In light of 2009 and the dismal economy, do you see a brighter outlook for 2010?

I do. From what we are seeing, brides are starting to feel more comfortable and optimistic about the future and this is translating into their wedding plans. A lot of brides who pushed off their weddings in 2009 are now very active in their planning for 2010 and 2011. We are also seeing an upswing of qualified inquiries from newly engaged brides, which is a great sign for us and the industry. Another trend is that brides are not as fearful of seeming "ostentatious," which was something we definitely experienced in 2009.

What do you suggest to brides whose budgets may not be as large as they once were?

We always provide the same advice when it comes to stretching any budget, and that is to cut down on the guest list. If couples are able to keep those invited to close family and friends they can save substantially. More importantly, we encourage all of our clients to concentrate their budget on the elements of the day that are most important to them and to remember that guests will see only the centerpiece that the bride and groom choose, not the one that they decided not to go with. It is also important when trying to stretch your budget to choose a reception venue that works with your theme and not one that fights it. Personalizing elements of their décor like menu cards, guest books, and favors are a great way to focus funds that will have guests walking away from the event saying "wow."

What details do you see couples living without...and which ones are must-haves, even in this bad economy?

One area that we see clients looking more closely at are their centerpieces. Clients are deciding to mix up centerpieces to add dramatic effect while enabling some of the centerpieces to be smaller and less expensive. Clients are also looking at a lot of non-floral options using candles, mirrors, water, and crystals to create an elegant look. Sometimes when it comes to décor, less is more. We think that must-haves for our clients are great invitations, as they set the tone for the entire event and are key to advising guests as to the level of event they will be attending. Great photography is also a must, as the images that you have from your wedding day will stay with you forever and can never be reproduced. We always advise against our clients skimping in these areas. And, of course, it is a must to have a wedding coordinator if you are trying to save time and money and get the most out of your budget. Remember, we have done this many times and are always looking for the latest trends and can help clients make it appear as though they have spent far more than they have. More importantly, we ensure that no matter what is spent on your wedding, you and your families are able to enjoy it.