I started seeing this trend in the last three years, and it worsens every year. It spreads like malaria.
Gold accents are the growing trend in reception decor, says Alison Morris, owner of The Church on Main.If you go
› What: Bridal Affair 2016, sponsored by the Times Free Press.› When: 1-5 p.m. Sunday.› Where: The Chattanoogan, 1201 Broad St.› Tickets: $8 in advance online, $10 at door› Reservations: www.timesfreepressevents.com
Online impact in wedding planning
› 70 percent of women are already pinning ideas on Pinterest before getting engaged.› 89 percent of brides use a variety of wedding apps for making checklists, browsing gowns, staying organized.› 74 percent of couples use online websites for wedding music.› 55 percent of couples use a wedding hashtag on Twitter, and 20 percent of those print it on their ceremony programs.› 31 percent of brides limit guests from posting wedding photos immediately on social media.› 68 percent say they want their photos posted in real-time.Source: TheKnot.com
2016 Bridal Trends
* Gowns Cover Up: “Long sleeves have been a big trend worn by celebrities on recent red carpets and are being incorporated into bridal style. Softer fabrics are having a moment with a focus on tulle and lace, and we are seeing a lot of requests for off-the-shoulder necklines, similar to what Amal Clooney wore on her wedding day. A lot of brides want to sparkle on their big day so embellishments are definitely trending, with everything from 3-D floral embellishments to bling-worthy crystal details.” — Lori Conley, David’s Bridal divisional merchandise manager for bridal, lingerie and flower girl* Creative Culinary: “In the South, a lot of brides gravitate to dessert receptions and late-night food for the dance floor. More brides are food aficionados these days because of TV shows that help educate them, which tends to drive a desire for a culinary experience that differs from their friends. Late-night hors d’oeuvres get to be more playful. I have a wedding in April where they are making the late-night all about the groom and serving all the things he likes such as miniature hot dogs and milk shakes. It’s all about thinking outside the box to make it fun and personalized.” — Julia McKelvey, St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta* Dinner Options: “The South has always gravitated to the buffet and food stations, so we try to create an elegant evening experience where guests can have that. We may offer a plated first course with salad or a trio offering in small portions, then have dinner stations so guests experience three entree options, then go back to their tables for their seated dinner. It’s a balance of elegance and formality.” — Julia McKelvey, St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta* Going For The Gold: “Metallics remain popular in reception decor, but brides are opting for more gold accents than silver.” — Alison Morris, owner of The Church on Main* Step-By-Step Wedding Prep Photos: “I’m finding brides want an engagement shoot, bridal portrait, rehearsal dinner photos and then follow her all the day through the day of the wedding from getting ready to the reception. I’ve had weddings that were 14- to 15-hour days . We start early in the morning and I go with the bride to her hair and makeup appointments, go with the whole bridal party to get their nails done, then go to the church.” — Joseph Mullins, owner of Simple Abundance Photography* Destination Chattanooga: “We are seeing Chattanooga become more of a destination wedding site. Families come here for vacations, have good memories of the city and return for the wedding. Our city’s price point is good, and we are located between several major cities, making it a short trip for wedding guests.” — Alison Morris, owner of The Church on Main.
Before Tanner Roach popped the question to his high-school sweetheart, Courtney Keehan, he checked her Pinterest boards.