Page 29 - Indulge February/March 2017

Congratulations, you’re engaged! If you’re like most couples, CREATING MEMORIES
you probably already have visions of delicate gowns ONE WEDDING AT A TIME
pooling over marble floors, gilded invitations tucked into creamy
white envelopes and lush arrangements spilling out of vintage MAKE YOUR Histor
vessels swirling around your head. To help guide you in the right HistorA PART OF OUR
direction as you plan your big day, local wedding professionals
break down what’s in and what’s out for 2017. 437 Main Street • Historic Bethlehem
610-625-5000
A move toward technology
Despite the tech-centric world we live in, weddings have www.hotelbethlehem.com
generally been pillars of tradition: We send out paper invitations
instead of e-vites, handwrite our vows and register for home goods
at department stores. This year, however, don’t be surprised if
technology takes on a supporting role. According to Amy Pienta,
owner/creative of Somersault Letterpress and Creative in Jim
Thorpe, “one of the biggest trends right now is the death of the
response card or RSVP envelope.” As Pienta explains, instead of
filling out the card with their response and mailing it back, guests
text, email or upload their response to the couple’s wedding
website, thus saving on postage.
Technology has also changed how couples receive wedding
gifts, according to Carrie Skinner, owner of Carrie on Events, a
wedding and event planning, design, and coordination company
based in Whitehall Township. “While most couples try not to push
anyone in a certain direction, it seems to me that couples are
finding less value in china and flatware,” Skinner says. “A cash
donation made online that can go to a down payment on a home
or vacation is much more useful.”

Wedding design becomes more bohemian
In years past, rustic, pastoral weddings reigned supreme. In
2017, however, a more bohemian look will take center stage,
according to Sarah Petryk, owner/designer of Allium Floral Design
& Event Styling in Bethlehem. “We’re seeing a little more industrial,
and less rustic,” Petryk explains, “a lot more texture, a lot more
interest, and the return of color after spending the last two or three
years with blush, mint or cream color palettes.”
While Petryk notes the rustic look can still work, some
overused motifs of the look need to be retired: “Please, please,
please let the mason jar go far, far away,” she says. To help create
more a bohemian atmosphere, Petryk says vintage furniture rentals
have become popular for weddings, adding that Bethlehem-based
rental company Fox and Finch has a great selection.

All in the family
Have a musically talented cousin? Want to have your sister
officiate your wedding? According to Skinner, there’s currently
a movement toward incorporating family members and their
talents into the wedding day. Even something as small as your
aunt baking desserts for your reception, or having someone
close to you DJ the event are ways to get the most important
people in your life involved.

Honeymoons, postponed
The days leading up to a wedding can be stressful between
perfecting day-of details, hosting out-of-town family, finishing

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