| Bye Bye bland and ordinary; hello inventive and | | | | 5) More Seating Options - Go ahead, ditch the |
| inspired! Toss conventional wedding standards out | | | | head table and opt for something a little different. |
| the window and embrace your creative side. | | | | More personal - less awkward. Consider instead a |
| Here's a peek at what's hot for summer 2006. | | | | sweetheart table for two, and enjoy a few |
| 1) Unique Settings - To add a personal touch, | | | | minutes of alone time with your honey. Sit with |
| couples are venturing outside of the traditional | | | | your parents or other guests; it may afford you |
| ceremony at place of worship followed by a | | | | the opportunity to spend some quality time with |
| banquet room reception. The beach remains the | | | | people not a part of the wedding party. Or do |
| most popular spot for summer brides, but also | | | | away with reserved tables and assigned seating |
| consider a mountainside, garden, yacht, museum, | | | | altogether, and mingle with your guests |
| lighthouse, theme park or historic mansion. | | | | throughout mealtime. |
| Anything goes - be original! | | | | 6) Go Clubbing - Of-the-moment brides are |
| 2) Destination weddings - Start the honeymoon | | | | consulting the club scene for wedding décor |
| early, and head to an exotic destination to | | | | inspiration. Transform your reception space into a |
| exchange vows. Destination weddings are | | | | swank lounge with romantic nooks and crannies |
| becoming more and more popular, with couples | | | | conducive to conversing and flirting. Think sexy |
| only inviting close family and friends to share in | | | | lighting, seductive music, plush couches and low |
| the festivities. This saves a lot of money, time | | | | coffee tables. |
| and stress and allows everyone to enjoy a | | | | 7) A Warm Welcome - With the emergence of |
| fabulous summer vacation. What guest won't | | | | destination weddings and guests often spread all |
| appreciate that? | | | | over the country, savvy couples are taking |
| 3) Keep it Small - Forget inviting 400 of your | | | | advantage of a golden opportunity to offer a |
| closest friends. (Who needs the hassle?) Today's | | | | warm welcome and set the tone for a fabulous |
| weddings are more personalized and intimate, with | | | | series of events. What a great idea! Welcome |
| many guest lists topping out at 100 people. Trim | | | | baskets are an added touch that immediately |
| your guest list, and treat your true friends and | | | | comforts the travel-weary and makes your |
| loved to something truly spectacular. | | | | guests feel right at home. |
| 4) Buzz on Bars - They're not just for drinks | | | | 8) Beyond Blush and Bashful - Gone are the days |
| anymore. Take your guests on a culinary journey | | | | of adhering to light pastels and muted shades. |
| of the senses with strategically placed food | | | | Today's summer brides are opting for bold and |
| stations. Dynamic bars with bite sized samples | | | | interesting pairings of colors. Not afraid of mixing |
| allow guests to mingle and savor a number of | | | | purples and orange's, the post-millennium color |
| flavors. So when you think catering - think tiny | | | | palette is expanding. Especially hot this year - |
| and scattered. | | | | purple, in vogue in every shade. |