6 winter wedding trends in 2014

Thanks to the Polar Vortex, we had a proper winter this year. And what better than a snowy white background for your winter wedding? The white color allows for a lot of variation and experimentation, so each year there are new winter wedding trends. Here are 6 trends you can use for your wedding. Flowers This year's trend in flowers is said to be bouquets of white flowers, decorated with seasonal greenery and other winter elements such as pinecones, hypercium berries or china berries. The flower experts at FiftyFlowers suggest a mixture of Polo White Roses, Vendela Ivory Roses and White Veronica. Wrap them into bouquets using dark plaid ribbons, add pinecones and you have an elegant yet rustic touch to your wedding. For an extra wintery feeling, consider snowy wedding tables. FlowersByMeredith / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND Baked Goodies Comfort food is appealing in the winter like no other time of the year, so your guests are going to expect something to warm them up on the inside. The Knot, a website about wedding inspiration and ideas, suggests pot pie, mac and cheese or a course of warm cheese, such as baked brie, garnished with blueberries. For the sweet part, try chocolate chip cookies, gingerbread man... well, any kind of cookies for that matter. In the drinks section think hot chocolate, mulled wine and spiced apple cider. mellowfood / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND Wedding Invitations In an interview for Bridal Guide, celebrity wedding planner David Tutera says that the traditional creamy-colored wedding invitations are falling out of fashion. They are being replaced by richer and bolder colors such as: “bronze, copper, and golden hues; earthy blends of burgundy, sienna, and chocolate brown; and deep shades of purple.” Still, don't be afraid to experiment if you think a particular color conveys your personality. zoe.wang / Foter / CC BY Music Goes Indie David Tutera is noticing another interesting trend. People are shifting away from the “evergreen” love songs, typically played during the reception or the first dance. Their place is increasingly being taken by “quirky, playful, and upbeat—alternative or indie selections”. One of the explanations is that this way both the guests and the happy couple will remember that dance as something exceptional. Bridesmaid Dresses Bridesmaid fashion is not to be underestimated. Bridesmaids whose dresses and colors are matching will bring more esthetics to the wedding. The experts of The Knot say this year jewel tones such as navy or eggplant will be making a strong presence. A black dress is always a good choice too, because it can be worn for other occasions too. At the same time the typically winter hues of ice blue, silver and ivory will remain popular embellishments of the snowy setting. Jackal of all trades / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA Wedding Cakes Many bakeries go for a cake that is decorated with traditional colors such as green and red. These can put too much emphasis on the winter holidays, so opt for something different. Many wedding experts now agree that white cakes dusted with edible silver powder are a great stylistic addition to a winter wedding. As for the flavor, you can experiment with fragrances that speak of winter, such as cinnamon, ginger or caramel. henry alva / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND

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Best Man Gifts from the Groom: Answers to Your Questions

Modern weddings are breaking from traditions more and more with brides and grooms making their ceremonies and receptions incredibly personal. Still, some traditions live on and are an indispensable part of a wedding. One of these traditions is giving the best man a gift, and often times, we get questions from customers about the practice. We put together this brief list of best man gift FAQs to help: Why Does the Best Man Get a Gift from the Groom? Typically, all members of the wedding party receive gifts as a way of showing appreciation for their participation in the event. Being in a wedding involves the expense of renting a tuxedo and often traveling and staying overnight. It also requires a donation of one's time. The gift is also a way of acknowledging everything that the best man has done for the groom during their lives and is a simple way of saying, "I love you, man!" When Should the Best Man Gift Be Given? There is no specific time when the best man gift must be given out. Often, it's done at the rehearsal dinner either publicly in front of everyone or privately. It could also be done on the morning of the wedding or in the days leading up to the event. Just make sure to give the gift prior to the start of the actual wedding. Does the Best Man Get the Same Gift as the Groomsmen? Again, there is no specific rule regarding what the gifts must be. Many grooms choose to give the best man the same gift as the groomsmen, but just as many select something extra special or spend a little more on the best man gift. If you do decide to splurge and buy the best man something that is clearly of more value than what you're giving the other gents in the wedding party, it would be best to give the gifts privately rather than in front of everyone. How Much Do You Have to Spend on a Best Man Gift? Wedding etiquette doesn't prescribe a specific amount that must be spent on a best man gift. Naturally, you want to make sure that the gift fits into your budget. If you're strapped for cash, there is nothing wrong with choosing a gift that is $25 or under, provided you purchase something that is of good quality. Got a little more room in your budget? You can use the amount of money that your best man is spending to be in your wedding as a guide. If the best man is paying for airfare, an expensive hotel room and a bachelor party, you might spend more than you would if your wedding is local and all the best man is paying for is the cost of the rental tux. When choosing a best man gift, take his interests, career and lifestyle into consideration. For example, if he loves golf, the Personalized Mallet Putter would make a memorable gift, while a man who is meticulous about his appearance might prefer the Haydon Engraved Chrome Shaving Set. Here at GroomStand, we have plenty of options available with something to suit every best man, and our gifts come in a wide range of prices, ensuring you'll find something to fit your budget in our inventory.

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