What’s new in the world of Weddings?

Trends for 2009

It’s 2009, and the wedding scene is bursting with fresh new ideas that brides and grooms-to-be can get excited about! Lets face it, a lot of detail goes into making the perfect wedding – from the choice of venue, to the table settings, to the colour of the bridesmaids’ dresses, to the icing on the cake – so here are a few thoughts we’ve put together on what we think are the latest trends for 2009.

Wedding Dresses

2008 saw the short dress gain popularity as well as the romantic floor length dress. This latter style is still very much the popular choice with soft flowing fabrics, ruffled hems, satin sashes (at the waist), and delicate floral details. Crystals are still in vogue as they are classic and oh so elegant.
The A-line skirt also remains prominent on the fashion runways (slim through the waist and flared at the bottom) although many designers have included a few ball gowns in their lines as well. Strapless gowns are perennial favourites, but this year has brought back the one-shoulder dress for brides who want an ethereal, goddess feel to their look.

Colours
It looks as though steel grey is making a big noise this year – with many brides choosing that as their accent colour for their bridesmaids and other accessories. Chocolate brown is still very popular as is hot pink – who doesn’t like hot pink – so don’t worry if grey is not your colour!

Wedding cakes
These days, the wedding cake doesn’t have to be the traditional marzipan covered cake. A popular trend is to go for a yummy dessert cake – such as a 3 tiered cheesecake. There is also the increasingly fashionable cupcake, where you can have a tiered cake stand filled with individually decorated cupcakes. Perfect for the little girl in you! A more grown up trend is to turn the wedding cake into a tiered stand with different cheeses rounds on each stand – that will get your guests talking!

Wedding Bouquets
Wedding bouquets are classic - hand-tied, where the flowers are gathered together and the stems are wrapped in wide satin ribbon. Brides wanting more glamorous bouquets choose beads, jewel pins, pearls and crystal/rhinestone picks to add to bouquet. At the other end of the scale, brides are also going for more natural, rustic looks for their bouquet, adding decorative elements like feathers 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. The favourite colour choices are still the vivid ones.

Wedding Reception Decorations
Brides are choosing centrepieces that are in the same colour tones, but of different sizes. This gives the reception tables a more interesting look and a less “coordinated” feel. Unique vase fillers include glass marbles, sea glass shells, acrylic ice, water absorbing crystals/beads and fresh fruit such as lemons and limes.

Faux rose petals and diamond crystals remain the most popular confetti. Also, flowering vines or individually cut flowers are placed directly onto table linens. Reception chairs are decorated with either tuile, organza fabric overlays, floral swags and/or ribbons.

Candles are always a popular choice for centerpieces, lending a romantic feel to any room. Choices include pillars, tea lights, tapers and floaters.
These days, head tables are replaced with a small table for just the bride and groom. A very popular trend that still continues is the weekend wedding – these start on Friday and go on for the entire weekend. Although that might change if the credit crunch continues!

Wedding Favours
Although completely optional, couples now opt for more unusual, useful, and personalized favours to 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 or hand-made and embellished with ribbon and accents that coordinate with the wedding theme or colour scheme.

Eco-friendly or Green Weddings
Going green is the trend in almost every area of life and is spilling over into the wedding scene as well. Many couples are choosing organic fabrics, flowers, food and invitations, etc. In the event of global climate change, making green and sustainable choices helps our environmental crisis tremendously. Decisions that lessen the amount of carbon emissions promote sustainable practices, support local businesses, foster community and worldwide health and longevity. Let’s hope this trend is here to stay!

Wedding Themes
Wedding themes are increasingly popular. The top wedding themes are “beach”, “garden”, “winter wonderland”, “vintage glamour”, “woodland/rustic”, and “sparkling diamonds.”

So there you have it – our compilation of top trends for 2009. Pick just one or two, and your wedding will be the one to remember.