows that these components of your wedding are significant. You have a voice and it should be heard from everyone you are dealing with for your wedding and the photographer should be at the top of that list. If there is a brooch on your bouquet that was your grandmother’s tell your photographer about it. Make a list of all the shots you want and if it’s near the end of your day and you feel like something was left out than let them know.

Photographers Jennifer and CJ Nichols, who are husband and wife, took a moment to capture the bride’s beautiful bouquet and mixed in other details like the matching decor that Kate and James had at their amazing wedding. Sometimes the little details are missed and this could have been something the bride and groom had on their list or maybe it was something the Nichols knew the bride would love. Contact Jennifer and CJ so that all your details will be caught on film.

1. Which shots make the cut?

Does anyone have their eyes closed, was the sun in anyone’s face, are the kids behaving, and how does the picture make you feel? These are questions you want to ask yourselves as you look through the hundreds or maybe thousands of shots your photographer took on your wedding day. Your wedding package only includes so many photos, but the photographers take more than needed to make sure the perfect shot was taken. So now the pressure is turned on to you because these will be the photos you will keep. However, this is does not always make things final because many photographers allow for extra photos to be picked months later for an extra cost. You could also ask for the negatives for the option of processing photos years later.

To me this photo with the little boy crying that photographer Peter Pawinski won six place for in 2006 with the WPJA would be a shot I would keep! Although some brides and grooms would be upset about this photo and upset at the little boy for crying, you have to factor in how tired he must be. Weddings are fun for adults and some kids, but little kids might have a hard time keeping up with all the directions. So unless you think this photo is cute like I do, bring some toys for the little kids to keep them happy during the photo shoots. Contact Peter if you have kids at your wedding who will keep everyone on their toes!

Every girl loves a pair of fabulous shoes to complete her ensemble and no other day is more important for those shoes than your wedding day. Of course style is the first thing we look for in a shoe, but comfort on a day when you are constantly on your feet is significant. Here are 5 stylish but comfortable shoes you may find your feet dancing in

5. Kate Spade is more than handbags…

These beautiful Kate Spade Gali sandals come in ivory, white, fuschia, navy, and black satin. At Zappos.com  you can find a pair for $351.95. The cute bow and touch of bling give these shoes a five star rating for style and fans at Zappos have given the Gali a four and half star rating for comfort.

4. RSVP those 5 stars for Comfort and Style…

These RSVP heels received a 5 star rating for comfort and style at Zappos.com. The sleek, sexy sandal will keep you on your feet all night and will have everyone jealously talking when they find out you only paid $65.00. Grab these shoes to help your budget stay on track after you bought that Vera Wang gown before it’s too late!

3. Too Tall for Heels…

Bettye Muller has a very creative sense of fashion and style and gives all us tall girls the chance to express that with these antique, gold leather birdseye flats. Hurry over to Bluefly.com who only has two pair left, each selling for $117.99. I will certainly be on the search for a pair of flats for my own wedding day, being that I’m on the tall side!

2. Walking in a Winter Wonderland …

Another creative mind is Pura Lopez who designed these beautiful white heels that are perfect for a winter wonderland wedding. The adorable ruffled pumps can be found at Footlux.com for $245.54. Don’t forget your faux fur bolero jacket to help keep you stylish and warm as the snow falls on your dreamy, white wedding day.

1. Sink your toes in the sand…

J.Crew has always been about style and now with these blush pink sandals you can walk on the sand in comfort during your beach wedding. They have just enough pop of color and a little ruffled flower to show off your personality. They also come in silver and gold for $88.00.

Celebrities have many stylists to help them create their fabulous red carpet looks and though we may not have thousands of dollars we can recreate their hot hairstyles with a little help from our neighborhood hair salons. Here are five wedding hair trends that may just be the perfect look to complete your wedding day ensemble.

5. Soft and Elegant…

Keira Knightley’s updo is perfect for a beach wedding matched with a soft laced wedding gown. With the elegant touch of a beautiful beaded barrette Knightley turns a simple look into a million dollar hairstyle.

4. Cute and Curly…

Claire Danes’ curly updo is cute for any wedding style especially one for a bride wearing a beautiful ball gown. A small tiara would complete this look for a princess bride walking down the aisle to marry her prince.

3. Sleek and Sizzling…

All six of these celebrity ladies look sizzling with their sleek updos that are hot for a bride in a mermaid gown or a form fitting style. Pair this look with drop earrings and your groom to be will not be able to keep his hands off you!

2. Long and Wavy…

Sarah Jessica Parker’s long, wavy hair will make your vintage style rock. With a vintage gown and a pair of hot red heels you will be singing tunes from the 50’s and getting hitched in style.

1. Beautiful Braids…

Jessica Alba’s braided updo is sophisticated and sexy for any bride’s style whether it be a simple A-line silhouette or a dramatic sheath halter. Since beginning my search for the perfect wedding hairstyle for my own wedding, Alba’s look has been my favorite and I hope to recreate it for my big day.

Which celebrity hairstyle will you recreate for your wedding day?

Before you buy certain wedding items like invitations, bridesmaid dresses, flowers, and even cake, it’s important to think of all the colors you would like to incorporate. Here are 5 wedding color ideas that may help you with planning the wedding day of your dreams.

1.  Yellow is Hot for Spring or Summer…

Yellow floral arrangements can include roses, daisies, daffodils, cymbidium orchids, and calla lilies. White, blue, or green are great colors to accent your bright hues of yellow. Fun centerpieces of lemons will get your party talking about how creative you are. Yellow is a fun, bright color and doesn’t have to look like the yellow bus color you remember from elementary school. Make your wedding day shine just as bright as your beautiful smile.

2. Bright blue as the ocean or as dark as the night sky…