2007 Trend Wedding

Say “I do” in style

Some wedding ideas are good, some are great and others are grand, but few can be considered trendsetting. Following are H Texas’ picks for Houston’s top trendsetting wedding ideas.

Trend: Subtle signature touch in invitations and favors Companies, such as Joli Parti Paperie, can create one-of-a-kind items just for you.

Dylan Moore designs personalized logos that add a unique flair to gifts for your guests.

Trend: Chef-driven rehearsal dining in innovative locations Renowned chef Cedric Guerin of Omni Palace makes house calls. With a nod to ever-popular wine pairings, he’ll create a custom menu just for you.

Toast with Perrier Jouet Grand Brut paired with a mixed field salad topped with foie gras and marinated salmon.

Trend: Limo detour to a photo session En route to the reception, many brides and grooms are taking off in separate limos with a photographer to be whisked away to their first portrait outside of the ceremony location. Black Tie Limousine Service will deliver you to picturesque settings.

Trend: Compact, colored bouquets laced with jewels The bridal bouquet does not need to be white (or white and off white). Dare to be different with a splash of color. Fresh Blooms of Houston will use your color scheme to create a unique arrangement. The cream, chartreuse and maroon color scheme shown dictated the floral selections: mango-colored mini-callas, red and orange roses, and green and burgundy orchids.

Trend: Customized gems as attendants gifts Forget photo books or bath gels. Give your bridesmaids something they’ll wear again and again. Local designer Marie Myers of Marie’s Gems will customize a necklace specifically for you and your best gal pals.

Trend: Pushing extremes from wedding to reception The formal setting of a traditional church can be followed by a reception located in an old dance hall or firehouse. This contrast in locations can be interesting for all who attend.

Trend: Relaxed reception “Sit-down dinners are out,” event guru Darryl Murchison says. Trends in catering include nontraditional meals and interactive food stations that add an element of entertainment. Pico’s Mex-Mex Catering steps up to the plate with sizzling fajitas, spinach quesadillas and bacon-wrapped shrimp — all grilled after guests arrive.

Trend: DJ as master of ceremonies Today’s DJ does more than just spin tunes. He or she actually can serve as the master of ceremonies, and ensure that the day’s events take place on time. Jeff from DJ’s Unlimited will orchestrate your party with skill. His ability to direct and entertain a crowd keeps the bride at ease throughout the entire event. Suggestions for dances include: “Living on Love,” by Alan Jackson for the couple’s first dance, “Wind Beneath My Wings,” by Bette Midler for the father/ daughter dance and “Through the Years,” by Kenny Rogers for the mother/ son dance. All of these songs can be selected by consulting DJ’s Unlimited’s comprehensive website, www.djsunlimited.net.

Trend: Cake matching dress Bakers are doing so much with icing, the possibilities are endless. Select one signature element from your dress or your lace pattern and carry it onto the cake. The truly fashion-aware will rave, “It’s just like the dress!” “Who Made The Cake!” in River Oaks has been satisfying brides for years. The custom wedding cake above incorporates the dress’ ruffle into its design.

Trend: Personalize your accessories Accessories, such as toasting flutes, a cake cutter and guest book, can be inscribed with your initials. All are available at Angelic Expressions by Angel.

Trend: Add a touch that’s uniquely you With the formalities out of the way, kick the party up a notch with a bit of your personal style. If you love cowboy chic, slip into a pair of vintage boots created by vintagecowboy.com.

Trend: Multiple honeymoons The two-week honeymoon is often being replaced with several extended weekend honeymoons. In today’s busy working environment, couples are taking multiple long weekend trips, and taking care of business throughout the week. You might consider Punta Mita, the Mayan Riviera, Beaches of South Walton or St. Barts. All have flights from Houston. Agents at Travel Lifestyles are on hand to help you pick the perfect getaway for you and your new spouse.