Wedding Trends

Whether getting married in the winter or spring, couples looking for a bold combination of hues for their wedding's color scheme may want to consider a rather unexpected pairing – red and purple. While the tones may seem to contrast, picking the right tones will lead to a dynamic decor.

It's important to select a color scheme early into your planning so that you can include the hues in every element of your nuptials, from wedding invitations to floral arrangements to custom party favors. Because purple is a mixture of red and blue, select one hue first and then search for the appropriate shade to match with it – if you choose aubergine, pair it with a warm red. If you prefer cool maroons, match it with a blueish violet.

Couples can use purple and red as accent colors and select a more conservative hue, such as cream, to be the primary color used for linens and china, but those looking to make a more bold statement can use the two shades in every element of their wedding's decor.

Many couples who get engaged hire a professional photographer to take pictures of them to commemorate their impending nuptials. However, instead of traditional snapshots which feature simple close-ups of the pair, The Arizona Republic reports a new trend in engagement photographs is using a set that incorporates props and costumes.

The reason for these elaborate pictures may be that more couples are incorporating engagement photos into their wedding decor.

"If you were just going to order engagement photos and keep them for yourself, that would be a little weird," industry expert Anja Winnetka told the news source. "But most couples use them in the wedding. A lot of these pictures will be looked at by more people than the average photo album."

According to the news provider, some popular settings include candy shops, carnivals, well-known landmarks like New York City's Central Park and involve props such as balloons and silly hats.

Couples who want to showcase their photos when they exchange vows can hand out wedding favors like personalized wedding stickers or candy wrappers that feature some of the precious images.

Whether you are planning an indoor or outdoor wedding, you may want to entertain guests with games at the reception. While it may seem unconventional, they are actually a fun addition to any post-nuptial celebration.

"Games once restricted to the schoolyard are injecting the latest playful vibe into wedding receptions," Brides magazine reports. "Along with dancing, they make the party more interactive and fun."

When selecting activities, take the venue into account – horseshoes and bocce ball are great at outdoor locales, while limbo and hula hoop contests are ideal inside.

The news source also reminds couples to consider guests' attire – people will likely be wearing formal clothing, so anything that is messy or requires a high level of physical activity, such as Twister or a water-balloon toss, won't be appropriate.

As a fun treat, personalize your wedding favor candy wrappers with decorations that will remind guests of the fun games at your ceremony. If you set up Ping-Pong, for example, include an image of a paddle.

Your wedding is one of the most important events in your life, and sharing the experience with your nearest and dearest is key in creating a truly memorable celebration. To ensure that your loved ones will be able to attend your affair, there is one component that should not be overlooked – save the date cards!

These notifications are especially key if you are planning a destination wedding or have relatives that live across the country. They give guests a heads up about the celebration, allowing them ample time to book the necessary reservations to ensure their presence on your big day.

To make your pre-invite especially memorable, opt for a personalized save the date magnet. These items are informative and handy – guests will likely post them on their fridge and view it daily, serving as a great reminder of your upcoming vows.

Because save the dates are typically sent out as soon as the date is set, don't worry about selecting magnets that coincide with your wedding's theme. Instead, personalize the reminders with an engagement photo. Your loved ones will adore receiving the sweet pre-invites, but remember to save a few for your own wedding scrapbook!

Many couples may worry about things going wrong as they plan their wedding, but for one pair, their nightmare became a reality. According to the Associate Press, the venue that Jennifer Cassista and Tom Bryan had booked closed down less than three months before they were able to say "I do."

Cassista and Bryan originally settled on a resort lodge near their home in Ontario, Canada, in March 2009. While the venue was under renovation, coordinators promised the space would be ready for their May 2010 wedding. Unfortunately, a few months before their ceremony was to take place, Bryan received a call that the venue had gone bankrupt, the news source reports.

Fortunately, though most locales were already booked, the couple kept cool and was able to find a new location. They spent the next few weeks redoing wedding invitations and contacting vendors, and their wedding went off without a hitch.

"You just need to relax and roll with the punches. Things will happen in every bride's planning," Cassista told the news source. "Be levelheaded and try to figure it out."

While most venues won't fall through, analysts suggest having a back-up plan to prepare for any occasion. Having a second location on the back burner may save you from a last-minute meltdown.