2009’s Most Popular Summer Wedding Trends for Luxury Weddings

Bold is Beautiful AGAIN

It’s not your mother’s wedding anymore! This year’s 2009 summer wedding season represents a favorable return turn to vibrant, bold colors reminiscent of turquiose blue waters straight out of the Caribbean, to a simpler wildflower “garden variety” palate of sunny daisy yellows, mauve and sage green.

Eco-Destination Weddings on the rise

Gaining much ground in popularity are eco-friendly Destination Weddings to exotic locations such as Costa Rica, Belize, Bali, Granada - Spain, St Lucia and Capetown South Africa which now reign in as some of the TOP choices for discerning, affluent couples who wish to plan a socially conscious wedding and one that will reflect their concern over the environment amidst an absolutely breathtaking backdrop. Be sure to visit our most notable list of destination wedding planners and destination wedding photographers and photojournalists to ultimately guide you on your way to an extraordinary event!

Discerning engaged couples can also find some interesting vogue designers that cater to the more eco-conscious bride, such as Conscious Clothing with their stunning array of sustainable hemp silk couture as well as Rene Geneva Design who is not only regarded as carbon neutral in her business practice but also specializes in sustainable, fair trade wedding dresses for the bride to be. View our complete list of wedding dress designers.

POSH INVITATIONS take center stage

Prepare top be DAZZLED!

When it comes to selecting an upscale invitation designer, nothing will truly set the tone more for your luxury wedding than the 1st impression your wedding stationery resonates to your invited guests.

Long Beach custom wedding invitation designer Michelle Arnet of Creative Blu and Sand Diego couture wedding invitation designer, Rock Paper Scissors Design by Rachel Baker can certainly provide the WOW factor with their innovative and multi-faceted talents in the art of invitation design to capture the attention of your invited guests.

Another rising trend in regards to invitations has to do with the delivery of such. Many affluent newlyweds are now choosing to have their posh wedding invitations delivered directly to their invited guests courtesy of the engaged couple’s own hands or entrusting them to an elite courier service. Can we say oooh la la… Now that’s service!

Bring on the RING BLING!

For the summer wedding season, bridal ring bling is not only getting bigger but better. The year’s hot ticket introduces the bride to much more opulent pairings such as rare colored diamonds alongside glittering gemstones. From radiant rubys to sparkling sapphires….the sheer combinations will have you taking more than a second glance.

VINTAGE anyone?

Why not consider adding a VINTAGE TOUCH to your wedding reception with the rental of a Photo Booth, such avaiable through NYC Photobooth. This just happens to be one of the most extraordinary concepts to re-invent itself in decades, allowing Gen X and Baby Boomers to take that trip back down memory lane. ( Some further back than others I’m afraid …lol )

WEDDING EVENT ARTISTS ….your celebration as it unfolds on canvas

To evoke a unique and sophisticated touch to your celebration, consider contracting with a wedding artist to capture and preserve the memories of your wedding day event as they unfold, LIVE and on canvas. The process alone will prove to be simply fascinating for your invited guests. Wedding event artists can be found in most major cities with many open to traveling to your venue Worldwide.

AffluentBride.com

Your Complimentary Tickets to the 2009 Miami Wedding Salon Event held on June 15th

Affluent Brides and Luxury Wedding Professionals
Enjoy Complimentary Tickets to the 2009 Wedding Salon Event in Miami Beach, FL
($50 value - admits two)

To REGISTER simply click on the image above and enter Code ABFL09C or visit www.weddingsalon.com

Bridal Event Details

Date: Monday, June 15th, 2009
Time: 4PM to 9PM
The Gansevoort South
2377 Collins Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139

Bridal Fashion Show featuring Monique Lhuillier, Badgley Mishcka and Amsale. Enjoy complimentary Beauty Services, Cocktails, Hors d’oeuvres, and Fabulous Gift Bags!

*Be sure to view AFFLUENT BRIDE’s own listing featured in the Wedding Salon Miami 2009 Wedding Vendor - Program Guide, once there….

AffluentBride.com

Fashion Fix-It Tips for the Bride from NYC Celebrity Stylist Allison Berlin of Style Made Simple

Trick or Treat?

I get a lot of requests to divulge my tricks of the trade. For example, what keeps the girls from peeking out of that low cut halter gown? How can I fill out that Vera Wang strapless number? What do I do when I get more deodorant on my shirt than under my arm? The answers to those burning fashion fix-it questions and more were reserved for closed sets until now!

Chicken Cutlets - that’s what the pros call ‘em! They’re actually uplifting silicone bra inserts that help fill-out or even-out. I’m also a fan of Low Beams and Fashion Forms Gel Petals for those overly attentive areas. Find them here

Topstick - the stylists’ go-to fix-it. More powerful that Hollywood Tape, the little yellow box was originally meant for keeping toupees(!) in place. I use it to keep a loose hem from dangling, a collar from flopping over, and a button-front shirt peek-a-boo free. Find them here

Shout Wipes - Keep these individually wrapped wipes in your handbag ready for a clumsy moment. First, wipe off the excess solution on the back of your hand, then gently DAB (not wipe) the stain. I used this to remove a small blood stain on a white dress just before my client walked the Red Carpet, seriously. Find them here

Deodorant - possibly the most unusual solution, simply rub the thin foam padding covering the top of a dry cleaner’s hanger against the white mess and suddenly you’re ready to go (provided it’s not a huge mark). I have no idea how I learned this but it works wonders!

T&A- Gowns require some serious structure to look effortless. Shapers should be every brides BFF and attend all dress fittings. Spanx panties have the best sucking power and come in all different lengths from the rib cage to the thigh. If you’re small busted, have the bra cups sewn into your gown. If you’re blessed with more, skip the strapless bra and invest a good nude bustier (they often sell this at the bridal shop). My favorite bra tricks for ‘girls’ of all sizes? Braza bra extenders allow you to wear your regular bra with a scoop back top or dress, and a 2in safety pin attached to the back of your bra straps can turn your regular bra into a racer-back without that high, thick panel down the middle. You can find them here and
here

Travel stylist - want all the glamour of being a stylist but none of the physical labor? Become your own pro with a travel styling kit. Make sure your planner/bridesmaid/mom has this handy in the bridal suite the day-of. It has what you need to fix last minute wardrobe malfunctions for the bride or groom! here

ABOUT Allison Berlin of Style Made Simple

Recently named one of NYC’s Best Personal Stylists by Page 6 Magazine, Style Made Simple private styling is founded by celebrity stylist Allison Berlin. “I’ve been in the fashion industry in NYC for 10 years styling for the likes of Stacy London, O Magazine and Victoria’s Secret, but I most enjoy working with real women and helping them realize their most confident, beautiful selves.” A veteran of luxury Manhattan weddings, Red Carpet events and photo shoots, Allison is committed to working with each bride starting with the concept consultation through finding The Dress, accessories and outfitting the wedding party.

Affluentbride.com readers enjoy a Style Made Simple special offer for 15% off Bridal Tours or Bridal Luxe services. www.stylemadesimple.net/bridal.html

AffluentBride.com

Enjoy Complimentary Tickets to the Wedding Salon NY on March 23, 2009

Affluent Brides and Luxury Wedding Professionals
Enjoy Complimentary Tickets to the Wedding Salon NY
($50 value - admits two)

Simply click on the image above to register and enter Code ABNY09C
or by visiting www.weddingsalon.com

Event Details

Date: Monday, March 23rd, 2009
Time: 4PM to 9PM
The Roosevelt Hotel
45 East 45th St (corner of 45th and Madison)
New York, NY

Enjoy complimentary Beauty Services by John Barrett Salon of Bergdorf Goodman, Cocktails and Hors d’ oeuvres, Incredible Gift Bags, Victoria’s Secret Lingerie Lounge, Bridal Reflections Couture Fashion Show.

Special guests include Sylvia Weinstock, Colin Cowie, David Tutera and Deborah Hurwitz of the Jersey Boys!

*Be sure to note our own listing in the Wedding Salon NY program guide, once there….

AffluentBride.com

Revolutionizing the Art of Cake Display from Vikki Smyth Presentationware

Vikki Smyth, Inc. and her line of food presentationware have taken the luxury bridal and event design industry by storm and the owner / designer has only just scratched the surface.

With the sole goal of Revolutionizing the Art of Cake Display, and what a display it is, Smyth is elegantly gracing wedding tables everywhere as more and more brides are “getting away from traditional silver displays” and moving towards her innovative, clean and contemporary, cake display designs and other distinctive food displays that will work equally well for hors d’oeuvres at your elegant reception.

Dazzling in appearance, Smyth’s Full Moons, Quads, and many other designs, reveal a uniqueness in wedding cake presentation with a great sense of style and sophisticated taste. And the best part? Smyths’ designs are also offered in an array of color, sizes, and shapes for every bride. “My cake platter designs will definitely take the stress out of “What will I display my precious cake on? They are simply beautiful… that’s all- and it’s certainly one less thing for the bride to worry about”, Smyth exclaims.

And spectacular it is. With an impressive client list from the W to Ritz Hotels, Smyth has been supplying platters for selective brides all over the country.

Once the hospitality aspect of business took off, retail came knocking at Smyth’s door. Smyth was invited to design an exclusive bath line for Wynn’s brand new 5-Star Las Vegas property, Encore. “I’m honored to be involved with such a prestigious Hotel,” Smyth proclaimed.

Similar to the clientele of that 5-Star property in Vegas, Smyth’s designs are for those discerning brides who value the extraordinary and have a keen eye for detail. Vikki Smyth’s, Designs to Live For, is, at the very least, a reflection of refined and cultivated taste.

With this in mind, Vikki Smyth’s focus is to consistently develop new products to satisfy the fundamental bridal need, to keep designs exclusive, distinctive, fresh, stimulating, and lastly, to live for!

Visit Vikki Smyth, Inc. to learn more and view their complete food presentationware line.

AffluentBride.com

Online LUXE Wedding Showcase AFFLUENT BRIDE Unveils New Look for 2009

After much anticipation it is with great pleasure that we are thrilled to announce the NEW FACE of AffluentBride.com and its breathtaking transformation! ENJOY!

Our online LUXE Wedding Showcase, AFFLUENT BRIDE provides a richly targeted opportunity for A-List luxury wedding professionals, couture designers, bridal vendors and suppliers Worldwide to showcase their superb services and connect with an affluent wedding audience.

AFFLUENT BRIDE’S renowed luxury wedding planning resources include the most illustrious and celebrated event designers, wedding coordinators, floral designers, wedding cake designers, wedding cinematographers, videographers, caterers, couture invitation designers, photojournalists, photographers, destination wedding specialists, couture gown designers, bridal headpiece designers, luxury honeymoon resorts, wedding and reception venues, jewerly designers, makeup artists, wedding officiants, wedding car rental - limousine service providers, musicians and entertainment professionals to be found Worldwide.

World Class Luxury Wedding Planning Resources with Panache to bring your Spectacular Wedding Vision to Life!

AffluentBride.com

Saja Weddings Premier Trunk Show announced for January 27th in NYC

We are pleased to announce s a j a Weddings Premier Trunk Show in NYC!

You are cordially invited to view the bridal and bridesmaid 2009 collection on Tuesday, January 27th, 2009.

To schedule your appointment, please confirm via email to: rsvp@sajainc.com

AffluentBride.com

EFlair HOME adds a Level of Panache to the Luxury Bridal Registry Experience

Once again, we are simply thrilled to announce yet another luxe purveyor of panache with the inclusion of EFlair HOME into Affluent Bride’s prestigious circle of elite wedding resources, as part of our LUXE Wedding Showcase.

EFlair HOME a luxury bridal registry for the most sophisticated bride, represents an unsurpassed luxury bridal registry experience, unlike any other to be found online.

EFlair HOME is rethinking how interior design moves into a world dependent upon technology. Offering excellent service separates the good from the best!

When EFlair HOME designs a customized bridal registry for you, rest assured they are putting extensive thought and planning with their years of experience in creating comfortable and elegant lifestyles to work for you!

Lori Garrison, master interior decorator and founder of EFlair HOME, truly creates lifetime customers that enjoy their “finds” and share their vision and design style, selecting the highest quality items that are timeless and will become your children’s keepsakes!

Located in beautiful St. Augustine, FL, we welcome you to contact Lori at 904-699-2165 or visit them online to setup your OWN luxury customized online bridal registry today!

You can also view their impressive LUXE Wedding Showcase HERE

AffluentBride.com

Leaders in Luxury Marketing Convene In London To Discuss Digital Strategies To Capitalize On The Luxury Consumer

Worldwide Business Research today unveiled the confirmed speakers for its 2nd annual luxury global summit to be held next March in London, UK. Luxury Interactive Global brings together luxury executives to network and discuss the strategies needed to advance the customer experience online. With luxury spending declining in most established luxury markets and consumers embracing modern communication technologies luxury brands are attending this event to understand how their customers behave on- and offline and engage with affluent consumers through their preferred communication channels.

Matt Marcus, Worldwide Director eBusiness, Gucci, comments: “I’ve been waiting 5 years for an event that focuses on the interactive space for luxury brands”

“I felt like I was in the company of “la crème de la crème” of marketing executives in the luxury industry” - Kim Moeller, Global Brand Manager at Bang & Olufsen

This year’s luxury summit will leverage WBR’s leading ecommerce research and offer compelling insights and case studies from 30 of the top global luxury leaders including:

• Natacha Dzikowski, Advertising and Marketing Director, Christian Dior Couture
• Dennis Valle, VP of Group Digital Marketing & Communication, Dolce & Gabbana
• Michael Ward, Managing Director, Harrods
• Julie Thompson, Head of Interactive Marketing, Lancôme (FR)
• Julia Gajcak, VP Marketing/Communications, The Ritz-Carlton
• Eva Jeanbart Lorenzotti, CEO, Vivre
• Kristin Knapp, Director, Innovative Distribution, Bulgari
• Mark Everest, Head of Digital, Mercedes-Benz UK Limited
• Darren Floyd, VP/GM Vera Wang Online, Vera Wang Bridal House Ltd.
• Carmine Rotondaro, Worldwide Real Estate Director, Gucci Group

The direction of the conference this year will be segmented into the following 5 areas:

• How to drive integrated luxury marketing for greater results in the high net worth market
• Affluent demographic & behavioural insights to create relevant customer communications
• Expanding international horizons to diversify your customer base and grow your market share
• Identifying the ROI of luxury online brand activities, ensuring you best invest your limited budget
• Improving the online user experience to drive customer engagement, keeping your brand top of mind

For registration and Summit information, visit: www.luxury-global.com or call +44(0)20 7368 9465
About Worldwide Business Research

WBR is the world’s biggest large-scale conference company and part of the PLS group, one of the world’s leading providers of strategic business intelligence with 16 offices worldwide. Our conference divisions consistently out perform their industry sector competitors on the quality of the events we produce and the relationships we nurture with both delegates and sponsors.

Every year over 10,000 senior executives from Fortune 1000 companies attend over 60 annual conferences - a true ‘who’s who’ of today’s corporate world. From Automotive events in Bucharest to Logistics conferences in Arizona and Finance summits in Hong Kong, WBR is dedicated to exceeding the needs of its customers around the world.

People are WBR’s most important asset, our competitive advantage is based on our ability to hire the best people, develop them in the right way and offer them the most exciting opportunities.

WBR US
Anchor House
15-19 Britten Street
London, SW3 3QL
Phone: +44(0)20 7368 9465
www.wbresearch.com

Media Contact:
Josephine Andrews
WBR
+ 1.646.200.7448, jandrews@wbresearch.com

AffluentBride.com

AffluentBride.com welcomes Florida Wedding Invitation Designer, Amy Morelli of The 2u Collection into their LUXE Wedding Showcase

It is with great pleasure we are happy to announce the inclusion of COUTURE wedding invitation designer, Amy Morelli of The 2u Collection into Affluent Bride’s prestigious circle of elite wedding professionals, as part of our Luxury Wedding Showcase.

The 2u Collection encompasses a most alluring and glamorous array of paper couture that will truly express your heartfelt sentiments as a couple and elegantly sets the tone for your most upscale, in style wedding event.

Amy’s thorough understanding of what you want in your invitation, just like your wedding, needs to be a reflection of your unique personality and style. Opulent couture invitations are exclusively crafted from the finest materials, from fabric and lace to metallic papers and glittering crystals to create a dream invitation with absolutely no limits.

We cordially invite you to contact Amy today to discuss the impeccable creation of our own custom wedding invitation at 407-574-5602

Specializing in custom wedding invitation design, The 2u Collection, located in the Orlando, FL area, also services discerning brides Worldwide.

You can learn more about The 2u Collection and view their stunning wedding invitation design portfolio HERE

AffluentBride.com