Dresses are becoming more about romance than elegance. Floral motifs will feature and there is also more colour in bridal gowns for 2011. Fans of simple shapes need not worry, there will still be plenty of clean and graceful lines, but there are more opportunities to express your personality through detailing or adding accessories to your outfit. Influenced by the catwalk, more contemporary oyster shades, elegant cloud greys, nudes and the palest pinks are all features of couture bridal collections. In fact, there are three main colour trends for 2011; the vintage feel, catwalk nudes and the colour 'pop'.

Lace is big news in 2011 as it can be used across the whole dress, just to accentuate the bodice or even as a shrug across the shoulders. It's also key to the vintage look that continues to be big in 2011, so if you're looking for something really on trend, combine a vintage shape with a combination of luxe textures, for example, lace or toile and silk.

No self-respecting bride will be bareheaded in 2011. From glittering tiaras to headbands trimmed with extra large flowers in contrasting tones and sweet 50's style half veils. So have fun putting your bridal outfit together! We wait in eager anticipation!

To name or to number...? Instead of numbering your tables you may like to consider the naming option - no longer unique, but certainly fun and another way of personalising your day. Having decided to embark on this route, couples often choose the theme of "places we have experienced together". To put a different spin on things, we recently translated the word LOVE into different languages and assigned this incredible word to each table – r.o.m.a.n.t.i.c!

But I digress... as promised, here are some snappy ideas of ways to name... or number your table;

• Should you opt for a wedding with an earthy, country feel - consider using small chalkboards. Craft stores usually sell them with an unfinished wooden edge which lends an authenticity to the look.
  
• If you are having an outdoor celebration or a wedding near the ocean, find rocks or stones and commission a calligrapher to adorn these pieces of nature with your table indicators – aligning the design and style to that of your invitations. Alternatively use smaller stones and place each one in the center of the guests place settings so that the number is repeated around the table, adds to the decorative effect and remains a keep sake.
• Have your confectioner make table number cookies which can be attached to a candelabra or table stands using gorgeous ribbon – think satin, gingham or stripes!

• Photo frames are an inexpensive yet chic way to display table numbers if you desire a more classic look. Base the size and shape of the frame on the table configuration.
• Use small paper lanterns which can either be suspended from shepherds hooks (hired from your florist) or placed on a central stand. They are easily illuminated by a battery operated LED light – available to purchase at most hardware stores. Once again the services of a calligrapher may come in handy for the actual application of the name or number.
• Have your stationer design decorative table numbers (aligned to your wedding stationery theme of course). These are then suspended from exquisite ribbon and hooked onto a chair at  each table (the chair that most obviously faces guests as they enter the room).

• Have the table numbers or table names laser cut out of Perspex or beautiful card. (the prior are available for hire from www.elsje.co.za).
• Purchase funky/designer T-shirts (or shirts) and have your table numbers / names printed on them - obviously one name or number per shirt. Assuming you are working through a user friendly staffing agency or a coordinator and have some fairly attractive looking waiters, assign a waiter to each table dressed in your “Table T’s”. This is a fun and interactive way to guide guests to their tables.... and they’ll never forget who their assigned server is!
• Have gorgeous runners designed incorporating the table name / number. These are then printed on good quality linen paper or on canvas and suspended off the end of the table (works best when using rectangular tables without a chair at the head). The canvas option can even be sewn together afterwards to make a quilt!

Many couples never considered hiring a wedding planner. They simply do not realise that having professional assistance can save you time, stress, and even money. Here's an easy checklist to find out if you need a wedding planner:

• You're way behind with the arrangements and are experiencing reoccurring nightmares
• You both work full-time jobs that will prevent you from meeting with vendors on weekdays
• You don't have other outside help such as an involved mother-of-the-bride, helpful bridesmaids, or knowledgeable friends... who also do not aggravate you in any way
• You are having a destination wedding
• There are personality conflicts between the couple, their parents, and/or other people
• You're excited to be married, but just thinking about wedding planning fills you with dread
• You're having a very short engagement
• You can envision your wedding, you have no idea how to make your dreams come true
• You can't even envision your wedding at all
• You're feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and generally wishing that you had just decided to elope
• Even after you've read all the excellent advice offered in various wedding publications and on wedding web sites – in fact you've even read "weddings for dummies", you still wish that you had someone to give you personal advice and leadership.

Food for thought: If you've ticked off one or more of the above options you should at least investigate hiring a wedding planner. If you are strictly budget conscious, this may of course be a way to save money - an expense that you can avoid. Having said this, you should bear in mind that due to 'inside connections' and vast experience, wedding coordinators are able to tap into valuable recourses and should avoid common mistakes. At the end of the day, hiring a wedding planner might be the most cost-effective way forward! It could be one of the best decisions you ever make!