2012 Wedding Dress Trends: Back to Black

Out of all the wedding dress trends for the year 2012, black wedding gowns definitely made the biggest impression on us. Designers Vera Wang and Romona Keveza showcased raven-hued ball gowns, cocktail dresses and evening wear (which could double as second-dress options) at last year’s bridal market, leaving editors and buyers pleasantly surprised. The contrast offers a refreshing alternative from the classic stark white or off-white wedding dress for the fashion-conscious or off-breat bride. But we want to know, would you do an all black dress for your wedding? To see more black wedding dresses, visit our gown gallery at PerfectWeddingGuide.com.

Bridal Elegance by Darlene showcased her bold statement wedding dresses at NMWP‘s Wicked Wedding Show put together by Sheraton Uptown.

Dress provided by Bridal Elegance by Darlene

Dress provided by Bridal Elegance by Darlene

Networking was wonderful!

Shauna and I had a great day time at our wedding professionals networking event at the Desert Greens Golf Course.  Every single seat was filled and our the bridal board gave very valuable information to the attendees. We would like to thank all of our sponsors who worked so well together to make this event a success (listed below). Photos by Bryan’s Photography are posted below.  The video of our luncheon will be posted soon, stay tuned!

Feedback from luncheon attendees:

“The input that was given by the panel was very informative” – Better Health

“Another great luncheon, Thank you” – Dave Doyle of Abundant Blessings

“You always have a great facility for the luncheons. It was very informative and well done event.” – Naomi Romero of Garcia’s Tents

“I learned that what is important to the bride is to be personal and take an interest in them. Please have more bridal boards, this was a great luncheon.” – ABC Cake Shop & Bakery

“I appreciated hearing how important relationships are between vendors and brides.” – ABQ Trolley Co.

“We enjoyed the interaction with the bridal board. We were able to learn about qualities that the brides are looking for in vendors.” – Hyatt Tamaya

“I loved hearing what the brides had to say about personality and quality.” – Inn at Rio Rancho

“The reviews by the bridal board will help us so much. We learned that everyone working in the company needs to polite and joyful.” – Akshay Patel of Simply Décor & Events

“I enjoyed learning what turns brides off when it comes to wedding vendors.” –Rancho de Corrales Event Center

“The bridal board was very informative. I learned that they want people who are sincere.” – Patricia Reyes of Just Love Songs

Photo by Bryan's Photography

Photo by Bryan's Photography

Photo by Bryan's Photography

Photo by Bryan's Photography

Photo by Bryan's Photography

Photo by Bryan's Photography

Photo by Bryan's Photography

Thank you to the following sponsors:

Desert Greens Golf Course, venue, food, chocolate fountain, and ceiling draping

Bryan’s Photography, photography services

Just Love Songs, entertainment

Differently Designed, invitations

Garcia’s Tents & Events, linens and table runners

Finishing Touches, chair covers & ties

Forever Folded, centerpieces

King Mobile Music, Sound System

Silver Swirl Studios, place cards

Wedding Trends: Pinterest for Wedding Planning

By now (unless you’ve been living under a rock), you’ve heard of the really cool (and addictive) virtual photo pinboard, Pinterest.com. The visual site allows you compile ideas, inspiration and other fodder found around the Web and “pin” them to a pinboard to share with other members on the site.

It’s become a worldwide phenomenon, and is a big hit with brides-to-be. Recently we scoured the site and found pinboards with an array of wedding planning topics from wedding dresses, wedding hair, reception ideas, and more. The list goes on and on. And because you can add the “pin it” button to your computer’s bookmarks tab, you can pin just about any and everything you find online!

Brides, do you have a Pinterest account? What are some of the most creative and interesting things you’ve pinned or repined from others? Leave us your username in the comments field below. And be sure to check follow our pins: Pinterest.com/PerfectWedding.

To read more please visit Head over Heels.

Spring 2012 Color Trend: Tangerine

Each year the color experts at Pantone announce the most striking colors that will take the fashion and interior design industries by storm, and within those selections, they designate a color of the year. For spring 2012, that color is Tangerine Tango (Pantone 17-1463). A bold reddish-orange hue that is sure to look fabulous in bridesmaid dresses, florals, linens and everything else in between.

We predict the tangerine craze taking over color pallets for spring and summer 2012 wedding. It’s a fresh and flirty color that evokes happiness whenever you see it! Are you linking Tangerine Tango? How would you incorporate the color into your big day?

To read more, visit  Head over Heels.

Photo credits:
1. Bow ties via C’est la vie by Elle
2. Florals via heavenlybloomsblog.com
3. OPI Nail Lacquer in Totally Tangerine
4. Model photo via C’est la vie by Elle
5. Runway image via Jenny Packham
6. Stationery via ModernGirlInvitations.com
7. Tangerine Ginger Rum Jam via Foodoro.com
8. “Sophie” pump via selve.co.uk

The upcoming wedding fashions of 2012

It is the time of engagement season, as a great number of people are getting on one knee and proposing to their significant other. Many will start planning a wedding, and several brides will be eager to start looking for their perfect, beautiful wedding dress.

According to the Washington Post, there are a number of new wedding fashion trends that people may want to look out for when they are attempting to find a gown. One trend is a high, thigh-baring slit that accompanies the elegant dress along with multiple layers and textures to bring uniqueness to the design.

In addition, many are coming up shortin regards to the hemline. These perky and simple dresses are what many brides who like to be a little more casual can appreciate. Those who are opting for elegance may be interested in long-sleeved and lace dresses, which are sure to be a wedding trend of the next year along with illusion necklines, consisting of a strapless dress with a lace covering, and sequined-embellished waist ribbons, the media outlet reports.

Bridal board members needed

Every year Perfect Wedding Guide puts on two networking luncheons for the wedding professionals around the Albuquerque and Santa Fe area.  Our upcoming luncheon will be at the Desert Greens Golf Course on January 11, 2012 from 11:30am-1pm.  This luncheon will feature a bridal board, consisting of ten couples that have planned or are planning a wedding. Wedding vendors will have the chance to learn what is going through the couples minds when selecting wedding vendors for their wedding.

If you know of anyone that has planned or are planning a wedding and might be interested in participating in our bridal board, please have them contact Melanie at 505-797-2749 or melanie.martinez@pwg.com. For participating, these couples will receive gift bags filled with donations from multiple business around Albuquerque as well as a complimentary lunch at the luncheon.

If you are interested in attending our Luncheon as a wedding professional, please click here to download the rsvp form.

Photo Credit: The Photography Studio

Thank you to our following sponsors of our January 2012 luncheon:

Desert Greens Golf Course- venue

Garcia’s Tents- Linens

Just Love Songs- music

Bryan’s Photography- photography

Forever Folded- centerpieces

Differently Designed- invitations

King Mobile Music- sound system

Silver Swirl Studios- place cards

Wedding Dress Fashion Show

Bridal Elegance by Darlene is a wedding gown shop in Albuquerque that is known for great customer service and beautiful wedding gowns.  They will be hosting a trunk show event featuring gowns by Maggie Sottero, Moonlight and Jasmine Bridal. Be sure to visit their store located on 4100 Menaul Blvd NE during on one of the dates below.

January 6th-8th Moonlight- In Store Fashion Show

January 27th-29th Jasmine Bridal – In Store Fashion Show

TBA- Maggie Sottero- In Store Fashion Show

*Fashion show will be held the Friday evening of every event*

For more information please call 505-830-2110 or visit Facebook.com @ Bridal Elegance by Darlene

Tips on planning a wedding on a budget

Most can agree that they want their wedding day to be everything they ever wanted. Planning a wedding on a budget still allows a bride and groom to have the nuptials of their dreams, but it is important to remember what the budget is, as getting carried away can easily happen, according to The Globe and Mail.

The rule of thumb is to make a budget before anything else, and make sure that the bride and groom stick to it. Prioritize the big day, if a bride loves flowers but isn’t big on dessert, find a way to save a couple dollars here and there, the media outlet reports.

According to the Business Insider, it is equally important that guests of a wedding do not exceed their budget as well. In some instances, bridesmaids are able to say “no” to something that seems a bit to lavish, especially if it leaves a wallet quite thin. Guests can save a couple dollars by buying a gift with a group or only purchase a gift for one event – there is no need to get a separate little something for the wedding, bridal shower, bachelorette party and engagement party.

Brides and grooms purchasing unconventional floral arrangements

Many brides and grooms decide to break certain traditions when planning a wedding. This includes everything from nixing the wedding cake and going for cupcakes to skipping the throwing of the bouquet. According to The Grand Rapids Press, one way couples can break from tradition is choosing their flowers.

Kylie Skidmore is a florist in Michigan and recently came across a few new floral trends that many couples are opting for instead of the typical roses and lilies. She has seen cascading bouquets of entirely new elements including grasses and brightly-colored orchids. Some even were made entirely out of fruit, the media outlet reports.

According to the Madison Patch, a new bridal boutique has opened up in Madison, Connecticut, that is focused on the bride who is looking for a small, intimate wedding nuptials that are far from ordinary. Brides and grooms will be able to find whatever they envision for their special day.

“Everything from mismatched bridesmaid’s dresses to wearing cowboy boots under her dress,” boutique owner, Chelsea Jacob Tyler, told the news source.

Fortunately, Albuquerque and Santa Fe have many creative florists that bring your imagination to life. Click here for a list of florists in Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Enchanting Engagement- A Wedding Soiree

Join us for an evening of dancing, visit with top wedding professionals in New Mexico, and view the latestdesigns in bridal attire. Be a part of our bridal bouquet toss giveaway filled with prizes! April 20, 2012 from 6-9pm at Hilton Santa Fe. Click here to register for the Enchanting Engagement in Santa Fe, New Mexico.