Kindness Trend

More and more couples right now are incorporating a charitable element into their big day – and it’s not just celebrities who are doing this. A wave of couples everywhere are making the choice to do something generous for a good cause as part of their wedding celebration.

Weddings have always had a self-indulgent element to them, and so it’s exciting to see couples generously opening their hearts to others on their wedding day. What a wonderful way to celebrate the love they share – by sprinkling some of that love out to others by doing good.

Kindness is contagious.

With any trend, the more people see of it, the more likely they are to adopt it. But a lot of people really feel inspired by the good deeds of others. It makes them want to do something good too. When you think about it, it’s a really beautiful way for a couple to start their new life together. You've got to admit, it’s got a good vibe to it.

We predict that the kindness trend will continue to pick up momentum over the next 12 months, but unlike other trends that fade completely after reaching their peak, the concept behind this one has some staying power. Trends, by their very nature, are flaky. One day everyone’s doing a particular thing, and before long it’s never seen again. But fortunately kindness never completely goes out of style. Chances are this current trend will show people how easily charitable elements can be incorporated into weddings, and those ideas will continue to be seen at weddings long after this is no longer the ‘it’ thing of the moment.

Once people try it they find that doing something kind for others actually feels amazingly good. And that makes them want to do more of it.

On a more personal note, frankly, I wish this trend had started back when I got married in ’92. I personally have a lot of concern for the well being of animals. Looking back, making a donation in each of my guest’s names to a no-kill shelter would have been more meaningful than all those pretty little wedding favors we gave away. Sure, the favors were gorgeous, but doing something to make a difference would have been an unbeatable feeling. Unfortunately, no one thought of doing this fifteen years ago.

So why this trend at this time? Here's our theory. In recent times, we’ve witnessed a lot of really harsh realities. September 11. America at war. The Tsunami. Then Katrina. As they spend all that money on a big one-day celebration for themselves, and revel in their own happiness, a lot of caring, socially conscious couples are trying to reconcile that with the suffering many others are experiencing in these times. There may be a little pang of guilt, or simply a genuine desire to share their blessings with others who are nowhere near as fortunate.

Today more and more couples use the details of their weddings to paint an intimate self-portrait of themselves. Through the many wedding-related selections they need to make - the decor, the food, the flower, the favors - they strive to make a statement about who they are so that their wedding day becomes a meaningful reflection of themselves. Certainly, making kindess a part of their weddings or including a philantrhopic element says something very special about a couple.

More and more couples everywhere are taking the opportunity to show kindness to others when they exchange their vows. You can do this too, and we highly encourage it! Make a charitable donation in the name of each of your guests in place of traditional wedding favors. Or ask guests to make a donation to the charity of your choice, or theirs, in place of wedding gifts. Sooner or later, kindness is always returned to you, ten fold. We promise!

Here are some ideas on how you can make kindness a part of your wedding:

* In place of traditional wedding favors, make a donation to a worthwhile cause in each guest’s name. At the reception, present each guest with a small nicely printed card explaining that this has been done.

* Suggest that instead of wedding gifts, guests make a contribution to either a charity of your choosing, or a cause that is important to them. Pop star Christina Aguilera did this when she wed last December and requested that guests make donations to Hurricane Katrina victims rather than giving wedding presents. Even comic strip characters are taking a shine to this trend; the popular comic strip character Cathy also did this last year when she asked her guests (and readers of the strip) to make a donation to a particular California shelter for homeless animals!

* Some gift registry services will donate a percentage of all gifts purchased through their service to the charity of your choice – look for one that offers this.

* Make arrangements to donate food left over from the reception to a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter.

* Donate flower arrangements to local hospices or nursing homes following the wedding.

* After the wedding, donate your used wedding supplies and accessories –or even your wedding dress - to Goodwill (Goodwill Industries International) or another charitable organization that collects used goods.

Quote of the Day!

"A little girl at the wedding afterwards asked her mother why the bride changed her mind. What do you mean? responded her mother. Well, she went down the aisle with one man, and came back with another."

Source Unknown

2010 Wedding Trends

Here are some wedding trends for the New Year that we have found: Weddings for next year are all about relaxed glamour.

Wedding dresses have taken a more elegant and sophisticated feel to their designs. Many wedding dress designs feature bodices with origami inspired fluting and pleated details. Retro styles continue with 50’s chic being a key look with shorter fuller skirts, birdcage veils and pill box hats. (think Jackie Kennedy) Also in style are close fit bodice dresses with longer flowing skirts.

This year has also seen the return of the ball gown with dresses having large and very full skirts. Other hot trends include oversized details such as big bows and corsages and plenty of asymmetric layering.

The 2009 wedding trends continue with an emphasis on dream weddings on a budget as the global recession continues. Low key venues will be the location of the choice including private gardens and so called backyard weddings. The emphasis really is on having a low budget but glamorous and understated wedding.

Wedding favors will be homemade and simple creations for expressing thanks and love.

Bridesmaids will finally come to relish the 2010 wedding trends as finally they get to choose their own outfits. The trend will be for mismatched bridesmaids dresses, who will get to choose their own dresses and accessories according to a color chosen by the bride.

2010 may also see many couples choosing short engagements and thus ending the traditional long engagement period. (think Kardashian) Elopements and destination weddings, and spur of the moment nuptials planned in double quick time, will also be the name of the game of 2010.!

Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo

Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo this weekend!

Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall; Saturday and Sunday

9:30am-5pm; 10:30am-4pm

Fashion Shows daily

2 for 1 coupons available @ http://www.bridesclub.com/

See you there!

Still looking for a wedding dress?

Are you still looking for a wedding dress? We have several gown shops that will be at the Expo in Tacoma on September 12th and 13th.

Brides By Demetrios
David’s Bridal
Group USA
Princess Bride Couture
Proms & Promises
The Wedding Bell
Weddings with Joy

Some have booth displays but others will be having a gown sale at the Expo. Come prepared to try on...or even purchase...your dream dress.

Fashion Shows daily.

Lobby Booths at the Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo

Here are some companies you will see in the lobby at the Tacoma Wedding Expo on September 12 and 13th.

Lobby hours begin at 9:30...1/2 hour before main floor opens:

J & J Photography http://www.jenandjody.com

Wine and Roses Country Estate http://www.wineandrosescountryestate.com/

Leu Jam Productions http://www.leujam.com

Celebrity Cake Studios http://www.celebritycakestudio.com

Events With Integrity http://www.ewihome.com

Studio 6 http://www.studio6now.com

Men's Wearhouse http://www.menswearhouse.com

Carlson Wagonlit Travel http://www.travelcenter4u.com

Weddings With Joy http://www.weddingswithjoy.com

David's Bridal blog

Hi,

A bride deserves to have all of her wedding day dreams come true, but finding the perfect wedding dress and complimenting accessories can be stressful! To ensure a stunning and carefree walk down the aisle, Angelique Serrano, Latina magazine Fashion and Beauty Director and David’s Bridal Style Council member, is sharing her expert advice on how to pick the right dress for every body type and accessorize it with all the right touches.

Angelique has an exclusive video podcast live on the David’s Bridal blog, www.blogs.davidsbridal.com, that makes finding a gorgeous wedding day look easier and more affordable than ever! From beautiful hues and figure-flattering styles to veils and heavenly headpieces, Angelique will show brides-to-be how to stylishly weave all the key elements together. Closely monitoring the fashion industry for Latina and as the former Director for the New York Fashion and Beauty Center, Angelique is always in the know about the latest fashion trends.

If this is something that you or your readers may be interested in, please check out the blog or visit You Tube to view Angelique’s podcast.Please let me know if you’d like any additional information on the David’s Bridal Style Council or Angelique Serrano.

Thanks!

Best,
Catherine

Tacoma Fall Wedding Expo

September 12-13, 2009
Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall
2727 East D Street, Tacoma, WA

Fashion Shows Daily

Hours
Saturday: 9:30 am to 5 pm Sunday: 10:30 am to 4 pm

Tickets: $15.00 (plus applicable facility fees)