Something old, something new. The phrase so associated with weddings couldn’t be more appropriate today. “Bohemian Chic” is the latest catch phrase, and it truly does combine the best of the past with a new twist from the present.
Amy Simon, a wedding planner who works with Living Energy, says that while most weddings still average $30,000-35,000, she sees some movement toward economizing and simplifying. “Some couples would rather have extra money to spend on a great honeymoon, or even to use for a down payment on a house. Many couples marrying today are a bit older than even five years ago,” she continues. “Whereas we had been seeing couples around 23-25, today the average age is 28-32.”
Among other things, this change often means the couple themselves are paying for the wedding, which often leads to a little more practicality. Amy says she’s seen more and more couples create a “crowdfunding” type of appeal for help with honeymoon costs.
Of course, some still want an elegant wedding with all the bells and whistles. But even these affairs are taking on a slightly more outdoorsy, warm and homey feel. “There seems to be a movement to more earthy, natural settings. Any location that can show off our Arizona landscape in the background is a big plus,” Amy explains. “And lots of Southwest flowers!” She has seen a move from the large, tight, full bridal bouquets, for example, to loose, hand-picked flowers and herbs enveloped in eucalyptus leaves.
Western themes are quite popular with the “save the date” cards, which are now an accepted necessity. Couples may have their photos taken with a desert sunset background or on a mountaintop. Save the date cards are particularly useful if you have a large out-of-state contingent of people who need to plan their trip well ahead of the intended date. The format can be postcards, cards in envelopes or even magnets that can serve as daily reminders right on recipients’ refrigerators!
Bands are always popular as entertainment at the reception, and they range from the big band sound to the smaller, trendier cover bands. But bands can be pricey, so many use deejays instead.
Daytime weddings will sometimes employ a trio or a solo violin or harp.
Photographers are moving with the times as well, taking more black and white shots with just a hint of color or using more natural, soft light in the color photos to give them a vintage kind of feel.
It should be noted that the days of the bride’s family paying most of the costs is long gone. It is generally accepted that the financial responsibilities will be pretty evenly divided. Or as mentioned earlier, sometimes the betrothed themselves are able and willing to pick up the costs.
Some people will take a year or more to plan the day and the associated activities. If you’re looking to plan your event down to the smallest detail, it is highly recommended that you use the services of a wedding planner. They know all the tricks and where to find the best prices and easiest ways to get things done. You don’t want to be stressing as you’re walking down the aisle!
Amy encourages looking at sites like stylishweddingideas.com to stimulate your creative juices.
Also, Toby Benton, vice president of Living Energy Events, suggests a look at pinterest.com/tobybenton as well as other Pinterest pages. But, she cautions, some of the ideas are extremely costly, so if budget is a concern they may serve best as simply concepts.
Amy can be reached at: amy@livingenergy.com
P.S. Amy said an important thing for wedding attendees to remember is this: Buy gifts from the bridal registry! That’s what the couple wants, even if it’s something you’re not crazy about!
