2017 Wedding Predictions [to Ditch], According to David Tutera

wedding-trends-2015

photo credit: google images

When it comes to wedding trends, the rules of engagement are constantly changing.  And for 2017, yet another evolution of wedding planning is upon us.  In a recent interview with Brides Magazine, celebrity wedding planner David Tutera recommended these as the coveted en trend details to incorporate into your 2017 wedding.

David says: Ditch The After-Party
While you might be bummed to hear this at first, Tutera really believes guests should stay put, and you can bring the “after-party” to the party. “I want guests to stay in one location, and keep the energy escalating and flowing,” he explains. The wedding is the main event, so why risk losing the party vibes with a venue change? Tutera suggests couples can, “create movement and energy in one environment with lighting, entertainment, opening up a different bar or dessert station, etc.”

SocialBFly says: LOVE this idea and agree on all fronts!  It’s the reason why we adore one-venue weddings so much.

David Says: Modern & Industrial Vibes will be En Trend
Tutera forecasts a mix of metallics and whites to top the palette charts of 2017/2018, but forget the golds and shiny silvers. Softer, brushed metallic popping from bright white accents are a color combo made in heaven, and will totally help to achieve those “contemporary yet city hip vibes” that will be so on-trend. Combine this color palate with industrial and modern touches for a fashionable yet classy look.

SocialBFly says:  Metallics, when used correctly, can add a romantic edge to any decor motif so we’re heavy metal all the way!!

David says: Stay Connected
Regardless of what trends, themes, or vibes you’re going for, Tutera stresses the importance of remaining connected with your new spouse throughout the wedding day celebrations. “What’s been happening is couples separate to their friends and don’t hang out with their significant other on their celebration. That’s not good. That’s something I am trying to force people to understand is incredibly important.”

SocialBFly says: Noted!

paper-floral-wallDavid says: Incorporate Paper
Whether it’s in floral bouquets, incorporated into your big-day décor, or used as a way to preserve special wedding “memory moments,” incorporating paper into your wedding day is quickly growing in popularity — and for good reason. Economical, potentially eco-friendly and unique in any way you use it, paper isn’t just for wedding invitations anymore. Tutera says, “there’s so many interesting things you can do,” and adds, “People are sort of surprised, like oh my gosh, look what you can do with paper.”

SocialBFly says: Paper can add a variety of depth and texture to your wedding motif so this is yet another 2017 trend we are looking forward to.

David says: Ditch Receiving Lines
“I am not a fan of receiving lines,” admits Tutera. He adds, “I think it creates a large barrier of etiquette for that celebration — it’s too formal.” Instead, opt to greet your guests during cocktail hour, and throughout the night. It may not seem like it, but you will have the time.

SocialBFly says: A-GREED!!!  Goodness grief, we agree!!  There’s nothing that screams old-fashioned more than seeing the Bride and Groom with their bridal party lined up at the end of the ceremony waiting to greet all of the guests who attended.  Like David said, IT’S TOO FORMAL!!  And we like to make sure that the couples has enough time to personally greet their guests during the reception.

David says: First Looks
These are a keeper. Tutera gushes, “I love first looks. I think they’re brilliant. It takes me forever to convince a bride and groom to do that,” but he adds, “They’re more personal — I love them.”

SocialBFly says: I will forever have mixed feelings about the first look trend.  On one hand, it is an awesome way to ensure the couple spends as much time during the wedding and reception having fun interacting with their guests.  But the traditionalist in me (YES! the same traditionalist that does not like receiving lines…)  will always have a heart that skips a beat when a groom sees his wife take to the aisle for the very first time.

What are your predictions for 2017 weddings and brides?  Are there any wedding trends you’d like to see go away? Do you agree/disagree with David (or our) assessment of the future of weddings?

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The World’s Top 10 All-Inclusive Resorts

The Caves (Negril, Jamaica) courtesy of luxurytravelbible.com

Choosing an all-inclusive locale for your honeymoon or destination wedding plans is a super easy way to save time and hundreds at the bank.  It also ensures you get the utmost most bang for your buck – after all, all of the details are already taken care of.  All you have to do is show up.

Last week TripAdvisor announced their creme de la creme of all-inclusive resorts in the world and whether your preference is deep sea diving in the coral reef or sitting beach side to the tune of steel drums, there is something for everyone.

1. Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso (Playa Paraiso, Mexico)

2. Garonga Safari Camp (Makalali Private Game Reserve, South Africa)

3. Le Blanc Spa Resort (Cancun, Mexico)

4. Drowsy Water Ranch (Granby, Colorado)

5. Nukubati Private Island Great Sea Reef (Labasa, Fiji)

6. East Winds Inn (Gros Islet, St. Lucia)

7. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)

8. Ceylon Tea Trails (Hatton, Sri Lanka)

9. Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel (Punta Cana, Dominican Republic)

10. The Caves (Negril, Jamaica)

Happy travels!!

Trend Alert: Trashing the Dress

Photo Credit: John Michael Cooper

I love all concepts of over-the-top creativity and artistic expression that fuel fresh new trends, including one that is gaining in popularity – trashing the dress. The concept emerged in 2008 and is looked upon as a form of rebellion against traditional wedding rules, especially those centered on gown preservation.  Essentially, brides are putting their wedding dresses back on for a high-fashion style of wedding photography featuring the dirtied, torn, burned, soggy remains of a once-pristine white dress and according to a recent article posted in the  Philadelphia Inquirer entitled Cherish the dress? Not them, trashing the dress is a trend that is currently practiced by 11% of all couples following their I do’s.   Pure fashion mutilation?  Maybe.  Admittedly, the thought of destroying a wedding dress in the name of art almost seems blasphemous but the article suggests that a post-wedding trash the dress photo shoot is “…an opportunity to preserve the dress as artwork to be hung on the wall as opposed to preserved in a box…” while “…  amplifying the gown’s in-the-moment beauty.”  After seeing some of the pictures, I may have to argue that they are right!

What do you think of Trash the Dress Photo Shoots?  Will you be doing one after your wedding?

EXPOSED: Momon Photo and Print

If you follow me on twitter, you know that I was on a desperate search for a graphic designer just a few months ago. Now, you’re probably saying, how hard is it to find a graphic designer and trust me, you don’t want to know.  Each new tweet asking for a referral seemed 100% more desperate and agonizing than the one before.  It was one bad month, several bad meetings, and hours of my life that I will never get back later, when I learned that a glimpse of hope sat just 3 floors beneath me (cue harpsichord and choral “ahhhhh”).  We immediately hit the ground running and in 90 short days, the list of artistic and graphic creativity that has emerged in generating ideas, concepts and marketing pieces that effectively represent SocialBfly, is rapidly growing and will be available for your viewing pleasure very soon.  So without any further adieu,  meet Mr. “hope”….better known as Jamal Momon, CEO and creative brilliance (if he doesn’t say so himself…see below) behind Momon Photo and Print.

Image of Momon Photo CEO, Jamal Momon

Reflections

  • Hometown: Englewood, NJ
  • School Creds: New Jersey City University (BS in Computer Science), The Anthem Institute (Diploma in Graphic Design and Animation)
  • First Job: Administrative Assistant for a Travel Marketing Agency
  • Business Offering: Graphic Design and Photography

Distractions and Downtime

  • Reading now: Entrepreneur Magazine
  • Reading next: Entrepreneur Magazine (next month’s copy)
  • Last fun purchase: Hot shoe camera flash trigger/receiver set
  • When you’re not working you can be found doing what? Buying 3 for 20 DVDs at Blockbuster to add to my collection

A Few of My Favorite Things

  • Hotel: DoubleTree (don’t ask)
  • Getaway: Dominican Republic
  • Entrée: Curry Goat and Rice (Jamaican dish)
  • Drink: Goji Melon Life Water
  • Guilty pleasure: Twizzlers

Me: Explain the day in your life as a photographer/graphics designer and business owner.

JM: It’s just me and my computer (yet to be named). I enter my computer room, close all programs except Firefox and the necessary design program, and the occasional iTunes, and focus. I emerge a couple of hours later with creative brilliance!

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Me: What is the best business advice ever received?

JM: Don’t not do it because it’s never been done. I actually just made that up lol, but I like it and I’m sticking with that answer.

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Me: What are some words of wisdom that you live by?

JM: I love “Go for the Gusto” because I refuse to accept mediocrity. Another I swear by is “Teamwork makes the Dreamwork”. The relationship and communication between client and designer is extremely important in creating an end product that satisfies both parties.

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Me: What would you describe as your best career decision?

JM: I’d have to say adding Photography to my list of design services. I feel like I’ve always had an eye for capturing moments, and I’m always working on providing this through my work.

Looking for more information?

Feature Opportunity for Wedding Photographers

Socialbfly is getting a makeover and the first order of business is the design of a new flyer and wedding guide to market our wedding planning services. We thought we’d set out a friendly competition for our wedding photography friends to get in on…(insert drum roll here)
… Photographers can submit up to 3 wedding photos for consideration of being included on the flyer or in the guide (total distribution = 5000). Both will be showcased here as well as on our twitter and facebook pages and will give mention to the photographers name, website, and contact number.

For more information or to submit your photos email us at info@socialbfly.com. Submission will be accepted until July 1, 2010 and the winner will be announced on July 15, 2010.