Let’s Get Real: Advice from an event planner about realistic budgets for New Orleans weddings.
By Rena Sweeney, Alchemy Events + NOW Weddings Creative Director (This article was originally published…
NOW HOW TO: The Top 10
The Top Ten
Written by: Rena Sweeney, Alchemy Events
It’s a new year and in the wedding industry, that means a new group of freshly engaged couples. Congratulations to all of you who got engaged over the holidays! You’re probably wondering what things are most important to do right away.
Where do you start? We know you’ve got a handle on things like telling everyone, having your ring insured, etc. so we’re going to dive right into the nitty gritty of what your top planning priorities should be so you can start off on the right foot.
Wedding Fashion: 2022 Bridal Fashion Trend Report
BRIDAL FASHION TREND REPORT >> 2022
curated by now creative director rena sweeney (alchemy events)
with trend commentary from new orleans bridal fashion expert jessica schulman of pearl’s place bridal
::FROM THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR’S DESK::
What a year this has been! We exited 2020 hoping for changes and while we got them, we’re all still living in this quasi-new state in 2021. Bridal fashion trends tend to move slowly and with yet another crazy year almost in the books, our fashion trends aren’t much different than the year itself has been.
Some designers decided not to put out new lines the last couple of years and others who did put out new seasons of gowns decided to double down on the elements they debuted for 2021 as the full effects of those trends weren’t really felt this year.
We are seeing some new trends specifically for 2022, though, and we’re excited to see these leave the runway and begin to show up in real weddings. So our report for 2022 might feel a bit reminiscent of our 2021 predictions, but make no mistake, designers are taking it to a new level.
In addition to the shift in sleeve styles we saw in 2021, we are also seeing a lot of leg as well as black accents appearing in 2022 collections! These exciting shifts are breathing new life into some of the most beloved styles of late.
If you know anything about me and my company, Alchemy Events (yes, I’m not always wearing my magazine Creative Director hat), you’ll know that I’m here for the drama! You probably won’t be surprised that one of my favorite trends is the new, big, dramatic (even ‘grazing the floor’ long) sleeves we’re seeing for 2022! The Galia Lahav signature cutout look is making its way through the industry and we’re also seeing visible corsets returning to bridal fashion.
90’s trends continue to make a strong comeback with everything from halter style to square necklines and that sleek “Calvin Klein chic” look that an entire generation of “Friends” lovers associated Jennifer Aniston with. While pearls were already starting to come back into fashion, we are really seeing a lot of designers lean into this trend with everything from pearl accents to fully blown pearls scattered across the entire gown.
Being able to transition a gown via detachable elements is one that feels particularly suited for us here in the Gulf South also, since you can be more demure for the ceremony and then go to your reception and really let loose. Swap out those long sleeves for spaghetti straps or take off that huge overskirt, show some leg and get ready to party! We’re here for it!
The one trend we’re starting to see but are hoping to see more of, you ask? A gorgeous glittered geometric “mesh” fabric. Some designers are calling it a “waffle pattern.” This fabric gives flow with structure, something gorgeous and a bit sheer with a hint of shimmer. It’s definitely something we’d love to see other designers embrace in the coming years.
-Rena Sweeney, NOW Creative Director
Wedding Fashion Designer Spotlight: Viktor&Rolf
STRIKING HIGH-LOW GOWN CRAFTED OUT OF ECO-FRIENDLY SATIN DUCHESSE, FEATURING A FLATTERING STRAPLESS NECKLINE WITH V-SLIT. THE ENLARGED DETACHABLE PUFFED SLEEVES AND WIDE DRAPED WAISTBAND TRANSFORMS INTO A GENEROUS SIGNATURE BOW AT THE BACK, ACCENTUATING THE EXTRAVAGANCE OF THE GOWN. TIERED VOLANTS MAKE UP THE HIGH-LOW SKIRT THAT GIVES WAY TO A DRAMATIC TRAIN.
“DIAL VR FOR MARIAGE”
Viktor&Rolf Mariage brings a high fashion edge to bridal. In this, their 5th anniversary bridal collection, artists Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren explore “a contemporary film noir mood, creating a feeling of suspense juxtaposed by glam Hollywood styling.”
NOW HOW TO: The Small Parties Around the Big Day
The ‘Small’ Parties Around the Big Day
Written by: Rena Sweeney, Alchemy Events
While the wedding day itself is the focal point of each engaged couple’s attention and budget, there are so many smaller celebrations that traditionally surround the “big day”. While none of these events are mandatory per se, many are highly anticipated by not only the couple, but their friends and family as well.
We’ve compiled a list of the most common pre and post wedding parties along with time frames, who hosts and what you need to know about each. Be sure to consider your personal circumstances and budget when choosing which parties to include as part of your celebration.
Wedding Fashion Designer Spotlight: Galia Lahav
CREDITS:
Photo: MARK KEANE | Art Direction: SIMON ELMALEM | Hair: KEI TERADA |
MUA: GEMMA SMITH-EDHOUSE | Model: M A V A R O
LUXURY FASHION HOUSE GALIA LAHAV RELEASES
BRIDAL PRET-A-PORTE COLLECTION:
‘LUMIERE’
Global luxury fashion brand Galia Lahav announces the launch of its 2nd Bridal prêt-a-porter collection: ‘Lumiere’ — a highly anticipated capsule release of ready-to-wear wedding pieces for the Galia Lahav bride. Following the success of its debut collection, the Tel Aviv-based luxury label is thrilled to expand prêt-a-porter, into its ultimate purpose; A complete and refined bridal wardrobe for wedding events and beyond.
Wedding Fashion Designer Spotlight: Christian Siriano
Sara Kerens, Christian Siriano, Bridal 2021
Curated by: Rena Sweeney, Alchemy Events
After a hiatus since his Spring 2018 collection, Christian Siriano is back in bridal and is serving one of the most inclusive wedding collections we’ve ever seen. Sleek, classic, and fashion forward, this collection has a diverse selection of looks in a range of sizes, from 0 to 28!
Whether you’re looking for a short flirty gown to elope in, a statement ballgown, or even something you can wear again (be it a pantsuit or a chic gown), Christian Siriano brings something for everyone in his new collection.