What's Hot and What's Not

A friend of mine, who is getting married, came by the other day and showed me some stuff she wanted to do for her wedding...I don't know if she was joking or not, but seriously I was scared of her choices. She told me that these were her "inspirations" and wanted me to help her come up with something that was fresh but still had the same feeling. So she challenged me to turn her crazy inspirations pics into something that is well...a little more up-to-date.

This is my hot and not list for my dear friend...which I may have to rethink after seeing her choices. Her choices are the NOT pics and mine of course are the HOT pics. Here we go...

First the head piece. My friend wants to wear bling...

I realize that every bride wants to be a princess on her wedding day. But really gals...the tiara, especially ones that's only fit for royalty, is a little passe...it's very 2007. For an up-to-date look that still gives your up do a little flair, try some hair adornments that are placed towards the back or side of the hair for a fresh updated look.

Now the dress...she wanted to stand out...

Okay ladies, I also realize that pick me up skirts is another princess concept and the colored dresses was the sign of being the "un-bride" or "unique bride." But...do you really want to see those pictures 5, 10, 15+ years from now and think..."who in the hell thought this was a good idea?" Pick me up skirts are fabulous, but you really don't need that extra bling on the skirt. Next the color RED...okay I know "rebel bride" but it just screams...really cheap. Instead try for a hint or subtle color in blush, pale pink, champagne or for you bolder brides a faint sea foam. Trust me if you want to make an impact choose something subtle with just one or two unique details...people will scream WOW rather than OMG.

The shoes or can I say glass slipper...

Again, I get the Cinderella syndrome, but when it comes to shoes, do you really want your feet sweating inside plastic on your wedding day? It's not comfortable and when you get back to your suite that night, the feet may be a little too funky for the groom. Instead of taking the glass slipper literally, go for a shoe that hints that it's a glass slipper but still wearable and more comfortable. Unless you plan to leave it on a staircase during the evening, most people won't even see them anyway.

The multi-colored bouquet...

I love the use of colors in a bouquet...but only if it's done correctly. It could turn a joyous full burst of color to one big hot mess. When choosing a multi color bouquet, plan on going more with less. Choose interesting flowers with bold colors but keep the styling simple...all the other dodads and things popping out of the bouquet are not necessary. You want it to be pleasing to the eye and not an eye sore.

The cake...did she seriously say she wanted to have a satellite wedding cake (multi-tiered mess)...

The satellite cake was very popular in the 1970s and though it's not at all modern or pleasing to the eye...some people still like to have this set up. In modernizing and making this cake wreck concept go away...one can do multiple, small, multi-tiered cakes in the same color palette with different designs, it gives a throwback to the satellite concept without having to go there. Additionally, it will lend a beautiful visual to your dessert bar.

Hopefully my friend sees the difference between what she thought she wants and what I know she wants. There's a fine line between hot and not, but when it comes down to it...remember the saying, "Less is more!"

Stay cool!

-Percy

Photo Credits: "Not" photos from various websites on the Internet, "Hot" photos from Brides.com except for "Hot" Shoes which was from Zappos.com

Trend Thursday: Clay Flowers

I came across DK Designs clay flowers the other day and was mesmerized by the delicate and realistic beauty of these artful creations. Therefore, my Trend Thursday pick for the week are clay flowers by DK Designs. Diane Katsuyoshi-Phillips artist and owner of DK Designs has created a way to make the brides bouquet an heirloom piece and a way to distinguish a bride from all the other brides. These floras add a new dimension to your wedding day, because they become art pieces that people will be talking about. The big plus is that your floral creations will be like no other, and your guests...unless they have seen other clay flower arrangements, will be wowed by the uniqueness of these blooms.

Additionally, I love the clay flower hairpieces. They are a perfect gift for your bridal party and a way to create drama in your wedding hair without worrying about the flower wilting! Also, all the clay floral creations can be used after the wedding in so many ways. You can use them as decor in your home, put away in a chest to pass on to future generations, or framed in a shadow box as a piece of artwork in your home.

For more inspiration on how clay flowers can spruce up or add to your wedding day, please visit the DK Designs or DK Designs Blog. I can't wait to suggest these gorgeous blooms to my clients. DK Designs has been featured on Martha Stewart and a plethora of wedding publications and notably so, because her creations will definitely be the talk of your event.

I hope this helps in molding your floral choices.

-Percy

Photos from DK Designs

Inspiration Monday: Hello Kitty

I've been seeing a lot of blogs about Hello Kitty weddings lately and I thought wow...there are some people who literally take the Hello Kitty theme to heart. So as I pondered...what would I do if a bride insists on designing a wedding around the theme of Hello Kitty? I thought about it all day and came up with the above inspiration board (click board to enlarge).

I am inspired by Hello Kitty's simplicity and versatility. I am inspired by the color pink...all shades of it. I am inspired by the quirkiness that fans of the cartoon icon seem to possess. I'm inspired by Japan. So in designing my Hello Kitty inspiration board, I have mixed the classic with the wild and have added a touch of the famous pink.

My inspirations (top left and clockwise): Wedding Gown: Alvina Valenta; Pink Dyed Crinoline (for under the gown): couturesantrash (ETSY); Flowers: fleuretica; Bridesmaid Gown: Jenny Yoo; Bracelet for bridesmaids gifts: Sanrio; Cotton Candy Bar: Martha Stewart; Chandelier: GSPN Crystals; Ceremony Site: One Source Weddings; Shoes: Stuart Weitzman; Centerpiece: InStyle Weddings; Wedding Cake: Simply Cakes; Ring: Gumuchian

I hope this inspires the little girl in you.

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned sites

Inspiration Mondays: Boracay, Philippines

I was reading a magazine recently and there was this photo of Anne Hathaway at the Oscars wearing a beautiful gown by Armani Privé. As I looked closer at the gown, especially at the bottom of it, I noticed how the larger sequence he used almost looked like capiz shells, which automatically reminded me of one of my favorite places on earth, Boracay, Philippines.

I'm kind of amazed that I have not done an inspiration board on my home county until today. So here it is my Philippine Island, specifically, Boracay inspiration board. I was going to use a Monique Lhuillier gown for this board, because she is a Filipina, but decided to highlight other designers this time around.

I am inspired by the white sand beaches of Boracay, off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destination. It has been a long time destination for Europeans but most Americans probably have not heard of this magical place. I see it as being one of the top destination wedding locations in the coming years.

I am also inspired by capiz shells, pina cloth, tropical blooms, mouth watering cakes with island flavors such as ube and macapuno, and rich colors of the region. Turquoise waters, beautiful sunsets, and perfect weather round out my inspiration.

My Inspirations:
Location: Boracay
Wedding Gown: Armani Privé
Bridesmaid Gown: Priscilla of Boston
Cake: Goldilocks
Bouquet: Your Image Botanical Designs
Barong Tagalog: Barong Filipino Designs
Capiz Shell Chandelier: Exomod

I hope you too will be inspired by the Philippines and the beaches of Boracay!

-Percy

Photos as listed above. Anne Hathaway photo from Photo Agency, sunset Boracay photo Jose de Luna, Boracay Beach with Chairs by Roger Alcantara

Inspiration Mondays: Betsey Johnson's Dining Room

I love anything retro and for this week's inspiration I have taken a cue from Betsey Johnson's dining room. I am inspired by the use of blush pink and canary yellow, 60's modern mixed with traditional pieces. I especially love that it all goes so well together.

My inspiration was taken directly from the dining room. The wedding dress is based on the chairs with it's bubble effect. The bridesmaids dresses are based on the area rug in black and white as well as the seat cushions in a yellow. The necklace, chandelier, and shoes are inspired by the crystals on the sconces of the dining room and the chandelier in the dining room. The brides bouquet is inspired by the dining room centerpiece and the bridesmaids dresses inspired by the round chandelier in the dining room. The cake, charger and the invitations take colors from the room. Finally, the engagement ring ties in the entire inspiration, classic yet funky!

My Inspirations:

Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier
Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenni Kayne
Shoes: Benjamin Adams
Ring: Shibumi Gallery
Necklace: ESWERA jewelry by imaan
Cake: For Heaven's Cakes
Chandeliers: Town and Country Event Rentals
Charger: The Tent Merchant
Invitations: Luxurious Wedding

-Percy

P.S. This inspiration Board was originally submitted to a Coco + Kelley contest.

Photos from above mentioned sites

Inspiration Mondays: The 1980's

It's a new year and 2009 has so much to offer. But for some reason I am starting my first blog of the year, inspired by the 1980s. I am not sure if it's because I am turning 40 this year or because the 1980s brings back so much happy memories for me. I am even groovin' to 80s music as I write this blog.

At any rate I am inspired by "Like A Virgin" Madonna, Dynasty, New Wave Music, and the excess that the 80s offered. But I also appreciate the creativity of the 80s and the boldness that people had. People weren't afraid to step away from the norm.

So my old school inspiration includes pillared cakes or satellite cakes, classic stretch limos, lace, taffeta, bold design, cascading bouquets, gold gold gold, and of course the music of the era.

My inspirations:

Wedding Gown: Badgley Mischka
Bouquet: KS Flowers, Japan
Bridesmaids Gown: Michael De Paulo
China: The Tent Merchant
Cake: Cake Divas
Limo: Zeus Limos

I hope this helps you in designing your own 1980s inspired wedding. One thing to remember is that in the 1980s...you can do anything and everything was possible. So don't limit yourself. Watch some episodes of Dynasty, or put on some Duran Duran, or Bananarama to inspire you.

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned sites

Bridal Show of All Bridal Shows this Monday 9/22 in Los Angeles

If there is one bridal show you must attend this year, it's The Wedding Salon Wedding Showcase. It's being held this Monday, September 22, 2008 from 4pm - 9pm at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.

The cost of the is $50/for two people, a drop in the bucket for everything you get and the people you will meet. I'm sure that their goody bags alone will be worth the price! For a list of vendors for the LA show, please visit The Wedding Salon site.

Hope to see you Southern California Brides there!

-Percy

Inspiration: Cuba

Cuba came to mind this week as Hurricane Gustav was wrecking havoc in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. Cuba is one of those countries that I want to explore...it's so mysterious and the images of the country being stuck in the 1950s is very intriguing to me.

I picture Cuba to have the old world charm that some cities in Europe offer and I can't wait for the borders to be opened so that Americans can re-discover the gem of the Caribbean that our ancestors got to experience before the Cuban Missle Crisis.

I am inspired by Cuban cuisine, Cubano Music, Salsa, Mojitos, Cuba Libre's, Guayberas, ruffles, lace, 57 Chevys, Babaloo, and of course Cuban Cigars.

My inspirations:
Wedding Gown: Lazaro
Bridesmaids Dress: Jenny Yoo
Guaybera and Cubavera Hat: My Cuban Store
Invitations: Natural Impressions
Music: Ybarra Music
Church: Havana Cathedral
City: Photo of Havana at Night
Cigar Rolling: ME Productions
Old Car Photo: Matthius Schack
Cuban Dinner: Versailles Cuban Restaurant
Flan Photo: Brides Club
Bouquet: Artistic Florals

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned sites

The Wedding Salon Event - 9/22/08 Los Angeles

Hey, you Southern California Brides and Grooms...the best of the best wedding shows is just around the corner and it is coming to Los Angeles!

The Wedding Salon, put on by 4Pm Events, is going to be the must attend luxury wedding showcase of the year. You will get to see the latest products and experience the exceptional services that caters to the sophisticated bride and groom, and maybe you will bump into me...yes I will be checking out all the goings on as well! You will be able to meet with finest companies to plan your wedding as well as experience the spectacular displays of wedding fineries including cakes, gowns, and floral arrangements.

The cost of the event is a mere $50/for two people, a drop in the bucket for everything you get and the people you will meet. I'm sure that their goody bags alone will be worth the price! For a list of vendors for the LA show, please visit The Wedding Salon site (the list will continue to grow as the date comes closer). The LA Show will take place on Monday, September 22, 2008 at the Beverly Hills Hotel from 4pm - 9pm. If you are not in the LA area, here is a list of upcoming Wedding Salon shows coming to a city near you.

Wednesday October 22, 2008
New York, NY
Show hours: 4pm - 9pm
Venue: TBD
Address: New York, NY

Monday November 10, 2008
Miami, FL
Show hours: From 4pm -9pm
Venue: The Biltmore Hotel
Address: 1200 Anastasia Avenue, Miami, FL 33134

Have a grand day exploring all the best for your upcoming nuptials. Register today!

-Percy

Logo from The Wedding Salon

Inspiration: China

After watching the Olympic's Opening Ceremony in Beijing, I was totally inspired by what China brought to the world. So I saw it fit to come up with as an inspiration board for a wonderful Chinese inspired wedding and this is what I came up with.

I am inspired by Qipao's or Cheongsam's, colorful lanterns, cherry blossoms, fortunes, Chinese lantern flowers, peonies, images of old Shanghai, Chinese character blocks, jade, and scrolls.

Details of my inspiration:
Wedding Gown: Luci DiBella for Kleinfeld
Qipao/Cheongsam: Oriental-Cheongsam
Cake: Christine Dahl Pastries
Fortune Cookies: Martha Stewart

Jade Bracelet: Rose Gem

Rubber Stamp: Acme Rubber Stamp Co.

Invitation: Char4U

I hope this inspires your Double Happiness!

-Percy

Photos from above mentioned sites and Percy Sales Events stock photos

Paper Flower Centerpieces

Since it's Fiesta in Santa Barbara, I was scanning some sites for paper flowers since I have seen an array of them this past weekend. I am loving the concept of trying these out as centerpieces. They are environmentally correct and the nice thing is they make a bold statement.

Take for instance these paper flowers from Daisys and Dots that look like hydrangeas. Totally cool in my opinion and for you DIY brides and grooms, this can be a fun event for you and a few of your friends to do one evening over some bottles of wine.

Another plus is that paper comes in an array of colors so you can customize them to match your event, but truthfully, I would probably keep in the more natural tones to look more authentic. However, if you are in to bold statement than go with the outlandish colors and let your creative side take over.

I also love the photo that Willowpoppy took of these paper flowers that look like poppies....absolutely gorgeous and the colors combos are great.

I hope these photos inspire your own paper creativeness!

-Percy

Photos from Daisys and Dots and Willowpoppy