It has always been a wedding pro’s
mission to bring a couple’s unique vision to life by offering ideas and
solutions that are original, creative, cost-effective and more. With today’s media-savvy
and detail-oriented couples seeking everything from signature tapas bars to creatively
stylized photo shoots and cinematography, pros across the country agree that
personalization is key, with out-of-the-box themes, styles and creative details
destined to pack a major punch during 2012 and beyond.
“Gone are the days of the cookie-cutter
couple,” says LaToya Parnell, owner of Something Blue Weddings in Washington,
DC. “They are all about the wow factor, the details.”
Meghan Ely, president of OFD
Consulting in Virginia, adds that with the ever-increasing influence of the Internet,
it’s important that wedding pros take the time to educate their brides and
manage expectations, while still helping the overall vision become a reality.
“More and more, we're finding brides
heavily influenced by wedding blogs,” says Ely. “This is great news for wedding
pros who love the fresh inspiration, but can also prove to be a headache.
Bloggity details, as I like to call them, are sometimes created in the
controlled setting of an inspiration shoot, and brides may not realize that
these wedding details may not be as easy to replicate as they think.”
Here, a few of the year’s buzz-worthy
trends that are impacting everything from décor to photography to stationery
and more, complete with inspiring advice and insights from in-the-know pros who
are making it all happen.
Design,
Décor & Style
Themed, creative and highly
personalized décor is where it’s at for 2012, says Amy E. VanMeter, owner of
Amy VanMeter Events in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, who adds that vintage,
rustic and whimsical vibes will be amongst those topping couples’ wish lists
this year.
“Themes will continue to be pulled
together with creative touches that represent the couples’ personalities,” says
VanMeter. “The focal points for these creative elements will be escort card
displays, guest book alternatives, table numbers and desserts.”
Brides have also discovered that repurposing
vintage items and natural elements into décor can be an inexpensive and fun way
to make the day unique, she adds. “I love the use of a window, with guests’
names written on the glass panes, for the escort card display,” says VanMeter. “And
for the table numbers, using items like vintage clocks or playing cards adds a
whimsical touch.”
Favors can also play into a rustic or
natural theme. Caren Richardson, founder of The Favour Shoppe.com, expects some
of her best-selling items for 2012 to include eco-themed favors that are
biodegradable or can be replanted, such as confetti and celebratory poppers,
which are the perfect addition to a couple’s grand exit.
Also in keeping with rustic and
vintage vibes is the fact that outdoor weddings are continuing to grow in
popularity, offering wedding pros a host of options to consider when it comes
to tackling décor, logistics and more.
“Outdoor weddings are taking center stage
as we head into 2012, thanks in part to the endless supply of alfresco fetes
featured in wedding magazines and blogs,” says Ely. “It's going to be important
for wedding pros to anticipate this trend and prepare themselves for the types
of logistical challenges that brides may not initially consider – from Mother
Nature and lighting to noise ordinances.”
Popular décor trends for outdoor soirées
include lights in trees, says Sharon Naylor, author of over 30 wedding-planning
books, including 1001 Ways to Save Money
and Still Have a Dazzling Wedding, whether that means strings of fairy
lights to create a magical environment or lanterns hung with metal S-hooks.
“I'm also seeing way more chuppahs and trellises decorated with high-quality
fabric, with the details in the draping and folds, minus a lot of flowers,” she
says. “Many have no flowers, but have instead some subtle touches of crystals
for sparkle.”
Brides are also once again investing
in the production piece of the wedding – from lighting to event furniture, adds
Jennifer McBride, owner of McBride Events in Virginia. “The standard polyester
linens provided by the venue are just not going to cut it anymore,” she says.
“The good news is that these details are no longer an afterthought, but instead
a pressing item on the wedding to-do list. Wedding pros need to rethink their
planning timeline to ensure the production piece receives attention sooner in
the process.”
Pete and Liliana Wright, owners of
Virginia’s PW Photography, agree. “As brides look to add their own personal
touches to make it feel unique,” say the Wrights, “they are looking for the
large items that everyone sees immediately, like event lighting and large
centerpieces, as well as the little signature details that really make the room
special.”
Details surrounding texture will be a
dominant feature at 2012 weddings, adds Parnell, with linens showcasing such
decorative details as petals, gems, appliqués, ruffles and lace, and creative
color schemes showing off vibrant jewel tones and eye-catchingly unique
combinations.
“Colors are all about the personality
of the couple,” she says, noting that combos of deep purple and silver, yellow
and silver, and red and blue will be popular choices, along with palettes that
feature burnt orange, sage green, pale pink, gold, and the ever-classic black
and white.
Non-traditional blends of color,
including yellow and purple, orange and pink, and blue and purple, will also be
seen paired together in floral arrangements, says Daevid Reed, owner of
Virginia Beach-based Daevid’s of Norfolk. While traditional 2012 brides may
seek a little touch of sparkle by adding crystals to English garden-inspired
florals, he says, modern-minded brides will likely choose a more monochrome
look with accents of jewel tones for a lively pop.
The use of color is additionally making
an impact when it comes to 2012 wedding gowns, adds Lerkia Lee, bridal image
consultant at Modage in Laurel, Maryland, citing Vera Wang’s collection of
stunning black dresses and Monique Lhuillier’s blush-hued styles, both showcased
last fall at Bridal Market in New York City.
“If I had to sum up my thoughts on the
bridal collections I saw, the words would be modern, refined elegance and
femininity,” says Lee, who notes that such accents as hand embroidery, heavy
beading, silk tulle, French vintage lace, embellished sashes and lace sleeves are
all popular enhancements.
Statement accessories also provide a
personalized touch, she adds, taking note of trends surrounding the use of
vintage hair clips and headbands, vintage cocktail rings and pavé bracelets.
“Birdcage veils are totally here to stay,” Lee says.
Photography,
Cinematography & Entertainment
Vintage vibes and personalized flair
aren’t limited to the design, décor and personal style aspects of a wedding,
with everything from black-and-white images to stylized photo shoots currently topping
the charts.
“Black-and-white photos are all the
rage,” says Naylor, citing statistics from The Wedding Report.com, which
indicate that over 60 percent of couples want at least some of their wedding
photos to appear in black and white, allowing them to later mix these classics into
albums or choose some for enlargement and framing.
In some cases, couples are even adding
a vintage touch during the wedding itself by displaying classically themed
engagement photos or old-school shots of relatives and friends. “I love the Old
Hollywood touch at the reception by displaying a large black-and-white portrait
of the couple,” Naylor says.
While some couples are turning their
eyes to the past, others remain firmly grounded in the present, with less
interest in receiving physical prints and more focus on multimedia components,
including slideshows that infuse both photo and video elements for a
one-of-a-kind result, says Damien Smith, owner of Damien Smith Photography in
Los Angeles.
“In my
business, I've seen an increasing expectation for these,” he says. “The thing I
do for my clients to enhance the multimedia experience is to provide a digital
copy for their iPods and digital media players. This way, it's easier for them
to share on Facebook with family and friends.”
Interactivity and multimedia also extend to the wedding day itself, Parnell notes, citing the use by DJs of such creative features as light shows throughout the evening.
Also incredibly hot with today’s brides are creative shoots that extend beyond the wedding day itself, including post-wedding rock-the-frock sessions and boudoir shoots as a special bachelorette party treat for the bride and her friends.
“The millennial generation loves to be seen, and with the invention of reality TV, everyone wants his or her 15 minutes of fame,” says Olesha Haskett Basma, owner of Oh!Boudoir Photography in Baltimore.
Rock-the-frock-style shoots, the
Wrights add, give the bride an opportunity to expand beyond traditional-themed
portraits and instead enjoy a session that truly allows her to let loose and
express herself, without actually “trashing” her dress.
While traditional photography
undergoes several creative twists, wedding cinematography is gaining enormous
popularity, and accordingly, the number of studios that offer modern
cinematography services is growing to meet demand, says Karyn Reohr, founder
and chief creative officer for Black Label Event Films in Portland, Oregon.
“Cinematography is in higher demand,
while documentary-style videography is on its way out, though it will continue
to have a place with the budget bride for some time,” she says. “Wedding pros
of all types, but especially event planners and photographers, should prepare
for this trend to become a mainstream concept.”
When it comes to the relationship
between photographers and cinematographers, adds Reohr, “it is our joint
responsibility to ensure that our clients receive maximum return on their
investment from both photos and film, and we should work to co-market the two
mediums as a complete wedding day memory package.”
McBride agrees that she has seen an increase
in the inclusion of wedding films and the addition of same-day edits as a special
touch to impress guests. “Wedding cinematographers are every bit as important
as the rest of the wedding-day team,” she says, “so I always encourage my
planners to make sure they've dotted the I's and crossed the T's with any
additional logistical items.”
Catering
& Cakes
While ever-popular dessert bars can enhance
the overall look and feel of an event, what about the couple who wants in on
this hot trend, but also still wants to showcase a classic cake?
A popular trend for 2012, says Kara
Buntin, owner of A Cake to Remember in Virginia, is the inclusion of a dessert
buffet alongside a smaller wedding cake. “The display can be set up with the
cake in the middle and smaller desserts placed around,” she says.
And while some couples are going smaller, others are going all-out with taller and grander designs likely influenced by last spring’s royal wedding, which featured a stunning eight-tiered masterpiece.
The tall look, says Buntin, can be
achieved by either using double-tall tiers or a combination of regular and
taller tiers. “The irregularity of tiers that are different heights will give
the cake a more modern look without getting too far away from tradition,” she
says.
Of course, cakes and desserts aren’t
the only elements on display when it comes to food options, and tapas bars are
another big hit for 2012, says McBride. “Say goodbye to food stations – that
means you, mashed potato bars – and say hello to tapas bars,” she says. “Brides
are having fun with food, so it's important for wedding professionals to stay
current on culinary trends. Remember, a fruit and cheese display is an easy
addition to the menu, but it will be the hundredth time the guests have seen
it.”
Also every bit as important as the food
choices, creative signature drinks have the power to not only “wow” guests, but
to also make it seem as if the couple has spent more than they actually have,
adds Naylor. “I'm seeing a lot more sangria in beautiful deep red shades, or
pale peach, served in gorgeous glass pitchers,” she says. “It gives the guests
something unique to drink that they wouldn't otherwise make for themselves. Champagne
punches are also a big draw.”
Stationery
& Invitations
Since today’s wedding trends are dictated
more by personality than tradition, this approach is also reflected in the types
of stationery couples choose, says Debi Sementelli, owner of Lettering Art
Studio in Carrollton, Texas.
“Calligraphy, vintage and retro continue
to be sought-after looks,” she says, adding that bold color combinations and the
use of unique materials, such as fabric, wood and acrylic, are popular ways to
create a signature style. “Overall, there is a great sense of fun in the
out-of-the-box approach to weddings.”
With the increasing
popularity of stationery blogs, plus the ease of sharing inspiration on the
Internet, customized and non-traditional invitations are becoming ever more
popular, adds Tracy
Osborn, founder of WeddingLovely.com.
The hand-lettered trend is
perfect for infusing a beautifully organic feel, she says, while wood veneer
and watercolor-inspired designs offer the perfect complement to creative
themes, including those which feature rustic, natural and artistic elements.
