2009's best, worst and overdone for wedding decor

Using bold colors like black and red was a unique trend this year

2009 can only be described as wed-tastic!!!  Wedding décor has evolved and the wedding scene in 2009 definitely saw a breathe of fresh air. It was the year of tunnels, smoke machines, miniature wedding cakes and oh don't forget wedding themes!As much as there were new décor concepts introduced we also saw some of the same old culprits, reception layouts didn't change much, and everyone seemed to be crazy about roses plus don't forget our dear old slim tiebacks and crunched up overlays.

So, here is 2009 wedding décor, best, worst and overdone!

THE BEST ( what absolutely made us go wedding crazy!)

Décor accessories: Every outfit needs an accessory, to make it beautiful. Actually it is a common fashion rule that accessories break or make an outfit. Wedding accessories can be cleverly be introduced as part of wedding décor. Chandeliers, chair accessories i.e. ( tiebacks, and ornaments), décor props  can be used to complement any wedding decor. Having a coastal theme? Or any other theme? There are plenty of unique service providers who can dress your wedding according to the wedding theme!  Introducing  cocktail sections in the wedding reception layout for guests to have their  sundowner cocktails with the couple, or  in between breaks between the wedding ceremony and wedding reception is also an interesting addition.

Extravagant Drapery: Kiss scallops goodbye hello curtain drops!. Request your  décor service provider to introduce curtain effects with wedding drapery. Hence giving your tents a classy feel. Hanging drapery from the wedding tents ceilings  will also look beautiful.  For your wedding chair and table linen, go for stylish tie backs e.g. butler's coats . You can also use different colored table linens either printed or plain, for your wedding guest tables. 

Wedding themes: Designing your wedding with a wedding theme, makes your wedding planning orderly because you are able to synchronize all the service providers to work towards a common goal. Wedding themes can be as out of the box, as you would like them to be, and in 2009 we came across some interesting ones e.g. a wedding party theme ( think a mobile disco setup as part of guest entertainment, disco balls at the entrance, smoke machines and welcome cocktails),  swahili elegance ( a fusion between ethnic swahili Arabic culture with swahili props like shisha pipes e.t.c.)

Floral fantasy: Out goes the rose solo in comes floral arrangements made out of mixed flowers in season. Having a variety of flowers in your centerpieces, walkway flowers e.t.c. gives a creative feel to the wedding. Kenya is a large exporter of flowers so indulge and challenge your florist to give you a floral catalogue out of the norm.

Color  co-ordinating: My favorite colors themes were those that  were bold! Blacks, Pinks, Greens and Mints are amongst my favorite. Monochromatic wedding themes I.e. where we use one color different shades are genius though am yet to see a full kenyan wedding set up in such colors. The monochromatic look would look beautiful especially for the wedding ceremony setup!

THE WORST ( what we think should be done away with fast!!)

Wedding clashing: Ever seen an African wedding with a bride decked in a contemporary white gown!!! Well we present to you wedding clashing. This is just the term given to massive confusion on the part of the bride and groom when trying to execute a wedding theme but have done no research on how to do it. Should you want to carry out a theme consult with your wedding décor service providers and they should be in a position to be able to advise you accordingly.

Colors gone bizarre:  Before you choose your wedding color scheme always check out whether the colors chosen are complimentary. Be wise when choosing colors it is always easier to see the colors that are available from your dressmaker and décor service provider to ensure that your colors are available and can be found in locally. Avoid color clashing combinations like pink and green.

Too much too much: Good décor is not = to loads and loads of flowers. Good décor is a comprised of a tasteful blend of colors, which is brought out by floral arrangements and décor props.

THE OVERDONE:

Ribbons and roses:The two items of décor that I  think we should think of saying adios too. I know ribbon is a great alternative for a bride on a budget in terms of simple décor accents but its gets a bit too much when we place it everywhere ( especially on wheel caps). Roses are also quite overdone, i.e. most weddings have centerpieces that have a similar rose style why not try a different style, if you are having a bouquet made out entirely of roses you can retain the long stems and remove the thorns, this would be a different style and definitely a much needed breathe of fresh air.

Reception layouts: are often too familiar, you have the grooms family tent on one side the bride's family tents on the other side, the high table at the top and the cake table in the middle. Am sure if you have been to a wedding you probably have an idea as to what am saying.You can create your own wedding reception layout, you can decide to have all the festivities under one tent, it creates an intimate reception feeling and will definitely help make the décor look more grand. You can decide to use a marquee, but incase the budget does not allow you can pitch the tents together to create a dome effect. You can have a dance floor at the middle of the reception area, a cocktail area at the entrance and the cake gazebo needn't be there you can have the cake decoratively housed under the bridal party tent.

Do you have any opinions on what you liked in 2009 décor wise, what you hated and what you are definitely not going to have at your wedding share with us your sentiments!