Austin WeddingDay Articles of Interest

"Down the Aisle" with 2010 Trends

It’s hard to predict the 2010 wedding trends without considering the change in our economy. Times are tough for some families, especially those that are trying to budget for a wedding. But while wedding budgets may be slimmer these days as money is tight, weddings are still thriving! There is a multi-billion dollar wedding planning industry that develops new trends every year, and 2010’s trends are even more exciting than ever! Here are just a few predictions for the 2010 weddings.

1. Weddings are headed “back to the basics.” Couples are emphasizing the meaning of the event rather than the glam and drama; they are looking for ways to personalize their weddings and showcase special parts of their unique relationship. Couples will be spending money on creating lasting memories rather than on the showmanship of the event. For example, couples may spend more on photography and videography in order to preserve their wedding memories for years to come. They may spend a bit longer on their honeymoon in exchange for spending a little less money on the wedding reception. Back to the basics!

2. Smaller, more personal weddings or close-to-home weddings, rather than exotic destinations, are on the 2010 trend list. Smaller guest lists and more intimate settings will be popular. These weddings may be smaller in size, but will in no way be smaller on what counts: They will still be elegant and detail-driven, and will create lasting memories. Enjoy wedding locations the United States has to offer. It’s a greener way of looking at weddings, will stimulate the local economy and will help you to discover new treasures in your own backyard – and you’ll stay sensible about your costs while you’re at it. What could be more personal than that?

3. Colors will be monochromatic palettes. The 2010 color trend indicates that single color bunches of vibrant colors such as orange, green, yellow and pink, and metal colors such as gold, silver, copper and pewter are the big hits this year. Black is definitely the new black. Don’t go with muted colors; just think vibrant colors for 2010!

4. Landscape centerpieces and greenery bouquets will be all the rage this year. Gone are the traditional roses, and in their place are vine bouquets and plant or greenhouse centerpieces. Because of the green movement, brides will more commonly be using earthy, natural plants for decorations. Moss, tree bark and mushrooms can be made into breathtaking centerpieces for that natural, green look.

5. One of the hottest current trends is wearing a mini wedding dress. This is perfect for the bride who wants something different or the bride looking for a second wedding dress for the reception to dance the night away. Birdcage veils are also hot this season. Brides will be going “retro” by wearing short veils and mini wedding dresses for that classic look. Veils have fallen by the wayside the last two years, but now are back in a big way in 2010.

NY Wedding Planning Examiner reports that you can expect to see the following trends at the bridal shops when you are searching for that perfect gown:

• Wedding dresses embellished with flowers ranging from tiny to large
• Metallic fabric: Many designers are using metallic fabrics on their wedding dresses, or embellishing them with metallic sashes, lace and flowers
• Beads: Gowns that are covered from head to toe in beads to gowns embellished with just a touch of beading
• Gowns covered in all-over lace, which is incredibly romantic and can be worn for a day or night wedding. These will be especially popular in the spring.
• Wedding dresses with ruffled tiers from the waist down or at the bottom of the gown for that elegant look
• One-shoulder wedding dresses
• Wedding gowns embellished with feathers, whether a few or all over
• Touches of black! Black sashes, black flowers or black beading adorn wedding dresses on the runway in 2010.
• Wonderful colors such as lavender, pink, green and blue, which will be especially popular in the spring

6. Favors with meaning. Favors are a terrific way to thank your guests for attending your big day. Favors that can actually be used are hot this year! Scented candles, fancy chopsticks, homemade candies, locally grown products, personal mementos or on-the-spot printouts are great ideas for favors that will be special to you and your guests alike.

7. Buttercream for the wedding cake. Fondant is falling behind in 2010 and buttercream is making a yummy reappearance. Cake designers have perfected the technique that allows buttercream to look as smooth as fondant. Many cake designers feel that buttercream has a better flavor, and it’s less costly.

8. Groom’s cakes are back! The southern tradition that incorporates the groom into this part of the wedding fell to the wayside for a few years, but is now back in style. The cake should pick up on something about the groom, a favorite sport, activity, occupation or even a nickname. These cakes are usually custom-made creations and make for great photos.

9. Video integration into events is on the hot scale for 2010. Video DJs are emerging, allowing your guests to dance to the visuals of the music videos; ceremonies are being broadcast on screens for better viewing from the back; and time-lapse photography is being shot and integrated into video to create montages of you and your fiancé. Couples who love to party can set up a crane camera and project the event as it unfolds on screens around the dance floor.

10. HD video in 2010! Many videographers have already gone hi-def, but next year all or most will make this transition, making HD and even Blu-ray the norm in wedding videography. This could also mean smaller cameras on-site and less intrusion into your event, all around a better (though costlier) option.

11. The lighted dance floor is one of the newest trends in wedding events. Lit-up dance floors have their roots in the dance clubs of the ’70s. The new dance floors are lit with LEDs and are computer-controlled, giving the couple far more color and pattern options. Wedding planners and brides appreciate the floor as a way of displaying their wedding colors. With the flexibility of color and design options, it’s easy to see why these lighted dance floors are making an exciting comeback!
TV ballroom dance shows brought to us in our homes have increased the excitement of choreographed wedding dances. More and more couples are jumping at the chance to perform an elegant first dance or “get down” with Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” on the dance floor.

Although money is not the only influence on style, fashion and tradition this year, more and more couples are getting creative at making unique wedding choices without breaking the bank. Consider these 2010 trends and add a bit of your own imagination and creativity while planning for your big day!