Virginia Wedding Trends
Monday, January 28, 2013
Our resident wedding expert Carole Konrad recently returned from
January bridal shows in Virginia and spotted these themes and
trends that translate well to Tides Inn brides...
Fun & Playful
No matter the budget, couples are looking for ways to
incorporate more fun into the traditional ceremony and reception,
like bringing their well-behaved pets into the bridal party.
Tides couples exchange vows on the green lawn, then toast
with Lancaster Lemonades over a game of croquet.
A portable photo booth is a fun way to capture memories,
especially when guests can don a bit of costume for their portrait,
like zany vintage hats and boas. Or, pose on our Tides fleet
of bicycles or toss the bouquet and make the getaway from a yacht
in the marina. Other wedding weekend fun activities include bon
fires, make-your-own s'mores, and late-night barbecues on the beach
with sparklers.
Back to Nature
Country weddings are on the rise, with a background of
lush, green countryside and lots of colorful flowers. Local
farms, barns and vineyards are popular venues, adorned with
natural, outdoorsy details like whitewashed picnic tables and
antique garden furniture.
Our Tides brides can march down a green lawn towards an aquatic
vista of sparkling water and bobbing sailboats. Another popular
waterfront site for a ceremony is under the soaring fir tree, laced
with a string of colorful paper lanterns. We call it the
Family Tree.
Localized Bounty
Be it sustainable farming, responsible aqua-culture or craft
beers and local wine, today's wedding menus are all about what is
fresh and local. The Tides is ideally situated in rich
farming country, bordered by the Rappahannock River and Chesapeake
Bay, to offer an authentic Virginia farm-to-fork menu.
Rappahannock oyster roasts, Virginia wine tastings and more
can be incorporated into the wedding feast.
Bridal Style
Despite the fun vibe, brides are still opting for a formal white
dress, often with bling bouquets that sparkle with crystals and
jewels. Bright colors reign, like hot pink and orange; turquoise
and teal are popular, and emerald green too. Vintage is all
the rage this year--think antique jewelry, long strands of pearls,
turquoise and tourmaline, feathers and veils and hair
adornments--inspired by period pieces like "Downton Abbey" and the
remake of "The Great Gatsby."
Ultimately, it is your wedding, so be sure to personalize it
with your individual style!