A New Year... a new approach... a fresh outlook. As with the beginning of each new year, the first question on clients lips are "What is the newest trend... the latest and greatest for weddings?"
Weddings in the year 2011 will cover the gamut of looks, colors and styles. However, there are several "trends", if you will, that are common in most areas. Some are a carry-overs; tweaking of trends from last year. Others are newly minted and ready for your approval. Here are a few key trend words for you to share with someone who is planning that "special day" in 2011.
1.
Green - Yes, its still strong and growing. Whether it is shades of green color or the desire to be more "green" in planning and designing the event. Green has definitely moved beyond the use of just foliages. With the availability of many new varieties of green flowers and floral materials, the options are many. Green as a concept in planning and design encompasses things as diverse as the use of recycled/re-purposed clothing (which also ties into the trend of vintage), containers, accents and more to the planning of "staycation-moons" (the stay-local option for a honeymoon), use of local farm grown food and paperless (electronic) invitations.
2.
Navy Blue/blue - Strong color alternative to the ever popular black. The navy blue tuxedo was even spotted at the Emmys. Navy under artificial light can actually look blacker than some blacks. While white and cream are a safe bet for flower colors, Navy can be comfortably paired with complimentary colors of peach or coral, Pantone honeysuckle, and violets, blues and greens for wonderful colorful options.
Blue is present in floral designs as well. Natural blues are a bit challenging to come by with hydrangea, delphinium, iris, cornflower, and hyacinth being the most common.
3.
Vintage/Nostalgia - both as a "style" influence as well as a way of paying homage to the parents and grandparents generation. Use of actual vintage or vintage inspired clothing, vintage automobiles, hair styles, hats, and venues/settings can give an "old world" look to the event. This then is further enhanced through the use of black and white photography resulting in photos with an almost movie set like look. Bouquets of flowers that reflect back to days past bring another level of "realism" to the vintage look. Roses, gardenias, lilies and yes, CARNATIONS, are the flowers that would have been in grandmothers bouquet. Vintage brooches, pins and other jewelry, possibly grandmothers heirloom pieces, can be incorporated into the bouquet for that "something borrowed" requirement as well as provide a way of invoking the presence of a favorite loved one.
4.
Floral trim gowns, Feminine silhouettes, and soft fabrics are strong in the dress selections. Yes, pickups are still strong! The full skirt and the trumpet skirt are gracing the aisle this year. Satin sashes of contrasting color and empire waists are giving brides more options when trying to find a dress that flatters a real body as opposed to that of a runway model. Romantic, flowing gowns of chiffon, tulle and lace are popular. Embellished bodices are still very strong.
5.
Monofloral displays for reception table centerpieces... one type of flower either singly in a collection of vases, a mass of one type of flower, or each table being a collection of monofloral designs. The look of vases of mixed flowers that match from table to table is tired.
Clean line contemporary looks are still very strong. Use of simple geometrically shaped containers such as cylinders, cubes, and trumpets remains very strong. The use of submerged flowers is weakening. Flowers with high petal counts such as roses, peonies, dahlias and hydrangea can be massed for that opulent, full look.
10 Other strong trend words that are being noticed are briefly touched on below.
1.
Man caves - giving the guys a place to retreat to during the reception, ie... a sports theme or nightclub lounge setting complete with TV/video gaming equipment. You may have to go find the groomsmen!
2.
Eastern Indian inspiration - is one of the strongest influences particularly in style. The strong colors of red, orange, golden yellow and metallic gold are mixed with lavish fabrics, beading and drapery. (Actual birth ethnicity not required.)
3.
Chalk board chic - stylish slate signs are popping up to take the place of printed programs, seating charts, menu cards. Elegantly or fancifully decorated, the humble chalk board has left the classroom and has become a "Cinderella" for the reception.
4.
Food trucks - having local "street" vendor trucks pay a visit as a way of providing a snack during an outside cocktail hour or a late night nosh is becoming very popular. Particular attention to the reception venues' outside food restrictions are very important.
5.
Cocktail length dresses - Raised hemlines are very hot right now for the brides dress, many of which resemble the simple wedding dresses of the 50's. Sassy, fun, chic and meant to actually be worn again (really, not just saying it!) For the right figure and personality, it would be smashing.
6.
Honeysuckle - the Pantone 18-2120 has been declared the 2011 Color of the Year... It is a coral pink that actually looks good on many skin tones. Its complimentary colors include a peach, aqua and slate. While Pantone colors affect all aspects of design, i.e. home, fashion, commercial, it will be a strong wedding color.
7.
Prohibition chic - a spin off of the Vintage trend.. here all stereotypes of the prohibition era are game for use as inspiration. Think Flapper meets Rum runner! Have fun and plan a theme event complete with "moonshine and bathtub gin" cocktails, Roaring '20s big band music, wing tip shoes and lace dresses. Channel your inner Mobster and Dame.
8.
Black swan inspiration - the movie "Black Swan" will bring the ballerina flavor to the party. Romantic ceremonies by candlelight, feathered headpieces (chic and tailored, please!), pale pinks and black, tiaras, ballet slippers and ties, and tulle. (Men in tights, optional)
9.
DIY - Do It Yourself, still very strong... but if you plan to do this... please practice early so that you are not stressed from realizing that its usually best to let the professionals do some of the things! Your wedding day is not the day to find out that you can't really make a bouquet!!
10.
Rustic - can combine facets of "green", folksy, vintage, country chic and organic. Play around with it but remember, attention to the details is "queen"! Outdoor settings, farms/barns (clean, non-smelly ones!), back yards, river side parks, make for natural settings that work well with this them.
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2. SHORT SKIRT… Short IS the new long for 2011, from fitted short evening dresses to full-skirted baby dolls. Embellished with figure enhancing rushing, bold prints, and awesome beadwork, the cocktail length dress is taunting, “I dare you”! And just think, short styles mean cheaper alterations, better encore opportunities, and more room for flowers!! Just visualize a pair of sassy floral accented killer pumps and a viciously coordinated floral necklace and bracelet!
5. GREEN INSPIRATION… No, we are not advocating wearing recycled trash bags and banana peels!!! What we are saying is take notes from mother earth… rich, earth tones are totally in so get dolled up in browns, golds, champagnes, and green. They work amazingly on red heads or girls with fair skin tones. Makeup should be kept subtle and neat. Nude or peachy lipsticks and shimmering champagne eye shadow can enhance the evening look. Corsages, bouquets and hairpieces with accents of natural materials like funky feather, wool fiber, and faux butterfly wings complete the ensemble. Channel your inner “forest nymph”. 
6. COUTURE le COLOUR… Fabulous fuchsia, screaming yellows, high-voltage blues, phenomenal purples, radiant reds, and other intense hues are tops for the dance floor fashion extravaganza! Whether you are a dark brunette or a tanned beach blonde these colors really pop on darker skin tones. Up the “color quotient” with bold colored flowers that have been further enhanced with dyes and tints. Vividly dyed dendrobiums, “rainbow” roses and lusciously loud miniature callas are perfect paired with colorful decorative wire and bead accents.
