Liz’s Review: The Wedding World Of 2011
So, 2011 got out of here in a hurry, didn’t it? Yeah it did.
Did any of my predictions for 2011 come true? Well, I was totally wrong about email invitations – not so big. A lot of my brides met me half-way and had their guests RSVP online. This year was completely the rise and evolution of wedding websites, that was for sure. Online was huge in other wedding ways, though, and not just with my couples. Bridesmaids became virtual via the iPad, for crying out loud. I wonder if that would work with Day-of coordination? I’m kidding! Sort of. I was right about DIY and DIY you can buy, though. Those are turning out to be one of the main ways couples are saving money, by literally creating the weddings they want. Etsy.com has been really popular this year with my weddings, especially with calligraphy and invitations.
Purple was the big color with my crew this year. Lots and lots of purple. And lots and lots of photo booths.
Fondant frosting began to taste more like candy than caulk, so that was nice. My husband still refuses to eat it, but that just means more for me.
Inviting guests to join you half-way through the first-dance was cool. That worked. Small dance floors worked, too – four people look like 10 on a small dance floor, and no one likes to enter an empty store.
Never did see all the RSVPs of any wedding come back on time, though. Or everyone showing up at a wedding. Both are just life and circumstances, but I was still irritated on your behalf, you guys. And there was always left over cake. The hubby did not complain.
And a whole bunch of businesses got into Wedding World this year. Urban Outfitters BHLDN (Who’s having a sale right now, BTW), Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond, Kate Spade, and, of all things, The Huffington Post!
Ooh, and of course, Marriage Equality hit New York State, which was a huge story this year!
2011 was also the year I accepted (ONLY) one exception to my aisle runner ban and built more chill time in between when hair and makeup is done and when you have to leave the hotel. I suggest you do the same.
What do I predict for 2012? I think there were some rough patches for group buying this year, but I think they’re gong to work it out, I really do. I’m giving up on virtual invites, because folks really like the elegance of the paper. Same reason why books and the post office will never die. I can’t wait to see how much further tech world is going to intersect with Wedding World. And like I said last year, someone is going to come up with something fantastic on January 2nd that’s going to blow us all away.
Happy New Year! And thank you so much for reading my posts this year, I really appreciate the support and the feedback, it’s been fantastic. Brides rule, y’all. So, what were some of the coolest things you saw in Wedding World 2011, and which ones are you going to or did you use in your own day? Let me know in the comments below!
See you at the end of the aisle,
Thanks so much for all your great advice in 2011. I got engaged last Christmas and married in August. Thanks (in large part) to your many awesome suggestions, we managed to pull off an outdoor wedding and inside reception for 70 guests for a grand total of $1200. Love, love, love reading your blog!
I'm not giving up on online invitations! I'm totally doing it and I couldn't be happier I don't have to worry about calligraphers, stamps, and paper color.
@Bonnie – Thank you so much! I love hearing stuff like that. You're the Rock Star though, pulling off a wedding at 1/4 of the national average, babe.
@Becky. Completely and totally with you on that, it just didn't happen with my crew. I'm looking forward to being pleasantly surprised if and when it happens in 2012. If I do manage to do a vow renewal with the boy in '13, trust me, I'll be doing e-vites.
Thank YOU Liz! This was an awesome year end wrap up!