You must have figured out by now, with all the “color” posts, that I’m looking closely at trends to get ready for our 2010 Design Meetings.  Oh how our Brides keep us on our toes!

The Pink and Green color combo, in particular, just makes me plain happy!  Pink and Green are the colors of childhood, the colors of fun, the colors of – well, I did a little research for you (tee-hee!).

Just listen! How many times do we use the word “Pink” in a positive way?  “In the pink” = healthy, good, happy.  Pink is associated with childhood innocence and with feminine nature.  It’s a bit flirty, too – which makes it a sassy color.

Ahhh, and green.  Nature, good luck (think four leaf clover) and youth.  Does it get any better than that?

Of course in different cultures, colors take on different meanings.  Pink, in Asian color symbolism, connotes Marriage (are we doing pretty good here?).  I also read where Pink, in diet therapy (who knew?), is used as an appetite suppressant – as it relaxes the muscles, relieves tension and and soothes.

The color green, while associated with environmental concerns everywhere, also means “go”!  Check your local traffic signal, LOL!  In Native American culture, green connotes “Living Willfully” – or with purpose.  Cool, no?  Asian culture?  Eternity, family, harmony. 

What a combination!    So without furture ado, enjoy these beautiful Pink and Green color inspirations!

  Right about now I’m ready to strap on those gorgeous shoes and take a fabulous ride in that crazy pink car up there!  Hope you enjoyed! 

Best wishes,

There are so many beautiful vintage ideas on the market today that I just had to share some with you.  We are always thinking about and listening to our brides around here, and we know (because you’ve told us) that you love reading about all kinds of ideas.  So today we’re going to visit vintage again, because I’ve run across a treasure trove of really pretty pictures.

Filligree and lace and pearls and oh so especially special, adding a touch of vintage to your wedding or even your bridesmaids luncheon an elegant event.  Just for fun for your bridesmaid’s luncheon, have everyone wear gloves – just like the old days!  You’ll be surprised how “aristocratic” everyone feels (even if they think it’s a bit silly in the beginning)!  Remember to list “pearls and white gloves” on the invitation, and I guarantee everyone will be a bit perplexed, but always game for change!  Make sure placesettings include all the knives and forks and china plates, and only and always white linen napkins. 

An elegant favor, center-plate, adds the finishing touch!

And oh are you going to LOVE these dresses.  There’s a site called TheFrock.com, and they have a bridal section that will simply make you drool!  Here are some of the selections just to whet your vintage apetite!

Burnished golds, bronzes and understated, rich tones will give your guests a handsome, 1920′s-feel welcome at the reception.  I love the use of the brown silk tablecloth.

Vintage bubbly anyone?

OK, more dresses – these are SO yummy!

When you start studying vintage wedding pictures, you’ll see that the bouquets were very elaborate (and very large).  Take a look at a few here:

I believe they called them “cascading” bouquets and roses and stephanotis were the flowers of choice.  Here’s a modern version of the cascade bouquet.  I’m absolutely in love with the soft colors and textures!

Alright, I’m going to throw in one more round of these gorgeous dresses from TheFrock.com, and then I’ll call it a day.  I really hope you enjoy joining me in my little research projects, because I sure do enjoy showing them to you!

   with a little exquisite detail 

  with more exquite detail

Detailed, filigreed, and simply yummy, aren’t they?

Until next time! 

I was just scanning through the latest Bride Preference Survey, looking for taste trends for the upcoming summer wedding season.  I’m always interested in the new colors, and I see where Greens are big – emerald, sage, turquoise (which can lean towards green or blue, depending on how you look at it), chartreuse – oh, the variations are endless! 

Silvers and pale greys seem to be popping up quite a bit, as are blues of all hues (did I just make a rhyme?).

But here’s a color trend that intrigues me - tangerine!  And here’s how our brides describe using it:

• …with a splash of tangerine
• …with an explosion of tangerine
• …just a touch of tangerine
• …Tangerine!  And lots of it!

What an exciting twist of sunny color!  So I decided to do a little research, and look at all the possibilities!

I hope you enjoyed this little splash of tangerine on a sunny day!

Until next time …

We stay in touch with our Brides through surveys and research – and I have to say the most important “happening” right now seems to be the Kitchen Shower.  What a glorious way to celebrate the upcoming wedding, and what a wonderful way to help the Bride stock her kitchen with great gadgets and appliances!

LOL – I even know about one Bride who absolutely does not and will not cook, so the hostess for her Kitchen Shower suggested gift cards to local restaurants – how clever!

With the shower comes the food, and sometimes the food becomes the “theme”.  Our designers have had so much fun thinking up creative favors to match the demand.  I’ll share a few here – maybe they will give you a little inspiration?

Serving ice cream at your Kitchen Shower?  “Make Your Own Sundae” or a “Banana Split” party is a fun theme (as suggested by LeAnne J. from Houston).  The perfect favors? 

Some theme suggestions?  Try these on for size:

• Sweet Celebration
• Scoop of Love

Here’s one several people were suggested – Pizza and Pasta Kitchen Showers – how neat!  (and how yummy!).  Favors anyone?

Theme ideas?  How about:

• Olive You
• Slice of Love
• Seasoned with Love

A little Cocktail Party Kitchen Shower? 

Oh, I’ll stop with the themes – you know I can just go on and on and on ….. 

Best wishes from Kate’s Kitchen Shower Idea Factory – tee hee!