|
Trends tend to repeat themselves from year to year, but there
always are a few that "represent" the new year. In 2012, couples will go the
extra mile to pay attention to the details of their weddings and weddings will,
even more so than in the past, be an expression of the couple's individual style
and personality.
Based in part on the venues that couples select, there is going to be a trend toward taking wedding photographs before the ceremony. A formal cocktail hour will take place after the ceremony. The "new" schedule of the day continues with the wedding in the evening, at sunset. A formal sit-down seated dinner will follow that will focus on family and, amongst other things, will include all the traditional dances. Once the more traditional part of the wedding is over, the couple will say goodbye to their older and younger guest. The bridal couple and the remaining guests will continue with an after-wedding party. Themed weddings have always been an option for the wedding reception, but they have grown dramatically in popularity over the last few years. The trend is expected to continue into 2012, as couples come up with even more unusual, interesting, and enjoyable themes. More appropriately called a trend than a theme; the destination wedding will remain a favorite amongst many bridal couples. As always, Black Tie, formal wedding will be "in," but in 2012, couples will add a splash of color in everything from the color of their linens to their flowers. Couples who opt for a formal wedding venue will include all the "standard" formal items such as escort cards/place cards, table numbers, and menus. The trend toward an elegant look continues. Floral decorators, inspired by architecture, will choose to raise centerpieces off the table top. To add interest to the overall presentation, they may use different centerpieces on each tablet. A noted wedding decor maven recently introduced a new trend of etching menus onto charger plates for the bride and grooms to keep as memorabilia. The formal aspects of this style will be reflected everywhere from an ornate venue, to flowing linen, velvet runners and a request of guests to really, really dress up. Decor for 2012 will pay extra attention to both detail and simplicity. Simple elegance can be represented in an all-over use of the many shades of white. Here again, event decorators may add a splash of one bright color, or embellishments crystal, metal, or satin. The emphasis on white is a reflection of the white tents used at the Royal Wedding tent. Large white umbrellas, lights, chair covers, tablecloths, flowers and candles can easily be made to pick up an white theme. Surprises will be a key trend at many 2012 weddings. Bridal couples may choose to serve a hot breakfast to- go after the wedding, end the evening with a fireworks display, continue the day with after-reception parties, and/or come up with their own unique, inventive additions. The trend will be to leave the guests with the wow factor. Bridal gowns will be heavily influenced by Kate Middleton's marriage to Prince William. Her long-sleeved white gown will be very popular. Other brides will be looking to distinguish their gowns with unusual necklines, the most popular of which is the illusion style. That style uses a sheer, delicate, and sometimes embellished layer of fabric that covers skin that would otherwise be exposed. Designers often referred to the illusion gown as "strapless, with coverage." It has the ability to change a feisty look into something that is very feminine, elegant, and romantic. Bridesmaids' dresses are showing a trend toward using the many colors of the rainbow, rather than one uniform color. This trend allows the bride and the bridesmaids lots of flexibility and adds a "bling" of color, especially to an all-white or all-black wedding. The trend in food is reflected primarily in the end of the meal. Bridal couples continue to move away from traditional wedding cakes to dessert bars, where guests can choose their own favorites. The cupcake continues its popularity and presents in all the colors of the rainbow. Stacks of cookies are seen as alternatives to their cousins the cupcake and/or stacked in paper cupcake holders and topped with buttercream and flowers, served as another alternative to the wedding cake. For the brides who still want the traditional wedding cake, but also want to be stylish, bakers will be asked to create hand-painted silk, or origami flowers that will add a new twist to the classic tradition. One of the new trends for 2012 is one that we discovered years ago in the Hudson Valley. It involves "moving" the reception outside, with a look toward nature. In the Hudson Valley, bridal couples have long enjoyed magnificent views and stunning landscapes, and now it looks like the trend has broadened its scope. DIY (do-it-yourself) weddings continue to be popular and have grown significantly over the last year. The trend, of course, has to do with the recession and budget crunch, but it also has to do with the ecology-minded bridal couples who are concerned with conserving the planet's resources and being more eco-friendly. To top off the wedding, the beach honeymoon continues to be the top trend choice of bridal couples. The delightful thing about following the trends is that, amazingly, bridal couples continue to come up with new, creative additions to their special day. |
Looking for more of 2012's trends, visit http://www.hudsonvalleyweddings.com/guide/2012-wedding-trends.htm
