JAN/FEB 2025
the
trends issue FASHION, JEWELRY, DECOR, FLOWERS, & MORE...
glow!
FACE THE DAY WITH PERFECT SKIN
DON’T MAKE THESE 10 MAJOR MONEY MISTAKES
love struck CATWALK LOOKS FROM NY BRIDAL FASHION WEEK
CONTENTS JAN/FEB 2025
FASHION & BEAUTY 10 COVER STYLE
How to get that beautiful look.
12 MOOD BOARD
News from the bridal runway front.
16 ALL THAT GLITTERS Have you heard? Diamond earrings (the bigger the better) are making lots of noise right now.
18 BEAUTY FILE
Complexion perfection is yours with these genius K-beauty products.
21 BODY FILE
Healthy, yummy big-day breakfast ideas.
44 WILD FLOWER
When it comes to wedding style you are so not a shrinking violet.
WILD FLOWER Page 44
justinalexander.com
CONTENTS JAN/FEB 2025
WEDDING PLANNING 20 ASK DAVID TUTERA
What our guru has learned from his brides.
24 PARTY PLANNER
A wedding weekend in Virginia.
28 TRENDS 2025
96
Trusted wedding pros share what they’re seeing in the year to come. by Carol Straley
GET MORE ONLINE AT
32 IF I COULD DO IT AGAIN
bridalguide.com
Woulda coulda shoulda musings from real brides. by Debra Witt
SWEET SURPRISES Surprise your partner on the big day with the ideas at bridalguide. com/surprise
35 PLANNING NOTEBOOK
BOTANICAL GARDEN Find inspiration for a garden wedding at bridalguide.com/garden
Seaworthy wedding and style tips from designer Randy Fenoli. by Diane Forden
TAKE A SEAT Find fab ways to dress up your reception tables at bridalguide.com/table
38 WEDDING ALBUM
Tying the knot in a nature museum.
NEWS & FEATURES
TRAVEL NEWS
7 WEDDING Q&A
70 RESORT ROUNDUP
Etiquette questions and answers.
00
These properties offer amazing love boats to their discerning guests.
36 10 BUDGET BLUNDERS
How to avoid these common weddingspending pitfalls.
74 WEDDINGS AWAY
Host a storybook celebration when you wed in Germany’s Black Forest.
76 REAL DESTINATION WEDDING
Happily ever after began with a celebration of cultural fusion in Scotland.
86 ALL-INCLUSIVE INTEL
Say “I do” to having it all when you wed at an all-inclusive resort.
82 REAL DESTINATION WEDDING
The ultimate party city was the perfect backdrop for this Oklahoma couple.
96 FIRST LOOK
Cancun welcomes a new hideaway to its sparkling shores.
28
76
Be seated in style.
Trends 2025
OUT OVERSTATED DESIGN IN QUIET LUXURY • “We are finding that most of our couples are leaning into beautiful, luxurious designs that focus more on quality than quantity,” says Tyler Speier of Tyler Speier Events. • “We love juxtaposing some minimalist elements with a more maximalist backdrop. For instance, juxtaposing a more minimalist tablescape against an intricate European-inspired villa. Or juxtaposing intricate, lush tables against a more modern, clean space.”
Easy elegance. 28 BRIDALGUIDE.COM Jan/Feb 2025
OUT DELICATE COLOR PALETTES IN GOING FOR THE BOLD • “Bolder color palettes are being requested,” says Michelle Cousins of Michelle Leo Events, “with jewel tones and dark, moody colors making a comeback for late fall/early winter weddings. We’ve even experienced brighter/bolder color palettes for our summer weddings this year, which is a breath of fresh air!” • “Color is finding its way into all parts of weddings,” says Jove Meyer of Jove
PHOTOGRAPHY (FROM TOP) PHOTO BY EDWARD WINTER / READYLUCK; RYAN RAY
THERE'S NOTHING WE LOVE MORE THAN GETTING INSIDE THE HEADS OF OUR FAVORITE EVENT PROS ON THE PLANET. WE ASKED THEM FOR THE INTEL ON ALL THINGS WEDDING FOR THE YEAR AHEAD—AND THEY DID NOT DISAPPOINT. BY CAROL STRALEY
Meyer Events and podcast Weddings-ish with Jove, “from the ceremony aisle
PHOTOGRAPHY (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) TRACY AUTEM PHOTOGRAPHY;JaMES & JESS; AFRIK ARMANDO; JOSE VILLA; TRACY AUTEM PHOTOGRAPHY
to tabletops, ceiling installations—even dress codes.” • “Ceremonies are no longer white and green, notes Meyer. “They are bursting with color, and the new trend is little to no greenery. Let the beautiful flowers and their colors be the focus.” • “Some popular color palettes are sunset— think oranges, pinks, yellows,” says Meyer. “The wildflower palette is also popular— think sunset, but add some light blue, light purple, whites, and greens.” • “Color schemes are shifting towards striking contrasts, with black and brown emerging as a new go-to pairing, while vibrant shades like ‘brat green,’ aka chartreuse, continue to capture attention,” say Bianca Hall and Erica Vanco of Estera Events.
Color starts with the invites!
Look up!
Technicolor candles extend the palette.
OUT MINIMALIST STATIONERY IN ARTISTIC TOUCHES • “The most requested artwork for invites is of venue illustrations,” says Kelley Nudo, client relations, Momental Designs. “This is especially appealing to couples who have selected venues with breathtaking architecture or idyllic views.” OUT UNDERSTATED FLORALS IN LAVISH, TEXTURED FLORALS • “Floral installations don’t need to just be made with flowers,” says Speier. “We are seeing lots of branches, twigs, vegetables, fruits, and unique blooms/textures being requested by clients.” • “Tight flower arrangements are on the way out,” says James Abel of James Abel Events. “Looser flower arrangements have a more organic feel, and brighter colors are bringing tabletops to a new level.”
Taking a guest-centric approach.
“WHEN COUPLES CHOOSE TO LEAN INTO A WHITE OR NEUTRAL WEDDING PALETTE, THEY ARE DOING SO IN BOLD WAY VIA COLOR BLOCKING, AND HAVING GUESTS ALSO MATCH THE ALL-WHITE OR SHADES OF WHITE PALETTE.”
OUT ROUND TABLES ONLY — JOVE MEYER IN CREATIVE TABLE LAYOUTS • “Long rows of rectangular connected tables allow guests to sit closer together and engage more intimately,” says Meyer. • “Oval tables are also making a comeback; they have the benefits of a round shape mixed with a rectangle, and add character to the room’s design.” OUT PLAIN TABLETOP DECOR IN FABULOUS FABRICS • “Textured linens are trending in wedding design because they add a layer of visual interest, creating a rich, tactile experience," say Hall and Vanco. “Patterns are also making a strong statement, with chinoiserie making a comeback.” ➺
The sweetest things.
29
Bridalguide.com
Cozy Winter Wedding Ideas Add warmth to your cold-weather wedding with the toasty ideas at bridalguide.com/cozy
TOP WEDDING AESTHETICS
Wedding experts unveil the top trending visions at bridalguide.com /vision
CEREMONY SEATING PLAN
Seat your guests in comfort and style with the tips at bridalguide.com /seating
DESSERT DOS & DON’TS Learn what you need to know at bridalguide.com/dessert
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PHOTOGRAPHY (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): LIS PHOTOGRAPHY; MANDEE JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY; SWEETLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY; ADAM AND BECCA PHOTO & VIDEO
what’s new...
HONEYMOON & DESTINATION WEDDING GUIDE
Storybook Escapes
PHOTOGRAPHY: CLIVEDEN HOUSE
Experience the reality of a fairy-tale setting when you wed in Germany’s Black Forest—it’s the site of so many classic fables. One couple realized their happily ever after with a big bash at a bonafide caste in Scotland. Another toasted with friends and family in the classic party town of Las Vegas. Speaking of famous destinations: Take a peek at the newest resort in Cancun. And set sail into the sunset at these properties with their own boats.
Escape to Germany’s Black Forest. Jan/Feb 2025 BRIDALGUIDE.COM000 67