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WHAT'S HOT, What's NOW! 2011 Wedding Trends!
Agatha Soros is the owner/coordinator for A Stylish Affair, specializing in Weddings and Event Planning for the Okanagan Valley, Canada. Here are some of her predictions and the experts views on hot wedding trends for 2011.
Our shaken economy has forced almost everyone to get back to basics. We all seem to be looking for ways to scale-back, opening our wallets only when we absolutely need to–for high-quality essentials. Couples are slowly recovering from a negative economic situation, which is causing them to aggressively seek out the biggest bang for their buck. Strategic spending is the new frugal and over-the-top extravagance will be toned down to a new era of "casual" traditional.
What's HOT:
One of a kind is the "new black"
Local is chic
Intimate weddings remain strong
Personalization elements are BIG
Bridal hair pieces will be huge
Cake designs will be more subtle. Think texture, not color
Destination weddings will remain popular
Wedding brunches will regain popularity as a fresh alternative to the traditional rehearsal dinner
Family owned heirlooms will be hot
City style weddings still big
Short or tea-length wedding dresses are trendy, quirkier with a sixties feel
Wedding gowns still romantic as ever
Varied table shapes and sizes at receptions - long tea-party style tables
Linens with texture and more texture, highlighting unique fabrics
Honeysuckle is the top color for 2011
Gowns: City-style weddings with short or tea-length dresses. Wedding dresses with pockets, embellishments on dresses from jewels, flowers, frills and organza. 2-piece dresses are hot and good value when the trend is to 1,2 or 3 gown weddings. For a modern look they can be individualized with beading, sheer lace or corsetry and tops switched with bottoms, saving cost of a whole new gown. Vintage detailing remains. The strapless dress is a continued trend. Designs are strongly detailed, with fitted bodices flowing in to complete, ruffled and pleated skirts. Embellished bodices. Small shrugs in lace provide a Spanish air. Soft tones of blush, nude as well as oyster as a flattering option from the traditional ivory and white.
Venues: outdoor weddings are a huge trend for 2011 because a party in the outdoors is different, fun and relaxing. Also trend developing for weddings taking place in unique venues such as forests, beaches, cliff tops, back gardens and galleries.
Back to the Past: The past is back and all vintage ideas as well. Incorporating modern elements that have a historical past is a growing trend. Guest Favors from historical brands, wearing and recycling your mother or grandmother's wedding dress, incorporating your parents' or grandparents' wedding pictures into the decor, wearing heirloom jewellery and creating an atmosphere of nostalgic romance is very trendy these days.
Old School Photography: Photography is taking a vintage spin. Back to wedding albums of the 70's, draped textiles as backdrops for photographing the bridal party in a relaxed setting, is a big trend and simple and easy to do.
Bridal Accessories: Tiaras, combs as well as headbands continue to be favourites. Hot is the new shreils or vrugs - yes that's what they are calling them. A new trend for veils to wear them prolonged or tied around the actual shoulder and back - a sort of cross between a shrug plus a veil.
Headwear and Add-ons: No nicely dressed bride is going to be bare headed this year. Chic headwear, from gleaming tiaras employing crystal clear or coloured stones, to fabulously chic hair bands trimmed with luxurious extra-large flowers in tones of pink, peach and lilac is so in. Feathers are fun and a little wild, again affixed to swish headbands or donned with combs in fabulous tones of fuchsia, blush, purple, blue and lime green. Crystals worked into chandelier ear rings, multiple strand bracelets and lengthy necklace strands. Even stylish pearl chokers are making a return for day and night chic.
Wedding Colors: Tropical, fun and whimsical. Bright and amazing but also vintage, earthy and sun washed. Michele Mospens, from My Personal Artist has been predicting wedding colors for the past several seasons. After endless hours of research, this is her take on the color palettes for this year. Gray was HOT now MOCHA will return as a favourite.
If you like purples try - Lilac, Lavender, Periwinkle, Purple, add - Sky Blue as an accent!
If you love bright pink try - Hot pink, Fuchsia, Light Pink, Red, add - Lime or Tangerine as your accent color!
If you adore warm oranges try - Tangerine, Coral, Red - add soft Violet, Sky Blue or Fuchsia as your accent color!
If you like burgundy try - Dark Green, Golds, Champagne, Creams - add any of these as your accent color!
If you love blues try - Deep Ocean Blue, Navy Blue, Sky Blue, Periwinkle - add Tangerine, Silver or Sandy Brown as your accent!
Here are some HOT Wedding color combos for 2011:
Turquoise and Coral
Violet and Sky Blue
Peapod Green and Cream
Mauve and Wine
Lilac and Sky Blue
Wine and Blush Pink
Sky Blue and Light Yellow
Regal Blue and Peapod Green
Warm Gray and any Pink or Coral or Blue or Purple
Rustic Brown and Pink
Food: Local is the new "organic". Wedding caterers will begin offering smaller-size food portions to regain budget-bride customers. They will position it as healthier and cost effective.
DIY: will remain strong as it provides uniqueness and personal touches to a couples wedding. DIY will become more mainstream. It's normal for most brides to custom create at least one or more elements of their wedding.
Florals: Trend to scaling back on big mixed vase arrangements. Flower blocking is chic. Trend to less fussy, more natural. Masses of groupings of centerpieces on long banquet-style tables look less fussy and unpretentious. Little bundles of lush arrangements. Wedding bouquets are "glammed up" and personalized by making use of brooches, pins, pearls and personal heirloom items. Vibrant blossom colorings are favourite or subdued tonal effects. Bolder colors - bigger impact. More natural de-constructed look to bouquets, with natural forms with loose outlines and even teardrop or cascading rather than the tight nosegay. High petal count flowers such as peony, hydrangeas and roses give brides the most bang for their buck and look romantic and opulent. Use of imaginative vases or containers.
Whatever your dress, colour theme, venue or the flowers you choose, the most important thing is to ensure that you have the day you want and that you enjoy the planning and preparation just as much as the day itself.
Agatha Soros is the owner/coordinator for A Stylish Affair Wedding and Event Design, specializing in Weddings and Event Planning. A Stylish Affair is a full service company specializing in the Planning and Design of Okanagan Destination and Kelowna weddings. Being a true romantic at heart, I love all things wedding related and especially those that incorporate something special to make them uniquely different in their style. My Wedding Blog is about informing brides from across the country about our beautiful location and inspiring you to express your personal style, that's why I love sharing with you all. http://www.astylishaffair.ca
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