Wedding trends for 2010

For the Bride’s dress....
As ever, your dress is one of the most important features of the wedding day and for next year designers are focusing towards designs with decorative laces and detailed beading, or pearls as an alternative. Tailored with this is the use of authentic flower shapes and large bows and you may find that some designers are now incorporating discrete practical pockets to keep those essential items on your person. For those looking for something a bit different why not try an “off the shoulder” look or consider a strapless dress. Ultimately, to go completely unique, the short wedding dress is THE style for 2010 and we are seeing bold colours replacing traditional white with vibrant oranges, pinks, yellows, greens and red, however to make a real statement black is the new black.

For your Hair...
If it matches your style the modern birdcage look is now popular or the Queen hair style, where your hair is pulled back in a side parting and held using a tiara or veil. It can also be done where the hair is pulled back and curled in layers that lay on top of each other. Headbands and fascinators are big for next year.

For the Bridesmaids...
Keep you dress simple and sophisticated. Dresses with straight edges, low cut backs and dropped waists are all the rage especially when using casual fabrics like cotton and tutu netting which go well with chiffon layers. When choosing the dress colour use shade and tone variations and consider having the dress in a single colour of the wedding theme, for example, if the wedding colours are black and red consider having some bridesmaids in black and some in red.

For the Men....
Whether you are looking at morning suits, traditional Edwards or frock coats, velvet is the fabric of next year. Although it has had a poor reputation for many years the quality and production of this material has really improved recently and many top stars are now adorning the fabric.

For your Invites....
“Art Deco” is really taking off and will be a strong choice with styles inspired from 1920’s & 1930’s. If you are having a green or organic wedding “Eco” invitations are a must as these are made from recycled or eco-friendly paper and you could also direct guests to RSVP via email. Or to go a step further why not go “digital” and post your invite online in a video where guests can reply directly via an email link.

For everything else....
With the recession taking its toll many couples are going back to basics with simpler weddings and concentrating on the lasting memories rather than the impact of going all-out. A popular theme is to have the reception at home where the couple can concentrate on more intimate and personal settings. In combination with this, provide favours for guests that have a more considered, personal touch where they are sourced from local retailers and are relevant to the recipient. When choosing your cake design buttercream is making a return in place of fondant as the texture is creamy, light and not sickeningly sweet. Discuss with your photographer, and possibly videographer, that they are capturing everything in HD for that truly sharp, colourful, almost cinematic finish that will last a lifetime. If you are having an organic wedding obviously have organic foods and incorporate a nature-centric theme with solar lighting and on the subject of lighting, projected monograms, LED lighting, Chinese lanterns and centrepiece pin spotting are all hot for 2010.