Friday, February 8, 2013
KITSAP WEDDING EXPO
Local wedding experts offer ideas for the big day doing business, McAfee also works to accommodate weddings for those military couples who wish to have a more traditional wedding on short notice, like those prior to a deployment or move.
By Jessica Ginet jginet@soundpublishing.com
When it comes to planning a wedding, there’s lots to think about. There’s the dress, the theme, the colors, the flowers, the photographer and just where to have the ceremony. Some local businesses that cater to brides and grooms weigh in on what’s hot. The most consistent thing about weddings these days is that they are inconsistent! Wedding styles can range from classic to modern, offbeat to rustic and vintage, or be themed to the season and location. Many engaged couples strive for a unique, personalized wedding that accurately reflects their particular taste.
The dress… Current trends in wedding dresses feature cutout and open-backed dresses, slinky dresses in silk crepes, chiffons and heavy bias charmeuse that provide a flowing, draping effect. Tulle is always popular, both in the classic full, floor-length skirts as well as creatively transformed into narrow, figure hugging shapes. High necklines are popular for those brides that rather not wear a low-cut or strapless look. Long sheer sleeves also provide additional coverage without bulk. Many brides accessorize their wedding dresses with wraps, including bolero jackets, shrugs and capes. Lyanne White of American Rose Bridal in Poulsbo said less formal is often the way. “The trend in dresses is less formal,” White said. “Brides are getting away from satin and choosing more chiffon and flowing fabrics.”
The flowers…
White has also noticed changes in bridal footwear. “Brides are choosing to wear bright colors on their feet and even incorporating fun footwear like cowboy boots and Converse tennis shoes into their wedding ensemble,” she said.
The colors… Locally, White has noticed popular wedding colors in the blue family and those in pink and coral shades. Wedding and reception locations also influence the style and colors used by the wedding party in attire, floral arrangements and the choice of cake.
The venue… In Kitsap County, one of the most popular venues for weddings and receptions is in Port Gamble. Many outdoor weddings are held at the Hood Canal Vista Pavilion in
Port Gamble, with views overlooking picturesque Hood Canal. Some couples decide to combine a church wedding at St. Paul’s Church in Port Gamble with an outdoor reception at the Pavilion. According to Julie McAfee of Port Gamble Weddings and Events, the site is usually booked one year in advance. “Lots of people come from the Seattle and Edmonds area,” she said. “But it’s pretty much a mix of 50/50 with local Kitsap residents and those from outside the area.” McAfee has noticed an increase in weddings booked at the Hood Canal Pavilion. While Port Gamble Weddings and Events is currently booking through 2014, the staff and facility also try to accommodate the large military community. McAfee offers couples a substantial military discount of $300. In her 12 years of
Popular floral arrangements include such items as organic greens, topiaries, colorful produce and flowers like peonies. Floral arrangements adorning the wedding and reception areas include ivy, vines, bamboo and topiary trees. Trends in floral arrangements and centerpieces include incorporating personal family items into the decor. Such items may include family china, objects from the bride and groom’s childhoods and even pieces of fabric from the mother of the bride’s wedding dress wrapped around the bride’s bouquet.
The photos… Local photographer Sarah Musson, owner of Snap Shots, sees a trend in couples wanting their wedding photographs to be, as she said, “Out of the box, new and creative.” These photos are in addition to what Musson calls the “backbone photos - the typical pictures of the wedding party and the bride and groom.” Her most memorable wedding photos were captured on site at a golf course. “The whole wedding party was there -- the ladies had putters and the men were holding golf tees with golf balls on the ground with scared looks on their faces,” the photographer said. Musson said 80 percent of her
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business is by word of mouth. “I work hard to customize to the clients’ needs and their budgets and I’m fun,” Musson said.
The cake… Local bakeries draw from a wide variety of themes and designs for the wedding cake. Fondant is a popular material used to encase the cake with intricate designs. Many couples still opt for a traditional tiered cake and incorporate live flowers in the design and some couples decide to forego the traditional cake in lieu of several smaller round or sheet cakes with assorted cake and frosting flavors. Or they can combine trends. Jennie Foss, lead cake decorator at Poulsbo’s Central Market, said many couples choose to stack the cakes rather than have them separated. Each layer may be a different flavor to suit different palates. “It’s probably due to the area,” she said, “but we do a lot of rustic cakes with twigs, leaves and fresh flowers on them. The rustic cakes tend to reflect the location of the weddings, with lots of local weddings being held in parks and outdoors.” Foss has noticed that bird-themed cakes are increasing in popularity.
And when… The majority of wedding experts agree that July and August are the busiest months for weddings in Kitsap County. It also appears that there is no right or wrong wedding -- couples have the ability to choose from a plethora of venue locations and can choose the accompanying items accordingly.
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