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JANUARY 4-5, 2014 • 10:00am-4:30pm EXPOSITION CENTER AT WISCONSIN STATE FAIR PARK • Fashion Shows - Saturday & Sunday 12:30 & 3:00pm • See almost 200 exhibits all under one roof • Free Premier Bride Wedding Guide • Grand Prize Drawing PLUS Daily Prizes! PUBLISHED BY CONLEY MEDIA What's Trending in 2014? By Scott Wexler & Sarah Zubarik If you've already done more homework on your wedding than you did in high school, you're probably not alone. There are thousands of voices out there, telling you that your wedding should be this or that. If you're feeling a little overwhelmed, join us January 4 and 5 at the 46th annual Wonderful World of Weddings show, your one-stop shop to sort it all out. Here you can meet with hundreds of wedding industry experts for creative inspiration and a wealth of information. To get you started, check out what's trending in 2014. bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, ceremonies and receptions. Choose from their fleet of magnificent vessels, and treat your guests to gorgeous views of downtown Milwaukee and Lake Michigan. "Our newest vessel, the Harbor Lady, is the ideal boat for a wedding," said Jordan Mendez, the company's special events coordinator. "The unique setting, our full-service location and friendly staff make it very easy and stress-free for couples to plan their weddings." CANDID COUPLES Today's brides strive for true originality when it comes to wedding photos. Intimate locations that have special sentimental value are becoming more popular, and couples are more heavily involved in the art direction of their photo shoots. And although staged shots are still important, there is higher demand for photographers that can capture true emotion in the moment. One of the best opportunities for this is the "Room Reveal," according to Katy Rowe, co-owner of Artist Group, a local photography company. "Brides and grooms usually only get to see their room once everyone is sitting down," she said. "Now, they're taken into the room first to see it before anyone else. The photographer gets to shoot their completely honest reaction to help them remember the feeling of seeing the gorgeous reception area." For more great photo and video ideas, read "Hold that Smile" (page 2). THE HOTTEST WEDDINGS ARE COLD AS ICE Lace continues to be in high demand, especially if it adorns a plunging backline or keyhole back. Both traditional and modern fashions are big in 2014, and the folks at Amelishan Bridal in Hubertus are helping brides experiment with various styles. "Fit-N-Flare or trumpet silhouettes are very popular," said Amelishan owner Shannon Marquardt. "But for brides that are still looking for the ball gown fairy tale dress, you will see an updated version in 2014 with gorgeous beaded drop waist tops." For the boldest brides, Vera Wang unveiled an adventurous trend for the new season: pink wedding dresses. The next wave of weddings is seeing more ice than just the cubes in your cocktail. For those seeking an elegant touch to the buffet spread or the bar, ice sculptures provide a fun feast for the eyes. Sculptor Max Zuleta of Art Below Zero has been in the business for more than 25 years and is constantly adding creativity and innovation to the world of ice sculpting. "It's no longer about observing," Zuleta said. "Now it's all about interacting and being part of the experience." Among Zuleta's many cold creations are martini luges, life-sized photo frames and monogrammed table pieces. View the extensive photo gallery for more ideas at ArtBelowZero.net. 'MAIDS IN SHADES INVITE RIGHT Having trouble deciding on a certain shade for your bridesmaid dresses? According to the latest trend, you can have your cake and eat it too. Although a full ensemble of emerald or navy can still turn heads, today's brides are choosing a base color, then allowing their bridesmaids to sport the full spectrum. "We love this idea, and the end result is unexpected and fresh," said Hillary Bruch, Lead Bridal Consultant and Blog Editor of Miss Ruby, a bridal boutique in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward. So when your wedding calls for a creative twist, let your ladies choose which pigment they bring to the party - they'll love the opportunity to express their style and personality. Think of your wedding as your own personal brand. How will you advertise it to your guests? You only get one first impression, so make it count when you send out those invitations. When it's time to make everything pretty in print, Milwaukee's Broadway Paper has the scoop on stationery. "Vintage weddings will still be trendy, along with some Photo courtesy of Artist Group THE DRESS IS IN THE DETAIL Photo courtesy of Amelishan Bridal elaborate 1920s elegance," said owner Kate Strzok. "Soft metallics such as shades of gold and copper, as well as pastel inks, will be popular." She also says that traditional hand calligraphy fonts are always in demand. In order to get maximum return on your RSVPs, make sure your invitations are clean, classy and easy to read. Photo courtesy of Image Makers Advertising Photo courtesy of Broadway Paper MAKE YOUR OWN TREND CHOOSING FROM THE VENUE MENU Looking for something different than the classic chapel or synagogue? Alternate locations for the altar are nothing new, but the trends change every season. This year's favorite is the farm wedding - an intimate, vintage venue in which to exchange your vows. If you can't see yourself as a bride in a barn, consider a winery, a garden, or someplace special that fits your personality. If you want your nuptials to be nautical, the Edelweiss Milwaukee River Cruise Line offers plenty of options for E Photo courtesy of Art Below Zero No one ever said you have to conform to the norm. If you have a unique idea to add some fun flair to your wedding, go for it! This is your day, so do whatever your heart desires. Just remember that you're never alone at the Wonderful World of Weddings, there are nearly 200 wedding experts ready to help make your big day beautiful. Join us January 4 and 5 at Wisconsin State Fair Park to start planning the wedding everyone remembers! njoy shopping locally for your gown in our bridal boutique! • We have a relaxed atmosphere and GREAT customer service. • We have a HUGE selection of gowns. • Tradition to Unique, sizes 6 thru 30. • See us at the Wonderful World of Weddings booth 118 on January 4 & 5. Silk Flowers for your special day N112W15800 Mequon Road Sendik's Village Center Germantown, WI 53022 10,000 square feet of high quality silk florals. Do it yourself or let our talented designers do it for you! 262-251-5400 1505 Hwy 164 South Waukesha, WI 53186 Hours: M-F 11-5; Tues Closed; W & Thur 12-8; Sat 9-4; Sun 11-3 So Real… Believe ou Won't Eyes! Y Your (262) 521-2100 www.ilovethefrontporch.com Appointments Preferred 235968002

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