ALTHOUGH the style of a wedding is very much suited to the couple who are getting married, there are always trends that come in and out of the wedding industry. People need only look back at the mini dresses of the 1960s, the flares of the 1970s and the puff sleeves of the 1980s and ’90s to see that. Today’s Press and Journal Your Wedding supplement looks at what’s in vogue for the 2010 wedding season.

1. Vintage

This trend has been in for a few years now, but shows no signs of stopping. Lace gowns, antique hair slides or brooches, bird-cage veils, vintage crockery – all are becoming more popular for adding a classic touch to weddings.

Combined with vintage, shorter dresses are also becoming more popular.

An emerging trend for the bride is to have the stems of her bouquet bound in ribbon and attach a brooch to the front of the ribbon. Whether a trinket picked up on holiday, a gift from a friend or a family heirloom, it adds a great personal touch.

2. Colour pops

No longer is the bridal palette limited to white, cream and ivory.

Splashes of colour really liven up a wedding, whether they be bright bridesmaid dresses, a colourful underskirt in a bride’s dress, a shocking tie or even a pair of blue shoes for luck.

If you usually wear bright red lipstick, or fuchsia nail varnish, why change for your wedding day? People would rather see the real you than someone you think you should be.

3. Mini bites

Gone are the days of the multi-tier cake. Now, couples are opting for a simple two-layer cake which can be served as dessert.

More popular than ever is the option of one small top cake with layers of individual cupcakes which can also double up as favours for the guests.

And forget the old fruit cake and marzipan staple – chocolate, carrot, red velvet and even hummingbird (coconut and pineapple) cakes are all popular choices.

A trend from the US which is becoming increasingly popular in the UK is the sweets table, where old-fashioned sweet jars are lined up with paper bags for guests to indulge their sweet tooth.

4. Fun

Couples looking to create a less formal atmosphere at their wedding are incorporating more and more fun factors into the day to create a party atmosphere.

Quizzes about the couple can be left in the middle of the table as an ice-breaker for guests to get to know each other.

Mini bottles of bubbles, or mini sparklers, are also popular table adornments.

Another trend coming over from the US is the use of a photo booth. Guests can pop in and take a photo of themselves and leave a message on the back as a modern take on a guest book. Why not leave some fancy-dress options, such as hats, glasses and moustaches, for a hilarious guest book?

5. Personalised features

There are many cheap, fun and creative options to really personalise your wedding.

Invitation materials and tools are readily available from craft stores, so you can make them as formal, or as informal, as you like. Whether you want a fold-out invitation with directions to the venue, RSVP and guest list included or a simple postcard with a photo of you and your partner with a tick-box option on the back, it’s up to you.

Table plans can also be personalised. Why not have people’s names on badges so they can get to know everyone at their table? Or perhaps write names on labels and hang them from the branches of plants?

At the table, you can personalise your menus to tie in with your colour scheme, or even trim them in the tartan of your groom’s kilt.

Add fun touches. Having a summer wedding? Why not serve bottles of lemonade with your names and the date on the label? Is your partner from another country? Incorporate traditions or details from their country, whether it be tables named after towns or having their national flower at the table.

To keep the cost of a wedding down, many couples are opting for handmade favours. If you put your own spin on it, people are more likely to be thankful for your thoughtful gift.

Read more: http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1824336#ixzz0u83M5yLz

For help coordinating your dream wedding, contact www.premierweddingplannerscotland.com for a free consultation.

Lucy

Tags: wedding canapés, wedding planning