Every year Pantone, the world’s leader in color, comes out with its top color choices for spring. A few months ago it chose for 2011 the following, according to Fabsugar: Violet ranked in as number one for its exciting yet cool tone; Tomato Puree made its mark as the passionate color of choice; Fusion Coral was chosen for its flattering nature to all skin tones; and Amparo Blue was picked for its warm undertones.

We think it’s safe to say that the upcoming spring wedding season is going to be filled - and fueled - by color, lots and lots of bright, fun color! We envision bridesmaids in gorgeous, jewel-colored gowns and receptions filled with bright, beautiful candy buffets. We also think a lot of brides will take a walk on the funkier side by choosing fun, colorful shoes and accessories. And as for flowers? Anything goes! Tomato-colored poppies would be gorgeous, as would classic coral roses or bright purple irises.

Which of these colors speaks to you? How would you incorporate them into the weddings you design?

There is no question that these days in wedding fashion - anything goes. Brides everywhere are trying to be “different”, whether it’s through their venue choice, musical selections or bridal fashion - especially bridal fashion. We’ve talked before about the growing popularity of colorful wedding gowns, pink and red come to mind, but what about the length of the gown? More and more brides are going short and showing off their legs - and fabulous shoes, of course.

When we say short you may immediately think of the 1980s, when supermodel Stephanie Seymore went short for “November Rain.” Pamela Anderson’s short, tight wedding gown may also come to mind. But what about the 1950s, when short gowns were in fashion and the silhouette of choice for many brides? Back then it was a full, ballgown skirt and a tiny waist, which guaranteed a sweet flare. With the popularity of vintage and retro touches on modern weddings it’s really no surprise that shorter wedding gowns are in vogue again.

It’s not uncommon to see second-time brides sporting shorter gowns because they’re often trying to achieve a less formal look. But this fun, flirty, shorter style is catching on with brides of all ages. The benefits are obvious. Shorter gowns lengthen legs, cinch waists, and keep spring and summer brides cool. They’re easier to dance in, and until the trend really catches on - they’re still a little “different” - which is something many brides crave. Retro fashion is all over the runways right now so it’s not unexpected to see it influencing bridal gowns.

What do you think? As certified wedding and event coordinators, have you seen many short gowns, or are they still unexpected where you live?

DRESS SOURCES: 1) BCBG Floral-Applique Taffeta Dress ($398.00); 2) David’s Bridal Tea-Length Satin Gown with 3D Floral Details ($449); 3) Melissa Sweet “Maddie” at Priscilla of Boston ($3500 to $4000); 4) Vera Wang “Edie” (Contact stores for prices)

Photo courtesy of Disney Bridal

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: You never know what a bride might request when you’re a professional wedding and event planner! Case in point: Have you ever wondered which Disney princess your bride is? Actually, let’s rephrase that, because every bride is a princess at heart, right? It’s what fairy tale she is that really matters. So for all of the brides out there who grew up watching and pretending to be Snow White. Or Cinderella. Or Aurora - the new Disney Bridal line is for you! (Or you, the Disney bride’s certified wedding planner!)

That’s right; we said Disney Bridal. The Disney company, known for all things princess, has recently launched its own bridal line, designed by couture designer Kirstie Kelly. According to Disney, “Known for her vision, quality and timeless looks, Kirstie Kelly designs for America’s most fashionable celebrities and socialites. She has spent the past 12 years specifically creating exquisite and original gowns for today’s most beautiful brides. With every gown, Kirstie embodies the unique personality and subtle qualities of each client. It is with this philosophy that she brings to life Disney Fairy Tale Weddings, creating a line that captures the unique spirit and beauty of each Disney Princess.” And Ms. Kelly isn’t just designing the gowns: There are also rings, accessories and gowns for the wedding party to choose from, too.

Photo courtesy of Disney Bridal

Perhaps your bride is most smitten with the princess Cinderella. Her gown would be a classic ballgown, made with tulle and satin, sewn with sparkling silver thread and accented with crystals. Or maybe your bridal client connects more with the mermaid princess Ariel. Her gown would have a fully beaded bodice, with a skirt made of layered netting, a clear nod to her ocean dwellings! But in fact there are several lines available in each princess style, and they are available for purchase in stores across the country.

It might sound somewhat silly on the surface, but we do in fact agree that every bride should feel like a princess on her wedding day. What better way to do that than turn to the official princess company of the United States?!

Long, loose ponytail. Courtesy of bridalhairpictures.com

When it comes to bridal fashion there are more decisions to make than simply choosing The Dress - although the dress does guide a lot of a bride’s choices! A close look at bridal fashion for the 2010 Fall/Winter season shows that romance is ruling the runways.

Many brides are showing their softer, princess side this year with lavish, embellished gowns, and stylists say that the perfect hairstyles to complement such gowns are soft, feminine ones that highlight a bride’s shoulders and put the focus on the gown - think long, low ponytails with loose curls or waves.

Low, loose bun. Photo courtesy of James White International Hair Stylist.

Another simple style to consider is a take on the classic bun. In this case it becomes looser and romantic, sitting lower on the head, with pieces of hair falling in just the right places.

And for the bride who wants a bit more form while still keeping the romantic feeling? Stylists suggests such styles as the classic French pleat - a la Audrey Hepburn - but looser and softer to help the bride’s look stay ethereal.

With these gorgeous styles in mind we can easily picture a romantic, fall wedding filled with candles and warm colors and a bride with a flowing, off-white gown with tons of lace details. Natural elements and colors - warm reds and golds - would be perfectly accented by a bride with loose, flowing hair.

French Pleat. Photo courtesy of Amsale.

Or perhaps as a bride’s certified wedding and event planner you would offer the perfect winter dream wedding, filled with a bride in a crystal-embellished gown, with a soft, low bun, accented with more crystals, standing at the altar. Any of these suggestions make up the perfect, romantic wedding day.

So remember to, yes, help your bride plan her wedding from top to bottom, but also help her set her own personal style from head to toe. She’s expecting you to create the perfect package, and the small details - such as the perfect hair style - are the bow on top!

Photo courtesy of IFEMA

Every bride - and certified wedding and event coordinator - knows about the importance of attending local bridal shows to meet vendors and check out the newest wedding trends. But the International Bridal Fashion Exhibition takes the world of bridal shows to a whole other level. The exhibition was recently held in Spain, and the four-day wedding-fashion fair brought together 132 companies and brands to represent the best ideas in bridal gowns, groomwear and formal attire for the upcoming 2011 season. We may be just now entering wedding season in America, but the international market is already looking ahead. And when it comes to running your own business - like so many of LWPI’s graduates are - looking ahead is always a good thing.

About 3,600 hundred people attended the event, and 28 designers presented their collections. The companies that participated are already reporting favorable business results, saying they have expanded their portfolios and are already building relationship with potential new buyers. This all means that the 2011 wedding season is already looking up, which is good news for wedding professionals all across the world.

The collections shown at the international event indicate that organza, gauzy fabrics and exquisite lacework are some of the trends that will dominate wedding fashion in 2011. Textured fabric is also expected to be hot, with silk garza and satin leading the way. Bright whites appear to be less popular for 2011, while natural shades - bone whites and light beiges - will lead the way.

The event also put a focus on the whole wedding, showing that weddings are no longer a one-day event. “Weddings have moved beyond the basics. These days families with good spending power look forward to a wedding that’s truly memorable, extravagant and encompasses the luxuries of life,” said Qatar Expo CEO Mr. Karim Zarka. “IWED 2010 brings together all the options that make a wedding complete. Be it wedding designers, honeymoon destinations, gifts, chocolates, beauty or wedding venues, IWED 2010 offers everything to organize your dream wedding with ease.”

Most weddings revolve around one thing: color. Color guides gown and flower choices, and it also affects cake design. Color plays a role in the invitations, and you’ll find a wedding’s signature color in all the details, too, such as in ribbon accents, tablecloths and favor packaging. But how is a bride supposed to know exactly which color is her signature color? Preston Bailey, the author of Preston Bailey Celebrations and the go-to expert for all things wedding-related, has a great new tool for certified wedding and event planners to offer their clients. His Color Palette Picker can easily guide brides to choose the perfect color palette for their wedding, and it’s all based on a few simple questions. The result of this fun tool is a customized color palette for each bride, along with some great suggestions for incorporating the colors into a fabulous event.

So go ahead and give it a try! And when you have a bride walk in who knows perhaps what color she’s leaning toward, but not how to bring it out in her wedding to full effect, you’ll have a great tool to help guide her.

Links you may be interested in:
* The Color Palette Picker
* Preston Bailey.com
* Preston Bailey’s Blog
* Buy Preston Bailey’s book

Photo courtesy of People.

* We’ve talked a lot recently about creative weddings and how it’s important for certified wedding and event coordinators to incorporate the couple and their personalities into the wedding details. Well, this is one way to do it! Shrek is a fairytale after all, right? Actually becoming Shrek and Fiona was this couple’s version of a fairytale, anyway.

* While there hasn’t been an actual White House wedding in a long time there are first daughters tying the knot these days. (Jenna Bush, who just celebrated her second anniversary, comes to mind.) Now it’s Chelsea’s turn, and all eyes are on her. While a lot of the details are being kept under wraps there are a few things out there. Here’s a link to give you all the information you want - or all the information you can get at this time.

* There is no denying the allure of Twilight. Women of all ages swoon every time Edward comes on the screen. (Unless you’re Team Jacob, of course.) And now they can have a little piece of Bella - Twilight Engagement Rings have arrived.

* Planning a wedding? (Of course you are you’re professional wedding and event planners!) Well, there’s an app for that! (Well, again, of course there is. Isn’t there an ap for everything these days?) Regardless this ap is something you definitely want to check out if you have a Smartphone. iBride is a personal wedding planner and directory that lets brides (or wedding planners!) plan their wedding on the go.

So, as always: Tell us your favorite wedding stories of the week, or share the links with us! You never know what you’re going to run across in this industry.

The average bride will spend $1,038 on her wedding gown in 2010, according to The Wedding Report. This is of course down a bit from a few years ago, but it’s slightly up over 2009, which is a very good thing for the wedding industry. The average price of a gown is projected to increase a bit a year for the next several years, albeit slowly. This is probably because while brides are beginning to open their wallets a little wider this year they’re still a bit gun-shy because of what many of them still see as a shaky economy. This is exactly where a certified wedding and event planner steps in. It goes without saying that the most important part of planning a wedding is working out the budget, and said budget should be set in stone before a bride goes gown shopping. It’s a lot easier to fall in love with a gown that’s in her price range if she only tries on gowns in her set price range. It may sound obvious, but I think we at the Lovegevity Wedding Planning Institute can all agree that brides get stars in their eyes mighty quickly when it comes to their dream gowns!

According to online surveys of bridal couples, bridal attire accounts for 8 to 10 percent of the wedding budget. While the gown is important most brides also want to purchase shoes, jewelry and other accessories along with it, which eats into the budget even further. If you find yourself with a frugal bride who still wants to walk down the aisle in style consider these tips:

* At bridal salons every bride is likely to make a bee-line for the wedding-gown department. But many bridesmaid gowns come in white and ivory, and they’re offered for sale for a much lower price than a traditional gown - we’re talking hundreds of dollars less in many cases! No, this tip won’t work for every bride, but for the ones who are trying to get more bang for their buck this is a great idea.

* Experts all agree that brides should buy their gowns at least six months before the big day (if they have six months to spare!) This time needs to be allowed for a few reasons: mistakes, alterations, weight fluctuations and lost shipments. A portion of the budget should be set aside for these things that occur after the gown comes in. You don’t want your bride to be shocked when she gets an alterations bill that she didn’t budget for.

* Remind your bride that it’s the shape of the gown that flatters her, not the beading and lace, which can significantly push up the price. A simple gown can look gorgeous with a more intricate veil and beautiful jewelry!

* Sure, it’s fun to go to the top designer boutiques and try on everything they have to offer. And if it fits your bride’s budget that’s great. But if she’s trying to save money consider these shopping ideas:

- Thrift stores and consignment shops: You’d be amazed at what you can find at a top-quality thrift stores these days.

- eBay: Lots of brides are selling their once-worn, fabulous gowns at ridiculous discounts in an effort to recoup some of the money they spent on their weddings.

- Sample sales: If you have a bride who won’t settle for anything less than a designer gown but doesn’t have the cash for it make sure you introduce her to The Great Sample Sale. Especially take her to off-season sales. The earlier the better for the gown, like we said before, and getting an off-season piece will be even better for her pocketbook.

- Chains: Shops like David’s Bridal are always a good option for the bride who wants lots of choices but doesn’t want to spend a fortune. In addition brides may want to consider asking shops if they rent gowns, which can be a super-affordable option.

- Online retailers: If your brides has an easy-to-fit figure an online retailer may have the perfect dress, and deal, for her. And be sure to check out such sites as Craigslist, preownedweddingdresses.com and sellyourweddingdress.com.

* And last but not least see if your bride is willing to borrow a gown. We all know that wedding gowns are easily one of the most pricey keepsakes women ever buy. But in our opinion sharing a gown - even if it’s altered to suit the newest bride’s taste - is a very special thing. We love the idea of daughters wearing their mother’s - or even grandmother’s - gowns!