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.

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.

Color and Beadwork! What A Wedding Gown!

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.

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!

A-Line / Princess Wedding Dress

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 Dress

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 Bridal Gown

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.

Ball Gown Bridal 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 Gown

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?"

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.

Wedding Dress With Jacket For Fall Wedding

In your defense, the modern wedding is all about the bride and which wedding dress style she prefers. While traditional values are still appreciated, there is no standard etiquette that brides are holding to these days. Most simply try to coordinate their hairstyle with the neckline of their gown, the style of dress they want with the formality of their wedding, the type of dress with the location and other important considerations. If it makes you comfortable and you think it looks good, it's perfectly acceptable in a modern wedding.

Consider These Beautiful Wedding Dress Styles for Your Fall Wedding

If you really want to go along with your mother on this, there are many beautiful wedding dresses with light jackets. Also consider lace sleeves or something similar. A long skirt can be gorgeous with many of the wedding dress styles of today.

• Mermaid style wedding dresses are form fitting through the upper thigh but then loosen into a more flowing train.
• Empire wedding dresses are usually made of lighter fabrics. They have a very short train that gives the bride a semi-formal look.
• Column style wedding dresses are very simple. They are usually floor-length gowns without a train. These are usually the preferred dresses for second weddings and semi-formal affairs. These can be easily accentuated with a light jacket and still maintain a very beautiful appearance.
• A-line/Princess wedding gowns are arguably the most popular style for modern brides. These are simple enough to allow the bride to move freely without 15 attendants for her train. However, they are also gorgeous and rather formal. They present the best of both worlds.
• Ball Gown style wedding dresses are exactly what you'd think they are. Picture Cinderella's wedding and you're on the mark. These have full, elaborate skirts and a less dramatic bodice. You really are the queen for a day in a wedding gown like this.

If you want to hold your own in the debate, you are right also. Modern weddings have less stringent traditions. The brides of today are able to wear whatever they want. Many are even wearing colorful wedding gowns! If your  mother's argument is mostly that "it's traditional," you can respectfully disregard that advice. The modern bride's wedding is all about her and what she wants.

Strapless Wedding Dress

My best recommendation is to find a compromise. Ask your mother if a sleeveless wedding dress would be ok with her. Perhaps something with thin straps but not strapless (works great with an empire style). This way you can still choose a neckline, satisfy your mother, and look beautiful on your wedding day.

Let me know which dress you pick! If your mother is anything like my mother, you'll look beautiful in a wedding dress with sleeves. *grin*

Before I forget…A shout out to the wonderful people who let me use their photos!

* The photo of the bride wearing a wedding dress jacket was provided by Photographs by Lawrence, a wedding photographer in Marietta Oklahoma.

* The photo of the bride wearing a strapless wedding dress was provided by Prange's Florist in Gainesville Florida (she provided the gorgeous bridal bouquet also seen in the photo).

2. CHOCOLATE!!! Forget traditional vanilla, switch it up! This year several brides are choosing dark chocolate truffle wedding cakes with beautiful detail and glamour. Give chocolate a chance! If you’re scared of the rich flavor, serve fruit along side such as raspberries or strawberries.

3. No Flowers Needed Just Crisp Details. Arts and crafts has gone chic in the wedding world this year. Crisp lines, exposed stitching and seamstress inspired details top the cake trends this season. Add detail to a light hued cake with vintage fondant buttons and fancy piping for a high fashion quilted look.

4. No Ordinary Shape Will Do. Brides are exploring their wedding cake shape options cakes this year. Oval tiers, cube tiers, and even asymmetric tiers (this can be complicated). These new styles are fresh and creative ways to spice up the otherwise ordinary cake shapes. Some of these new styles do compromise the amount of cake you get. So these might be great ideas for small, intimate weddings.

5. Small Makes A Big Statement. All the rage this year, mini cakes have become popular practically overnight. These mini cakes or personal cakes are part of the wedding decor. They surround the wedding cake and are adorned with a contrasting color to create a visual delight and a tasty treat. Mini cakes can also become gifts for guests. Package these cakes in favor boxes to send home with guests for wedding favors. (Two bird’s with one stone!)

Take these ideas along when you meet with your wedding cake consultant or baker and explore the options of a high fashion wedding cake for your 2009 wedding! Happy eating!

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!

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 simple layers with shorter pieces of fabric laying over long ones. These are elegant in their simplicity and give a very unique appeal to the brides wearing them. Many layered dresses are more detailed and intricate in their designs. These also keep the bride looking stunning and fashionable while remaining warm and calm.

Your options are many with layered wedding gowns. This style lends itself to the use of many creative fabrics in a variety of colors. Afraid of looking like you borrowed your grandmother's wedding dress? Layered gowns from today remove this fear from brides. Want a halter top? Got it! Want a strapless bridal gown with layers of soft fabric? Got it! The only thing stopping you from transforming yourself into the most gorgeous bride yet is a visit to your local bridal boutiques for your layered wedding dress.

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 widely used, modern wedding cakes portray a more dramatic reflection of the bride’s personality. This is accomplished by featuring one or more colors that complement the theme of the wedding.

Black and white wedding cakes are among those that are grabbing attention in today’s receptions. Black wedding cakes are rare while white wedding cakes seem too plain. However, combinations of black, white, red and silver are reflective of a very contemporary style. Colorful accents such as flowers and cake toppers make these cakes delicious hits.

Bold colors are also popular. Red, green, and blue wedding cakes also join the ranks of the most popular colors. Even peach, purple, and buttery yellow have made their way to the food table. Your wedding day is all about you, so why not let this trend extend to your wedding cake? No longer be scared of colorful cakes. Modern wedding cakes are all about style!