Embrace The Emerald!

Let me tell you, we are excited with all of the new wedding color trends we are seeing. Researching into the upcoming trends, viewing past and present Pantone colors of the year, and exploring the wedding forecast for 2023 is giving us something to be excited about. We are seeing more of a moody, organic, and almost “maximalist” approach to color and we are ALL about it.

We’re bringing back a deepened version of the color Emerald for this upcoming season. Emerald can be described as lively, radiant, and lush. Pantone notes that the hue emerald can “enhance our senses of well-being by inspiring insight as well as prompting balance and harmony.” And, folks - who doesn’t want some balance and harmony this year. Emerald is a versatile color that is tied into various color schemes and resonates with any bride. 

Need some ideas to incorporate emerald into your wedding day? Check out our palettes and seasons below!

WINTER

Picture this, snow is falling, vibrant colors stand out against the white blanket of snow that covers the ground. The colors in this winter palette are vibrant, jewel toned, and expressive. Emerald and the sage green can be tied in through the use of greenery. Tie in emerald and hues of green with simple winter greenery such as: cedar, juniper, eucalyptus, and pine. Pops of mustard and dark navy blue would add dimension and depth to the color scheme scattered within your reception detail. This color palette would stand out within the winter months and would be perfect for any winter bride! 

SPRING

Spring into the wedding season with this rich emerald palette for spring. The balance of bright pink, rich emerald, mustard, and vibrant purple set the perfect foreground for a spring affair. But, of course it’s all in the details! The timeless peony can be harvested in a variety of colors and creates a whimsical but classic bouquet or centerpiece. More of a budget friendly bride? Swap in a garden rose or classic rose for a more affordable pop of pinks and purples. Then, tie in a dainty ranunculus and lavender for the perfect, balanced boutique. Add pops of emerald green and mustard on table scapes such as emerald candles, napkins, plating etc., would create a lively dynamic for any event. 

SUMMER

Summer, we are ready for you! When we think of a summer wedding, we think of bright and bold. Emerald shines in this color palette, but the other colors are center stage as well. This particular palette ties in Pantone’s color of 2023 - magenta. Magenta and emerald make a perfect contrasting pair. Magenta can add soft touches with florals, while emeralds can shine with your greenery and bridesmaids dresses. Adding hues of blue and gold in taper candles and table settings would provide contrast to your big day.

FALL

Fall is the most magical time of year. The weather turns crisp and there’s nothing quite like breathing crisp fall air or a pumpkin spice latte. This palette is a perfect representation of fall and to be honest, gives us Pacific Northwest or forest vibes. It may feature organic hues, but is nothing short of bold. Natural beauty can take its form with this color palette featuring wood tones throughout table and chairs, moss lining the aisles, flowing sheer emerald table runners or greenery, and deep red florals throughout. 

This year we are embracing the emerald with open arms. It can be tied into any season to create a bold, but timeless affair. Emerald can be used front and center, or can be used as a detail within your wedding, but it is a showstopper wherever and whenever it is used. Are you ready to find balance and harmony with emerald on your day? If so, we are here for it! 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

Bringing in the New Year with a “YES!”

It’s New Year’s Eve and you just said yes to the person of your dreams. Cue the confetti and pop some champagne. But after all the bubbly is gone and January begins, there may be some thoughts, or even a little bit of panic, about where to even start with the wedding planning process. But, don’t fret, wedding planning should and CAN be a positive experience.

Of course you want to spend some time enjoying your time as a newly engaged couple. Be sure to share in the excitement with your family and friends or even throw yourselves an engagement party. Once the engagement celebration is done, it is time to start thinking about beginning the wedding planning process. So, grab a notebook and a pen and let’s begin with Elegant Affairs’ recommendations of the top items you should knock off your wedding to-do list first: 

Of course you want to spend some time enjoying your time as a newly engaged couple. Be sure to share in the excitement with your family and friends or even throw yourselves an engagement party. Once the engagement celebration is done, it is time to start thinking about beginning the wedding planning process. So, grab a notebook and a pen and let’s begin with Elegant Affairs’ recommendations of the top items you should knock off your wedding to-do list first: 

• Time Frame: This can be one of the most difficult dates of your life to pick. Of course you want to accommodate family and friends, but think about the season you’d like to celebrate your big day in and narrow in on a month. Giving yourself some flexibility with dates can give you more options with selecting a venue and choosing your caterers. Be sure to keep your time frame far enough out that you can accomplish everything that you need to. Giving yourself 9 to 12 months will give you time to hire and book all of the details without all of the added stress and provide you various options.

• Budget: How are we going to pay for all of this? Sitting down and discussing your options of what you can afford is one of the biggest and the most important part in planning your wedding. Afterall, your wedding needs funds to make your vision happen. Sit down with your computer or a notebook and see what is feasible, what can you afford to pay for now, what can you save, and set a budget for each area of the wedding process. Typically, your most expensive areas will be your venue, food, and photographer. Be sure to factor in potential payment timelines. Most vendors do require a deposit, some will require payment in portions every few months, and some vendors may ask you to pay in full. Last, ask your families, can they pitch in or support your budget in any areas? Do any of your family members have connections or resources you can tap into? Are there any contests that you can enter through social media or vendors that would provide a service you need? Get creative and don’t stress. But, be sure to be realistic with your budget and what you are able to afford. Your wedding can be perfect without busting your budget. 

• Wedding Planner or Wedding Coordinator: Whether you need a helping hand just the day of, or need support with planning all of the nitty gritty details, having a wedding planner is a must have. Not only do wedding planners provide support in every area of planning, they will be with you every step of the way. Wedding planners often have a network within the wedding community that can help you find vendors that fit your taste, needs, and can be trusted with your big day. Even if you don’t think you’ll need help planning all of the details, look into a day of coordinator. Family and friends are so helpful, but your guests should be able to sit back and enjoy the wedding, rather than work the wedding. Wedding day coordinators eliminate all of the “how” questions. You and your family won’t need to worry about how the wedding day will run, who will cue the DJ when it’s time to walk down the aisle, or who will support flipping the room for the reception. Meet with a planner or coordinator and find someone that not only fits your needs, but aligns with your vision and personality. 

• Venue: Once you’ve chosen your time frame, narrow down two or three venues that you love and would be ideal for your big day. Be sure to tour each venue in person. You want to get a good feel of the space and what is included in the rental. If you have a window of a few weeks, you’ll be able to have some flexibility with your dates to match your schedule and budget. When thinking about your venue, be sure to account for your time frame and what kind of venue would be suitable for that season. If you fall in love with a venue where you are pushing your budget, as the venue if they have cheaper rates on weekdays or in a specific season. Once you’ve toured all of your top venues, determine what best suits you wants and needs. And as always, before signing, read all of the fine print. 

Take a big breath and know that you’ve got this! The wedding planning process doesn’t have to be a daunting experience. Find joy in planning your wedding and involve your family and friends for support. Be sure to first sit down and have a serious conversation about the budget. Without a realistic budget set, nothing in the wedding planning can be executed. Find a timeframe for your wedding date and give yourself grace by selecting a few potential dates and get out there and visit venues. And if you’re still feeling a little bit of panic at the end of this post, or feel like you need guidance in planning your wedding day, call and set up a consultation with a wedding planner or coordinator. We all love your Aunt Salie, but at the end of the day, Aunt Sallie needs to sit back and enjoy the wedding while your planner/coordinator handles all of the background details. So, enjoy the process and remember – one detail at a time! 

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Seattle Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.

Thank you 2022!

Thank you 2022!

What a year it was! This was our first season since 2019 where there were no restrictions when it came to weddings and we couldn’t have been more thrilled to see a return to what weddings should look like.

It was almost surreal for our team. In fact, this was the first “regular” season for our Assistant Planner Tiphany who came on board in January 2020.

We started the 2022 season in April with Tiphany at the helm for her 1st wedding as lead planner for Elegant Affairs. And let me just say she nailed it and her clients couldn’t have agreed more.

Lori kicked off her season off in May with a wedding that had a venue change with only a few weeks before the couple’s big day. It was a hectic few weeks, but in the end our Florida-based couple were overjoyed with their new location and it was a special memory for them and their guests.

A first of my 17-year wedding planning career came in June when our couple’s venue (tented lawn) flooded after the rental company hit the water main. Luckily, between our groom who is a General Contractor and practically the whole town came out to help and along with Mother Nature, less than 24 hours no one would have never known where they were seated for dinner was just underwater.

In July, I announced my retirement from wedding planning, but don’t worry, Elegant Affairs is going nowhere thanks to our Assistant Planner Tiphany. While I still run and manage the everyday dealings of Elegant Affairs, Tiphany is taking the lead for planning and is nearly booked for 2023 and has opened her books for 2024.

My season ended in September after 3 beautiful weddings including a very special destination wedding at Alderbrook Resort. and it was the best way to hang up my clipboard and Tiphany ended her season with a beautiful intimate wedding at Salish Lodge in October.

In October, I launched The Wedding Planner Academy to help new and seasoned wedding planners take their business to the next level.

We provide a forum for wedding planners to learn from people who have been there before—and have learned a lot the hard way. To provide planners with tips, resources, and templates to aid in the development of their best planning process. To assist wedding planners in connecting with one another and learning from other professionals, all while working together to improve the wedding industry's future!

So far, I have run 3 Academies and our next Academy will begin in January. If you are interested, check this out for more information!

Tiphany and I would love to thank all of our incredible couples who we all fell in love with and so grateful to have been part of their very special day. And, to our vendors, thank you for being an extension to the Elegant Affairs team. Without you, we can’t do our jobs as wedding planners.

If you just got engaged over the holidays or planning to say I Do in the next year, then it’s time to set up a complimentary consultation with Tiphany who will take your wedding vision to the next level and execute it brilliantly.

Bring it 2023, we are ready!

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Lori Losee is the owner of Elegant Affairs, a Tacoma Wedding Planner with over 17 years of experience. We create awe-inspiring experiences—Events filled with meaning and refined elegance. Behind the scenes, our experienced team collaborates on each stage of the process, executing your vision and a wedding, celebration, or corporate event that is unique to you.