Ready or “Knot,” Here Come the Wedding Trends for 2008

What new (or revived) ideas are floating out there for this year’s brides-to-be who are deeply involved in the wedding planning process? According to theknot.com, 2008 promises to be the year of “bigger,” apparently in everything from deluxe place settings to gowns, and possibly even brides, though they’re much too considerate to put that idea […]

 

What new (or revived) ideas are floating out there for this year’s brides-to-be who are deeply involved in the wedding planning process? According to theknot.com, 2008 promises to be the year of “bigger,” apparently in everything from deluxe place settings to gowns, and possibly even brides, though they’re much too considerate to put that idea forward. Anyway, here’s the condensed version of their predictions:

Trend 1: Like celebrities in their own TV special, brides will be changing gowns, hairstyles and scenery on their wedding day. Expect to see a beautiful gown and hairstyle at the wedding, with a traditional color palette of white and a favorite accent color. Then, at the reception, a new gown and hairdo for the bride (and a possible clothing change for the groom, too,) as well as a totally different color palette for the decor.

Trend 2: Looks like chocolate brown is getting the boot in favor of steel gray as the accent color du jour. Gray is now being teamed up with butter yellow, aqua, eggplant or pale pink. Everything from invitations to reception table napkins is going gray (along with my hair…)

Trend 3: White makes a comeback in innovative ways, like glass vases burgeoning with amazing arrangements of white orchids and baby’s breath and all-white wedding cakes with just small touches of accent colors. Fortunately for brides who get on the “white” bandwagon, there are plenty of white wedding accessories out there–guest books, bridesmaids’ dresses, you name it.

Trend 4: Showstopping decor, or as theknot.com calls it–lush and luxe. Large, opulent floral arrangements, skyscraping centerpieces, brocade linens, hand-painted invitations and, I guess, limos with hot tubs and skating rinks. Check your budget, and then go for it!

Trend 5: Sample stations at the reception. I like this one a lot! You can feed and educate your guests at the same time. Set up a chocolate sample station or a wine-and-cheese station with a plethora of different choices of both. The attendant can explain to guests what they’re eating and drinking, where it came from (other than the caterer,) and what cheeses go best with what wines. Even your wedding favors can reflect the excitement of sample stations, like a merry-making merlot glass gel candle.

Trend 6: A blast from the past! Brides are looking to vintage styles for gowns, rings and decor in a return to the romance of yesteryear. Think Victorian-style wedding gowns with beads and delicate fabrics like chiffon, tulle and lace on the sleeves. Believe it or not, vintage wedding decor and wedding favors are easier to find than you might think.

Trend 7: Bridal blogging. Get yourself a wedding Web site and keep your family and friends involved in and informed about your wedding journey. Have them vote on your choices for gown, rings, cake, whatever. (This is similar to what the TODAY Show does when it “throws a wedding” every year. Their viewers vote on everything the couple gets, including the honeymoon destination.)

Other hot trends include “green” weddings, which are designed to do the environment a favor in everything from choice of venue, to catering to recycled gowns and rings. In fact, the number of wedding options and accessories being created for environment-conscious couples is expanding every year. You can find everything from bookmarks to butterfly baskets that contain wildflower seeds ready for your guests to plant when they get home.

The last hot trend they mentioned is another one I like–honeymoon hopping. Instead of just going to one location, couples are planning on two, three or more destinations to celebrate their marriage. Maybe it’s time for that second job…