Out of Town Guests

Having a lot of out of town guests? If you’re feeling the pressure to be a great hostess and a bride all at once, a great way to welcome them is an out of town welcome bag. It’s a thoughtful bag that you can easily fill with brochures to the local attractions, gift cards to local stores or restaurants, and little favors like sunscreen or flip-flops are popular items for an out of town wedding bag. This will keep your guests happy and entertained in the days they are in town.

Also, to keep out of town guests in the loop with what’s going on, timelines can be helpful. It usually includes a basic idea of what time everything important begins and a thoughtful message thanking them for coming. This can be in their hotel room along with a welcome bag.

Your out of town guests will feel welcome and included and you might even learn a little something about the area. Enjoy!

Nice to Meet You...

Hello everyone! My name is Mariel Matos and I am an intern with Stylish Traditions this semester. I grew up in Puerto Rico and went to high school in Satellite Beach, Florida. Currently, I attend the University of South Florida in Tampa. Go Bulls!

I don't have much experience in event planning, but that is what I hope to get out of this experience. I am so excited to learn from the Stylish Traditions family, I'm sure I'll enjoy every minute of it! I hope to work in wedding and event planning in the future. So, here is an inspiration board I put together; kind of like a snapshot of things I love. Hope you like it!

Newest Wedding Dress Trends

2012 starts a new year....which means all new bridal gown styles to choose from!  Gals who have already purchased your dresses, don't fret! Just like any season, many trends are rolling over into this season.  But, there are many more fun shapes, ideas, and even colors to choose from in 2012!  Bridal designers are stepping outside the proverbial bridal box, if you will, for gowns that are leaving us wanting more this year!  Check out three of the  latest and greatest trends below...

Chiffon & Tulle Galore!
Not that these fabrics weren't in high demand before... but brides are starting to realize their figure flattery is unprecedented and with a high quality designer, comes high quality fit.  Just because the fabric is lighter than air, doesn't mean it can't show your killer shape on your wedding day.

Reem Acra Gown "I Am Beautiful" - Check this out on the Red Carpet this award season, too!

"Heidi" Gown by Monique Lhuillier.  Love the simplicity. 

"Bouquet" Gown by Monique Lhuillier.
Organza doesn't have to be simple... it can be used to add beautiful flowing texture...
 in a way that really makes a statement

Color Change-Up!
No longer are the days of white or ivory.  Now designers are mixing things up.  I think we have Reese Witherspoon to thank for the blush trend as seen in her wedding gown this past season.  But as for the rest of the trends, I'm not sure why they are happening but I sure love it!  Insiders tip?  If you're going for a colored dress, always make sure you can see a swatch before purchasing to make sure it goes with your skin tone... if you order a blush dress and you hate the color, you can't return it!

 

Blush dresses by Monique Lhuillier and Vera Wang.  Black and white gown by Rivini.  P.S. This Rivini photo is an exclusive taken by the Fashion Director himself!!  Keep it hush, hush!

Goodbye Sweetheart Neckline - Bring in the New Options!

Many designers are straying from the classic sweetheart, strapless or V-neck options this season.  Make note that the lighter the fabric (think lace or tulle), the more flattering and soft different neckline options will look!

Always remember, trends are fabulous but always go with what looks best on YOU.  You are the star of the show that day and trends will fade but your wedding photos will last forever!  Happy shopping!!!

Tumblr!!!

Meet Tumblr- Stylish Tradition's new way to share everything!  We now have a profile set up thanks to Megan- so follow us as we share texts, links, quotes, pictures and videos!

Check us out at Stylishtraditions.tumblr.com

Newest Stylish Traditions Coordinator!

I'm so excited to be a part of the Stylish Traditions team!  I recently moved to Tampa from Orlando where I was in the wedding industry for multiple years working as a Wedding Coordinator.  I began my love of events during my time in college at The Florida State University!  I have spanned a wide range of events: everything from non-profit organizations, to bridal showers, to small and large scale weddings.

My passion lies in weddings; I love being a part of the most important day of my bride and groom's lives! I want to be a resource for the latest trends mixed with the most classic elements that will make each wedding day timeless. My organization and knowledge on the best vendors, appropriate budgeting and most efficient ways of planning will make your wedding day preparation be a stress-free, memorable experience!  


Below are just some of my favorite things I've found today!

A Greek sorority or fraternity wedding!

With the recent wedding we did for one of my sorority sisters Megan, we wanted to share different ways someone can go about recognizing their Greek affiliation at a wedding!

First- You can wear your pin on or under your dress, and your fiancée can do the same on or under his suit!

Second- You could carry an entire bouquet of your flowers or if you would rather, you can just work one of the flowers into the bouquet.

Third- If your sisters are your bridesmaids they too can have one or many of that special flower in their bouquet.

Forth- Depending on how well the sorority or fraternities colors match you can try to incorporate them into the color scheme of the wedding. For Example- bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen ties, or tablecloths.

Fifth- If your Greek affiliation had any readings that were read during initiation, or at chapter you can have someone read this at your ceremony.

Last, but not least- The songs! We all have plenty of songs and chats we have learned and some even specifically for a wedding. Have a chair in the middle of the dance floor for you to sit in, and have your sisters or brothers honor your day with one of the songs.

Hope you have enjoyed! Have a great weekend!

Honeymoon Registry

Thinking about wedding registration, but already live with your fiancé and have all the appliances you need? Here is another option, register with Traveler’s Joy or Honeyfund!

Both are websites that allow guests to help pay for a piece of your honeymoon. If experiences are more important than items to you then you should consider it!

With more couples living together before they get married and the average age of people getting married rising the use for household items has gone down.

Asking people to help pay for a couples massage on the beach, or parasailing during the day is a fun exciting thing to think about. Have people help you get to the places you cannot on your own.

Registering at home good stores and at a honeymoon fund website is also possible in case you want to give people the option of one or the other.