~style files~2011 Bridal Fashion~Bold Embellishments from the Runway

I’m a sucker for a unique wedding gown so you can imagine my excitement when I found all of these amazing new styles for the 2011 season!  As always, bridal fashion is influenced by fashion trends in the everyday world, so with the emergence of unique and embellished styles, bridal fashion has veered in that direction, too.

I’m sure you’ve noticed an increased amount of ruffles and frilly embellishments in fashion in recent lines and this is no different in the bridal world. Exciting oversized and flowy ruffles are hugely popular for gowns, and specifically skirts. Along with the skirt, though, ruffles can be placed subtly along a sleeve or as a one shoulder strap and add a romantic feel to your look. All in all, these gowns have an airy and light feel but still have a ton of layers which give them amazing detail and depth.

Jim Hjelm

Carolina Herrera ~ Vera Wang 

Rosette and flower embellishments are still out in full force, too. I love these styles and the fun, flirty feel that they exude! Depending on your personal taste, too, you can choose between bold or subtle designs.

Reem Acra

Monique Lhuillier

 Amsale ~ Christos

Vera Wang ~ Monique Lhuillier

Short wedding dresses have made a comeback! Given the right setting and theme, these can be adorable and so, so fun! You can also choose a design that is more unique or stay with a simpler style to maintain a  classic look.

Monique Lhuillier ~ Marchesa

Amsale

Colored wedding gowns are growing in popularity for the statement making bride and no one does it better than Vera Wang.

 Unique wedding gowns and special embellishments can make a gown feel more personal and feminine to you. Always stay true to yourself when choosing your wedding gown but don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort level a little! There are so many amazing designs to choose from.

Catering, Food, & Your Event… How to Choose the Right Style For You!

Food will most likely be the biggest ticket item of your event so making it count is an understatement. There are many different ways to serve food to accommodate your guests. Formal sit down dinners are a very traditional route. Fancy tables, multiple courses, and a wait staff are included in this. Buffet style is a more budget conscious option and we all know that the sound of a “buffet” is not always glamorous, but it can actually be presented in a sophisticated and beautiful manner.

 Live action stations are all the rage right now. They might be a little bit higher in expense but creates a fun and lively atmosphere for everyone as well as guaranteeing fresh hot food to every guest, depending on the stations you choose. Popular choices are individually sautéed pasta or a carving station.

 Finally, a good way to get away from a formal sit down dinner is to serve large, passed appetizers. This gets some food in the bellies of your hungry guests but doesn’t make your event more proper than you’d like it to be. It is a MUST that food of some sort is incorporated into your event, but you can choose the recipes and set up that will make up the experience and ambiance of your entire event!  We at Alexan Events are here to help you decide what fits your day the best and fits into your budget. Let us help you and guide you in the direction that is perfect for you!

~Inspiration Board~Shabby Chic & Peachy

~Style Files~Charger Plates for your Tabletops

A table top at a wedding is a highly important place to add décor and style. The guests at your event spend anywhere from one to three hours sitting at their tables for dinner. The small décor items are a little touch that gives beauty and elegance to a table top.

For those of you that do not know, chargers are larger decorative plates used to dress up dinner tables at events. The type of event that is occurring should play into which type of charger you would like to add to your table. There are shinny gold and silver ones that give a somewhat romantic and refined look to the overall feel of your event.There are also more natural looking brushed copper or wooden chargers that bring together the feel of your outdoor, down to earth event.We at Alexan Events have many chargers in stock and have whatever you are looking for at our fingertips. Unfortunately, we have found that one of the first things taken out of a budget conscious event is a charger on a table top, but have found ways around that. We stock our own as well as come up with creative ways to keep them on your tables and in your, overall, budget.

Keep your entire event in mind when making décor decisions. Every little piece is needed to keep a cohesive feel. We are here to help you make money conscious decisions and still make everything beautiful.

~Honeymoon Destination Guide~Seychelles

For the couple looking for an exotic and unforgettable honeymoon destination, add Seychelles in Eastern Africa to your list of places to check into! If you’re not familiar, the Seychelles islands are located East of the African continent and just Northeast of Madagscar in the Indian Ocean. It is an archipelago made up of 115 islands, half of which are uninhabited coral atolls and the other which consist of narrow coasts and central hills. It is said to be an amazingly tropical and beautiful place and all in all, it’s an African Paradise!

 

 www.nationsonline.org

 The  tropical climate keeps it nice year round with warm season from March to May. Perfect for those getting married in the Spring who want to avoid the risk of rain. No matter the season, the temperature most likely won’t fall below 73 degrees and with the bright sunshine, you should never forget your sunglasses or floppy hats! Where is the best place to stay? The Sainte Anne Resort and Spa is the perfect hotel if you’re looking for pure luxury. Located on it’s own private island, the hotel boasts seaside villas, some with their own private pools, gourmet dining and exceptional service. It also offers a bit of adventure, too, being surrounded by the largest marine park in the Indian Ocean. http://www.sainteanne-resort.com/. The Banyan Tree Hotel in Seychelles is tucked into the Intendance Bay with great ocean views on Mahe Island. Surrounded by white sand beaches, lush tropical forests and palm trees you’ll be sure to feel the romantic seclusion. The ecclectic decor and fresh ambiance of the resort will leave you with a romantic and relaxing stay. http://www.banyantree.com/en/seychelles

What to do, what to do? Well, for one, coral reef diving is one of the main attractions on the islands. With clear blue waters and friendly fish, you can capture some amazing photos and have an even more amazing experience. According to www.iexplore.com, there are over 900 species of fish in the area and 100 species of coral, making for some wonderful sights. If you’re not into diving, snorkeling is made easy by the hotels and is available near beaches which is a great alternative. Keep the Sainte Anne National Marine Park in mind when looking for snorkeling spots.  You could also charter a boat or yacht for a private day out on the sea with your honey.This may not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re thinking of top honeymoon spots and romantic getaways but keep in mind that this may be one of the most important trips you take in your lifetime and going to an exotic and unique place could be a once in a lifetime chance. Going to Africa will be a true adventure that is the perfect way for you and your fiance to start your new lives together!