For Loving Couples

Top 10 Wedding Trends

If you pay attention to the wedding world – and if you’re planning a wedding right now, you probably are – you’ll notice a few things that pop up again and again when brides are deciding on what goes at their own nuptials.

Whether you decide to take on a few of these trends as your own (there’s a reason they’re popular – they’re good ideas!) or you want to avoid your wedding looking like everyone else’s, it’s smart to read up on this year’s top wedding trends.

1. Desserts other than traditional wedding cake. Brides are just SO over typical three-tiered buttercream confections. Today’s brides are opting for cupcake displays, homemade pies, candy buffets and other non-typical dessert options. Cupcakes are by far the most ubiquitous option other than wedding cake, and for good reason – who can resist those mini cakes? They’re so cute!
2. Damask patterns are popping up on invitations, table runners, and other wedding accessories. The damask pattern, typically done in black and white, but often straying into another part of the color wheel, evokes a classic, vintage feel, but with a whimsical touch because of its swirly pattern.
3. Mismatched bridesmaids dresses are becoming very popular. Whether the maids are choosing different styles in the same color or different colors in the same style (or different colors in different styles!), brides are opting to let their closest friends pick a dress that flatters their body and skin tone. That makes for one happy maid.
4. Locally grown flowers and food is making waves in the wedding industry. Not only is it a cost-cutting measure, as it’s less expensive to create a bouquet with flowers from a local farm than it is to ship them halfway across the world, but it supports the local economy and gives the bride fresher and more beautiful flowers and food. It’s just a bonus that it’s more sensitive to the environment, a conscious thought that’s growing more and more important to couples.
5. Wedding dresses with pick-up skirts are super-hot right now; brides can’t seem to get enough of them. While this trend will probably last through the end of the year, 2010 brides should be wary while choosing her dress – this is a fad that could fade quickly.
6. Vintage wedding accessories, whether its birdcage veils, heirloom brooches or other 1920s-1940s inspired wedding wear, look gorgeous on a glowing bride. As a plus, buying one of these vintage wedding accessories takes care of your ‘something old.’
7. Destination weddings are continuing in their popularity, despite the poor economy. Though it might seem counterintuitive for couple to be spending money on flying to Hawaii or the Caribbean, it can actually save money. Because destination weddings typically focused on a small, close-knit group of guests and less focused on small details, the costs are a lot less than a traditional hometown wedding.
8. Instead of splurging on a full bar, many couples are choosing to offer a signature drink, in addition to beer and wine, as a way to showcase their personality and cut costs. A popular option is creating a fun drink and renaming it with the couple’s new last name. For example, a couple with the last name “Martin” might dub their signature drink a “martin-tini.”