Wedding for Trends for 2011
What�s Hot for the 2011 Wedding Season
By Melissa Charles
Everything old is new again!
The �Vintage� wedding theme is one of the most popular this year, and you can add many touches of nostalgia, while still keeping a modern feel.
The Dress
Romantic textures, colors, and styles are in! Lace accents, cap sleeves, brooches, feathers and more make up the vintage bride. Dust off your grandmother�s wedding veil for double duty as something �old� and something stylish.
Music
Choose a string quartet for the ceremony, a violinist for cocktail hour, and a jazz or swing band for the reception.
Colors
Monochromatic color ensembles work well with the vintage trend, and metallic colors like gold and silver will add a touch of glamour.
Invitations
Vintage motifs, textured paper, and special touches like patterned envelope liners will give your guests insight into your wedding day.
Location/Decoration
Outdoor weddings lend themselves to a vintage feel, especially
when they are located in a garden or vineyard. If your wedding reception takes place indoors, decorate with a variety of textures in your floral arrangements and choose unique table settings by using lamps, handmade linens and lace.
Photography
Vintage and black and white photography are a popular choice for both engagement sessions and wedding photos. Rent a photo booth for a fun activity at your reception, and request accessories like top hats, feather boas, and gloves.
Food and Drinks
A signature cocktail or drink is a must for a vintage wedding. Take your inspiration from the 20s or 40s , find a unique name for your drink, and print a recipe card for your guests to take with them as a favor.
The Exit
Consider changing into a period going away dress, with vintage luggage to match.
A chauffeured classic car will make for a grand exit and beautiful photographs to treasure.
Go Green!
Eco-friendly and environmentally conscious weddings are all the rage this year.
The Dress
Choose a used wedding gown. After all, they�re only worn once!
Colors
Colors inspired by nature, like greens, yellows and earth tones are very popular for the eco-friendly wedding.
Invitations
Tree-free or recycled paper is a perfect choice for the �green� bride. Consider printing your reception invitation and directions on the back of your wedding invitation.
Favors
Organic chocolate, reusable tote bags, �seeds� of love for your guests to plant, and donations to environmentally friendly causes are all perfect favors for the green wedding.
Location/Decoration
Outdoor locations are a natural fit for the eco-conscious wedding. Choose solar powered lanterns, vegetable dyed linens and potted plants.
Catering
Choose locally grown and organic food for your guests, with a focus on a variety of vegetarian options.
Transportation
Encourage your guests to travel on foot by choosing locations for your events that are in easy walking distance, and rent a trolley or bus for weekend activities.
The Exit
What could be more perfect than biodegradable confetti and a bicycle built for two?
Keep it Simple!
No-frills for the laid back couple.
Location
A destination wedding is perfect for those who want to keep their guest list (and their budget) manageable. Combine it with your honeymoon to avoid hectic travel arrangements. Also consider a beautiful backyard wedding and borrow chairs from all the neighbors for non-traditional seating and zero rental fees. Opt for a �stay-cation� kind of honeymoon. Just remember to turn off all your phones and tell people you are out of the country!
Colors
Black and white never get old, and blues and browns are popular for beach and outdoor weddings.
Invitations & Programs
Traditional paneled invitations are great for the simple wedding, and usually less expensive. Enclose a card with your wedding website, so you can keep your guests updated without mailing packets of information. A tea-length program is a popular choice this year, simply printed on the front and back.
Favors
Brides are cutting out favors in lieu of donation cards, or a candy/confection bar.
Catering
A seated dinner will narrow down choices for you and your guests. Many times, this option is less expensive than a wide variety of heavy hor d�oerves. Consider a champagne or dessert reception, or a morning wedding with a simple brunch.
Fit for a Queen!
The much-anticipated royal wedding has inspired a �princess� or �glamour� themed wedding for many brides to be.
The Dress
Cascading trains, Swarovski crystals, and ornate headpieces will be popular this year for fairy-tale themed weddings.
Location
If a castle is out of the question, try a grand hotel or a beautiful mansion or museum.
Transportation
Book a horse and carriage for the bride�s entrance, and a grand limousine or classic car for the attendants.
Wedding Stationery
Textured and layered invitations with pockets and multiple accessory cards are the way to go.
Custom, one-of-a-kind invitations may include specialty printing, like letterpress design, or an ornate touch, like a rhinestone buckle. Embossed or engraved thank you cards are a must, as are a seating chart with matching place cards and table cards. Menus should be provided for each guest. Programs can be printed on metallic paper and can be adorned with tassels or ribbons. Booklet or layered style programs are very popular for an upscale wedding.
Decor
The finest in table settings and food presentation are required for a royal wedding. Dramatic chandeliers, heavy curtains, and candlelight will lend itself to a romantic and fairytale ambiance for the event.
Music
Book a classical pianist for the cocktail hour and a harpist for the dinner. A band is the best choice for reception entertainment fit for a princess.
Catering
A cocktail hour with passed hors d'oeuvres is a nice touch for a glamorous feel. Gourmet food served on the finest silver serving pieces will make a royal statement. Champagne should be served when the beautiful tiered wedding cake is cut. Opt for a traditional white cake with stunning edible or floral details.
The Exit
Fireworks will be an unforgettable ending to a royal wedding. If fireworks are out of the question, sparklers can be used and should have a personalized message from the bride and groom.
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Melissa Charles is a Wedding Planner and the owner of
The Invitation Destination in Downtown Danville.
For your wedding needs, look to The Invitation Destination where they have "Everything but the Gown and the Groom."
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