You don't have to be on a strict budget to love this wedding flower trend. In fact, it's perfect regardless of your budget! Brides are now choosing to use florists and flower wholesalers who provide a selection of flowers and allow the bride to come in and literally pick out / pick up the flowers that she wants for her wedding.

Imagine walking into a warehouse full of fresh cut flowers. Every style you could imagine is there including premium flowers, the standards, and a mass of greenery. If you're wanting to save some money or just have a hands-on experience in your wedding planning, this set up is perfect! You'll look like the preverbial "kid in a candy store" and feel like you're the year's most savvy, involved and smartest bride.

Here's the basics of this trend:

1. Brides want to buy their own flowers and cut out the middle man so they go to a flower wholesaler. Many sell to florists only but there are several that sell to whomever wants to buy their flowers.
2. Brides walk in and pick out / pick up all of the flowers that they will need for their wedding bouquets, altar arrangements, wedding reception centerpieces, and other wedding flowers. If it's floral and at the wedding, they find and buy it at the wholesaler.
3. Brides take their finds and either create the wedding flowers themselves or hire a local florist to create the arrangements.

Here's why this is a helpful wedding trend (and why brides love it):

• Saves money which allows other areas of the budget to be enhanced
• Allows a more hands-on involvement with the wedding planning
• Ensures the bride gets exactly what she wants because SHE picks it out

All things considered, this is one fun way to make sure that your wedding flowers are exactly what you want with no middle men to worry about and more dinero for other items like the wedding cake.

That's right. Look through any bridal publication and you'll see throngs of wedding gown photos. The other stand out attention grabber is the stylish amount of sequins, beadwork, and crystals dangling from the bodice of each gown. While some trendy wedding gowns feature intricate beadwork from the breast to the train, many others include the detailing in a more confined area. Either way, you'll be hard pressed to find a trendy wedding gown without fashionable bling.

Consider empire waist wedding dresses. What better to draw attention to the style of the dress than a row of beautiful Swarovski crystals, intricate beadwork, colorful jeweled ribbon or some other stylish accessory? For most empire wedding dresses, it's this accessorizing that makes or breaks the gown.

It's not just empire style wedding dresses that receive this special treatment. Wedding dresses that sparkle and shine under the weight of their wedding accessories can be found in a wide range of styles. A-line wedding dresses are especially prone to featuring detailing from bodice to train. This allows the eye to trail the length of the dress. In other words, guests must take in the full affect of the beautiful dress and the gorgeous bride who wears it.

Mermaid wedding dresses aren't as prone to this type of detailing. Ruching is more popular with mermaid wedding dresses but jewel-esque accessories aren't without a wedding dress in this style either. You may have to look harder but they're out there.

While you're most likely to find stylish wedding dresses like these in a-line, empire and column wedding gowns, you'll have a difficult time finding a trendy wedding gown without some sort of accessorizing. We all know that brides like to feel beautiful and diamonds are a girl's best friend. Merge the two into an incredible wedding dress and the only thing missing is the "I do."

Photo #1 — Beaded wedding dress photo courtesy of J&R Guarino Photography, a Brick, New Jersey wedding photographer.

Photo #2 — Beadwork and colorful wedding dress photo courtesy of Lace Graphics Design & Photography, an Augusta Georgia wedding photographer.

If you are looking for a great way to coordinate your dress with your groom's tuxedo, here's a wedding attire trend you'll love.

Take a nod from tennis pro Roger Federer. He and his new bride cashed in on the trend among couples which is use the same fabric for both the bride's dress and the groom's tie. Using the same fabric has many benefits. It is an intimate touch that can enhance small, personal ceremonies. It is a showing of unity that many feel is a positive attitude for the start of the marriage. Others think of it as the finest way to coordinate the two wedding outfits.

Whatever your reason, consider asking your wedding dress designer to create the groom's tie from the same fabric as your wedding dress. If you do not have a wedding dress designer, ask your seamstress if there is enough fabric left over for the tie after alterations are made. There are many ways to go about capturing this trendy idea. Just make sure to return to Wedding And Party Network with your photos!

With the incredible selection of bridal gowns to choose from, 2009 brides have their hands full! To make it a bit easier, Wedding And Party Network (via yours truly) has compiled your guide to trendy wedding dress styles for 2009 weddings. Learn which styles are available and which will make you a truly fashionable bride this year by reviewing the wedding dress styles below!

A-Line / Princess Style Wedding Dresses Are Where It's At In 2009!

Almost every bride can pull off the flattering shape of a-line/princess dresses. That's why it's such a classic! Bridal gowns like these are simple, bring modest attention to the bosom, hide the shape of the waist, and accentuate other curves without being revealing. The type of straps vary, but most prefer a skinny strap or strapless wedding dress.

Hair Tip: A-line/princess style wedding dresses are very versatile and work well with every type of wedding hairstyle. This is the perfect dress style for a simple updo, half updo hairstyle, or hair that drapes over the shoulders.

Mermaid Wedding Gowns Are Huge In '09!

Mermaid wedding dresses are very popular with brides for their 2009 weddings because these gowns are gorgeous! Mermaid wedding dresses are very form fitting until they reach the mid thigh. The fabric becomes more flowing here through the train. Mermaid bridal dresses are very popular with women who are proud of their curves and want to show them off at their wedding!

Hair Tip: What would a mermaid wear? A relaxed half updo is going to be your best bet for this wedding dress style if you have long hair. Simply pulling some of your hair back and using a decorative clip will bring out the best in this dress. If you have short hair, work it!

Empire Wedding Dresses Are Gaining Popularity This Year!

Empire wedding dresses are very popular because of the elegant simplicity of the design. Attention is drawn to the bosom and waist of the bride in a modest, flattering way. Brides can keep jewelry to a minimum with this style of dress because it automatically draws attention to the upper body. These bridal gowns tend to drape and flow down into a moderate train. These dresses are very popular for sophisticated outdoor weddings as well as semi-formal ceremonies.

Hair Tip: Consider wearing your hair down with this dress. A relaxed updo or simple updo will work also, but this wedding dress style is more suited to "playing down dressing up." In other words, these go best with relaxed or semi-formal ceremonies so choose a hairstyle that is comfortable to you.

Marry Your Prince In A Ball Gown Style Wedding Dress!

Ball gown wedding dress styles are less common in 2009 but still popular. This wedding dress style perfectly suits the young bride who wants to feel like a princess for a day. If you've always dreamed of the full skirt, flowing fabrics, and elegant bodice of a Cinderella-style dress, give ball gown wedding dresses a try.

Hair Tip: Elegance is key for this bridal gown. Wedding hairstyles vary with each dress, but the ball gown style wedding dress is best complemented by a traditional up-do or half-up, showy hairstyle.

Column Wedding Dresses Are The Lesser-Known Beauties of 2009!

Column wedding dresses aren't making quite as many showings in 2009 despite their beautiful appearance. These are great dresses for relaxed, less formal wedding ceremonies. Sound like the wedding you want? Column bridal dresses are perfect for the bride who wants to be able to walk freely, doesn't want quite as many frills, but still wants to look gorgeous at her wedding. Simple beauty defines this wedding dress style.

Hair Tip: You could almost pull off any wedding hairstyle with this dress. That's precisely the point of the dress style! Up, down, half-up, relaxed, teased–the choice is entirely yours! Well, it never hurts to ask a professional wedding hairstylist either.

Want to know more about wedding dress styles? You'll love this helpful blog! "Help! Which Wedding Dress Style Should I Wear?"

Kudos to you if you already know that the hottest thing going in wedding trends is the desire for a videographer.  That's right, ladies and gents. Wedding videographers are thunderously gaining popularity because of what their presence brings to the wedding—and allows the newlyweds to take away.

Wedding videographers are awesome because pictures are only worth a thousand words. Imagine the conversation you could have watching the video of your wedding with your family, friends, children and grandchildren. Instead of feeling like they were not and can't be a part of your wedding, these people can now feel like they had a front row seat at your ceremony. They are able to watch you and your wife/hubby go through the entire process. You can just see it now…

…your voice cracking as emotions sweep you while exchanging the wedding vows.

…tears streaming down your face as you hear their sweet words to you.

…the excitement on your face as you hear "I now pronounce you man and wife."

…the kiss. Oh that first kiss as husband and wife!

Now imagine watching it again and reliving those moments for yourself. Picture your children throwing popcorn at you as you tear up again. "Oh, mooooom!" "Dad, you big weeny!" Picture the first anniversary as a married couple. Sitting eating the rest of the top tier of your wedding cake while watching your wedding video. Sounds like a great date to me!

How is all of this possible? Wedding videographers make these grand moments possible when they capture every intimate detail of your wedding. Every laugh, every tear. It's all on video for you to relive over and over again with the people you love. As far as wedding trends go, this is one you can't miss.

You may remember reading about colorful bridal shoes in my November blog, Wedding Attire Trends For 2009:  The Colors of Choice!. If not, this will be a helpful bit of "news" about what's hot this year.

Colored bridal shoes are pretty awesome. I love the look of a bride who matches her shoes to the colorful sash around her bodice. It helps the bride define her personality. Is she bold and vivacious? Then she'll probably pair pink, gold or silver bridal shoes with her dress. Is she traditional? Then look for cream, ivory or white wedding shoes.

What you wear on your feet may seem like a small matter, but everything matters to the bride on her wedding day. Shoes are just as important as jewelry, hair, makeup, flowers, and the filling for the bon-bon wedding favors. Everything matters because the wedding day is all about the bride, her tastes, her interests, her love and new life.

Modern weddings are as much a celebration of the woman as of the union. It's a chance to let the bride shine. Her bridal shoes will be the ones that carry her up the aisle on the arm of her father and down the aisle on the arm of her husband. These shoes will stay with her through the long night of dancing at the wedding reception. The bride's shoes will be with her during every special moment of the wedding day. It's important to have the right ones!

When it's time to buy bridal shoes in 2009, consider these popular colors:

• Gold — Bridal shoes to treasure!
• Pink — Wedding shoes so sweet and lovely!
• Clear — Bridal shoes that go with everything!
• Silver — Wedding shoes with a contemporary look!
• Ivory — Bridal shoes with vintage appeal!
• White — Bridal shoes for the traditional woman!

With most brides planning their wedding several months in advance, what better time to discuss the biggest winter wedding trend of 2009? Stay far ahead of the latest wedding gown trends during your winter wedding by following this simple tip.

The most stylish brides understand that often style and comfort do go hand-in-hand. We've all heard about layering clothes to stay warm in the winter, so why not layer the skirts of our wedding dresses to stay warm during the ceremony? This trend is all the rage these days and is sure to stick around through the chilly winter weddings taking place in 2009 and early 2010.

As you shop for your wedding dress, remember that layers can be very appealing. Some come in Read the rest of How You Can Have The Trendiest Winter Wedding Dresses »

Following in the footsteps of just about every other wedding accessory trend is the modern popularity of using color on the wedding cake. From pretty in pink wedding cakes to tiers of frosting and cake in blue hues, every color of the rainbow (and sometimes even rainbow patterns) can appear on the wedding cake.

So what makes colorful wedding cakes such a big deal? Traditional weddings taking place even a generation ago rarely strayed from creamy tones of icing and white wedding cake. While this style is still beautiful and Read the rest of Let Them Eat Colorful Wedding Cakes! »

2009 Entertaining Calendar

Just as clothes, cars, and music change, so does the art of entertaining guests. Over the years, styles and fashions of many different types of parties may have changed, but the desire to host a fashionable and memorable event certainly has not. Guests will look forward to your seeing old and new friends in a comfortable yet exciting atmosphere.

Hosting monthly parties yourself or rotating hosting responsibilities through a group of friends is a great way to get together and have a great time. For 2009, the entertainers guide to hosting great parties is all about creativity. Below we have gathered some ideas to assist you in making a year of entertaining not only memorable for guests, but also effortless for the host.

New Years Day

New Years Day party ideas are usually quite standard, but because there is no real theme to the New Year you can let your creativity and your imagination really flow. Decade theme parties are always a blast. This New Years Day party, host a 70's or 80's themed party fully embracing the theme through music and clothing. Guests dressed up in themed clothing help set the mood and provide much of the decoration for the event. Also, disc jockeys have a tremendous library of music to keep your decade-dressed guests dancing all night long.

Valentines Day

Romance is in the air for the month of February. Entertaining for Valentines Day calls for a romantic dinner party for couples to come and enjoy good company and great food. Dinner parties are low key social get-togethers that allow all guests to really socialize over a gourmet meal and maybe enjoy some subtle entertainment such as a professional pianist resounding soothing romantic music. To assist the host in planning for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, a professional chef may be of service in presenting a fabulous meal to guests, which allows the host to entertain guests as they arrive.

St. Patrick's Day

Green leprechauns, though always appropriate, are a little bit cliché for St. Patrick's Day parties this year. 2009 calls for creative floral arrangements and imaginative food creations. With the help of a professional florist and caterer, a St. Patrick's Day party will be as easy as 1, 2, and 3.

First, arrange for a florist to create "all green" floral arrangements for the tables of the party venue. Whether a dinner party or cocktail party, these great St. Patrick’s Day arrangements will be the center of attention. Second, great food is the key to a great party. A professional caterer or chef can assist the party host in creating unique "green" dishes from appetizers to desserts. Each course will bring a new exciting layer to the St. Patrick's Day party.

Easter

Easter is the time of year when spring is in the air and new life is brought about by the new season. Easter parties such as teas or luncheons are very appropriate for the spiritual holiday. Delicious desserts paired with tasty teas suit the season as well as the theme of the party. Easter decorations are most exemplified by fresh flowers. Creative, edgy designs using pastel colors can bring a modern twist to an otherwise traditional arrangement. Simple table arrangements with modern tableware will add to the contemporary Easter theme of the party.

Cinco de Mayo

Nothing says "summer" like a sizzling Cinco de Mayo party. The yearly Cinco de Mayo party seems to be the unofficial release of summer. Fresh grilled pineapple shrimp and chicken paired with an assortment of mixed drinks will be sure to keep your guests entertained all night long. Spice things up at your Cinco de Mayo party with a professional mariachi band to entertain guests with festive music. With great grilled food and sensational live music, your Cinco de Mayo party will surely be a hit.

Independence Day

July 4th is the ultimate time for a backyard barbeque for family and friends. Get creative this year for Independence Day by hosting a barbeque contest. Invite guests over, grills in tote, to face off in the ultimate Independence Day cook off. Not only does the competition give purpose to the party, but also provides other guests with delicious food to munch on all day long.

Labor Day

Also a big grilling holiday, Labor Day parties signify the end of the summer season. Step up your classic outdoor party this year with a professional band to play live music as guests enjoy great food and good company. Create great memories for guests by hiring a professional photographer to take pictures of guests enjoying themselves. Combine the action shots with a fun photo album and you’ve got yourself a creative souvenir for all of your guests.

Halloween

Costume parties are always appropriate for this spooky holiday. However, 2009 brings a new spirit to the ghostly affair. This year, create a creepy haunted house atmosphere for your Halloween party with dim lighting, fake spider webs, antique décor, and several candles of all shapes and sizes. Candles filling a room with just enough light create such a spooky ambiance and a great setting for a Halloween party. Don’t have enough candles to create the look? Several party or wedding vendors carry candles to buy or even rent for one time use.

Thanksgiving

Tradition is tradition for the Thanksgiving holiday. Nothing beats a Thanksgiving celebration like some good food and great company. Invite friends and family over to celebrate the fall season over a fabulous meal. To simplify the hosting duties, hire a caterer or a professional chef to do all the work. Utilizing professionals while hosting a party can relieve stress and allow the host to visit with guests instead of messing with hosting duties.

Christmas

Holiday parties can be as serious or as carefree as the host desires. Sit-down Christmas meals are always appropriate for a traditional get-together. However, with so many families having traditional sit-down dinners, friendly gatherings usually try to embrace a more relaxed side of Christmas. This year try hosting an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, where all guests are required to wear a Christmas sweater that even their tacky great aunt would be ashamed to wear. Your guests will be laughing all night long.

As the years pass, so do the trends of entertaining. Just remember that classy and creative is always in style when it comes to entertaining guests. As a host, let your personality shine through in the atmosphere of the party and don't forget to use the professionals every now and then to ease the workload!

Contributor: Jordon Robinson

It may not be a completely new trend, but adding a splash of color to your wedding gown is definitely a hot, hot trend in 2009 weddings. No matter how you choose to do it, wedding dresses with color are A-list items this wedding season. Here are some examples of how you can stay with the in-style crowd this year.

* Add a colored sash around the waist of your wedding dress. These draw attention to the bodice of the gown while accentuating the train as it drapes down.

* Many wedding gown designers are creating elaborate wedding dresses with colored trains. These usually Read the rest of Wedding Gowns With Color–The Hot New Trend In 2009 »