Every year there are a few wedding trends that start to stand out. The idea of following a trend may or may not appeal to you, but there are a few fashionable trends that I think are undeniably styley for 2011:
1. Color! Brides are carrying color in their bouquets in lieu of traditional white blooms, adding bold colors to their bridemaids’ attire and choosing linens that make the reception pop. This year I am hearing a lot of orange and blue in combination with other bright shades like raspberry and lemon, although the classic white & green palette will never go out of style.
2. Modern-vintage. It may seem like a contradiction in terms, but modern-vintage is still going strong in Vermont weddings. What does it mean? A touch of classic–think of your grandmother’s silver or mercury glass containers–combined with a modern color palette of hot pinks and purples and sleek, stylish bridesmaids’ dresses.
3. Dessert bars. In addition to a traditional wedding cake the dessert bar is a huge trend at both large, formal weddings and DIY affairs. Whether couples select their favorite pastries from a local bakery or invite family members to bake a pie or their famous homemade candies there will be no shortage of sweetness on the wedding day!
4. Lose the favor trinkets. Replaced by a donation to a favorite charity or the addition of a dessert bar or other fresh, edible goodies, the cheesy favors of yesteryear are no more.
5. Lounging around. Adding a lounge feeling to the reception through table and seating arrangements appeals to both brides and grooms who want more of a cozy club feel and intimate vignettes. Vermont Tent Company even offers a lounge collection.
6. Wedding websites. Everyone has a website dedicated to their wedding day and the use of social media to update family and friends on their planning status continues to rule the day. Distance does not mean that everyone can’t feel included in your plans.
7. Photobooths. Whether you opt for the traditional photobooth or create your own backdrop with funky textiles and painted picture frames the addition of fantastical photo ops are popping up at receptions.
8. Comfort foods. Whether you are planning to have food stations or a late-night nosh comfort foods are in. French fries and mac & cheese are on the menu along with locally grown Vermont produce, meats and artisan cheeses, of course.
9. Unique invitations. Formal invites and save-the-dates are being replaced by fun, hand-drawn designs and customized logos that carry out a theme for the wedding and set the tone for a special event.
10. Go your own way. Opting to buck tradition and trends to do what feels right is definitely chic. Creating your own tradition can also be very trendy!
You can find some practical wedding planning tips from some of my previous posts {here} .
What trends are you planning to introduce at your wedding?
The colorful bridal bouquet above includes orange ranunculus, blue delphinium, yellow & pink freesia, raspberry pink stock, mini-green hydrangea, sweet William, roses and geranium foliage. It is finished with a raspberry pink silk dupioni ribbon for an additional shot of color.
