As wedding planners we are already welcoming our beautiful summer season here in North Carolina.  Our incredible mountain ranges and beautiful landscapes are the perfect backdrop for Southern Elegance steeped in history.

One of our recent brides chose to celebrate her nuptials at a venue The Laboratory Mill. This popular location offers a waterfront backdrop, is a historic location and it is very close to the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport which is convenient for family and friends from out of town.

Other great choices for North Carolina couples:

Some of our couples are enchanted by an old countryside farmhouse, and others are drawn to the mountains of Asheville, or to a great hotel. The museum in Durham is a poplar choice for summer weddings.  Wilmington, NC has a glorious secret garden with a historic town charm.

For those of you looking at the Charlotte area, we may be standing with you to help on your special day.  Feel at home and plan your wedding with our event planners at “Events by Jaclyn.”

How has Social Media impacted wedding planning?

Wedding trends are always changing and with the inception of Pinterest and Instagram it has been pushed to a higher level.  Now we can all get involved and bring our creative juices to the surface.  From the proposal, the engagement party, the trial shower and other wedding festivities are all impacted by this social media giants. Hundreds of ideas from around the country and around the world are being published every day.  Each and every wedding can be as unique as your imagination allows.

Here are some of the trends we are seeing this year for the summer of 2018:

  • Dynamic Colors and bright hues
  • Lighter summer music (laid-back and informal)
  • Beach and garden venues rather than generic settings
  • Unexpected ultra-creative wedding invites
  • Natural centerpieces for summertime
  • Using fruit in hollowed-out containers
  • Summer wine smoothies
  • Creating a signature cocktail
  • Green natural containers
  • Wooden vases with grass or moss
  • Summer cake flavors like strawberry fillings, etc.
  • Summertime fruit to include Key Lime, Lemon and Orange
  • Serving Ice Cream (have a truck stop by)
  • Guest favors like eco-friendly gifts, plants, or herbs

Bridal gown trends are changing for the summer of 2018

We all want to enjoy the sweet warm weather but no one wants to be “too warm.”  The wedding dresses chosen for summer brides are usually made with lighter material and the trend now is to choose several dresses for the event.  They might choose three different pieces to wear.  one for the rehearsal dinner, a gown for the ceremony and another for the reception. Summer brides are leaning toward detachable trains, sleeves that can be removed, and overskirts which can be taken off to reveal a new look for a separate event.

Don’t forget the guests at summer weddings:

Every year from June to August, we hear from our BFFs letting us know that their nuptials are just around the corner.  Martha Stewart has a few ideas to consider.  The main thing you must always remember is to “never upstage the bride.”  But that being said it is time to choose a few dresses for those summer events.  Our weather in North Carolina can be very warm in summer. Take this into account and choose attire to work well with the venue.

In some instances, you’ll hear from the bride herself letting you know if she is wanting you to choose a specific color for her day or if anything is ok.  The biggest hits we are seeing this year would be shades of yellow, lavender and soft pastel colors.  A simple yet comfortable summer dress will be the perfect choice. Look for ruffles and beautiful floral prints  which are always a hit.  To be sure it is always courteous to ask your bride what she prefers. The venue also plays a part as you choose your attire to wear to the event.  Check out some of the top choices for spring on Instagram and other places online. You will be sure to find a winner.

Looking your best but not drawing the wrong attention:

None of us want to distract from the bride by choosing attire which might not be appropriate.  Look closely at the wedding invitation to see if there is anything suggested for guest attire.  If there is no clue, then one thing is for sure.  Never wear white to a wedding, and this includes the other festivities associated with the wedding as well.

Be very respectful regarding religious affiliations.  For example, if you know the wedding will be held at a Catholic church, be sure to cover your bare arms with a sweater and do not wear clothing which shows too much skin.  Save this for the reception.  The color black is a choice for weddings as long as the bride has no problem with it.  A little black dress, today, is totally appropriate for weddings.  Although I would not suggest wearing black dresses to summer weddings.  I prefer to see pastel colors or a color approved by the bride.

Black tie optional:

If you receive an invite that states “black tie optional” you should be cautious and wear a long dress or a dark suit.  Better to be safe and have a happy bride.  It is her day and as a guest we suggest you do all you can to make that day a wonderful memory for her.

Conclusion:

Thank you very much for stopping by today and hurry back for more from our experts at Events by Jaclyn.  Keep in touch and contact us for your next big event