Back from the Association of Bridal Consultants' Annual Conference

Hello everyone. I'm so excited because this is my first post, and I just returned from Colorado Springs from the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC) annual conference!

First, please let me introduce myself -- I know that through my posts, you'll learn a lot more about me and what I do to help engaged couples enjoy their engagement and have wonderful wedding celebrations. So, just some basics now: I live in West Orange, NJ, and offer wedding planning services to couples in my area (Northern and Central New Jersey). I will travel outside of this area if you want me to, though -- especially to Puerto Rico, where I go for a visit with my husband's family every year. I'm married, no kids, 3 cats. I really love what I do, which is a real change for me, since I practiced law for nearly 10 years before becoming a wedding planner!

OK, enough about me. I do want to share what I learned at the ABC conference with you! The keynote speaker, Millie Martini Bratten, editor-in-chief of Bride's Magazine, spoke about how every couple strives to personalize the wedding celebration, and this "trend" seems to be here to stay; from monograms to gobos to cake toppers, silhouettes and favors, she presented many new ideas. Or should I say twists on these ideas! The trend in wedding gowns continues to be splashes of color, mainly in sashes and trim. Many top designers' gowns were displayed at a fashion show, and this trend was the most prominent. Preston Bailey, celebrity wedding planner, spoke about his "over-the-top" designs and inspirations -- and ways to make his ideas accessible for those without multi-million dollar budgets. New rentals were on display at our trade show; the most fun were chairs that have LED-lighted backs! In all, it was a great conference -- I got to meet (or get reacquainted) with planners from all over the world, learn from some of the most prominent members in the wedding industry and bring back new ideas for my clients (and future clients!) in New Jersey!

Until next time, happy planning...