I got an email a few weeks ago from one of my favorite wedding planners, Marcy Blum.  I first met Marcy when I was getting my makeup trial at the Laura Geller Salon on Lexington, and I run into her every now and then at wedding events.  You’ve probably got a copy of her book, Weddings for Dummies, or have read her wedding tips in a bridal publication.  I think she was most recently featured in InStyle Weddings.

I asked Marcy to send me the latest trends and top tips for planning a wedding.  Here’s what she had to say:

Smaller and more elegant weddings: Many couples who are looking to have an elaborate and highly detailed wedding have attained it by cutting the guest list and spending their time and money lavishing attention on fewer guests.  Smaller weddings enable one to serve better wines (perhaps changing with each course), multi-course meals with more interesting foods and even allow for personal notes to each guest with their parting gifts (a chore some of my brides and groom have taken on that is well worth the labor).

Multi-Day Celebrations: Even weddings that take place in one’s home city usually have a rehearsal event for many if not all the guests, the wedding and then a brunch the next day.

Some surprise for the guests: Be it fireworks, a change of venue after dinner for dancing or a special performance.

Sleeker, less frou-frou wedding dresses: While many brides are opting to change for the later part of the evening, many designers are showing dresses that can “convert” into minis via Velcro or ones that have detachable trains

Lifestory Videography: More couples are opting for videos that start by interviewing the couple and perhaps friends before their wedding and then include the wedding and perhaps even include footage from the honeymoon to make the piece more about the couple’s lives rather than just a wedding video.

Tomorrow I’ll post Marcy’s five remaining tips/trends.  To learn more about Marcy, and get inspired by the weddings she has planned, visit her Web site, MarcyBlum.com.