I’m taking a week “blogiday”, so enjoy these oldies but goodies! 

I am going to level with you … be straightforward as it were. About six months ago, I had somewhat of an “I’m fed up with this” outburst on the Hill City Bride facebook page. At the time, I had encountered several passé “trends” that people were still including in aspects of their weddings, and I had just had enough! Well, I posted the following status …

I am seriously thinking about doing an “in” and “out” posting … like what trends are in and which ones are out. I have some that I can NOT stand!! Any ideas on what should go into this posting? Feel free to sound off … I know I will when I write it.

As suspected both brides, former brides and wedding vendors stood their ground and posted what they were tired of seeing, and (in my humble opinion) things that should never be. So, welcome to my “In and Out”. Truly, this is not meant to offend as these are just opinions, but if you take the advice of professionals and those that are in the know, I would heavily consider listening to the experts (names withheld to protect the not so innocent).

This is Part Two (just click HERE to see Part One) …

Overly Posed Photography

Out are the backdrops of yesteryear. Why settle for studio style photographs with a backdrop pretending to be in a beautiful location when you could, well, opt for an ACTUAL beautiful location. You live in Central Virginia!! What a gorgeous place with its downtown area, waterways and rolling hills.

You can have a variety of photographs by creating your own scenes or merely going to a scenic location … even if you go in between your wedding and reception or schedule a “day after” wedding session. Candid photos and capturing the moments are more of today’s style. A great rule of thumb is to keep it relaxed and lighthearted to capture those truly special instances instead of trying to create them. Your photos will be more natural and memorable because it will really be who you are!

Traditional Guest Books

Long gone are the days where guests sign an actual book … yes, even sometimes if it is a book with photos of the couple (although this is MUCH better than a fill in the blank book merely with lines for guests to sign). Why not think outside of the book and choose something unique that speaks to you as a couple … one vendor stated, “… guitars, a boat oar, a bench … make it a piece of art you can proudly display for years to come.” Be creative and have fun!!

Matchy, Matchy, Pouf, Pouf

Don’t torment your bridesmaids! Anything with a pouf (ok, unless it is strategically placed rouching or something cool like that) is way gone. Also, your bridesmaids do not have to match. Pick a color scheme (or send them a color sample), and have them find their own dress that coordinates. That way they will have a dress that they will love and keep while expressing their own personality. They can also set their own dress budget that way. Sending them a fabric swatch with a few guidelines along with suggested shoe color will send your friends and sisters squealing with delight to go and shop for a fun look for standing by your side.

Here are a few other “outs” that were mentioned:

1. pairing red roses with baby’s breath
2. wedding party jumping and/or sunglass photos
3. doing everything that magazines (ok and blogs!) say you should
4. damask … go for plaid instead!
5. black and white cakes
6. unity candles/sand … do something creative instead!

Ok, I think that is a pretty great list, BUT I am sure that you have a few other things of your own to sound off about. If so, feel free to leave a comment.

It’s your day, and be unique! Never question letting your own personality shine through on your wedding day … after all, it is YOUR day.  Happy planning!

Images from top to bottom by: mbaylor, JamesHenry, and Bludgeoner86 all from Flickr. 

How fun it is to have family come in from all over for your wedding? Well, with a little forethought and creativity, you can have an adorable keepsake to hang in your new home to remember how far your friends traveled to gather and celebrate. This comes from Southern Weddings, and they have the full DIY instructions there. Have a wonderful weekend, and some of you may even be traveling this weekend to celebrate Easter. Safe travels and have a fantastic holiday!

Aaahhh, summer is here, and in an attempt to sit back and enjoy summer, I am introducing Throwback Thursday, which is a collection of oldies but goodies that need to be revisited since Hill City Bride’s humble beginnings.

Your guests travel near and far and take time out of their day to celebrate you and your love! What a special day filled with memories that you share with your closest friends and family. It is fun to have a record of who is there that day, and a traditional guest book will do just that … but there are so many alternatives to guest books out there! Enjoy this post on a few of the ideas that I found.

This is such a cute idea … why not have guests write down a little tried and true advice? It is a great way to have a wedding keepsake, a record of who was there and some sage things to read. I can imagine a couple getting back from their honeymoon and having a great time reading through the anecdotes.

This one is somewhat common, but a large frame with a lot of white space can be picked up fairly inexpensively (Michael’s and AC Moore often have 40% off sales, or you can at least use your 40% off coupon from the Sunday paper on a full priced frame). Pop in a wedding photo, and you have a visual reminder of your day and those who were there with you to celebrate.

If you know someone who sews, why not have each guest sign a fabric square which can be turned into a quilt to cuddle up with? Interesting to say the least!

Who says that “families” need to be related? A cute “wedding family” tree can be designed as a wall hanging. I love how the bride and groom are two cute little birds on the branch together. Darling!

Photo booths add a lot of fun to a reception, so why not capture those memories into a signable book? It will provide laughter and entertainment for years to come! Click here to find out more about renting a photo booth.

Yes, a guitar may be an odd choice, but why not think about purchasing something that you can display in your home that can be signed? Maybe there is something meaningful to you as a couple that guests can sign to commemorate your wedding. Either way the piece will decorate your home and have you thinking fondly of those who attended your wedding.

You need to read the instructions, but this couple purchased origami paper. Once the guests wrote a note, they put the paper into a vase, and then the couple took the papers and folded them into origami. I can picture the origami figures and such hanging as a mobile in a stunning array of color in the home of the new Mr and Mrs. Fun!