Hot or Not

I’ve always loved those “what’s in” vs. “what’s out” columns in the gossip rags. You think you’re kinda cool for picking up a pair of gladiator sandals and some vintage wayfarers last month and you open this week’s In Touch to find out you’re so uncool you’re basically cryo-frozen. Tear.

Wedding design may have a bit longer shelf life, but it still has some stage 5 clingers when it comes to what works, and what should have been in put in the “absolutely  not” column decades ago.

What’s hot:

A stylized dessert bar a-la Amy Atlas. Composition, color, varying heights, and tabletop design are just a few points to consider.

What’s not:

Jordan almonds in would-be sachets at each place setting. I really don’t want your crown-cracking vignette o’ nuts. I’ll hold out for cake, thanks.

What’s hot:

Patterned fabric for table linens or tent decor.

What’s not:

Satin rental linens. Let’s cover a basic vocab here, people. If you’re renting anything that has the words “satin”, “sateen”, “crushed”, “velour”, “bichon”, or “lamour” in it, run for the hills.

What’s hot:

Carwash ribbon detailing shot by Jose Villa Photography, from Style Me Pretty. Using ultra-feminine ribbons in a tonal range and a clever way? Très chic.

What’s not:

Tulle bow pew marker. 1982 is calling, it wants its menagerie of ugly back. The “t” word shouldn’t even enter your vocabulary.

What’s hot:

Classic tuxes. Shawl collar (on George), Notch collar (on McDreamy), Wide lapel tux (on Jason Bateman). Add a self-tie black silk bowtie (v. a clip-on) and your men are halfway to dapper.

What’s not:

Coordinating vests and ‘maids dresses. Vests skeeve me to begin with, but that’s the Southerner in me. I prefer the simplicity of a  black cummerbund, so sue me. But whatever you do, do NOT color coordinate as such. As my best friend states simply: “NG”. Not good.

What’s hot:

Take a series of vintage cameras or even new film cameras, like the Holga above, and create a little DIY photo table + booth if you have the kind of arty crowd who will participate.

What’s not:

Just because they’ve been “wedding-ized” does not in fact make them okay, nor is it cheap to gather them up at the end of the night and have them all processed. Here’s what you’ll get back: 10 versions of Aunt Gertrude with her eyes closed, plus the requisite arm-stretching-self-taken drunken groomsman nostril shot.

Instead? Hire a fabulous photographer and give him or her creative license and your trust that they will capture many (but not all) of the dearest moments of your day. Breeeeeathe. Some of the best moments may just have to live on in your mind, and that’s okay too.

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