Trends for 2011 spring and summer weddings are all about less traditional, more casual and creative. Fun colors to highlight this year are brights like turquoise blue and sunny yellow.
"casual & creative"
Brides are leaning towards brunch receptions, which can actually be great at cutting costs, too. Daytime receptions are full of natural light and paying for specialty- or up-lighting is unnecessary. With an earlier celebration choose a lighter, fresher menu, and your cocktail hour can focus on signature fruity cocktails more appropriate for the early afternoon.
"focus on signature cocktails"
Green weddings are on the rise. Couples are becoming more environmentally conscious, using recycled and even plantable paper for everything from invitations through cocktail napkins. Vintage dresses and décor are also very in vogue. Many more ceremonies are taking place outdoors and beach weddings are as hot as ever...pun intended.
"vintage dresses and decor"
Any reception can be mixed up a little; a great trend is putting together tables of different shapes and sizes, even coordinating centerpieces can be in different sizes and combinations. Good news for brides everywhere: assigned seating is out. For guest favors, candy buffets are still a hit but we'll also be seeing more creative ideas as people try their hand with DIY projects.
"put together tables of different shapes & sizes"
Now the all important bridal dress. Dresses for the year are fun and frilly with lots of ruffles and texture. Beading and crystals are in shorter supply as designers are doing more with layers and different fabrics. Your favorite designers may even be getting more affordable; Vera Wang just released a line of dresses and accessories for David's Bridal called White.
"fun & frilly with lots of ruffles & texture"
Photography is also becoming less traditional, with the style of photo-journalism becoming more common. On the topic of vendors, look for caterers who will personalize a menu for you, taking your style and venue into consideration. The debate of DJ versus live entertainment continues to rage on, essentially up to the individual couple and feel of the celebration.
"personalized menu...DJ versus live entertainment"
Flowers have less of a presence than they have in the past. Candles are coming to the forefront in centerpieces and even lighting up ceremonies. In bouquets, brides are opting to combine two or three colors like a bright and summery combination of yellow, pink, and orange, or a more dramatic combination of bold blues and purples. Embellishments of crystals and pearls are also making their way into both bouquets and hairstyles, though many brides are choosing to wear their hair loose and romantic with loose up-dos or down entirely.
"embellishments of crystals & pearls"
Overall, this year is about you. Feel confident about putting your touch on any aspect of the wedding, no detail is too large or small. Having to hold to less traditional customs will be great for a limited budget that is on everyone's mind these days. Also, never forget that despite the extra expense, wedding planners can help ultimately help you save money and stay on budget as well as reducing considerable amounts of stress.
"never forget wedding planners!"
