2012 Wedding Trends

Image Courtesy of Madi Flournoy

As brides-to-be look ahead to the plans they will make for their 2012 weddings, there are many things to consider. 2012 wedding trends will be at the forefront of their considerations, as they seek to plan a dreamy event that is marked with personal style, and a popular flair. There are many fun design elements to watch for in the coming year.

Wedding Gowns

Interesting embellishments and styles take the traditional white gown in an interesting direction. While some will opt for shorter wedding dresses, others will look to designers who incorporate unusual embellishment. Whether a bit of color is incorporated into the gown, or unusual textures, full length gowns will be individualized through the integration of contrasting materials and accents.

Bouquets

The natural look is among the preferences for the 2012 wedding season, with greenery and floral décor combined. However, another interesting trend to watch for is the use of non-floral bouquets. Silk and fabric flowers, beads, and materials, may be worked together to achieve a striking centerpiece for the bride to carry. Vintage elements, incorporated into a flower-like arrangement, will be the talk of the wedding, for many 2012 brides.

Centerpieces and Decor

In this same vein, the centerpieces and décor for many nuptials will use the same themes, whether vintage materials and jewelry pieces, or whether the natural look. Smaller is better and allows guests to appreciate each unique part of the décor.

Striking color combinations will be featured, as well. While traditional pastels are still popular, expect unusual combinations. Bold colors, such as Pantone’s “Tangerine Tango” (the color of the year), will be included in many wedding color schemes.

Invitations

Traditional invitations, with frilly printing and imagery, are set aside for more personal designs. Bride and groom may design their own invitations, with print-on-demand services, or with their own computers and printers. Incorporation of interesting imagery or photography, or coordinating colors with the wedding color scheme, will be an integral element of 2012 invitation design.

Favors

Customization is a key feature of the wedding favor for 2012. Whether artisan cookies, resembling the bride’s gown, are used as table favors, or boxed luxury cupcakes, edible is in. Cake pops are also very well received, and molds can be used to shape them into hearts, wedding bells, or doves, making these one of the newest, unique favors. Interests of the bride and groom will also be reflected in table favors, in many cases, with toy replicas or miniature stuffed animals bearing the wedding date, and names of the happy couple.

Food

Guests love unique food at wedding receptions, and brides and grooms love creating a fun theme for their receptions. The candy buffet has been one of the most popular trends in recent years. Watch for coffee bars, food trucks, and fun novelty treat stations. Cotton candy, sundae stations, and hot dog carts will be acceptable, when presented in creative, nostalgic manner.

In short, the wedding of 2012 will be all about personal preference, crowd pleasing fun, and creative design. Re-using materials, or supporting local businesses, the 2012 bride will combine color with creativity, to achieve the wedding of her dreams.