Recap: 2013 Weddings Trends Seminar at BHLDN

Hello ladies and happy 2013!! Big things are happening this year and what better way to kick off the new year than an amazing event! Last weekend we teamed up with BHLDN for the highly anticipated wedding workshop, highlighting the wedding trends for 2013. It was a smash! We gave you a little preview of what to expect but the event itself was better than we could have imagined! (Funny how things always work out that way!) We met some lovely brides-to-be and are excited about what's in store for this year's wedding trends!


For all of you who weren't able to make it, no worries, we have provided you with our own personal notes from the event. Including trends from all areas of the event industry - cake, decor, floral, stationery and more! Plus a photo recap by Archetype and Kelli Elizabeth Photography - thank you ladies for these beautiful images!

At Two Be Wed, the saying "It's not how you start, rather the way you finish" does not necessarily apply to wedding planning. It's so very much about the way you BEGIN the planning process. Our insights for 2013 are:


Two Be Wed's, Danyett Baxter setting the tablescape. Delegating on your big day is the key to enjoying every moment, that's where we step in; Image by Archetype

The inspiration for this tablescape was the custom fuchsia napkins,
from which the color palette and floral were designed around;
Image by Archetype

• Work with a consultant to help you with style and design and to connect you to the right people - creative, professional, reliable, suitable to your style and budget. A resourceful wedding consultant is worth their weight in gold, literally.
• Be thoughtful with your design. Find something that inspires you - a piece of fabric, a shoe or a pattern, and build a strong foundation from it. From your inspiration you should find your color palette or colors that compliment well, and go from there.
• Start from scratch - don't be a copy cat. That's for all of you Pinterest addicts out there. Sure, we love Pinterest but don't plan your wedding exactly like someone else. Be original, choose wisely and add/edit when necessary. Pinterest can be too overwhelming when it comes to design, and sometimes it is better to stay away from it until after the big day to avoid questioning your style and design.
• Brass is back! Don't be afraid to mix up your tablescapes and add a little brass to your centerpieces, dinnerware or accessories.
• Eclectic vessels are the way to go, avoid being too matchy-matchy. Make your design interesting by choosing eclectic pieces that will make an impression rather than get lost in your overall design.
• Incorporate a custom element on the tablescape, i.e.: napkins, stationery, lighting, etc. Go bold and do something that represents your personalities as a couple.
  
  
  

  

  Natalie Dawley, Owner of Two Be Wed, sharing our wedding trends and tips for 2013; Image by Archetype

  

More insights from our selective team of talented wedding professionals...




"Think outside of the box for your menu design" - Acute Catering, something along the lines of these whimsical hand stands by BHLDN; Image by Archetype



A timeless stunning gown featured in BHLDN's
new spring line;
Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

Catering - "Out of the box thinking for your menu design, food savvy items rather than generic buffets, and American "comfort" foods presented in a new way," - Acute Catering

Photography - "Styled shoots for engagement sessions, and continuing the trend of outdoor bridal sessions," - Archetype Photography
"Brides including animals in engagement and wedding portraits, Film is back! - Photographers are switching to medium format film, and editorial style detail shots are a must have - no more posey traditional portraits," - Kelli Elizabeth Photography



"Our clients are food savvy and watch Food Network,
so they prefer specific menus vs. generic buffets" - Acute Catering,
Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

"Mix your china patterns and add a custom napkin" - Aztec Events and Tents; Image by Archetype

Tablescapes - "Mixing china patterns, create a custom napkin and integrating a color palette for linen selection instead of one linen for every room," - Aztec Events and Tents


"Mix and match bridesmaids' dresses in various color,
prints and shapes" - BHLDN,
Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

Bridal Fashion - "Create looks that really highlight the bride's personal style, dresses in different hues and colors other than the traditional ivory wedding dress, and mix and match bridesmaids' dresses in various color, prints and shapes," - BHLDN

Stationery - "3 core elements to a good design - color, shape and texture, incorporate those 3 throughout your wedding design; embellishments - ribbon, silhouettes, monograms - set your design apart, and design a full & complete invitation suite for a consistent and cohesive look," - Hello and Co.

This invitation suite by Hello and Co. is full of lavish embellishments; Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

Mali of Hello and Co. explaining her three core elements theory and how it applies
to your invitation suite and overall wedding design;
Image by Archetype

 

Stunning suspended floral arrangement by Something Special in Flowers,
positioned above the head table and sure to be a conversation piece
for all guests to admire; Image by Archetype

Floral - "Suspended floral over key places like the head table, bold colors paired with soft hues, ex:fuchsia and pastel pink, and a variety of flowers arranged in different combinations - no more matchy-matchy centerpieces," - Something Special in Flowers



Cake - "Multiple single tier cakes rather than one large cake - each cake can either stand alone, be removed from the group, or grouped together for a creative and cohesive stor; painted cakes or brighter saturated colors such as oxblood, raspberry and mixed metals, and very detailed cakes are trending, simple cakes are out," - Sugary and Chic Cake Boutique


"By using multiple tier cakes rather than one large cake - each cake can either stand alone, be removed from the group, or grouped together for a creative and cohesive story." -Sugary and Chic Cake Boutique; Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

Two Be Wed's custom style and design board full of inspirations for
this years wedding trends; Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

We don't know about you, but we can't wait to see some of these trends in action! A big thanks again to all of the participating vendors, Acute Catering, Archetype Photography, Kelli Elizabeth Photogaphy, Aztec Events and Trends, Hello and Co., Something Special in Flowers, Sugary and Chic Cake Boutique and the lovely ladies at BHLDN.




We love how all of these decor elements came so beautifully together! It wouldn't have been possible
without the help of the participating vendors who are so talented in their craft!
 Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

Be eclectic, BE eclectic! Brass is back and here to stay. - Natalie Dawley, Two Be Wed
Image by Archetype

Guests soaking it all in as vendors share their wedding trends for 2013; Image by Kelli Elizabeth Photography

Gardens of Bammel Lane: Open House Recap

Happy November! This year is quickly slipping us by and we have had an awesome year so far! One of our favorite events of the year, is the most recent Gardens of Bammel Lane Fall Open House. We were honored to be responsible for the style and design of the event and shared our inspirations with you prior to the big night.

The overall turnout was better than we could have ever imagined. I don't think I've ever seen the Gardens look so beautiful. We couldn't have made it possible without the help of our team of amazing vendors, especially Recollection Vintage Rentals, Something Special in Flowers and Swift & Co. for their decor and floral. It transformed the venue and highlighted their best features! We are happy to share not one, but two perspectives of the event thanks to Sarah McKenzie Photography and Christa Elyce Photography. A big thank you for sharing your beautiful images with us for our photo recap! Enjoy!

Blomes Paperie transformed the Conservatory with her paper floral. Her pieces were so complementing to the venue and a great statement piece for any event. Photo by Sarah McKenzie Photography.

Our favorite centerpiece of the night by Carol of Something Special in Flowers. Slightly biased, because this was our table. Check out our life size Pinterest board in the back created specifically for the event. Photo by Sarah McKenzie Photography.

We were smitten by Recollection Vintage Rentals vintage table scape. The perfect about of mix-match. Photo by Sarah McKenzie Photography.

Something Special in Flowers and Recollection Vintage Rentals work of art. They make the best team and we love working with them! Photo by Sarah McKenzie Photography

I'm a sucker for succulents and this centerpiece stole my heart away. Photo by Sarah McKenzie Photography.

Simple but elegant. Floral by Something Special in Flowers, Vintage Pieces by Recollection Vintage Rentals. Photo by Sarah McKenzie Photography.

Mock Ceremony Collaboration by Two Be Wed and Recollection Vintage Rentals. We love creating new spaces within this venue to make each event truly unique. Photo by Sarah McKenzie Photography.

Handmade Ice Cream Bars with your choice of toppings by Chocolate Fountain Express - hit of the night! And so delicious. Photo by Sarah McKenzie Photography

BHLDN's table was a showstopper as always. Hello, look at that dress. Photo by Sarah McKenzie Photography.

Swift + Co. presented the more modern table scape with ghost chairs and candelabras. Proving the Gardens can be vintage and mod. Photo by Sarah McKenzie Photography.

Detailed shot of BHLDN's table. Love all their goodies - all available online or in stores. Photo by Christa Elyce.

Candy bar toppings for the ice cream bars. Mmm. Photo by Christa Elyce.

More of Blumes Paperie's paper floral collection. That's right, all of those flowers are made of paper. Photo by Christa Elyce.

Acute Catering kept us refreshed us with their custom drink station. Photo by Christa Elyce.



Vintage trinkets and Styling by Recollection Vintage Rentals. Photo by Christa Elyce.

A beautiful sea of peach linens provided by PartyCloths. Did we mention what a beautiful night it was? B-e-a-u-tiful! Photo by Christa Elyce.

Another shot of that gorgeous mock ceremony from Christa's perspective. Love the sash bows on the chairs. Photo by Christa Elyce.

Dessert a la City View Catering. The good eats were neverending!! Photo by Christa Elyce.

Natalie and Ashley manning the TBW table. Beautiful ladies! Photo by Christa Elyce.

Carol outdid herself with the floral. We are a huge fan of hers and this birdcage masterpiece. Photo by Christa Elyce.

Gorgeous Cascading floral for the mock ceremony. We didn't think that Recollection Vintage Rental's mint mantle could look any better but we were wrong! Photo by Christa Elyce.

Country Casual Engagement Party

Happy Thursday! Today we're bringing you this charming, country casual engagement party for our clients, Meredith and Eric.

The couple met last year on Memorial weekend so it was only fitting that their engagment party was held the same weekend, as will their wedding next Memorial weekend 2013 in Napa Valley.

The party was centered around their love timeline: celebrating their past, present and future. We were inspired by a country staple, the mason jar, and incorporated it in the invitations, centerpieces, favors and guestbook. (Check out the oversized mason jar guestbook below!) The decor was casual and simple, but just enough to set it apart from your typical Memorial Day BBQ.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!



Invitations by NewBorrowedandBlue on Etsy

Chalkboard Love Timeline by Recollection Vintage Rentals

Floral Centerpieces by Recollection Vintage Rentals





Linens by Aztec Events, Ticking Stripe Runners and Floral by Recollection Vintage Rentals

Mason Jar Time Capsule
Oversized mason jar to keep their well wishes until the couple reopens one year from the date.



Mason Jar Cards by BlueEnvelope on Etsy
Personalized mason jars for guests to fill out and seal away in the time capsule for one year until the couple weds!

Only in Texas!

Where it all began - Memorial Day 2011



Save the Date - Napa, Memorial Weekend 2013!

Signature Mojitos in honor of the first cocktail Meredith and Eric shared exactly one year ago when they met.

Umbrella Tables from Aztec Rentals
We love this look and it's a must for Houston heat!

Invitations: NewBorrowedandBlue

Mason Jar Cards: Blue Envelope

Chalkboard Art, Vintage Decor and Floral: Recollection Vintage Rentals

Linens, Table and Chairs: Aztec Events and Rentals

Catering: Jim Benton of Houston

Mason Jar Tiny Pie Favors: Tiny Pies

Style and Design, Event Coordination: Two Be Wed



How did you spend your Memorial Weekend? We want to know!







Extra, Extra, Read all about us!

We love being given the opportunity to be featured on the various wedding & event blogs that exist today!! It allows us to reach more brides and to share our knowledge of the wedding industry for those who need it most! See what others are saying about us.

"I walk into the ultra chic Two Be Wed boutique to sit and chat with owner, the lovely Natalie Dawley who is also a partner in Recollection Vintage Rentals. I immediately feel at home in this cozy space and feel although something is missing without colorful macaroons or petit fors in hand. We begin discussing decor and get on to the subject of weddings. We talk everything from wedding trends to budget friendly tips for brides to be."
 -Expert from Haili Pue's blog, Flavor of the week. Read more of this interview here.

{Photo Credit: Haili Pue}

"At Two Be Wed, we respect and honor the institution of marriage. This once-in-a-lifetime event should be tailored to reflect the distinctive personality, style, and taste of the bride and groom. We believe successful wedding planning requires a significant amount of time, energy, and organizational ability-we take that role very seriously."
-Expert from Tamara Menges' blog. Read more of this interview here.


We intend to keep the good praises coming! Look for more press & review from former clients to come! Also, we have our own vendor features in the works featuring some of our favorite, up & coming vendors in the industry!!



What is a Day-of Coordinator?

We are back!! Big things have been happening here at Two Be Wed and we have recommitted ourselves to bringing the latest trends, vendors and advice to our blogging community, and fans!

One service we are highlighting this week is the role of the day-of coordinator. Many brides opt out of having a full-time wedding coordinator because they don't fully understand what a coordinator entails. So you ask, what does a day-of coordinator do??

At Two Be Wed, we believe that a day-of coordinator protects the investment of your time, money and more importantly, your peace of mind on your wedding day. We serve as the point of contact for vendors and your bridal party. We prompt the couple and attendants on where to be and when. We manage the styling of decor and the timing of the ceremony and reception. We are responsible for making sure the photographer doesn't miss any monumental moments or be there to repair a snag minutes away from your walk down the aisle.

The reality is the world doesn't stop when you're getting married and life happens. You don't want to be the one when life happens on YOUR day. But in case life does happen, a day-of coordinator gives you the peace of mind that your investment is protected on your day, all day.

For more information on Two Be Wed's day-of services, please contact houston@twobewed.net and reference this blog post!

Modern Maharanis

All weddings revolve around tradition, but none are quite like a South Asian wedding. With the newest addition to our firm, Two Be Red is proud to host an South Asian inspired bridal bash for the modern maharanis. Prashe Decor, our co-host, and many other vendors available for South Asian weddings will be at the Hilton Post Oak on August 19 from 1-5 PM to showcase modern elements for a traditional South Asian wedding. We are very excited for this event and welcome all brides-to-be to join in this cultural festival!

For more information, contact us at houston@twobewed.net.

We hope to see everyone there!

Your Houston Wedding Planners

Ok, Future Bride-to-Be....tell the truth! Is your wedding planning driving you nuts? Do you wish you had someone (knowledgeable, trustworthy, honest, and capable) to help you with all the tasks and decisions that have to be made before you walk down the aisle?

Fret no more! The creative minds at Two Be Wed are Houston wedding planners that you can trust to make your planning process exciting and the day-of, unforgettable! Call or email for a complimentary consultation. If you book a planning service we will offer you a $250 credit towards your package.

houston@twobewed.net
713.572.3030