Posted by The Summerlin House At Thornton Park

Summer is a popular time for weddings, but that doesn't mean you have to stick with the summer wedding tradition standbys. Read on for eight new ideas for your summer celebration

Trend 1: Dynamic Colors
Bright hues are popular for summer weddings. But if you try to use too many colors in one space, you might wind up with a look that's more carnival than nuptial. What's hot now: Think sophisticated brights. Sticking with just two hues (or two plus an accent color) will keep your space unified. Rather than splashing color all over your reception space, use one dynamic color for a strong statement -- think all-pink centerpieces or bold orange table linens. This holds especially true for your centerpieces: Instead of multicolored centerpieces, alternate single-color floral arrangements for a pulled-together look
Trend 2: Laid-back Music
It's summer, so why not lighten the ambience a little? A pianist or string trio will do the trick if you're having a formal cocktail hour, but to really embrace the season, think about alternative summery music styles. What's hot now: Create a laid-back vibe during your cocktail hour and dinner with steel drums or a singer accompanied with a ukulele. For the reception, heat up the evening with sultry sounds -- we love the idea of incorporating classic swing or big band music to add a fast, upbeat tempo to the evening

Trend 3: New Themes
Basic beach or garden themes are classic for the summer. Instead of a generic setting or theme, take the personal route.
What's hot now: Think of your favorite summer hangouts when planning your theme. Rather than just any beach, bring in elements specific to the beach you remember as a kid. If it was a cabin in the woods, go for a mountain theme. Another idea: Honor your honeymoon destination. If you're having a garden wedding but honeymooning in Hawaii, add orchids to your bouquets or fill the bottoms of your centerpiece vases with black lava rocks

Trend 4: Unexpected Invitations
Letterpressed invites in ivory and black are still as popular and elegant as ever. But if you want to go for something a little more unexpected, ultra-creative wedding invitation designers definitely have color and printing options for you.
What's hot now: Use colors in a new and unexpected way on your invites by reversing the typical invitation color scheme. For example, rather than using fuchsia lettering on a cream-colored invite, opt for cream print on fuchsia paper. Or mix it up -- do the cream-colored invite with fuchsia writing, and then a bright pink reply card with a cream-colored font. Consider the material of your invite as well. One hot-off-the-press idea: Get fabric-printed invites, programs, and escort cards for a laid-back look perfect for summer.

Trend 5: Natural Centerpieces
Cut citrus fruit is a tried-and-true favorite for summertime centerpieces, but other options out there are more unexpected and just as visually appealing.

What's hot now: Love fruit but want something new? Have your florist use hollowed-out watermelons as a centerpiece container for a casual look that's fun and seasonal. Another option is to go natural and green with your containers. Incorporate wooden vases or pedestals with grass or moss to give centerpieces a textured, natural feel.

Trend 6: Wine Smoothies
Your guests will definitely want something cold and frosty, but margaritas and daiquiris can be had at any summertime bar. Instead, go for a libation that's a little out of the ordinary.

What's hot now: Wine smoothies are cold, frosty, and pack less of an alcoholic punch than margaritas. Perfect for your cocktail hour and as a signature drink for the evening, ask your caterer about serving one of these concoctions. A wine smoothie consists of a fruity wine, like rose, blended with ice and fruits of your choice. Garnished with a couple of berries or fruit slices, it makes for a refreshing and unexpected signature sip.

Trend 7: Beyond Wedding CakeWhite wedding cakes are popular for every season, and of course, chocolate always reigns for groom's cakes. But with cake bakers nowadays offering so many delectable flavors and fillings, why not try a seasonal selection?

What's hot now: Get inspired by the summer flavors you loved as a child. Think fresh strawberries and whipped cream filling for a strawberry shortcake-style wedding cake, or a citrus-infused filling like Key lime, lemon, or orange vanilla buttercream that honors a summertime fruit. See more summer wedding cake ideas. Beyond the cake, consider serving other desserts. A big-hit idea we love: Hire an ice cream truck to arrive at the end of the night offering summertime favorites -- the perfect nostalgic, late-night snack for your guests.

Trend 8: Eco-Friendly Favors
Classic summer favors like flip-flops and drink koozies will always satisfy, but why not give back to the planet while you give back to your guests?

What's hot now: Eco-friendly favors are bigger than ever, particularly if you're taking advantage of natural beauty and marrying outdoors. One idea: Give guests locally grown herbs planted in recyclable glass jars or tin cans. Dressed up with ribbon or paper in your wedding colors, they're gorgeous and good for the earth. Beyond plants, you might also consider donating to a local charity for a wedding favor idea that never goes out of season









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Sizzlin' Summer Wedding Trends from theKnot.com!

Posted by The Summerlin House At Thornton Park
As Spring turns to Summer, we are SO excited about the weddings that are to come! With May quickly fast-forwarding to June, Summer wedding trends are definitely now in full swing. Have you always dreamed of your Summer wedding? Not sure of the best way to incorporate you fun Summer ideas while still keeping things cool? Check out this article we found on theknot.com. We loved it so much we had to share these sizzlin' tricks with you!

Trend: Dynamic Colors

Bright hues are popular for summer weddings. But if you try to use too many colors in one space, you might wind up with a look that's more carnival than nuptial.

What's hot now: Think sophisticated brights. Sticking with just two hues (or two plus an accent color) will keep your space unified. Rather than splashing color all over your reception space, use one dynamic color for a strong statement -- think all-pink centerpieces or bold orange table linens. This holds especially true for your centerpieces: Instead of multicolored centerpieces, alternate single-color floral arrangements for a pulled-together look.

Trend: Upscale Picnic Food

Summer is the season for barbecuing, so consider serving a grilled entree for instant seasonal style. Rather than going for heavier fare like steak or pulled pork, stick to the lighter side with chicken or fish. Bringing in fruity flavors will add even more seasonal flair -- think chili-lime rubbed chicken breasts or grilled tilapia topped with mango salsa.

What's hot now: Go for upscale picnic-style fare, which is both a low-maintenance and high-style way to go. One example menu we love: coconut-fried chicken served with dipping sauces, red bliss potato salad, and mandarin orange and mesclun salad with raspberry vinaigrette. The options are endless (and delicious!).

Trend: New Themes

Basic beach or garden themes are classic for the summer. Instead of a generic setting or theme, take the personal route.

What's hot now: Think of your favorite summer hangouts when planning your theme. Rather than just any beach, bring in elements specific to the beach you remember as a kid. If it was a cabin in the woods, go for a mountain theme. Another idea: Honor your honeymoon destination. If you're having a garden wedding but honeymooning in Hawaii, add orchids to your bouquets or fill the bottoms of your centerpiece vases with black lava rocks.

Trend: Unexpected Invitations

Letterpressed invites in ivory and black are still as popular and elegant as ever. But if you want to go for something a little more unexpected, ultra-creative wedding invitation designers definitely have color and printing options for you.

What's hot now: Use colors in a new and unexpected way on your invites by reversing the typical invitation color scheme. For example, rather than using fuchsia lettering on a cream-colored invite, opt for cream print on fuchsia paper. Or mix it up -- do the cream-colored invite with fuchsia writing, and then a bright pink reply card with a cream-colored font. Consider the material of your invite as well. One hot-off-the-press idea: Get fabric-printed invites, programs, and escort cards for a laid-back look perfect for summer.

Trend: Wine Smoothies

Your guests will definitely want something cold and frosty, but margaritas and daiquiris can be had at any summertime bar. Instead, go for a libation that's a little out of the ordinary.

What's hot now: Wine smoothies are cold, frosty, and pack less of an alcoholic punch than margaritas. Perfect for your cocktail hour and as a signature drink for the evening, ask your caterer about serving one of these concoctions. A wine smoothie consists of a fruity wine, like rose, blended with ice and fruits of your choice. Garnished with a couple of berries or fruit slices, it makes for a refreshing and unexpected signature sip.

Trend: Natural Centerpieces

Cut citrus fruit is a tried-and-true favorite for summertime centerpieces, but other options out there are more unexpected and just as visually appealing.

What's hot now: Love fruit but want something new? Have your florist use hollowed-out watermelons as a centerpiece container for a casual look that's fun and seasonal. Another option is to go natural and green with your containers. Incorporate wooden vases or pedestals with grass or moss to give centerpieces a textured, natural feel.

Trend: Beyond Wedding Cake

White wedding cakes are popular for every season, and of course, chocolate always reigns for groom's cakes. But with cake bakers nowadays offering so many delectable flavors and fillings, why not try a seasonal selection?

What's hot now: Get inspired by the summer flavors you loved as a child. Think fresh strawberries and whipped cream filling for a strawberry shortcake-style wedding cake, or a citrus-infused filling like Key lime, lemon, or orange vanilla buttercream that honors a summertime fruit. Beyond the cake, consider serving other desserts. A big-hit idea we love: Hire an ice cream truck to arrive at the end of the night offering summertime favorites -- the perfect nostalgic, late-night snack for your guests.

Trend: Eco-Friendly Favors

Classic summer favors like flip-flops and drink koozies will always satisfy, but why not give back to the planet while you give back to your guests?

What's hot now: Eco-friendly favors are bigger than ever, particularly if you're taking advantage of natural beauty and marrying outdoors. One idea: Give guests locally grown herbs planted in recyclable glass jars or tin cans. Dressed up with ribbon or paper in your wedding colors, they're gorgeous and good for the earth. Beyond plants, you might also consider donating to a local charity for a wedding favor idea that never goes out of season.

For a more complete version of this article check out theknot.com!
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Fabulous Royal Wedding Traditions

Posted by The Summerlin House At Thornton Park
The wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton is without a doubt the event of the century, which got us thinking- what crazy traditions (if any!) does the British Royal family follow when it comes to weddings? Our research proved the Royal family are definitely no strangers to traditions, especially when it comes to weddings. Here are a few of the fun ones we came across!

The Wedding Ring
According to tradition, the Queen Mother and all of the women who have married after her have all incorporated some aspect of Welsh gold into their wedding bands. Kate's ring will probably
contain the same gold!

The Bridal Bouquet
The royal herd, myrtle, will most likely be contained somewhere in Kate's bridal bouquet- This is carried down from many brides. She will also leave her bouquet at the grave of the unknown soldier at Westminster Abbey after the ceremony.

The Wedding Cake
Traditionally, the wedding cake will have fruitcake in at least one of its tiers. Even if for some reason the cake does not contain fruitcake, you can bet that fruitcake will be somewhere on the menu!

The Wedding Dress
The tradition of the white wedding dress actually stemmed in 1840 from the royal family's Queen Victoria. Since then, brides all over the world have incorporated white dresses into their weddings! Lace is also a very common dress accessory, whether it be the whole dress, or just an aspect of it.

The Honeymoon Home
This is one tradition that may be falling by the wayside for this royal couple. Historically, the newlywed couple lives in a royal apartment appointed to them after they wed. However, William and Kate have chosen to forgo this tradition and live in a home in Wales.


Needless to say, no expense is spared when it comes to the marriage of Royalty! Make sure to tune in to this historic event to get all the trends, traditions, and treats!
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Spendid Signature Drinks

Posted by The Summerlin House At Thornton Park
We think that signature drinks are a great idea to give your wedding drink menu and flair of yourselves and tie the bar into your wedding theme. Whether it is a high tea, a sunny breakfast, or an elegant evening, a signature cocktail will definitely add something special. Here are a few of the yummy ones we just HAVE to share with you.
Blue Lemonade Recipe

Ingredients:
1 oz. Vodka
Orange Juice
1 oz. Rum
1 oz. Blue Curacao
1 oz. Gin
1 1/1 oz. Sweet & Sour Mix

Shake and Strain


Golden Groom

Ingredients:
2 oz. Tequila
1/4 cup Pineapple Juice
1/2 cup Orange Juice
Splash of Pomegranate Juice

Mix, Shake Well. Garnish with Orange Peel


Blushing Bride

Ingredients:
Lemon Wedge
Pink Sanding Sugar
2 oz. Vodka
1/2 cup pulp free pink lemonade

Rub lemon around the ring of the glass, shake on the sugar. Mix and shake well, strain into glass.


In doing some research to find the best cocktails out there to share with you all, I came across a page on theknot.com. Their signature cocktail slide show is something that you will definitely need to check out (they've thought of everything!), so we included it for you to look at as well!





~pictures and website courtesy of theknot.com
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Day of Emergency Kit= A VERY Good Idea!

Posted by The Summerlin House At Thornton Park
While we would love to say that every wedding day goes perfectly without a hitch... that would be a lie. Some things, no matter how hard we try to avoid them, end up finding a way of happening. Straps coming undone, hair falling out, a make up blunder- who knows?! Because of this, its always a good idea to invest in a wedding day of emergency kit. That way, nothing can stand in your way! Here are a few tiny, yet important things to make sure to include.

  • Chalk (to hide any scuffs that may have found its way to your dress)
  • Baby Powder (to hide oily hair)
  • Asperin/Tylenol (ALWAYS a good idea)
  • Hairspray (you can never have too much)
  • Bobby Pins (for those tiny flyaways)
  • Clear Nail Polish ( for those annoying panty hose runs)
  • Facial Oil Blotting Papers (you dont want too much shine!)
  • Bandaids (new shoes can hurt)
  • Safety Pins (last minute dress fixes)
  • Flip Flops (to save your feet when dancing)
  • Tampons/pads (hopefully these wont be needed, but you never know!)
  • Gum/Mints (nobody likes bad breath!)


Any or all of these will definitly be a good thing to have on your big day. Too stressed the week of to grab all these items? Assign it to one of your bridesmaids!





Inspired by~http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/brides-day-of-emergency-kit-please-helpit~ kaboodle.com
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10 Tips to Honeymoon Planning

Posted by The Summerlin House At Thornton Park
This weekend after learning that our Saturday couple was going to Aruba on their honeymoon (jealous!) we decided to brush up on our latest honeymoon gossip when we ran across a fun article that touched on 10 tips to honeymoon planning. While they may seem like small changes to make to the planning process, we thought they were helpful none-the-less! They are as follows:

1. Wait a day or two before heading out to paradise. While we know you are just as excited to jet set as you were for the big day, it may be a good idea to wait a few days to head out. You may not think so, but your wedding day takes a lot out of you! Between waking up early to get ready and spending hours catching up with family and friends, you will be pooped. The last thing you will want to do is stand in lines at the airport the next day.

2. Do not use the bride's newlywed name for the reservations. We know you have practiced writing 'Mrs. John Smith' all over the place since you first got engaged, but using your new name is not the best idea for honeymoon planning. It usually takes a little bit for the new names to register on all the official documentation. It will save a lot of time when trying to get tickets and check in!

3. Always specify the kind of bed arrangement you want. Whether you specifically want a king or are fine with two queens, make sure you let the hotel know ahead of time- You want to make sure they don't put you in a room with two single beds!

4. Always let your travel agent/flight company/hotel/etc. know you are on your honeymoon. Whoever you are making plans with, let them know you are on your special vacation. They are usually more than willing to issue and upgrade and give you special treats to celebrate. But make sure to bring proof! Places now a days require you to provide documentation.

5. Don't skimp on any aspect! This is an occasion, like the wedding, you will remember forever. You definitely would not want to look back on the things you did and wish you did more!

6. If you ARE on a fixed budget... Consider postponing the honeymoon- There is nothing wrong with this! Postponed trips are just as special. And it will allow you to make sure you are able to go and do everything you want to. Also consider shortening the trip- It may be better to go to a more luxurious hotel for fewer nights as opposed to a less fabulous one for longer.

7. Take heed when getting advice from family and friends. They of course have your best interests in mind, but sometimes their likes and dislikes are completely different than what you and your hubby's will be. It's always good to get advice, but make sure you are planning the trip the two of you want!

8. Plan the deets together. It may not be something of interest to both of you (you know who we are talking about) but make sure to get both opinions and wants involved in the planning aspect. It's a trip for both of you, after all!

9. All inclusive resorts? No, its not a scam. With everything you will need to include and pay for on the trip, it is a good idea to look into options like this. You can still plan other things outside the resort, but it helps with covering a few of the crazy costs like food and alcohol.

10. Choose a place neither of you have been to before. It's nice to have your own special places, but these are places you can go all the time. Choose a destination that neither of you have been to before, and it will be fun to experience it all together for the first time!





blog inspired by~http://www.weddingshoneymoons.com/honeymoon_planning_tips
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Decisions, Decisions- Planning Entertainment for the Big Day

Posted by The Summerlin House At Thornton Park
With today's changing and evolving wedding trends, music and entertainment can sometimes be almost as important as the food. It is the first thing your guests will experience before you make your grand entrance, and will be something you will want to be able to enjoy as you celebrate the night away. Before you go booking the first DJ you meet, take into consideration a few trendy entertainment ideas and tips that will keep your guests rockin' the night away.

IPods are SO out. Ok, so you may have the coolest new jams that you just downloaded to your new iPod. But let's save that for your next road trip. While iPods are a resourceful way to keep your entertainment budget down, it totally takes away from the entertainment value a DJ or live band provide. They know how to entertain your guests, make announcements, and help keep the flow of the reception. Plus, it saves everyone from having to hear 'My Humps' replay all night...

Plan out the music. While your guests may not remember every single song they hear, music is an important aspect of the wedding experience. They are more than just songs- they are the songs that play before you walk down the isle, songs that play as you dance your first dance, songs you get to jive to as new husband and wife. Not every song needs to be planned out in a minute-to-minute schedule, but make sure that the big moments feature some of your favorites.

Set the trend. While weddings never get old (at least we don't think they do!) they can always be spiced up with a little bit of unorthodox entertainment. A rising trend more and more couples are beginning to use are photobooths. No, not just the ones you see set up all over the mall. These can be a fun way to get your guests to unveil their goofy sides. And the cool part about these are the printouts: guests get to take home a reminder of the fun they had, and you get a silly picture they can act as a guestbook to document those who attended. Another classy idea is to get a caricature artist to draw pictures of your guests. They usually book by the hour so you wouldn't necessarily need to book them for the entire time, but it is a fun thing for the guests to do when they need to rest their tired dancing feet.

No matter what you choose to have at your wedding your guests are bound to have a good time...the important thing is that you do, too!

*picture courtesy of gismodo.com~inaframe.com
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