Patterns, Pinterest and Projects

Top Wedding Trends: Patterns, Pinterest, and Projects

Brides find a variety of sources to fuel inspiration for their weddings.  They find it in film, amongst celebrities, within the pages of magazines, and on wedding blogs. Brides have been known to sponge up information that will help them translate their dream into reality. They cannot get enough of it, and now they are mostly mobile, from the iPhone to the iPad, they have instant access to finding these inspirations.

I’ve been in this wedding industry for over 20 years and there are some trends that are re-appearing…

Lace is abundant:  from the gowns to the linens to the accents. They are using lace to tie off invitations; they are using lace for tablecloths and for runners. Lace is not only a nod to something that was found in the homes of our grandparents , but it’s a quick way to feminize and soften many venues, like a barn.

Stripes and chevron prints: in an assortment of colors, is also found in invitations and table clothes. 

  Patterns excite the eye and can be used for accent pieces like pillows, being carried by a ring bearer.

Food trucks: pizza trucks, cupcake trucks, taco trucks, waffle trucks… this is way more intense than your average ice cream truck (which is also still fun to have). It’s a great way to welcome your guests and use in lieu of your regular cocktail hour. These trucks are also making an appearance for the after party. The food truck addiction continues to surprise and impress guests.

DYI: brides want to get involved, either by tying bows, making signs or making their own guest books. These personal touches add to making the day even more memorable. I’ve had brides make and jar jam, to make the wedding their own.

Social media: This is not going anywhere. If anything it is playing a larger role in the bride’s search for the next hot thing. From Pinterest to Vine to Etsy, they scour the internet for anything that inspires them.

Virtual attendees: That’s right. First there was Skype and now we can live stream weddings. It’s a wonderful way to include guests or family members who cannot attend. They get a live feed of the nuptials on their computer and it makes them feel like they are part of the festivities.

Creative food stations: Just like the many different food trucks, creative food stations can be your “wow-factor.” From smores stations to mashed potato station, brides are getting innovative like make- your-pizza station. Just like brides want to make their wedding more unique, they also want their guests to make it their own.  You are not limited to food, I’ve incorporated drink stations, like a mimosa station or bloody mary station, even step-and-mix-yourself-a-cocktail.

Lawn games: Showing up at almost every cocktail hour are games like badminton, croquet, baci ball and corn hole; people are making the cocktail hour more interactive.

Lounge areas with a defined statement: The poker lounge with poker tables and micro-brewery beers in buckets (for self-serve). If you are marrying a techie, make a lounge with computer screens and martinis. You love wine and cheese?  That can be a lounge section paired with fine wines. The possibilities are endless here.

Unique and unusual venues: This is my favorite.  Brides are opting for farms, wineries, warehouses and lofts instead of the typical ballroom space. The venue must speak to the couple and make them feel the moment.

Return of Glam: The Great Gatsby has fueled a generation into looking for that old mansion where they can gather on the lawn and have a tent with crystal chandeliers and pleated ceilings. A white carpet can be enhanced by the flowers accented by crystals.

Even though I’ve planned 100’s of weddings, brides are still inspiring me. Like the brides, I’ve soaked up these inspirations and am always finding new ways to inspire my clients. With that, I encourage my clients to “Pin [Pinterest] away!”

Vintage Inspired Weddings

Brides find inspiration from movies, magazines, tv shows and celebrities. When Blake Lively was recently married in South Carolina, that vintage inspired wedding fueled the trend even more.

Ceremonies are filled with romance.  Rose petals and mason jars suspended from wooden chairs line the aisles.  Wooden benches are being used to create eclectic seating.  For evening ceremonies, we love to highlight the ceremony area with uplighting and cross aisle lighting, giving the guests a sense of romance amongst the cover of darkness.

Keywords like Shabby Chic and Vintage seem to be the best way to convey these design concepts.  More and more  brides are asking for the eclectic look that defines their weddings. The use of chandeliers throughout the space, vintage china, lace runners and those rustic wooden tables are being used to create this look.  Many of us our scouring garage sales to find the unique elements that create a warm and inviting environment. I love the use of farm tables, they are just so wonderful and gives the designers a large area to create and design a conceptual array of eclectic  pieces.   

We are now seeing more vintage rental companies,  popping up all over the country.  Garage sale hunters now have competition from the brides.  Hardware stores cannot keep up with mason jars. Antique tea cups ,mismatched antique china, doilies, embroidered napkins, linen napkins, tea- stained lace, all are what is trending. Chalkboards and mirrors also define this style.We love to use antique furniture  to hold the large dispensers of sweet tea and ice cold lemonade.  Bundles of herbs  are being used to accent napkins.  

Carnival lights are now replacing bee lights inside and outside.  We had done a wedding

at a horse farm, and we suspended those lights from the barn to trees to create a canopy  of lights during cocktails.

The use of sign posts are now the way we guide  people from ceremony to reception or tell a story of the couples travels.

This trend lends itself well to DYI projects with the help of a good event planner. 

For more photographs of inspiration, visit www.elegantoccasions.com 

Something Old, Something New : New York Public Library

Not your average public library ... set in the heart of the city on Fifth Avenue, is the amazing New York Public Library.  This venue is not just for books, it is for celebrations.  

Upon arrival you first notice the vast marble steps that lead to this historic building.  Once inside the towering Georgian columns welcome you to this grand foyer.  The library offer multiple locations that can be used for events. My favorite space is the main foyer, that you enter off Fifth Avenue – the majestic entrance allows you to embrace the old-world setting or create a hip-chic vibe. The Celeste Bartos forum has a wonderful glass domed ceiling that makes the whole experience magical.  Each event space tells a different story.

The use of lighting is critical in this space. We love to highlight the columns of this venue and also accent the best features of the library.  Votives are a great touch to enhance the steps when you arrive and lighting the front of the building, welcomes your guests to this unique venue..

Dining tables set amongst the columns adds to the atmosphere. We love to name the tables after books or authors, after all your in the New York Public Library. We have even placed the escort cards in the drawers of the old card filing system to find your seat.

This event space should not be overlooked. It offers a myriad of possibilities and lends itself to every type of wedding.  The simplicity allows you to be creative in the design every aspect of the wedding.

Since the space is rental venue, you are able to bring in your own caterers (approval required by the Library) and your own event professionals.  Keep in  mind when using the main foyer, the event set up time is very limited due to the fact that the library has  to close to the public, prior to be allowed to set up. 

 For more  information and photos of New York City Weddings, check out www.elegantoccasions.com

Tucker's Point: Perfect Place for a Blissful Beach Wedding

Bermuda transforms into a romantic place at night. Located in the Atlantic, the bright stars are visible and give the feel of your own private oasis. One of the most popular spots is Tucker’s Point. I absolutely love this location, which has a clear view of the beautiful turquoise waters. Known as the only 5-star resort in Bermuda, it offers each guest the VIP treatment they deserve. They can host weddings anywhere from 50 to 120 providing an elegant sit-down dinner.


This couple loved the ocean and wanted to incorporate the island-theme into their escort cards for the rehearsal dinner. This was a unique touch that allowed their guests to enjoy the beach through every aspect of their wedding.

The tent was draped in lights creating a casual effect with the table linens made from burlap with fringed edges. Red napkins added the pop of color to create a more festive environment. 

The framed tent without a roof was draped in sheer organza to allow the night sky to fill the area. Two palm trees anchored the tent structure and framed the area. Draping also cascaded from these points. The overall design concept from the tent was a vision created by myself and my team. The multiple candle cylinders that lined the pool deck enhanced the infinite pool.

The white linens showed a gorgeous contrast to the dark sky. Bowls of orchids cascaded onto each under-lit table while they were topped with ruffled white linens. 

If you are looking for a romantic setting with great views and atmosphere, Tucker’s Point is a great place to consider. 

The Breakers

Upon arrival to the Breakers Palm Beach, you arrive to palm tree-lined driveway leading to a regal Italian-Renaissance setting. You will quickly realize why The Breakers is a romantic destination for weddings. This tropical, oceanfront mansion offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, lush gardens and charming courtyards.

The list of amenities is quite impressive:

· Mediterranean-style Beach Club reminiscent of St. Tropez

· One-half mile of private beach, five oceanfront pools and four whirlpool spas

· 25 luxury beach bungalows for daytime use, including personal concierge

· Luxury oceanfront spa featuring masterful treatments, services, and spa fitness classes

· Two fitness centers

· Nine distinctive restaurants and five bars for an array of dining and entertainment options

· 36 holes championship golf, including The Breakers Rees Jones® Course

· World-class golf instruction featuring the acclaimed John Webster Golf Academy

· 10 lighted Har-Tru tennis courts and instruction by USPTA/USPTR-certified professionals

· 10 on-site boutiques, including Guerlain, Ralph Lauren and Lilly Pulitzer® at The Breakers

· Family Entertainment Center and Coconut Crew Kids Camp


Weddings Locations:

What is fantastic about this venue is that there are plenty of options to host different events.



The Ocean Lawn has a breathtaking direct view of the Atlantic Ocean and provides the relaxed feel of a beachside wedding. This space is perfect to host a ceremony, welcome and rehearsal dinners, or even brunch. The Lawn accommodates 100 to 500 guests.


Mediterranean Courtyard

Framed by classical balustrades and furnished with tropical flora, the Mediterranean Courtyard is a dazzling spot for an outdoor cocktail hour, or can be transformed for a romantic ceremony. Reflecting the hotel’s Renaissance inspiration, it was designed to provide sunshine as well and cross-ventilation for many rooms in the days before air conditioning. The Courtyard accommodates 75 to 500 guests.



Mediterranean Ballroom

Modeled after the loggias of Italian villas, the elaborate fresco-painted renaissance ceilings portray paintings of the sky, with large Venetian-style chandeliers and tall, arched windows. The ballroom overlooks the Mediterranean Courtyard, and can accommodate up to 250 guests.

The Circle Ballroom (One of my favorites!)

The Circle offers spectacular ocean views, through its 15 ft windows. The soaring 30-foot ceiling has a shallow dome with eight oval fresco-painted murals depicting Renaissance landscapes such as Villa Medici outside Florence, and the famous Tivoli Gardens near Rome. At the center, a Venetian crystal chandelier hangs from a stylized gold-leaf sunburst. The Circle accommodates up to 200 guests.

Venetian Ballroom:

This room offers stunning floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Venetian Ballroom is one of The Breakers’ largest ballrooms. The 25-foot-high space glows with six chandeliers, custom fabrics and golden tones. This majestic room accommodates up to 550 guests.


Front Lawn

Offering guests a garden-like setting with lush, tropical foliage, the Front Lawn is a picturesque backdrop for an outdoor ceremony or cocktail reception. Originally used as the hotel’s croquet lawn, the Front Lawn adjoins The Palm Courtyard. The Front Lawn accommodates 75 to 300 guests.




The Gold Room

Aptly named for its gorgeous diagonally paneled gold ceiling, the Gold Room is adorned with 260 hand-carved cherubs. Niches just below the ceiling contain portraits of Renaissance rulers and explorers of the New World. The ballroom is a replica of a room in Venice’s Galleria Accademia and offers an elegant, romantic setting for a ceremony, wedding dinner, or after-party. The Gold Room can accommodate up to 250 guests for a ceremony and 85 guests for dinner with a dance floor and band.




Magnolia Room

Originally the living room-style North Lounge for the hotel, the Magnolia Room accommodates up to 250 guests for a ceremony and 85 guests for dinner with a dance floor and band.

I love finding great spots that don’t require us to use passports (nothing against traveling outside the USA, it’s just a little perk to think “Oh I don’t need that this time”). With daily flights into Palm Beach, this hotel is the perfect destination that feels exotic but remains somewhat familiar.




The hotel is gorgeous, it’s easy to get there but the best thing about this hotel is their amazing team. Their wedding team is probably the best in the business… accommodating, helpful and passionate about their clients. Once you go to the Breakers you will come back every year for your anniversary!! I guarantee it!

Fairytale Weddings

Castles-in-Ireland.com

Fairytale Weddings --

For those who want to splurge on a wedding in castle, there are some wonderful options that await the Princess Bride -

Waterford Castle Hotel and Golf Resort, Waterford, Ireland

Waterford Castle is a a wonderful private 310 - acre island that is the home to a 16th century castle on the River Suir. Guests are ferried across the waters to the beech - lined arbor that leads to the 19 - bedroom estate. Stone walls and intricate tapestries with four poster beds await your arrival to this fairytale castle.  The grand staircase in the foyer, makes you feel like Scarlett Ohara in Gone with the Wind as you descend to meet your Prince Charming.

The wonderful oak paneled walled dining room sets the tone for a wedding feast to highlight the ceremony. The stunning gardens filled with pink and purple rhododendroms make for an old english garden backdrop to offset your wedding day.

The hotel is famous for its gourmet pig roast that would be a wonderful rehearsal dinner celebration.

For those who love activities, why know play some croquet on the croquet lawn, try your hand at shooting of the clay pigeons or play a round of golf on the islands 18 - hole golf course.

Waterford.castle.com

Biltmore Castle, Asheville, North Carolina

This 210 room French Renaissance Chateau, gives you the touch of royalty without traveling to Europe to experience, shall we say American style.  This chateau was once the largest private residence in the United States, built by George Vanderbilt in 1895.  This estate offers thirteen venues which include a champagne cellar that can host a party for 30 , the rustic courtyard of the Barn which can host 40 - 300 guests and Vanderbilt Ballrom that can seat up to 550 guests.  This majestic home was set high on the hills so you can enjoy the vistas of the Blue Ridge mountains all set upon 8000 acres of land.  Fall in love with the Vanderbilt Ballroom where you can  a feast featuring farm to table cuisine, which you can pair your courses with the Biltmore winery, conveniently located nearby.

This Chateau offers your guests 201 guest rooms and 9 suites to allow you to enjoy this for your destination wedding guests.

Biltmore - Village.com

This property offers a variety of activities to keep your guests occupied all weekend long. Enjoy the grounds of the estate to the fullest extent by letting us help you reserve an off-road segway tour, , or a cruise down French Board River. They also offer fly- fishing, clay shooting,  horseback riding and carriage rides

Oheka Castle, Cold Spring Harbor, New York

Once you enter the gates of Oheka you are transported back to the Golden Age. This French Chateau built in the 1920's by financier and philanthropist Otto Herman Kahn, was home to many lavish parties and events hosted by Kahn.  The Castle offers 32 guests rooms for out- of- town guests located on the upper floors of the estate.  The Castle boasts a grand ballroom, wood paneled library, sitting room, dining room, terrace and manicured sculpted formal gardens, perfect for a garden ceremony.

The guests of Oheka may enjoy golf and tennis with use of the private club of  prestigious Cold Spring Golf Club.

The food possiblities are endless at Oheka, from their extensive cocktail hour to wonderful seated dinner to their bountiful dessert table your guests will be impressed, food fit for a king and queen.  Your guests can enjoy everything from a seafood station, lobster station, roasted pig carving station, caviar station and sushi station for cocktails. Then complete the dinner by an amazing display of desserts complete with cupcake tree, candy bar, waffle station and chocolate fountain.

The best ending to the event is having after hour scotch and cigars with jazz ensemble in the library.

Gotham Hall Events

Gotham Hall ...Step Back in Time to  Experience the Grandeur of the City!

Gotham Hall the former headquarters of the Greenwich Savings Bank, Gotham Hall is a magnificent Art Deco ballroom with a seven-story-tall grand vaulted dome.



This is one of the many former banks, turned event space in the heart of Manhattan. Its seven story high glass dome ceiling, above its 10,000 square foot ballroom, surrounded by its grand Corinthian columns, gorgeous authentic marble, and u oval shape helps give Gotham Hall its warm, elegant feeling. Gotham Hall’s Main Ballroom, as well as, smaller side rooms including a Lounge, Mezzanine, and Oak Room.

This space will  only host one event at a time and the entire facility is used exclusively for your corporate gatherings, non-profit galas or social events.

Staged against the amazing turn-of-the-century architecture of the seven-story gilded Ballroom,  events will truly shine. Gotham Hall combines the style of Manhattan’s Broadway with the sophistication and tradition of New York’s finest architecture. The lighting of the venue is truly exceptional and takes the space from beautiful to outstanding.

For smaller, private gatherings, unwind in either of the oak paneled rooms, complete with fireplaces and private restrooms. Guests can enjoy cocktails on the mezzanine as they overlook the spectacular ballroom, or mingle in the lounge for a more intimate cocktail setting.

This room was built for Royalty. The ten foot tall brass doors of the foyer give way to reveal the heart of Gotham Hall, the Grand Ballroom. From fifty to twelve hundred guests, the Ballroom can host a wide variety of events including non-profit galas, corporate dinners, fashion shows, product launches, wine tastings, film and Broadway premieres, boxing matches, corporate meetings, trade expos, concerts, weddings, bar mitzvahs, television and movie shoots.

Gotham Hall Events

Step back in time and enjoy this truly amazing venue!!!