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Midnight Masquerade - Wedding Theme
It is fun to pick a wedding theme! Since we live in the South, we love Mardi Gras and here is our take on how you can decorate your wedding with this theme!
A bride might not want a full on Mardi Gras theme…so we toned it down a bit calling it “Midnight Masquerade.” This allows you keep the feel of Mardi Gras but change the colors and the tone of the event.
When creating your wedding inspirations boards it is important to find elements that inspire you or move you. Never do you want to copy someone’s work or ask your wedding professionals to duplicate it to a T. Be creative and let your wedding pros be creative so they can create a wedding that is yours and yours alone. Unique is key!
Here are the inspirations our team has for the theme “Midnight Masquerade”
First, we feel you have to have a dramatic ball gown dress. This ornate gown would definitely set the tone for sleek and sophisticated “Midnight Masquerade”
A dark red, black or grey would be our color choice for the bridesmaid dresses. We prefer the deep red in a chiffon fabric that is flows. We would suggest a long dress for the more dramatic look.
If you are having a masquerade, then you have to have masks. This is where we would splurge on the budget and make your guests masks dramatic so they get into the theme as well. Each mask could be their name card when finding their seat and entering into the reception. Keep the masks in neurtal colors like silver, black, or gold so they go well with the guests outfits.
Splurge on a mask of your own. Make sure your mask will stay on your face without holding it. You will be doing a lot of hugging and dancing and you want your hands free.
For your bouquet think about a brooch bouquet – it is a perfect theme to rock this look. Or we love the white and black flowers with hints of feathers in the bouquet.
Cocktail hour or ceremony…or both…think about hiring an opera singer. It can’t get more romantic and perfect for your wedding theme.
We love dramatic and over the top cake table displays….and you can go all out. This two colored multi fabric table cloth is stunning. We also like a bold wedding color for the cake…possibly red?
For the reception décor for “Midnight Masquerade” we love roses and candelabras. The romantic glow of candles sets a perfect tone and roses are classic and elegant choice. Dramatic lighting and warm tones will enhance the experience.
If you have the ability of hosting your reception in an old theater…do it. Having this theme in an historic theater would set your wedding over the top!
Butterfly Garden Themed Wedding
At each Premier Bride Expo an extra special twist is added to each show that brides and vendors enjoy…our shows are themed. Vendors are encouraged to decorate their booth according to each theme and the entrance ways and stages also reflect the show theme.
Wedding themes are very popular. It is not just about colors anymore but brides and grooms are looking to set a mood that can be carried through from the invitations to ceremony to the reception and all of the special elements in between.
As producers of the show we try to pick themes that are a direct reflection of what is trending in weddings and sometimes we choose a timeless classic.
The wedding vendors that will be at the Premier Bride Expo in St. Augustine Florida are extremely talented. Brides, grooms, friends and families are in for a treat who attend this show. Over 130 booth spaces will fill the floor with the most talented, creative and professional wedding vendors in the area.
The theme for the St. Augustine bridal show is “Butterfly Garden.” Florida is full of beautiful flowers, wildlife and outdoor settings, so we loved the possibilities and the creative ideas we thought of when thinking of “Butterfly Garden.”
A trip to the Jacksonville Zoo inspired this theme….they have a butterfly garden that people love to gather in and take in the wonder of this beautiful, colorful creatures.
If the team at the Premier Wedding Expo was to plan a wedding with the theme of “Butterfly Garden” this is what the important elements of the wedding would look like!
When creating a wedding inspiration board, it is important not to copy someone else’s work or ask a wedding vendor to mimic someone else’s ideas. Make your wedding unique and think of your own special touches!
One of our favorite aspects of the Butterfly Garden Theme is the bright flowers. If you love color this theme is perfect for you! When selecting your flowers, make sure you select flowers that butterfly’s are drawn too. They make interesting choices in arrangements and bouquets and your guests will ohh and awe over them!
Pinks, yellows, oranges and blueish purples are great choices. You can get really creative with the flowers.
It is important in any wedding theme not to overdo it…which can be easily done. You don’t have to have a butterfly on everything…but if you “sprinkle “ them throughout the ceremony and reception it will tie everything together. We love having fake butterflies on the Allium Flower.
Have a real butterfly release at the ceremony – it is fitting and will be fun element for your guests
Add a butterfly to the bridal parties hair or to the brides hair. It is sweet touch that will enhance the theme without being overbearing and it will add an element of interest to your pictures.
We would choose short, soft purple bridesmaid dresses. The soft purple will go great with the bright and vibrant color flowers and is a complimentary color to green.
Think of an element that your guest might not expect. Make origami butterflies for their place cards and make them find them on a tree or on green shrub bushes or have them sitting on flowers, displayed like a garden.
The table décor should be low and people should be able to see across the table. We like the idea of long tables with bright colored flowers and lots of green. We would change the lights to lanterns…it seems more butterfly esk to us!
For the cake, you could easily go with butterflies but we prefer the fresh flower look. Again, you don’t want to overdo it. Using flowers that you used in bridal bouquets or on the tables to incorporate the look!
Here is our take on the wedding theme "Butterfly Garden"
Wedding Reception Venues in St. Augustine
Are you following the “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue” tradition on your wedding day? If so, think about making St. Augustine “Something Old.” Considering it is the oldest city in America it is a perfect fit.
St. Augustine is the perfect setting for a wedding. The old Spanish feel gives off a historic and romantic feel if you get married in the city. St. Augustine Beach provides the Florida beach backdrop with sand dunes, wide beaches, and piers. St. Augustine also offers golf club and country club wedding venues.
600 Palencia Club Drive
St. Augustine FL 32095
904-599-9040
The Palencia Club offers brides and grooms a country club feel with beautiful lake views.
169 Marshside Drive
St. Augustine FL 32080
904-461-1101
Marsh Creek Country Club offers brides and grooms a country club feel with beautiful views of the marsh and the intracoastal waterway.
One King Street
St. Augustine FL 32084
904-824-9056
The White Room offers brides and grooms roof top views of historic St. Augustine in the heart of downtown St. Augustine.
10034 Golf Club Drive
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
904-273-3700
The Sawgrass Country Club offers brides and grooms two stunning options. One is on the golf course and the other wedding venue is oceanfront.
200 Ponte Vendra Boulevard
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
888-406-4493
The Ponte Vedra Inn and Club offers brides and grooms beautiful country club feel with views of their immaculate golf course.
607 Ponte Vedra Blvd
Ponte Vendra Beach, FL 32082
866-269-6452
The Lodge and Club at the Ponte Vedra Resorts gives brides and groom close to indoor panoramic views of the ocean.
Hilton Historic Bayfront St. Augustine
32 Avenida Menendez St
St. Augustine FL 32084
904-829-2277
The Hilton on the Historic Bayfront in St. Augustine gives brides and grooms great views of downtown St. Augustine while located in the heart of the historic district.
St. Johns Golf and Country Club
204 St. Johns Golf Drive
St. Augustine FL 32092
904-940-3206
St. Johns Golf and Country Club gives brides and grooms perfect golf course views and lake landscapes.
Colonial Quarter St. Augustine
33 St. George Street
St. Augustine, FL 32084
904-342-2857
The Colonial Quarter in St. Augustine gives brides and grooms one of the most unique wedding settings, located right off of the famous St. George street.
3175 S. Ponte Vedra Blvd
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
904-824-7205
The Serenata Beach Club gives brides and grooms ocean views in an elegant beach club location for a beach wedding scene.
Holiday Isle Ocean Front Resort
860 A1A Beach Blvd
St. Augustine Beach, FL 32080
904-471-2555
The Holiday Isle Ocean Front Resort is one of the only venues located oceanfront in St. Augustine Beach, complete with ballroom for the wedding reception.
Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
1000 PGA Tour Blvd
Ponte Vedra Beach FL 32082
904-285-7777
The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa offers brides and grooms several ceremony locations with grand ballrooms for the wedding reception.
2 World Golf Place
St. Augustine, FL 32091
The King & Bear offers brides and grooms a wedding reception venue golf course views from famous golf course designers.
2 World Golf Place
St. Augustine FL 32092
904-940-6100
The Slammer & Squire offers brides and grooms a reception venue located onsite at the World Golf Hall of Fame.
1915 B A1A
St. Augustine FL 32084
904-461-0102
The Milano Banquet Room is attached to the famous Amici’s Restaurant in St. Augustine Beach. They offer brides and grooms a great room with great Italian food.
25655 Marsh Landing Parkway
Ponte Vedra Beach FL 32082
904-285—6514
Marsh Landing Country Club has a stunning club house with golf course and marsh views.
Riverview Club
790 Christina Dr
St. Augustine FL 32086
904-794-2000
The Riverview Club in St. Augustine offers brides and grooms around 5,000 square feet of indoor space located on the intracoastal waterway.
Renaissance World Golf Village Resort and Beach Club
500 South Legacy Trail
St. Augustine, FL 32092
904-940-8000
The Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village offers brides and grooms many different options for the ceremony and reception sites, including one of the largest ballrooms in North Florida.
St. Augustine Visitors and Convention’s Center and the St. Augustine Wedding and Events Association are other great resources if you are planning your wedding in this historic city. Make sure you come to the Premeir Wedding Expo in St. Augustine to see many of these great wedding venues!
Premier Bride - St. Augustine Florida
The Premier Bride Magazine has been exhibiting at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village since 2012! Each year we host a bridal show after the holiday season and during the summer. The Renaissance provides an amazing setting for a bridal show. Over 120 vendors can fit into the main ballroom making it an exciting show room floor for the brides.
At each expo we have many different types of wedding vendors representing every need a bride and groom can think of and more!
We are one month away from the February 23rd show, here are some the amazing vendors that will be there; Caterer’s like Black Tie Catering & Events, Videographers like Siberian Pictures Video, Travel & Honeymoons like Frans Travel, Bridal Attire like Bridals & More, Photographers like Severine Photography, Florists like Anything with Plants and Flowers, Décor and Rentals like Destination Planning, Cakes and Sweets like Simply Delicious!, Reception Venues like The White Room, Wedding Planners like Weddings by Tina, Jewelry like Joel Bagnal Goldsmith, DJ’s like McGee Entertainment, Invitations from Kouture Kreations, Beauty from Jill Stonier Makeup Artist and SO much more!
Brides will find everything they need to plan their wedding in St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Palm Coast, Orange Park or Amelia Island in one location.
A new element to our shows is the live music and entertainment on a large stage. When you need to take a break from walking the floor, relax at a table and enjoy live bands.
It’s important to pre-register for the bridal show which you can do so by going to www.PremierBrideExpo.com
Makeup Artists and Makeup
Where do brides get their special glow? Love is the answer, though the right makeup doesn’t hurt either!
One of our best wedding tips is to hire a makeup artist for your wedding day. By having your makeup done professionally your photos will turn out that much better! Or another option is to take a lesson by a licensed cosmetologist.
With Premier Bride Magazine, you are going to find plenty of beauty vendors that can be your MUA (makeup artist) or vendors that can sell you great products to use before, on and after your wedding day.
It's natural to be nervous and excited on your wedding day. That's why it is so important to determine the look you want well in advance and to have a makeup rehearsal. Most makeup artists recommend at least one consultation prior to your wedding day, make sure you take the time to make the appointment. If you plan to do your own makeup, then take time to practice and perfect your special look.
On your wedding day you will glow as on no other day. You won't need strong colors to look sophisticated, but you will need the right colors. If you elect to use the services of a professional MUA, they will select colors that will enhance your natural beauty and features. If you are creating your own look, experiment with delicately blended sheer browns, pinks, purples and golds. Many brides may also use enhancers such as extended lashes or liner to accentuate the eyes for photographs.
When determining your wedding day make up, there are several factors to take into consideration. Do you want a dramatically trendy look, or something timelessly romantic? Is your wedding during the day or in the evening? If it’s during the summer, will you have a tan? Is your dress white or ivory?
Consider whether you will wear your hair down or up and whether you will wear a hair ornament or headpiece.
The color of your hair and the color of your skin are what make you unique - select makeup to accentuate your natural beauty.
Many of our MUA’s at the bridal show will be doing light makeup applications during the expo! Take the opportunity to meet them and schedule a consultation!
Premier Bride of Jacksonville & St. Augustine Makeup Artists; Jill Stonier Professional Makeup Artist, Makeup by Paulina Perez, Mary Kay by Kimberly Redding, Tracey Upson, Make Up Artists
Jacksonville Wedding Reception Venues
If you are planning on getting married in Jacksonville Florida, you are in luck when it comes to choosing a wedding venue….because you have hundreds of options. Maybe because Jacksonville is the largest city (land wise) in the USA, it gives you many options!
Beach wedding? You can choose from Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach or Jacksonville Beach for the perfect wedding background;
Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant
691 1st Street North
Jacksonville Beach, FL
904-270-0025
Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach Ocean Front
1515 1st street North
Jacksonville Beach FL 32250
904-241-2311
Maybe getting married on a golf course or in a country club is more of your style. Jacksonville offers many choices that can accommodate your vision;
Queens Harbour Yacht & Country Club
1131 Queens Harbour Blvd
Jacksonville FL 32225
904-220-2118
7816 McLaurin Road N
Jacksonville FL 32256
904-363-1604
Maybe you are looking for a barn wedding or something rustic, in that case, check out these barn wedding venues in Jacksonville;
5903-1 Solomon Rd
Jacksonville FL 32234
904-289-9331
17255 Normandy Blvd
Jacksonville FL 32234
904-535-0789
Many brides gravitate towards a traditional wedding venue at a hotel or conference center for the large open spaces and convenience of sleeping rooms. If that is your wedding style, make you stop by these booths;
Ramada Conference Center in Mandarin
3130 Hartley Rd
Jacksonville FL 32257
904-268-8080
4670 Salisbury Rd
Jacksonville FL 32256
904-296-2222
UNF Adam W. Herbert University Center
12000 Alumni Dr
Jacksonville FL 32225
904-620-4221
And if you are looking for a unique wedding venue setting then make a list to learn more about;
370 Zoo Parkway
Jacksonville FL 32218
904-757-4463
10367 Midtown Parkway
Jacksonville FL 32246
10370 Phillips Hwy
Jacksonville FL 32256
904-345-2455
841 Prudential Dr.
Jacksonville FL 32207
904-591-9591
Jacksonville offers many great wedding reception options. Anything you can imagine, you can probably find within the city limits. At each Premier Wedding Expo, many vendors from the surrounding areas also come to meet brides! You will have no problem finding your perfect reception venue!
Your Wedding Reception Venue
With Premier Bride you will meet a variety of wedding venues. These wedding venues are located in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Palm Coast, Orange Park, Amelia Island and wedding venues in Savannah, Brunswick, St.Simons, Jekyll Island and the surrounding areas! We offer a wide variety of wedding venues in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. Our goal is to offer each bride a variety of wedding venues in locations, styles, catering options, amities, and price points.
We have everything from barns to ballrooms and everything in between!
While speaking with venue vendors at the wedding expos make sure you ask them these questions about the venue. This will help make a decision on the wedding venue that is right for you!
Before You Book
As you’re searching for wedding locations, ask vendors about the following:
- Catering policies
- Alcohol policies
- Bad weather contingency plans
- Staffing availability
- Parking
- Decorating
- Deposits
- Refunds
- Insurance
• Book your wedding and reception site first. In order to book other vendors you have to have a date and a location. At the bridal show ask for a description and a list of services: caterers, waiters, bartenders and parking valets. Make an appointment with the wedding venue at the bridal show if you like what you see!
• Hotels, restaurants, private clubs and halls normally offer catering services, and may not allow you to use your own caterer, make sure you ask about their policy!
• Make sure there is enough room for your guests, and electric voltage for your entertainment.
• If you’re going to decorate, ask about restrictions.
• Churches and temples may have policies regarding alcohol and other restrictions, find out what those are. Many churches also have strict photography policies – find out all the information you can before you book!
• For a garden and outdoor weddings be sure you have enough room inside in case of bad weather.
- If you are planning a beach ceremony – make sure that you have a plan B for bad weather!
Good luck at the show and we hope you find the perfect wedding venue for your wedding!
Tips on Great Bridal Show Give-A-Ways
Tips for Bridal Show Give Aways
- Writing pens - a bride will keep a great pen forever! Spend a little extra for a great quality pen!
- A T-Shirt that indicates they are a bride, but with your logo on it
- Note pads – no one throws away handy note pads
- Hand sanitizer
- Candy, logo on wrapper or tie
- Water bottles
- Sample of your work, such as a cd (for musicians), or a cookie (bakers) in a wrapper, cake samples, food samples (catering)
- Bride/Groom coffee mugs with your logo on them
Wedding Theme Ideas
One popular trends in weddings in 2014 is the theme wedding. For decades theme weddings have been popular, but now they are more popular than ever. This can be attributed to wedding tv shows, blogs and magazines that promote and publish extreme themes and elaborate decors.
It’s true, there are as many themes for your wedding as there are days of the year, but what really matters is what is going to make your day the most memorable.
The professional wedding vendors that you will meet at the bridal shows in Jacksonville and St. Augustine will help you make your wedding unique.
One way to figure out your wedding theme is correlate it with the time of the year you are getting married. The time of year you tie the knot determines colors of the wedding.
Spring-related theme weddings
In the springtime think gardens blooming, lace, the outdoors and fresh. It’s no secret that flowers are at their most beautiful this time of year so consider all those plants that can make your wedding special. Colors tend to be pastels or lighter/muted shades of pinks, purples, greens, blues, yellows or nudes. Surprise your guests with both outstanding colors and the fragrance to match.
Summer-related theme weddings
While spring might be a time for growing new things, summer themed weddings are bright and vibrant. If you love rich colors, a summer wedding might be the perfect time for you to get married. Electric blues, rich purples, bright pinks and vivid oranges are all great colors for summer weddings. Wedding themes that revolve around fun and outdoors are great for summer.
Fall-related theme weddings
Many fall weddings have reds, oranges, yellows, grays and greens that embrace Halloween or the fall harvest. . As the weather is changing and the seasons are moving into a quieter time, so can your wedding memories remind you of how important change is in your own life. Themes with lace, burlap, foliage, and vegetables are great for the fall!
Winter-related theme weddings
Winter is indeed a special time to exchange wedding vows be it during Christmas, on Valentine’s Day or simply by creating your own winter wonderland theme. Since we live in Florida, Georgia or Alabama….we should not expect snow…but your theme can be centered around it. Colors for a winter wedding; blues, reds, greens, neutrals or black.
Do's and Don'ts For Bridal Show Booths
Here are some simple, easy tips to keep in mind when you are an exhibitor at the Premier Wedding Expo!
- Do smile and have fun, it will give a great first impression!
- Do greet everyone in friendly manner.
- Do give a discount for anyone booking or purchasing at the show or extend a discount if they book an appointment with you at the show!
- Do not sit down at your booth if you can physically help it.
- Do take breaks one worker at time. We pass out bottle water to all of our vendors but make sure you drink plenty of fluids, you will be doing a lot of talking!
- Do not leave the show early or start breaking down your booth early.
- Do not speak negatively of the competition.
- Do praise your own work.
