LOVE IN BLOOM

The old saying about April showers bringing May flowers doesn’t usually hold true in San Diego, where rain showers are few and far between and May typically brings more gray than any other color. Still, warmer weather inspires summery thoughts of beautiful blooms for the season’s brides and grooms. Event designer Kathy Wright, of Kathy Wright & Co., highlights her favorite floral trends for the upcoming wedding season.

"I love the look of complete naturalism," Wright says. "Brides are allowing us to be more creative with the use of natural elements—beyond just flowers. We are incorporating lots of different textures in our designs, including berries, pods, leaves and succulents. The perfect ‘ball’ of flowers has been replaced with a more open, natural design feel."

For brides and grooms getting married outdoors, Wright suggests complementing the natural beauty of the setting with eye-catching detail.

"I always suggest that you focus your décor down the center of the aisle to the front of the ceremony and use color as a tool," she says. "If you’re getting married on a large grassy lawn, don’t bother adding more greenery. Instead, pop a jolt of color down the aisle and bring the eye of the guest—and the camera—right to the front where all the action takes place. Choose pieces for the front of the ceremony that might be incorporated into the décor at the reception, so you’re spending the money once and using the décor twice!"

Finally, for couples planning fall weddings, Wright is looking ahead to a host of colorful floral options for brides and grooms on all budgets.

"Big fat squishy dahlias in all the wonderful colors of fall—burgundy, rust, orange, red, gold and shocking pink—are my favorites, while Asiatic lilies, long overlooked by brides, are being bred in all those same fabulous colors," she says. "If you’re on a budget, forget orchids and calla lilies. In the end, it isn’t really about the flower itself, but rather the color and the design. People don’t walk away from the party saying ‘Wow, did you see how many orchids they used?’ but rather, ‘Wow, did you see the colors—did you love the style?’"

For more information, call 619-299-2520 or visit www.kathywrightandco.com.

    
 
 
   
   


WEDDING TREND:
THREE CHEERS FOR COOL COCKTAILS

While the traditional champagne toast is here to stay, today’s brides and grooms offer a lot more from their beverage service than just the bubbly. Christopher Hile, director of meetings and events at downtown event hotspot The Ivy Hotel, highlights three of the most sought-after wedding spirits:

  • Mojitos: These minty concoctions remain popular for people who gravitate toward drinks that incorporate fresh ingredients.
  • Tray-passed shooters: Small shot versions of cocktails, such as lemon drops, are passed like hors d’oeuvres for a quick kick.
  • Martini bars: For elegant affairs, guests can belly up to the martini bar and sip on signature cocktails named after the happy couple.

For more information about weddings at The Ivy, call 619-814-1000 or visit www.ivyhotel.com.

    
     
   


FINISHING TOUCHES:
WINERY WEDDING FAVORS

As winery weddings become increasingly popular, so do wedding favors that allow guests to keep the theme going long after the event has ended. From bottles of wine with customized labels and personalized wine glasses to heart-shaped bottle stoppers and wine cork candles, options abound for wine aficionados.

For a selection of wine-themed wedding favors, visit www.beau-coup.com.