Bride 'N Groom Blog

Featured

Exciting New Wedding Event Trends

They say Necessity is the mother of Invention – and Trends are just the extroverted cousin of Invention! We are so excited about all the emerging ideas for 2021 weddings because they are so outside the box! Let us forge ahead down the exciting path of a fresh new wedding season and discover the things that lay before us!

Lynch Park Wedding | Massachusetts Wedding Photographers — Lynch Park Wedding Caron & Co. Photography

Micro Weddings

First and foremost: don’t confuse a micro wedding for an elopement. Not The Same Thing. A properly executed micro wedding includes all the things you dream of in a standard traditional wedding, just on a much smaller scale. The defining attribute of a micro wedding is the guest list which includes no more than 50 individuals. The intimate size of a micro wedding allows you to use your wedding budget to its full potential. Spring for that full, lace-edged cathedral veil, the orchids you’ve always loved or those crab cakes from that one caterer that were to die for!

Mattapoisett Micro Wedding Photography » Samantha Melanson: Boston Wedding Photographer — Samantha Melanson Photography Boston, Massachusetts

Weekday Weddings

You will be amazed at the venue choices available to you by making this one timeline adjustment! A Weekday wedding broadens the date options for your ceremony making those hard to book venues more viable. Many venues offer a mid week discount as well so make sure to ask about their weekday policies.

How to Create Resources in Google Calendar - Boom Online Marketing

Welcome Bags

In the past Welcome Bags have been presented to out of town guests as a way to thank them for their travels but are making their way to the forefront as suitable gifts for all invitees. Welcome bags can include things like hand sanitizer, disposable masks, printed programs, chocolates, miniature champagne bottles, thank you notes or other assorted favors.

Tea Room or Bistro Style Receptions

Mismatched seating and strategically placed table sizes are a great way to fill a larger space while maintaining an elegant vibe. Use your imagination and mix it up. Variances in table sizes, chair styles, linens or dinnerware will come together to create an unforgettable backdrop for your celebration.

Courtyard Tea Room — Courtyard Tea Room & Map Room Tea Lounge — Courtyard Tea Room Boston, Massachusetts

Reception Menu

Charcuterie boards are a highly popular trend that can be adapted to many reception styles. Serve your guests single-serve portions of delicious locally grown farm-to-table canapes or catered hors d’oeuvres and finger foods.

Backyard Party - Mini Charcuterie Board | Mini cheese boards, Recipes, Charcuterie — Garden Party Mini Charcuterie Board by Pizzazzerie

Ice Cubes. I said what I said. Ice cubes are being jazzed up with herbs, fruits, vegetables and edible flowers to add a little extra to your tables and we are over the moon for this trend! What an ingenious way to add color to your reception! Use as décor for your chilled wine or bottled water, infuse iced water with all the flavors of your garden or add them to your signature cocktail for a visual delight!

Right to Left, Top to Bottom : Herb and Fruit Infused Cubes, Rose Petal Sangria, Decorative Ice and Summer Drinks , Herbal Ice Cubes

Comfort Food is becoming increasingly popular as a reception option. Think mini grilled cheese with tomato soup, tiny BLTs, french fries, yogurt parfait, warm biscuits, milk and cookies and cocoa stations.

Yogurt Parfait, French Fry Station, Buttermilk Biscuit Bar, Milk and Cookie Table

All your friends had wonderful cakes for their weddings but you’re all caked out and the thought of your own no longer excites you. Shock and amaze your guests with a Cheese Wheel Cake! Super unordinary and quite the conversation starter, decorated layers of artisan cheeses will open a world of flavors for your guests!

Photo by Aaron Delesie Photography via Style Me Pretty

We would love to know what wedding trends for 2021 you are most looking forward to. Comment below and let us know your favorite new way to celebrate!

Featured

Live Wedding Painting

The Artist's Brushes Painting by Gedda Runyon Starlin — The Artist’s Brushes Painting by Gedda Runyon Starlin

Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life and while you can trust that your family and friends will be able to produce from their iphones a plethora of candid images for your scrapbook, the inclusion of a Live Event Painter can provide a unique one-of-a-kind portrait of your day that will capture your memories in a way photography cannot.

Live Event Painters are experienced artists with their own individualistic technique, so when going in search of an artist make sure to view their work or galleries to see their painting style. If you are unable to find someone local in your area, discuss your venue with your out-of-area artist of choice. You will find that many will travel to your wedding location.

Jane’s Place

davisdrew

davisdrew is an acrylic artist based out of Little Rock, Arkansas. Her work focuses on creating vibrant stylistic interpretations of people, pets, and places. She travels regularly to complete live wedding paintings.

Cindy Scott Artistry

Cindy Scott Artistry is based out of Colombia, Missouri and specialized in both Live and Livestream painting

Jenni Lou Art

Jenni Lou Art is based out of Denver, Colorodo with artistic services including Live Painting and Commissions.

Snap Chic Wedding Painting

Natalie Pheifer is a professional artist and live wedding painter servicing San Antonio, TX and beyond.
Snap Chic Wedding Painting is based in Boerne, Texas

Corset Back Gowns

Dress: Morilee Lucia, Size 18

A corset back gown is a magical thing, so don’t let all those loops and lacings intimidate you. This style can typically be adjusted up or down a size through the waist and bust giving you a custom fit feel without the extra cost of alterations. It is especially a good option for strapless dresses or brides with a larger chest. The support you get from those laced-to-fit gowns rival even the best of undergarments giving you the confidence to flaunt those curves through the night free from the fear of a wardrobe malfunction. Today we are going to give you the run down of how to lace up one of these beauties. Trust us, if you’ve ever put new laces in your trainers you can conquer the corset back dress! The photos you’ll get on the day of your wedding with your mom or bestie lacing up your gown will be a memorable addition to that “Journey to the Aisle” scrapbook that make it all worth it.

Unique Wedding Favors

Wedding favors are a uniquely personal way to thank your guests for their attendance that goes one step beyond that of the traditional reception party. We found some unique momentos that we would absolutely remember to take home with us at the end of the night.

The gifting of special items to attendees dates back to the early Romans who gave honey-coated almonds to their guests. By the 15th century, confectioners were coating almonds in sugar or candy. These Italian candy covered creations became known as confetti. The natural bitterness of the almond, sweetened by their coatings, were said to symbolize both the good times and the hard times of married life.

If nut allergies are a concern, have no fear! There are many types of favors you can gift to your guests.

Coasters

Everyone loves playing with the pulp board paper coasters at restaurants, and more than a few of us have taken them home on occasion, so why not add a little fun to your own tables! Personalized coasters can be a great way for everyone to remember your day, after the day.

Hand Sanitizer

‘Tis strange times we be living in and hence, the one thing we guarantee your guests will love is hand sanitizer. For you do-it-yourselfers this one is very DIY-able with multiple 2-3oz empty bottle options available on Amazon. Fill with your choice of name brand sanitizer and self-design some great printed labels!

Calendars

Here’s one you may not have seen before. Peel and Stick Calendars! Create your own calendar wedding favors so your guests will remember you all year long. Often your local printing service will have a means of creating or ordering these for you so it’s a great way to support your community businesses!

Paper Parasols

If you are planning a small outdoor or beachside wedding during the summer months your guests might enjoy a quaint paper parasol to shield them from the warm rays of the sun. Instant shade and just plain fun!

Make a Charitable Donation

If you and your betrothed are not into tchotchkes, make a donation to your favorite charity, nonprofit or medical research group to commemorate the time your friends and family celebrated your happiest day with you!

Box, care, charity, donate, donation, foster, help icon

Best Bridal under $2000

It’s your wedding and it’s time to shine! If you’re an avid watcher of Say Yes to the Dress, you already know how broad price ranges can be for bridal gowns. Let’s say that $14,000 Swarovski Crystal encrusted gown just doesn’t mesh with your budget. We’re bringing you our favorite dresses, under $2000, that will make you feel like a princess!

MYSTIQUE

Fit for a fairy tale, this beautiful bridal ballgown features a diamanté and crystal beading over an embroidered illusion net bodice. The full skirt tulle skirt is layered of over a sequined net that catches the light as you move across the dance floor. Attachable bodice lining available. Shown in Nude.

Orderable in White, Nude, or Ivory.

Orderable in sizes 0 – 28

KACEY

Effortlessly romantic Kacey is a stunning fit and flare gown crafted from misty tulle and allover lace with a hint of sequin sparkle. The classic sweetheart neckline features off-the-shoulder illusion lace straps that easily detach for an instant strapless look. Richly beaded Schiffli lace applique’s adorn the entire gown and continue down to a hem lace finish and chapel train. The corset back adjusts easily to fit your frame for a secure fit. Shown in Ivory.

Orderable in Ivory or Ivory/Champagne

Orderable in Sizes 0 – 28

DECKLYN

Shut-the-front-door, this dress is black!! This gorgeous ballgown dares to be dramatic with sequined black floral lace atop a nude lining that continues into a flowing train, the strapless sweetheart neckline keeps us grounded so we don’t get too carried away. YOLO!!

Orderable in White, Ivory, Nude/Ivory or Nude/Black

Orderable in standard sizes 2 – 28

Orderable in custom measurements for additional charge.

ZUZU

As sweet as they come, this satin Pronovias bridal gown is contrasted perfectly with lace appliques that trail over the skirt and up the bodice creating the perfect tattoo effect accross the high bateau neckline. If you doubt that this is your perfect dress, just check those pockets covertly hidden in the sides. Pockets!! In a wedding dress? Genius.

Orderable in Off White

Orderable in sizes 0 – 28

KOURTNEY

This gorgeous strapless wedding dress features allover crystal beading and metallic embroidered appliqués on net. The sweetheart neckline complements the slim, sheath silhouette of this designer gown. The zip up back is trimmed in covered buttons that completes this glamorous look. Shown in Ivory/Blush.

Orderable in White, Ivory or Ivory/Blush.

Orderable in sizes 0-28

TANZANITE

Tanzanite tosses color back into the ring with this fabulous hydrangea/mocha gown! Unforgettably feminine, this designer gown is cut from misty tulle and fantasy organza. The sleeveless style offers a comfortable strap that leads into a deep plunging V-neck with a sheer peekaboo inset. The illusion bodice adds allure with its visible boning and hand-beaded lace appliques. A slimming natural waist, a back corset, and a voluminous skirt accented with more lace provide the ultimate princess look. Optional, attachable bodice lining is included.

Orderable in Hydrangea/Mocha, Ivory/Mocha, Ivory/Hydrangea, Ivory or White

Orderable in sizes 0 – 28

STEPHANIE GRACE

This glorious misty tulle ball gown features a dropped waist bodice richly embellished with beaded Schiffli lace appliqués and glitter sparkle tulle. The Illusion and lace long sleeves and sweetheart neckline with a sheer tulle panel are balanced by a sheer illusion back accented with matching lace and floating covered buttons. Shown in Ivory/French Beige.

Orderable in Ivory/French Beige, Ivory , or White

Orderable in sizes 0 – 28

SWEET

Flirty, feminine and fit for a princess, Sweet is a ball gown made from cascading layers of butterfly lace on tulle, with a horsehair trim for added volume. The dramatic V-shaped back and front neckline is framed by beaded, illusion spaghetti straps. The natural waist is accented by a Duchess satin belt, and satin buttons complete the back. This designer knows what brides want. They thought ahead and created a perfectly matching cathedral veil to make your accessory decisions effortless! Shown in Ivory.

Orderable in Ivory, White, or Champagne/Ivory

Orderable in Standard Sizes 2 – 28

Orderable in custom measurements for additional charge

Matching Veil for Sweet from Beloved by Casablanca

To Schedule A Bridal Appointment at our boutique in Downtown Springdale call (479) 756-8122

or visit our website at https://www.nwabridengroom.com/

Blue Wedding Trends

Pantone’s 2020 Color of the Year is Classic Blue. There are many ways to include blue in your wedding whether its dressing your wedding party in the shade or through traditional gifts inspired by the “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue” rhyme of old.

Bridesmaid Dresses

Clothe your favorite girls in this beautiful hue. You can do the same dress in different shades of blue or make every dress the same color but mix up the styles. Each version of this is dreamy!

Dresses: Bill Levkoff. Photo from Every Last Detail. Photographer: Michelle Kristine Photography

Tuxedos

Your groomsmen will look dapper in blue. Navy, cobalt, cornflower, and indigo! So many great options, you can’t go wrong!

Jim’s Formal Wear Ultra Slim Indigo Blue Lane (left), MIchael Kors Blue Wedding Suit (center), Navy Sterling Wedding Suit (right)

To mix things up or take things to the next level, consider swapping in a blue microfiber shirt or gifting your groomsmen patterned socks.

Your Something Blue

We all know the saying surrounding weddings:

Something old, Something new. Something borrowed, Something blue.

These treasured items are gifted to the bride from dear friends and family to be carried or included in her wedding day attire.

The old, new, and borrowed bits are pretty easy to nail down but finding “Something Blue” that works with your bridal vision can be a bit tricky, but we did our research.

Here are a few “Something Blue” ideas that we have loved:

Embroidered sentiment inside the wedding gown.

Pay tribute to a parent that passed away by including a note or piece of their clothing in your dress.

"Something Blue" Wedding Dress Embroidered Message — Photo by: https://www.preftakesphoto.com/

Carry a Handkerchief

Have a hanky on hand to wipe away any tears that might spring up on this special day. Embroider “I do” or another special phrase to make this handkerchief extra meaningful.

Blue High Heels

Dance the night away in shoes that make your smile. Bridal portraits that showcase your fun wedding kicks are a personal favorite.

Decor

Tablecloths, napkins, candles. All subtle ways to incorporate blue into your tablescapes.

Design + Coordination: Kate and Company | Photographer: Dale Benfield | Rentals: Finding Jules | Florals: Jules Design | Venue: Osage House

Whether your bridal party wears blue or your decor has peaks of this classic shade, there are so many creative ways to incorporate this beautiful color. We can’t wait to see what you dream up!

Botanical Gardens Styled Shoot

We love working with local vendors to produce photos you can see yourselves in. We were excited to work with Aaron Taylor Photography for this Styled Shoot at the Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville.

The Details

Navy and peach details from Moonlight and Rust

We love how all of the details came together for this shoot. Subtle pink flowers with greenery, icing florals and real-flowers on the cake, and a beautiful green invitation go beautifully with the outdoor venue. The nature theme is carried throughout this entire styled shoot.

The Dress

“Patience” by Casablanca Beloved is a sweet and simple strapless strapless A-line gown. Layers of soft tulle float over a satin lining to comprise the semi-cathedral length skirt, while the dropped waist bodice offers a scalloped lace trimmed in eyelash fringe.

Our models Michelle and Derrick McKinley

The Venue

The Botanical Garden of the Ozark is a captivating destination in Northwest Arkansas. The Garden is a collection of twelve themed gardens and includes the region’s only native butterfly house. They are a “member-supported public garden dedicated to education and environmental awareness and serve as a community destination for unique nature experiences.” We are so lucky to have this in NW Arkansas! It is beautiful in every season. Many brides have chosen to get married at this venue and we can see why – beauty is all around.

The Botanical Gardens in Fayetteville, Arkansas is a lovely wedding venue.

Vendors:

The Minimony

Mini ceremonies have become a social distancing powerhouse for the 2020 Bride. These intimate weddings include an officiant, the engaged couple, and 10–15 guests and take relatively little time to plan. Minimonies are a great option for those couples with immunocompromised or elderly family members or for those states and towns with necessarily strict social number guidelines.

Couples across the world have had to postpone their formal weddings due to Covid-19 but that’s no reason you shouldn’t go ahead and have your mini moment now and plan a big inclusive wedding next year. What better way to celebrate your first anniversary!

Can I hear you say TWO dresses!?!

If you haven’t found your perfect dress yet, that’s ok. Your minimony can be anything you want so if you haven’t found your you-nique gown yet, try choosing a chic cocktail or short dress. Wear it again as your going away dress after your wedding reception. This gives you more shopping time to find that perfect designer wedding dress to wow your guests at your sequel wedding next year!

Left dress available at Bride N Groom in size 12.
Right dress available at Bride N Groom in size 8

After Party

Having a small wedding doesn’t mean your marriage celebration has to be small. Plan a dinner under the stars with steak and champagne for all, have an old fashioned family BBQ or call your favorite restaurant and see if they have a secluded party room where your party can social distance.

The most important thing is that you have started your lives together regardless of a pandemic, and as you look back at those photos where everyone is masked you will have a wonderful story to tell!