Personalize Your Wedding Style: Tips from Laid-Back to Lavish
Galia Lahav – Personalize Your Wedding Style: Tips from Laid-Back to Lavish
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From made-to-order invitations to building your own event space.
You’ve fantasized about your wedding ever since your beloved put that ring on your finger—or even for years before that. Now that you’re a bride-to-be, your dream wedding is about to come true. Will it be a laid-back outdoor celebration or lavish ballroom affair? Here are four popular wedding styles with ideas to help you personalize your big event.

CLASSIC

If you envision a formal affair with a sit-down dinner in an elegant setting, then a classic wedding is your style. A ballroom provides the perfect venue to create your ideal traditional wedding. “Since ballrooms can take on a broad range of décor, you can go all out with your theme,” says Gina Jokilehto-Shigel, owner and creative director of Shi Shi Events. “Consider a ballroom that has beautiful architectural features that you can play up in your design.” Customization and transparent details are on trend for classic weddings, such as bespoke invitations; acrylic menus, place cards, and signs; and mirrors with handwritten romantic sayings or seating charts. To create a soft and timeless ambiance, fill the space with candlelight, lush ivory blooms, and gold accents,” says Katie Jayne Sprenkle, founder/event and design director of Jayne Weddings & Events.

Your Look: Make your grand entrance in a showstopping gown like Galia Lahav’s “Zenia” lace fit-and-flare dress with a daringly low illusion back and dramatic tulle skirt or the “Juniper” lace off-the-shoulder mermaid gown with a Watteau train.


MODERN

Modern brides love unconventional event venues with lots of open space and natural light; and are favoring cocktail parties and brunches over traditional receptions, which allows them more time and opportunity to mingle with their guests. “The trend is towards a multi-course dinner of small plates, craft cocktails, and non-traditional desserts or a food truck for late night snacks, all in a unique venue,” says Jokilehto-Shigel. “Choose a space that can act as a blank canvas to let you create whatever you want; and use bold color pairings, crisp lines, and eccentric centerpieces to give your reception a contemporary, but approachable feel.” Surprise your guests with creative food stations, such as a poke, mimosa, or beignet bar; and set up a fun backdrop for pictures like a giant Polaroid photo frame, decorative wall, or living room scene.

Your Look: Show off your fashion-forward sense of style in a runway-worthy gown like Galia Lahav’s “Rose Water” embroidered ballgown with an illusion bodice or the “Mila” plunging V-neck gown with an embroidered lace bodice and tiered tulle skirt.