WeddingChannel.com Shares the Top 10 Dos and Don’ts for 2011 Weddings
The biggest wedding planning don’t for 2011? Being a control freak! If you’re saying “I do” this year, you’ll have to make quite a few decisions before your big day. There’s no need to feel overwhelmed—WeddingChannel.com (www.weddingchannel.com), the number-one wedding and gift registry website, has come up with the top 10 dos and don’ts brides should consider when planning their 2011 weddings.
DO EMBRACE A THEME : Whether it’s a color, era or destination, focusing on one element will give your wedding a cohesive look. Themes we’re loving for 2011? The roaring ’20s, pale pinks and even the Far East. Everyone has unique tastes, and you should allow your wedding theme to reflect yours. Whatever you choose, embrace the theme and incorporate it into every detail of your special day.
DON’T BE A CONTROL FREAK : Although it may be hard for some brides to give up even the slightest bit of control over their nuptials, it’s worth handing off the reins to someone else. From letting bridesmaids organize the after-party details and asking in-laws to book a surprise performer for the reception to letting the groom make all the honeymoon arrangements and not tell you a single detail, taking a backseat can be exhilarating.
DO PLAY UP HIS AND HERS DETAILS : From a brandy bar for the boys to a martini lounge for the ladies, incorporating his and hers elements will add an unforgettable touch to any wedding reception. Your guests will have plenty of entertainment and will be thrilled you thought of them!
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR WHAT YOU WANT : With the economy picking up, wedding registries are also getting more posh. Last year we saw couples registering for the basic essentials, but this year it’s about registering for the things you’d like to have, not just those youneed. And don’t hesitate to include your registry on your wedding website so guests know where to shop for all the items on your list!
DO HAVE A MEANINGFUL MENU : We’ve all heard the expression, “You are what you eat,” so why not let your wedding menu do the talking? Jet-setters? Choose a menu inspired by all your favorite destinations—from tapas in Spain to crepes in France. Wine lovers? Go haute all the way and pair each course with the perfect wine.
DON’T SKIP THE SIGNATURE TOUCH : Adding some personalized details to your reception will leave guests reminiscing over your big day for months to come. Choose a signature cocktailbased on your favorite drink or one that matches your wedding theme. Surprise your guests with unexpected entertainment during the cocktail hour or reception: Opt for an old-fashioned DIY soda bar and have bartenders mix the soda water and the syrup in front of your guests, or hire a salsa dancer to get your family and friends up on their feet!
DO DINE AND DANCE AFTER DARK : Why not have a wedding that starts when the sun goes down? There’s something about an evening wedding that’s extra glamorous, chic and sultry! Hold a candlelit ceremony around 7 p.m. or 8 p.m., followed by a wedding reception that really is a party—we’re talking dancing into the wee hours of the night and serving “breakfast” around 2 a.m. before the party winds down.
DON’T FORGET TO ADD SOME SPARKLE AND SHINE : Now’s not the time to be modest! Instead, take a cue from the royals and invest in some statement-making bling. For the bold bride, a tiara is the perfect accessory; sequins or sparkle can be incorporated into the wedding cake, flowers or favors for the sophisticated bride.
DO LET OUT YOUR INNER GEEK : Why settle on music alone when you can have your favorite videos playing too? And why choose a traditional guest book when you can have photos or, better yet, video capture guests’ messages to you? Turn up the tech factor at your wedding and you’ll surely give guests something to be excited about.
DON’T THROW OUT ALL TRADITION: While the wedding should be unique and bold, you don’t want to leave out tradition entirely. Brides can wear a long veil, let their in-laws plan the rehearsal dinner or have a small wedding party made up of only family and close friends. Remember, it’s your wedding, and when you look back on the day, you’ll want the wedding ceremony and reception to be a reflection of you and your groom. Decide what traditions are important to you as a couple and incorporate them into your celebration.
About WeddingChannel.com
WeddingChannel.com is the number-one wedding and gift registry website, offering comprehensive wedding-planning content, interactive wedding tools and a central location for couples to manage their gift registries. The patented registry system on WeddingChannel.com brings together registries from the nation’s leading retailers, including Bed Bath & Beyond, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Crate & Barrel, and Target, allowing guests to search one easy site to find a wedding gift. WeddingChannel.com is based in Los Angeles and is a part of The Knot Inc. (NASDAQ: KNOT) lifestage media network.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information regarding WeddingChannel.com, or to speak with an editor, contact Nicole Dombrowski, Associate Public Relations Manager, at 212.515.3594 orndombrowski@theknot.com.
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