Northern California Wedding Show | Top 3 Wedding Registries

Traditions have changed over the years so we have noticed that couples aren’t always needing a toaster or a new set of dish towels after saying I Do - so how does this shift impact wedding registries? While registries may look a little different for the modern couple, couples are just shifting towards alternative options such as honey funds, travel funds and even cash.

If you are a data nerd like us, you can check out the 2020 WeddingWire Wedding report for all sorts of stats https://go.weddingwire.com/newlywed-report and then read on for our top three wedding registry recommendations!

Photo by TreCreative

Here are the top 3 registries that we recommend:

1. Zola “Everything you need in one place”
   We agree - Zola has great features to a handy & free wedding website, wedding invitations, RSVP options and of course the registry options that allow to connect with virtually every retailer. For more information visit https://www.zola.com/

2. VEBO “A Registry for Experiences”
   You don’t have to go far to plan an experience and VEBO lists ideas like Hot Air Balloon Rides to Wine Tasting to traveling within the U.S and Internationally. Couples can also select charities or link their registry with Bed Bath & Beyond for more traditional household items.
   For more information visit: https://vebolife.com/

3. Honeyfund “We make Honeymoons Happen”

   Take it from us - don’t put off your Honeymoon this is an amazing time to enjoy and relax after all of the months of detailed planning. A honeyfund option is great for couples who would like to allow their guests to contribute towards their travel plans. Everything from upgrading your room, sending a bottle of champagne or chipping in for an island adventure.. guests are a part of the memories. For more information visit https://www.honeyfund.com/

We want to hear all about your dream Honeymoon and hope you’ll find the perfect plan for you! Be sure to check out our Facebook Group - Northern California Wedding Show where we’ll be bringing all of the local pro’s together virtually to share in the excitement for your day!

Northern California Wedding Show | Guest Seating Tips

To assign seating or not assign seating, that is the question.

What if you can do the best of both worlds? Assign seating for your immediate family members and wedding party if they won't be seated at a head table but leave the rest of the seating open for guests.  

This allows you to make it simple for your family to find their seat and if they have been doing photos after the ceremony they may be the last to be making their way over to the reception area to find a seat.  It also keeps mom and dad happy because they have their family seated close by and they have a great view of your table.

image courtesy of Sourced+Co.

If you've elected to use assigned seating for all of your guests be sure to not only have a copy of the list for your coordinator or banquet captain but also a map of where the tables should be placed.  So if your best friend is at table 6, consider where table 6 should be in relation to your table and sketch out a simple layout for reference.  

Stressed about seating? Ask your wedding planner, or venue, caterer, photographer for ideas on how to make a seamless seating arrangement for your wedding reception!

Northern California Wedding Show | Top 3 Wedding Trends for 2018

When you work in the wedding industry or even in the fashion and design world, you see a lot of trends that come and go.  What we love most is when couples put their own fun twist on a trend or find a classic style and make it their own.  This post is all about the trends on the horizon for 2018 wedding season!

1. Jewel Tones - Don't be afraid of color! In fact the rich tones and textures of the jewel toned trend is exactly what draws us in and make it feel so romantic.  

Image via Pinterest

2. Al Fresco - Can you say greenery? We love the understated elegance that comes with the less is more approach to Al Fresco style designs! From the words of Style Me Pretty: "Al Fresco weddings are warm and welcoming, inspired by the home and family style dinners. Initially part of the California vineyard scene, Al Fresco weddings now rule the wedding world - achieved by the use of open-air tenting, whimsical lighting, and long, rustic and elegant feasting tables in any locale."

3. Personalization - A cohesive "wedding brand" is the perfect way to tell the story of your wedding and putting the focus on the unique storyline of your relationship.  If you love sailing or adventuring together, you can incorporate this adventure them into many facets of your day.  Custom stationery is another way to personalize your wedding, take it from Carey at the Idea Emporium, "creating cool shit for weddings" is definitely in.

Image by Jose Villa, Designed by Idea Emporium featured on Style Me Pretty

If you want to read the full report on trends from around the globe, check out the International Wedding Trend Report for 2018!