2011 & 2012 Wedding Trends

COLOUR TRENDS

The following colors are featuring on all the fashion runways: Turquoise, Coral, Black & White, Yellow,Fuchsia, Deep Red, Slate Grey, Purple & Latte.

WEDDING RECEPTION DECORATIONS
Brides are choosing centerpieces that are in the same colour tones, but of different sizes. They are also changing the shape of the tables, mixing round with square. These trends give the reception tables a more interesting look and a less "coordinated" feel. Unique fillers include glass marbles, glass sea shells, acrylic ice, water absorbing crystals, /beads, and fresh fruits such as lemons and limes.
Faux rose petals, diamond confetti and shells and mini star fish remain the most popular confetti. Also, flowering vines or individually cut flowers are placed directly onto table linens. Reception chairs are decorated with tulle, fabric overlays with bows or sashes, floral swags and/or ribbons. Other popular decorating items include: Chinese lanterns, garlands and balloons. An increasingly popular trend is the candy buffets, this consists of a variety of candies or treats placed in varied sizes of glass containers and grouped on a table. Pretty silver spoons or scoops in each container allow guests to fill small boxes or bags as take-home favours.

Bolts of economical tulle fabric are typically combined with white lights and/or floral garlands for draping

between pews and decorating banisters and ceilings. Candles are always a popular choice for centerpieces, and lend a romantic feel to any room. Choices include pillars, tea lights, tapers and floaters.

Since some facilities do not allow candles, alternatives include faux tea light candles or battery operated

LED lights. Head tables are replaced with a small table for just the bride and groom.

Naturally, posed pictures are still enjoyed and requesting that some of the photos be black and white is

common.

WEDDING FAVORS

thank their guests for coming. In many cases, the favours do double-duty as place-card holders, table decorations, and even centerpiece arrangements where larger favours are grouped together in the centre of the reception tables.

Favours can be ready-made items, although currently popular are hand-made items embellished with ribbon & assents that coordinate with the wedding theme or colour scheme. This is definitely an aspect of weddings that has gone DIY in recent months.

WEDDING THEMES
Currently, the top wedding themes are "beach", "garden", "winter wonderland", "vintage glamour", "woodland/rustic", and "Tiffany Blue" (aqua) and "sparkling diamonds." Destination and ethnic-influenced celebrations also remain popular choices.

WEDDING BOUQUETS
Ninety five percent of wedding bouquets are hand-tied, where the flowers are gathered together and the stems are wrapped in wide satin ribbon. Brides wanting more glamorous bouquets choose beads, brooches, jewel pins, pearls, crystal/rhinestone picks, and monogrammed ribbon to dress up plain ribbonwrapped stems and blooms. With the continuing popularity of the beach and garden themes, brides wanting a more rustic and natural look to their bouquet add elements such as shells/starfish, feathers, berries and pinecones.
The rose continues to be the most popular and elegant bouquet flower. Lilies, peonies, hydrangeas, tulips and orchids represent the trendier choices. Arrangements with a just-picked and looser casual look have replaced the more tightly-bound bouquet shapes of previous seasons. Vivid flower colors will continue in popularity.

WEDDING CAKES
Cakes decorated with handmade icing flowers, shells/starfish and delicate dots and scrollwork remain popular. Couples are choosing cakes that fit with the location, theme and season of their wedding. Four to five layers is the average size for a wedding of 150-200 people. Butter cream or smooth fondant frostings are most common. Popular cake flavors include lemon, chocolate, carrot, spice and "white" although some couples are choosing non-traditional flavors such as gingerbread, espresso and hazelnut.
Flowers, sculptures, and large monogrammed letters are replacing the traditional bride and groom cake top.

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
The photo-journalistic (candid) approach to wedding photography is preferred by many brides to the traditional posed shots. Capturing the day's events as they happen helps tell the story of your wedding.