The wedding industry is constantly changing and it can appear hard to keep up. That’s why at Creative Concepts by Lisa, we explain to our clients that the best part of planning your wedding today is that there are no rules. Be yourself, celebrate your sense of style and have fun. Here are 5 of our favorite trends to share with you, that we were lucky enough to share with New Haven Register Lifestyle!

1. The First Look

My biggest suggestion to all my clients today comes to the wedding photography, and is called the First Look! Gone are the days when the bride and groom see each other for the first time as they walk down the aisle, today the trend is about the First Look photos and using the time before the ceremony to get all your must have photos completed. Why? So you can enjoy the party? You are paying for a 5-hour event, wouldn’t it be nice to get to enjoy all 5 hours? The first look is typically set up in advance with location and time – the bride and groom are brought together for a moment, so private and fabulous it must be captured by the photographer! I have seen incredible first look moments, and I highly recommend discussing this idea with your wedding planner and your wedding photographer.

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  Photo: Katie Slater Photography

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  Photo: Photography by Nicholas

2. Lighting

I adore the use of up-lighting, projections, and monograms, to create a one of kind mood or style at your wedding. Be careful that you use a professional lighting company to make this happen; as they not only load in and load on the equipment but they offer onsite technicians to stay with you during the event. They have more quality options for current equipment and larger variety of color options. Your photography will love the use of professional lighting and that helps to create even more magical photographs.

Lighting: Shindig Lighting | Photo: Angela Maria Photography

3. Metallics

There needs to be a pop! And what better way to do it than with the use of metallics? From the use of metallic vases on your centerpieces, to metallic votive and candle holders, to a special metallic linen on your sweetheart or cake table let the sparkle shine and add that pop to your wedding day. I also love the use of metallic on charger plates for your tables or passed hors’ d oeuvres, dessert stations and candy bars. So add a pop to your style!

Photos: Vicki + Erik Photography

4. Passed Hors’ d oeuvres & Food Stations

Designing your food and beverage service to suit your sense of style is one of the most fun parts of planning your big day. For example, you are no longer “required” to have a sit down dinner or a traditional buffet meal. How about a nonstop cocktail reception? Try thinking about a 5-hour cocktail party, with food stations and passed Hors’ d oeuvres and lots of nontraditional stationed food. Be the foodie you love to be and make your menu one of kind.

Photo: Jenna Bascom, Love Edition

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  Photo: Jenna Bascom, Love Edition

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  Photo: Angela Maria Photography

5. Centerpieces

Gone are the days when you had only one choice for centerpieces (a vase with flowers), now your florist love to use creative vessels to make your centerpieces more stylish and thematic. Let your creative side go wild, add floating candles, and underwater LED lights. Use lanterns, and wood boxes, and metallic vases, alternate them short and tall for texture, mix it up!

Also, you can use more than flowers, succulents, and fruits and vegetables, and twigs and feathers and so much more! It is so exciting creating your look today. And remember it is always best to know your budget before you meet with your florist so you can stay focused on what will work within your planned budget amount. No matter what have fun creating looks that are not cookie cutter pieces of weddings gone by, get creative and make it your own.

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  Photo: Vicki + Erik Photography

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  Photo: Photography by Nicholas

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  Photo: Jenna Bascom, Love Edition

So remember when planning your wedding be creative, have fun, and most importantly be yourself. For more information on these trends, and local vendors contact me for your complimentary consultation today!