Wedding Trends

Wedding planning can often feel overwhelming, given the seemingly limitless amount of wedding favors, flowers and color schemes from which to choose. However, preparing for the big day doesn't have to be stressful. Instead, create an inspiration album to help you hone in on what you and your partner like and dislike.

Many people collect images, clippings and objects they adore for inspiration during the wedding planning process, and cataloging them in a book is simple and can make the planning process a whole lot easier.

Begin by compiling pieces that appeal to you – flip through magazines and photo albums, surf the web and walk outside and snap pictures. Update the album as you collect items, filling pages with colors, shapes and fonts that you love.

Once the book is complete, look through it to see if you can spot any themes. If you find that the album is filled with reds and yellows or tropical beaches, incorporate those ideas into your motif.

Inspiration albums are especially helpful if you are using a wedding planner. It can be hard to verbalize color schemes and themes, but this book will allow you to show a professional exactly what appeals to you, who you are and what you like.

When selecting a wedding theme, many people use color to make a beautiful and cohesive statement. Instead of just considering hues, however, you can use a bold shape to create a unique decor on your special day. Just remember to incorporate this theme into everything, from your cake to your wedding favors.

A box-shape is an excellent and simple theme. The form will create a celebratory feel, as it can remind guests of your engagement ring box as well and the beautiful gifts waiting to be opened.

Instead of a traditional round cake, opt for a confection that mimics stacked boxes. This modern take will definitely encourage guests to wonder what is inside the delicious desert.

Circles are also a great shape for a wedding decor, as they will conjure up images of wedding rings and the eternity of marriage. Adorn the space with floral wreathes and arrange candles in rings on the tables.

Of course, don't forget your wedding favors. Select personalized candy bar wrappers that feature images of the shapes as well. Guests will love the freshness of this truly original theme.

While weddings are usually filled with a lot of traditions, one of the most celebrated customs is cutting the cake, as it shows a couple's sweet but silly side. Instead of letting this moment rush by, commemorate the event by sending guests home with wedding favors that match the cake.

The best way to tie your favors to the confection is through taste. If you have a cocoa-flavored wedding cake, hand out chocolate bars with personalized candy wrappers. Those who prefer fruit-filled desserts can send guests home with personalized lollipops instead.

You can also present your favors in wrappers that boast the same colors as your wedding cake. This subtle nod to the ceremonious confection is sure to be appreciated by all.

If you know what the dessert will look like ahead of time, take a picture of the confection and have the image printed on wedding favor wrappers. Guests will be reminded of your beautiful cake as they dig into their treats on the way home.

Regardless of the approach you choose, matching your favors to your cake is an endearing way to honor one of the first sweet moments you will share as man and wife.

With snow piling up across the country, many people may find themselves stuck inside looking for ways to entertain themselves. Instead of zoning out in front of the television set, why not sort through your memory boxes and make a wedding scrapbook?

This is a great activity to do with your partner or your children – or as a solo-project for a bit of creative alone-time. All you need is a scrapbook (or a blank notebook or photo album), crafting supplies (construction paper, markers, scissors and stickers), and some mementos from your big day.

Arrange the scrapbook in whichever manner you please, though many people prefer to do it chronologically – from engagement to the honeymoon. Devote each page to a different topic, such as your gown and your weddings favors, and decorate it with appropriate items, like a photograph of you in your wedding dress or personalized water bottle labels from the reception.

Make sure to include captions – you may know the significance of the blue cocktail napkin, but somebody flipping through the scrapbook when you're finished may not!

While they may be often overlooked when planning a wedding, place cards are a big part of the reception. They help the celebration run smoothly and keep the gathering organized. But when they are little more than pieces of paper with guests' names written on them, it's understandable why few people pay attention to them.

To put a fresh spin on your place cards, enhance each one by adorning it with a small wedding decoration.

"An aromatic way to assign guests to their seats: Write their names on paper leaves, then attach them to fresh gardenias [or any flower that fits with your wedding's theme]," Brides magazine recommends.

If you are worried that the flowers will wilt before the reception, or want a more lasting way to liven up your place cards, use fake blossoms instead. However, make sure the blooms still match with the floral arrangements at your wedding to keep a cohesive decor.

This idea also works well for wedding favors. Whether you are handing out personalized water bottles or wedding candy bars, attach a large blossom to the treat for an extra-customized gift.