My favorites of 2009

The last year was so much fun — many of my weekends I filled with wonderful celebrations of love, and I was so inspired by not only the romance, but the ingenious ideas that people implemented into their celebrations. Since it’s that time of year when there is a whole new crop of couples planning their nuptials, I thought I’d share my favorite ideas and details this year, along with some ideas for how to bring them up to speed for the new year.

2009 Trend: At-Home weddings

This year, I attended a few weddings held at private homes, and I loved the personal feeling at both of them. Kristi and Jason (above) got married and held a lovely reception at Kristi’s aunt’s home overlooking the ocean in Garibaldi, Oregon. Getting married at home means you don’t have to follow anyone’s rules for decorations or timelines, plus it’s a place that has history and sentimental value. Shannon and TJ’s backyard wedding (below) featured great details like Hawaiian juices and a whimsical tree strung with colorful ribbons.

Make it 2010: When dealing with an at-home wedding, you run the risk of a high stress level, but bringing in an outside wedding coordinator that can take the details off your plate and make sure the party runs as smoothly as possible, while allowing the homeowners to enjoy the party too, is a great move.

2009 Trend: Keep it classic

I saw some really beautiful classic details at the weddings I attended in 2009. Above left, Stefanie’s bouquet was a gorgeous white and green that lent a sophisticated vibe. On the right is Missy and Fred, with Missy’s classic white rose bouquet alongside her elegant gown. Going with classic, luxurious colors is a great way to create a timeless celebration. Below, Paul and Andrea’s classic golden chairs and crisp white table linens made for a sophisticated palette and Jody’s bridesmaid bouquets, below right, were such a soothing cream ensemble.

Make it 2010: Going classic is always in style. Make it very next year by incorporating clean, modern lines along with classic items like elegant, neutral-colored flowers and sleek chairs and tables. Or incorporate a sense of humor by putting a clever spin on your color scheme — mostly whites and cremes, for instance, with a few punches of color.

2009 Trend: Cupcakes

I saw tons of cupcakes this past year — delicious cupcakes, like Kristi and Jason’s chocolate and vanilla spread (above left) and Shannon and TJ’s collection of different flavors from Trophy Cupcakes in Seattle (above right).

Make it 2010: Cupcakes are delicious and definitely a fun way to incorporate some fun into your celebration. But why stop there? A dessert spread with cupcakes, mini pies, eclairs and more goodies could make for a really bright, exciting display that will give everyone something they love for dessert.

2009 Trend: Handmade Details

Andrea and Paul’s wedding (above) had some great handmade touches, from their Star Wars pins to their Etsy-made cake topper featuring birds modeled after Paul & Andrea themselves. 2009 was most definitely the year of the Etsy wedding, and it’s a trend I totally support — the ingenuity on that site is amazing.

Make it 2010: Team up with different creative people to make your celebration amazing, but don’t just look on Etsy. Here in the Pacific Northwest, there are so many amazing small, locally-owned boutiques and artisans, look right into your own backyard as well. Finding a great piece can be design inspiration for your entire event.

Tune in on Thursday for more real-world inspiration for 2010!