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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.

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

Eco Friendly Weddings

Maintaining a small carbon footprint during a wedding can be challenging. There are so many one-time use items associated with pulling off a beautiful affair, but there are several ways you can reduce, reuse and recycle throughout your celebration that will leave your space in the world just as lovely as you found it.

Wedding Invitations

Skip the ordinary invites and choose wedding stationary printed on Recycled or Plantable Papers. Plantable Papers come with seeds imbedded into the fibers, leaving your invited guests with a beautiful reminder of your Celebration to come.

Florals

The Outdoor Wedding has become increasingly popular and what better way to reduce the need for disposable florals by borrowing those already provided to us by Mother Nature herself?

Chairs set up for a wedding ceremony on the Great Lawn at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks | Fayetteville, AR Power Tribe … | Botanical gardens, Botanical, Ozarks — Great Lawn Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks Fayetteville, Arkansas

Sassafras Springs Vineyard - The Knot — The Chapel Ruins Sassafras Winery Springdale, Arkansas

Those beautiful ferns, ivies and blooms that are a must have for your nuptials become instantly more mobile when placed into decorative pots, vases or hanging baskets. Repurpose some of those lovelies by transferring them to your reception tables or food stations.

The Madison Hotel - Venue - Morristown, NJ - WeddingWire — The Madison Hotel Morristown, New Jersey

If your indoor florals aren’t movable consider decorating your tables with adorable potted succulents and mini floral vases to gift as favors to your guests and the end of the night.

Eric Rudd Photography Bloomington, Indiana

Programs

Create a one-of-a-kind program to set up for your guests to view as they arrive. No need to print dozens of paper programs to be discarded or lost by the end of the night. Guests can snap a quick pic to commemorate the day on their social or to read at their leisure while waiting for your I Do’s. Coordinate that look with a menu board at your reception entrance.

Weddings - 2014 Krilo Art — Krilo Art Albany, New York

rustic fall wedding menu giant wood wedding sign — Cappy Hotchkiss Photography New York City, New York

Dinnerware and Linens

Plastic flatware and plates with paper napkins are convenient, but bins of discarded dinnerware everywhere will definitely have an impact on your earth friendly vibe. Ditch those one-time use items and explore rentable dinnerware and linens to create the perfect next level look for your reception!

Randall Events / Eventures Fayetteville, Arkansas

If you’re having a minimony, consider serving your reception eats on vintage snack plates. These beauties are full of character and were designed for the classic brunch or tea party. An item of generations past they can often be found on ebay or in flea markets and in a multitude of patterns and colors. Reuse again and again for all your festive get togethers.

Vintage Federal Glass Company Hospitality Snack Set Plate image 0 — Vintage snack plates by Federal Glass Company

No Boring Bouquets

Choosing Bridal Florals can be fun, but what if you’re not vibing with those traditional bouquet images in the florist’s gallery? We jumped down the rabbit hole and collected some of the most non-traditional floral options on the internet to inspire your bridal vision.

Fan Bouquet

Far and beyond, our favorite was this unique fan bouquet by Danish floral designer Estilo Blomsterdesign. Delicate florals and pale greenery come together to create a stunningly modern look

Dried Flowers

Dried Flowers are coming into play due to their muted earthy hues, longevity and budget friendly alternative to fresh florals. Dried flowers can last up to a year before loosing their charm while fresh cut florals have a 10-12 day life expectancy. Incorporate grasses, pinecones and other non-traditional elements of nature to make your wedding come alive!

Lanterns

Let your love light the way! Rustic and elegant, lantern bouquets have a natural charm about them. These lovelies shine with vibrant fall colors and could double as small table centerpieces for your reception.

Sola Wood Flowers

Sola Flowers are created with wood shavings from the bark of balsa or tapioca trees. Each flower is hand crafted into life and is 100% natural and sustainable. With proper care these bouquets will last for years to come.

Sola flower bouquet blush pink sola wood flower wedding image 0 — Bouquet by The Paisley Moon on Etsy

Floral Parasol

The parasol has been in use for thousands of years so it seems only natural that we would adapt them to suit our social events. Whether held by the bride or her bridesmaids they will definitely bring smiles to all. Additionally, they’re just so fun to spin!

We loved creating this stunning fresh flower parasol. A striking Bridal Bouquet alternative from #vividexpressionsllc Thanks to #DragonStudio for the breathtaking photography — photo by Vivid Expressions

Bridesmaids hold parasols instead of flowers. Great for outdoor weddings! — photo by True Photography

Brooch Bouquet

Possibly the bouquet with the most feels. Brooch bouquets often include pieces from the bride’s family. Precious baubles worn by the bride’s mother or grandmother, settle in alongside the occasional tie pin from dad or grandpa. These pieces of love are included with an assortment of vintage and modern accessories to create a one-of-a-kind treasure that will always remind you of home.

Galentine’s Day

I always wonder if Amy Poehler realized the giant that was being unleashed when she introduced Galentine’s Day to the world back in 2010. Since that airing Galentine’s Day has gifted us with a universal time to celebrate the love we have for our BFFs. It’s the one day that allows us to say to all other obligations “Oh sorry, I cant do the 13th that’s Galentine’s and the girls and I are gonna zoom ( Zoom? ) around that night.” Life can take over average weekend plans but an official day with a name is prioritized!

So what can you do with your besties on Galentine’s during a pandemic? Lots of things! Create your own unique experience or try one of the ideas below.

Have a Movie Party! Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) is a great way to have a socially distanced movie night with all your gal pals! Ready your favorite snacks, put your gals on zoom and settle in for a much needed girl night.

Choose a fun craft to explore! Purchase a premade DIY kit of a craft you’ve been dying to try and Facetime your progress with your best crafty sister. Compare your step-by-step and trade accomplishments as you experience them!

Petit Fours, Dipped Strawberries, French Macaroons, Cookies, and Hot Cocoa Bombs
by Shelby Lynn’s Cake Shoppe Springdale, Arkansas

Custom select goodies from your favorite local patisserie to create a unique gift for each of your ladies. If your local bakery offers delivery for Valentine’s weekend have them individually delivered for a fun surprise!

Pajamas are perfectly cozy gal pal gifts that you can purchase pretty much anywhere. Send your girls matching sets for your movie party or just as a warm reminder of your unique bond.

The Odd Soul
Black Apple Cidery
The 107 on Emma: Big Sexy Food
Springdale, Arkansas

Head out to your favorite socially distanced pub or restaurant and spend a couple hours looking into the actual eyes of your friends! Spend a minute sans masks to enjoy your favorite brew or wine and/or appetizer.

Featured Image from Bridal Shower 101.

Spread the Love Challenge

Never have I craved connection with people more than I do now. My extroverted heart is holding on by experiencing small moments with loved ones during this time. Maybe you’re the same? This past year, I have learned to be innovative in the ways I connect with the people around me. What I’ve always done didn’t work in 2020 and so I worked hard to shake things up! Now I want to encourage you to do the same!

We are so excited for February and our Spread the Love Challenge. We have crafted 28 days of prompts with the hope that we can spur each other on & care for each other in new and creative ways in February.

Take a look at our list of ideas for this month!

Each morning we will share the challenge for the day as a means to embolden us all to love on the people around us: friend, acquaintance, stranger, or love. Join us every day of the month or just occasionally. Each of the ideas are all of varying degrees of money, time, energy, and focus so jump in where you can. I would encourage you to stretch yourself to try things that are outside of your comfort zone! You might discover that some of these activities are practices you have never tried before, but that you want to incorporate them into your life regularly after doing this challenge. Like I said: We want to help you shake things up!

Share a photo and tag us on Instagram (@nwabridengroom) or Facebook (@bridengroomnwa) and use the hashtag #bngspreadthelove! We want to see you living these actions out and share with our community. We may never know the ripple effects of sharing, but each ripple we create can come together to form a wave of hope for so many hearts.

*Please be safe and practice social distancing while you check out these challenges!

Featured Image: Photo by Rakicevic Nenad from Pexels

Best Bridal Under $1000

According to The Knot, the average cost of a wedding gown in the US is $1600.

The price of a designer gown can vary widely and is determined by many things. Luxury fabrics, laces and hand sewn embellishments such as sequin, crystals and pearls can all have a factor in the price of Bridal wear. We know that not every bride has $1600 to spend on her perfect dress so we have collected a few of our favorite gowns priced at under $1000 to show you how amazing a frugal wedding gown can look!

MUSIDORA

This Gatsby dream gown is from Morilee, Madeline Gardner. This designer wedding dress has cap sleeves accented by an elegant high neckline. Intricate beadwork is hand stitched on tulle and layered over Chantilly lace giving a glamorous, modern vintage look to this slim, sheath gown. Shown in Nude.

Orderable in Ivory or Nude

Orderable in sizes 0-28

HONOR

Simple, sexy and chic, Honor is a fit-and-flare silhouette made of modern stretch fabrics that hug the natural curves of the body flawlessly while ensuring comfort. A plunging neckline and low back are balanced by classic three-quarter sleeves, while a silver beaded sash accentuates the natural waist. Shown in Ivory

Orderable in White or Ivory

Orderable in standard sizes 2 – 28

Orderable in custom measurements for additional charge

RIO

Rio features beautiful translucent bodice adorned with crystal and beading. The flowy chiffon skirt drapes effortlessly from the natural waist. Buttons along the back complete the look. As an option, this wedding dress is available with the full front bodice lining for a more modest look. Shown in Ivory.

Orderable in Ivory

Orderable in sizes 0 – 28

DELIGHT

Delight is fun and flirty from the sweetheart neckline down to the chapel train. A satin ruched bodice and double cross back spaghetti straps provide visual and structural contrast to the tulle and horsehair ballgown skirt. Shown in Ivory.

Orderable in White or Ivory

Orderable in standard sizes 2 – 28

Orderable in custom measurements for additional charge

MIRIAM

The strapless plunge sweetheart neckline is accented with Diamantè beaded alenáon lace appliquès that cover the form-fitting bodice of this tulle mermaid wedding gown. Miriam is from the Julietta collection by Morilee and is exclusively designed for the plus size bride! This gown can only be ordered in sizes 16 – 32. Shown in Ivory/Light Gold.

Orderable in White, Ivory, or Ivory/Light Gold

Orderable in sizes 16 – 32

LOUISE

This chic, Duchess Satin gown features a straight across neckline with cross pleated bodice detail. Romantic off-the-shoulder detachable cap sleeves adds to the timelessness of this classically tailored Fit N Flare gown. Shown in Ivory.

Orderable in White or Ivory

Orderable in sizes 0-28

SHELBY

Minimalistic in its beauty, this sleek A-Line Satin gown features a dramatic notch neckline with a nude net insert within the narrow plunge. Satin covered buttons highlight the back by running down the full length of the train. Shown in Smokey Lavender.

Orderable in White, Ivory or Smokey Lavender

Orderable in sizes 2-28

To Schedule A Bridal Appointment call 479 756 8122

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

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.

Available by order only. 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!