There are so many different paths to take when designing your wedding theme. The bottom line is to do what makes you happy. Style things that reflect you and your fiance’s personalities. When family and friends experience your wedding, they walk away with the feeling…”yes, that was truly Trish and David.”

Early on in the wedding planning process, take time to identify what’s most important to you in presenting your unique wedding for others to enjoy it with you. What type of bride are you? What suits your style, fancy, budget and tastes? Having a clear picture in mind helps the professional team of vendors you surround yourself with on the “Big Day” meet and exceed your expectations!
Now, we all hate labels, right? However, you may take on the characteristics of one of the following type of brides and may even share some amidst the categories. So be it. It’s your day! It’s 2013 – mix & match away!

CLUB BRIDES

You like to dance and you know your crowd likes to dance. You like going out to clubs and listening/dancing to the current hits and underground club favs. You are probably very comfortable in the urban environment. You know what a good band sounds like and what the word turntablist means.
You know what you like and what you don’t like. You have particular food tastes, but can also dig the food truck craze. You like the excitement of the lighting as it pulsates throughout the room along with the music as the reception kicks into high gear.
You may be less traditional and care more about the “party” aspect to the wedding. Signature drinks named after you and your fiance may be on the card for the evening. Fashion and décor is important, but not a deal breaker. It’s Cali and 2013. You’re sexy and you know it!
Turn any of the great hotels into your wedding club by renting lounge furniture. Offer high top tables and throw in a few bar stools and serve tray passed heavy appetizers all night.

VINTAGE BRIDE

Your gown has a more classic, Victorian look. Respectful of the past, you flavor the wedding with elements reminding one of yesteryear. Reminiscing on a simpler time of grandparents, the classic approach pleases the family.
Steam trunks, classic photos from the family in ancient, wooden frames, an old school doll collection…perhaps if you are into journalism or marketing – a classic, old school typewriter as a table prop…all of which speaks of you and your fiance’s tastes. Old vessels to hold flowers, place cards, candy, succulents, you name it…..it’s in vogue.
Perhaps you stage your event at a classic estate or an iconic old school facility with some history for guests to gawk at, talk about and enjoy amidst the ambiance of your wedding. It’s rustic, wooden, perhaps has an outdoor feel in the mix. It typifies your “classic” thought pattern. Think of any of the fun ranch or low key environments, like Melrose Ranch or the Bernardo Winery…..or any of the wineries or private estates. They might be a good fit for you.

INDIE BRIDE

This phrase is a bit of a misnomer. You’re a less than traditional bride with your style of décor, food and music. Perhaps you realize radio is stale, have a pulse (as do your friends) and seek something original. Conforming is not for you and Martha Stewart is a dirty word to you.
You may be somewhat Eco-friendly to help cause less of an environmental impact as a result of your wedding. Minimalism may enter your vocabulary when it comes to décor, invitations, flowers, wardrobe, etc. Sustainable food might be a menu choice.
Entertainment-wise, you opt for more creative stylings that one might not typically hear on the radio or at a wedding. Perhaps some cultural aspects come into play as you choose a bagpiper or a steel drummer for your ceremony or cocktail hour. Your band plays some favs, but is very indie-rock. Your DJ’s playlist is varied and reflects many different styles to appease all ages, but with an edge and without a Top-40 radio feel.
Go for anything with an urban vibe – House of Blues, Hard Rock Hotel San Diego or the Hotel Indigo downtown. For North County…perhaps Vintana in Escondido. All could fit the bill for couples wanting something a little different.

TRADITIONAL BRIDE

Tried and true, there is nothing wrong with the conservative wedding. To each his own. Mom and dad were raised to expect certain wedding traditions to take place and you respect that (or your faith does) and you honor that by sticking to the book when it comes to planning. You were raised to respect these values and you incorporate them into your wedding planning.
You hire a coordinator to make sure everything flows as expected. You dot the I’s & cross the T’s when it comes to planning. You don’t worry about putting on a front and strictly want a nice, good, memorable time on your day.
Your wedding traditions are standard from the ceremony music through the reception’s special dances and protocol. You do a first dance, toasts, a father/daughter dance, a mother/son dance, cut a cake, perhaps do a bouquet and garter toss and perhaps even a last, memorable dance that didn’t make the first dance cut.
Everything is well planned and timed for sequencing to help with the flow of the evening. You are easy and keep in mind convenience and color palette, but keep in mind reception venue proximity from the church.

D.I.Y. BRIDE

There are different interpretations of the D.I.Y. bride. Some are just naturally crafty and visionary with their approach. Some enlist their family and friends to help prepare and execute the “Big Day!” Some do many things themselves due to budget reasons. Others are fueled by web sites like Pinterest for mega-dreams & ideas.
You may have some unique tastes as a couple and wish to share them in your own unique way from the décor, to the floral, to the food and the music choices.
You may incorporate family or friends to help with some of the typical vendor duties officiating, live music, floral, place cards or even some creative desserts…bypassing the traditional wedding cake idea. Remember, though, calling in that friend marker often means they can’t enjoy the event as a true guest as they will be focused on their assigned task and making sure you are completely happy and everything looks, sounds and tastes the way you anticipated. Thus the reason for budgeting for true wedding professionals.
Country clubs are a great fit for D.I.Y. brides by allowing more flexibility. It allows you to think a bit more outside of the box. Add a little charm to your rooms with cute elements that accent your special night and the guest experience. D.I.Y. does not mean inexpensive. Your time and energy is worth a million!
There are certainly other tags for brides out there: urban, country, backyard, destination and so forth. The bottom line aspect for you to decide on is to do what you feel exemplifies you and your fiance’s personalities. Be respectful of family and guest desires and needs, but style it the way you want. Don’t get too caught up in labels. You’re surrounded by your closest friends and family on arguably one of the biggest days of your life. No one’s judging. They should be enjoying…as should you!