bridal trends

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

Tastings Are Back

I was particularly excited to see the return of caterers offering samples from their event menus. Tastings were more limited in the last year or so, but this year, samples of passed appetizers, entrees, and wedding cake were all available. Many of the tastings featured traditional Southern items, such as barbecue, pimento cheese, and pickled okra, served in ways that were more elevated and elegant. And while there is nothing like a pound cake, cake tastings can open your eyes to flavors such as sweet potato or red velvet for your wedding showstopper.

THE WRITING’S ON THE WALL … AND THE WINDOWS

There was a time when calligraphers — artists who specialize in beautiful handwriting — were only hired for addressing wedding invitations. While they still provide that service, many couples are using calligraphers to add style to their wedding welcome signs, order of service signs, table numbers, seating charts, and more. Popular surfaces include antique windows, reclaimed wood, mirrors, and picture frames. A word of warning: If you are having a hard time reading the calligrapher’s handwriting at a bridal show, chances are that your wedding guests won’t be able to decipher it either, so choose your calligrapher carefully.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Adding artistic expression to weddings is popular today. Many couples turn to watercolorists to design invitations and other stationery.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

LET’S GET PERSONAL

In addition to calligraphy, art is finding its way onto wedding stationery, wedding gifts, and more. Many couples are turning to watercolorists to design the imagery for save-the-dates, invitations, and thank-you notes to add a personal touch to items that traditionally have been more generic. A fun idea on display at the Columbia bridal show was the painted bourbon bottle. An artist takes a top-shelf bourbon and decorates the bottle with the wedding date, an image of the wedding venue, or anything with special meaning to the bride or groom.