Hello Loves,
New year, new Pantone color! Mocha Mousse is Pantone's Color of The Year for 2025, and I'm obsessed. As a neutral hue, this color is extremely versatile and pairs well with others. From makeup to tablescapes, I believe we'll be seeing this one all over the wedding scene. Read on to learn how I'd incorporate the color and how you can use it for your wedding day. 

Floral Pairings:
Mocha Mousse is a neutral color perfect for floral arrangements. In addition to foliage and filler, there are plenty of flower options in similar shades. Roses are amongst the most accessible and come in a variety of natural colors in the Mocha Mousse family. Quicksand, Sahara, Moab, Toffee, and Amnesia are some of my favorites. I would embrace the current trends and incorporate bold colors into the arrangements. This will make your floral designs feel more fresh and modern. Check the swatch palettes above for some sample pairings. 

Beauty Looks:
The versatility of Mocha Mousse is evident in the world of beauty. From flawlessly barefaced to bold, sultry looks, there are many ways to incorporate this color.  My tip here is to choose the look that makes you feel most confident. Work with your MUA to create at least 2 different looks. One look should be a more professional version of what you're used to. The second should push you out of your comfort zone a bit. Sit with both looks and see how each one makes you feel. 

Tablescapes & Furnishings:
In addition to the wedding florals, furnishings and rentals are a great way to showcase color. Since Mocha Mousse is a neutral color, rentals are easily accessible and provide a warm background that accentuates varying styles. I would incorporate a mix of materials in Mocha Mousse, from glass and ceramics to velvet and leather. The variety of textures will provide depth and add visual interest to the event space.  

Bridal Fashions:
One of the most simple yet impactful ways to introduce Mocha Mousse is in the wedding wardrobe. The bridal party is on full display during the ceremony and the reception, so choose shades in the Mocha Mousse family that complement your skin tones. For a fresh look, have the groom/smen wear Mocha Mousse, a neutral color, and have the bridesmaids wear a bolder color. This selection will also go a long way in facilitating cost per wear. 

Decadent Desserts:
Last but certainly not least, bring in some actual mocha treats. With desserts, it goes beyond the stunning color, you also get the amazing flavor. If mocha isn't your cup of cocoa, opt for salted caramel, dulce de leche, coffee creme, etc. I would incorporate multiple flavors by having a dessert bar instead of just a wedding cake. I love the idea of guests having a variety of goodies to sample and indulge. You can include options like macarons, cheesecakes, pastries, cookies, and mocha mousse, of course!

I really enjoyed creating this post. Seriously, how stunning is this color? I can't wait to see how couples will interpret this color trend!

Until Next Time,
​Mimi🤗 

Hello Loves,
As we head into the new year, I wanted to share some top wedding trends for 2025 and why I'm completely obsessed with them. From design styles to social shifts, I've gathered my absolute favorites. I'm quite curious to know which ones resonate with you, so feel free to comment below. 

1. Sustainability/Eco-Friendly Weddings
While eco-friendly weddings are nothing new, we've come a long way from the performative, sometimes condescending nature of "Going Green." Yes, there is still a certain social hierarchy associated with sustainability. However, the modern practices feel more intentional and authentic. From digital wedding stationery to vintage attire, couples are opting for a zero-waste approach. Not only is this trend good for the environment, but it fosters creativity and innovation. 
How To: The key here is authenticity. If full-on digital correspondence feels too impersonal, opt for invitations made of recycled or biodegradable materials.  If you are not into secondhand threads, secure attire made from sustainable fabrics instead. Lastly, consider hiring vendors that specialize in sustainable practices to ensure the most effective impact. 

2. Immersive Experiences
Couples are going all out to curate unique experiences for their wedding guests. Beyond an open bar or live band, creating unforgettable experiences has become a major part of wedding planning. I love the versatility and accessibility of this trend. From interactive cocktail seating charts to post-reception midnight food trucks, couples are making memorable moments guests won't soon forget. 
How to: When deciding on featured experiences, consider the overall theme of the wedding and your budget. Whether you settle on a DIY tattoo station, a custom jewelry engraving suite, or hiring a cigar roller, it should feel like a seamless addition. I always tell my clients to consider "Purpose, Practical, and Personality" to help them finalize their decision. 
Purpose: How will this experience benefit your guests or enhance the overall wedding
Practical: Assess the logistical application and ease of use
Personality: Does this represent you as a couple and or the culture of your wedding community

3. Tech-Integrated
Technology will continue to play a major role in weddings this year, both in front and behind the scenes. Expect to see hi-tech photo/video booths, flashy laser light shows, and dynamic digital DJ booths. Couples are also relying on AI to assist with the planning process. Tasks ranging from vendor sourcing to vow writing will be digitally enhanced. I love how accessible high-end planning resources have become for couples with smaller budgets through the use of AI. For more tech-inspired wedding trends, check out  Chapelle Johnson's article for The Knot. View it here:
 www.theknot.com/content/wedding-technology-trends
How To: The key to this trend is not overdoing it. Be mindful of why you are incorporating specific tech elements and how they will enhance your guests' experiences. 
​
4. Bold Colors
Say goodbye to basic, boring palettes and roll out the red carpet for bold, beautiful colors. I'm always here for a rich color palette, especially for weddings. Be prepared for vibrant floral arrangements with unique accent colors and printed elements. We'll also continue to see perfectly mismatched bridesmaid's dresses. The use of colors in unexpected ways, such as flatware, stemware, and jewelry, will also be abundant this year. 
How To: Instead of choosing a color swatch to match everything back to, take the time to develop a thoughtful color palette that includes alternative shades of your main colors. Do some research to get a feel for how colors will look paired together. Lastly, if bold colors are new for you, start with something low-stakes, like a scarf. This will help you decide if it's right for your big day. 

5. Alternative Wedding Gowns
Alternative bridal attire is becoming increasingly popular. Gone are the days when wearing a bold color or pants as a bride is newsworthy. Brides have really made it a point to let their personalities shine with their wedding attire. Be on the lookout for a wide variety of options ranging from artsy and avant-garde to composed and casual.   This is exciting because comfort feeds confidence, and that is the ultimate accessory for your big day. Check out this Pinterest board for some unique bridal attire ideas: www.pinterest.com/MimiNikohlDS/alternative-wedding-dresses/
How To: Wear what you want. Wear what feels good. Wear what you'll look back on and think, I DID that!

6. Personalization
Personalization has been a major part of wedding planning for as long as I can remember. However, it has evolved substantially and is currently more comparable to product branding. As a graphic design girlie, this excites me. I love watching couples collaborate over the "branding" of their wedding. There's a beautiful intimacy that comes with artistic teamwork. Through connection and compromise, couples can create symbols of love that will be displayed throughout their wedding. From meticulously designed monograms and quirky sayings to intricate graphic art, we will see hints of personalization at every touch-point.
​How To: Consider every opportunity for personalization and choose the ones that feel authentic to you. Think about the overall presentation to keep things streamlined.

I hope you're inspired to incorporate some of these into your big day. Which trend are you most excited about?

Until Next Time,
Mimi🥰

Hello loves,
I can't believe we're already at the end of 2022! I hope this year has truly been good to all of you. If not, just a few more days to go😩. Let's close out with some tips to plan the perfect New Year Wedding...

1. Find Cute Ways to Incorporate the Theme:
When I think about celebrating the New Year, champagne is front of mind. So, in addition to a traditional champagne toast, take it a step further with these festive champagne cork escort cards (pictured above) . 

2. Put a New Spin On an Old Tradition:
Keep the ceremony on theme by simply swapping out the grains of rice for a more festive option. Sparklers, confetti cannons and metallic streamers all scream Happy New Year! Just be sure to inquire with your venue about what's permitted.

3. Do NOT Neglect The Ball Drop:
Evening weddings typically end between 11pm and 1am. For a big impact, why not end the night with an epic countdown at midnight. You can enhance the experience by releasing balloons, incorporating sparklers or confetti cannons as the countdown concludes (again, be sure to consult your venue prior to these arrangements). Even if the wedding runs past 12, you should still take the time to make this a special moment. 

​4. Photo Ops at Every Turn:
From headbands and hats to glasses and noise makers, there should be props a plenty for guests to take photos. Beyond the Photo Booth, add a few items at the guest tables so everyone can join in the fun.  Be sure to have your wedding hashtag displayed so your guests can get in on the social sharing of the evening.  

5. Festive Fashion:
While you should always establish a dress code for any wedding, formal attire adds an elegance that's perfect for a New Year Wedding. If your crowd is a little extra like us, have them dress in Black Tie or Avant-garde looks for some added flair. 

6. In the Details:
Wedding stationery is a subtle way to embrace the theme. Use this design element to add to the New Year aesthetic from the invitation suite down to the dinner menus. 

As always, I hope these tips help you plan the best New Year wedding ever!
Until next time,
Mimi☺️