You've probably noticed that cuffs and wide bangle bracelets are back in a major way. Luckily there are some truly stunning wedding day options for brides-to-be. It's easier than ever to make a statement with sparkling wrist jewelry.
Sterling Silver Diamond Swirl Cuff Bracelet (1 ct. t.w.)
Eliot Danori Crystal Floral Cuff Bracelet
Betsy Johnson's Women's Cuff Watch
18k Gold over Sterling Silver CZ Swirl Cuff Bangle
Heidi Klum Silver Concentric Clover Cuff
Floral Star Pearl and Crystal Bracelet
The Bride Wore Cuffs
Sand Ceremony
According to our wedding-watchers, more and more couples are using the Sand Ceremony- also known as the Unity Sand Ceremony- in their nuptials. Why is this trend becoming so popular? Well, there are several reasons. The sand ceremony has all the sentiment of the unity candle. But the sand ceremony is more practical than the unity candle for outdoor weddings. How many brides and grooms have struggled to light a unity candle wick only to have it repeatedly blown out by the breeze? Another reason this tradition is taking off is because sand ceremonies can involve other people, like children, who will be part of a blended family.
During the ceremony the couple takes turns pouring different colors of sand from small vases into a center vase as the officiant reads a poem or blessing, until all of the sand is in the center vase. This symbolizes a union-- two becoming one. In some instances, children are allowed to take part by reciting a line from the reading and pouring sand as well. After the wedding, the finished sand-filled vase can be displayed in your home as a keepsake.
What do you need to pull this off? Not much:
A nice glass vase
2 smaller vases holding colored sand (one will be used by the bride, the other for the groom)
Colored sand to match your theme. Or not.
Rose petals (optional)
A poem, reading or blessing
We found these sets at Someday Treasures and My Spiritual Wedding
If children are involved you can lay coins around the center vase and give them coins at the end of the sand ceremony.
Try these Gold Unity Coins
Rose petals are a nice touch. We like these from Pick A Petal.
But they're completely optional. Feel free to experiement with other floral accents like bougainvillea petals
or lavender buds.
Have you seen the sand ceremony done differently? Or do you want to add your own spin to it? Tell us all about it in our comments section. Also, if you're already married, feel free to submit pictures from your own sand or unity candle ceremony.
Black-and-White Weddings
Cake by April Reed Cakes in New York.
Black-and-White weddings exude power, drama and elegance. Classic. But how do you pull off this theme without limiting your options? Don't worry. There are several ways to keep it jazzy. You can do this!
1) First, set the tone with clean, classy invitations in white (or cream or ecru) with black writing.
Or flip the script- literally.
2) For your wedding gown, choose a shade of white that complements your skin tone.
3) Deck the groom out in a super-luxe, black and white tux. 
4) Use dazzling black-and-white accessories to carry your theme. Take a look at this layout by Chair Covers By Yoli : 
Add a bit of pop with a monogram! 
5) Use splashes of color- in flowers, table decor or other details.
6) If you don't want to add color, add sparkle! Rhinestones, silver, or platinum can be added anywhere you want a little more drama. Better yet, wear your bling on your shoes. 
7) Top it all off with candlelight. Nothing sets off all your hard work more than the soft glow of lovely, flickering candles.
8) Give favors that share the black-and-white motif. Here's a placecard holder that doubles as a favor box!
More fun items to accentuate a black-and-white theme:
Garter
Mint-To-Be Favors
Guestbook
Leather Key Chain Favor
Table Cameras
Versailles Toasting Flutes
Wedding Planning Trends of 2009
by Lisa Nelson of Elegant Event Design
1. Minimalism – couples are starting to cut down and focus on areas that are most important to them. I advise all of my clients to forgo favors. Brides and Grooms do not see what’s left behind. In 99% of cases, the favors are left behind.
2. Green – Many couples are opting to go Green on a number of levels. Some, it cutting out many of the paper products and opting for recycled stationary, others are using sustainable products and serving only organic products. Some are greening only aspects of their weddings and others are greening the entire affair. Couples are increasingly becoming environmentally conscience.
3. Simplicity – Smaller, more intimate wedding parties are in.
4. The cut – The economy affects the wedding industry as well. Brides, Grooms, and parents are moving towards more intimate celebrations. Couples have also postponed or opted for smaller destination weddings. I had a mother of the Bride say to me “ We can afford the lavishly expensive wedding, but because the way the stock market is – that is not how I want to spend money right now”
5. Photojournalism – Not much to say here. As in recent years, couples are shying away from the traditional and opting for something more documentary in style. They are also moving away from the “picture in the frame” style Art Leather album to a modern Magazine type layout.
6. Socially responsible – couples are giving money to charity in lieu of favors. Often times, they choose a charity that is close to their hearts. They are also asking their caterers about the possibilities of packing up food and donating it to others in need. I have had a bride donate her flowers to a hospital. What better way to cheer up patients than a bouquet of perfect white callas!
7. Sophistication – The Bride is choosing a more simple and sophisticated look for her and her Bridesmaids.
8. Tradition – couples are shying away from tradition. They are writing their own vows, cutting out announcements, cutting out bridal party dances, opting not to have bouquet and garter tosses. They really concentrate on making the event reflect them and their personalities.
9. Using friends and family – UGH, I would really advise you not to do this. There is a reason why there are professionals in this industry. I have seen a wedding cake drop to the floor. It’s really not the way to save money.
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