Tricks of the Trends
In their quest for that special something, brides may find they have a lot of company
It started as a trickle. Then the idea flowed to wedding planners around the country and for the last couple of years, a chocolate fountain has been the wedding showstopper. And that’s not the only trend that might get you hooked.
Everyone is looking for special touches, such as abundant chocolate riches, to make their wedding memorable. Couples glean information from magazines, wedding planners and Web sites.
It’s easy to get swept away by the hype, especially when budget-busting star weddings make the headlines and turn mortal brides envious.
“People want to emulate celebrities,” says Rosanna McCoullough, editor-in-chief of WeddingChannel.com. “When people see what the celebrities are doing, they say when it’s my wedding it’s my turn to be in the spotlight.”
However, when you’re searching for a distinctive concept you can easily get caught up in short-lived fads that are dead before you can say, “I do.” And worse, when you’re chasing the hottest new idea you can lose sight of what you personally prefer.
Rather than look for the something to replace the chocolate fountain, rely on your own tastes and preferences, says McCoullough.
“I think a lot of brides and grooms feel pressured to compete with the Jones’ and do it one up. You really shouldn’t care what everyone else does. You can explore all ideas and pick and choose what you like so your wedding is personal and unique,” she says.
And if you happen to be passionate about something that’s not hip and fashionable, so what, says McCoullough.
When you’re working with a wedding expert don’t feel pressured to accept or reject ideas because of they’re either in or out of fashion.
As a high-end events planner, Laurel Szeto’s fad radar is more fine-tuned than most. She tells clients when an idea has peaked, but lets them make up their own minds.
“When you see almonds in a bag all the time, it’s done,” says Szeto, president of Laurel & Party, a Los Angeles party planning company.
If you don’t want your wedding celebration to mimic that of your friends you’ll have to look beyond the obvious for inspiration.
Although it’s fun to browse magazines and attend wedding promotions hosted by party planners, you still make the decisions.
To keep up, see what fashionable restaurants are doing, visit Web sites for event planners and see what they’re doing; and read what’s going on in home décor, says Szeto.
You may find little items that pique your interest.
For example, maybe you’ll find a paint-your-own pottery shop where you can decorate take-home dishes for your guests. Or maybe you’ll discover a plant you’d like to use for a table centerpiece. Allow yourself time to be inspired.
Bev Bennett, a veteran food writer and editor, is the author of "Dinner for Two: A Cookbook for Couples" and "30-Minute Meals for Dummies"
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