2011 & 2012 Wedding Trends

Do you want to know what the latest trends and fashion are for 2011 & 2012 for your wedding? Our list

covers colours, decorations, favors and more.

The following trends have been compiled from hundreds of sources in Australia, New Zealand and

Europe to give you the most up to date choices when organising your wedding over the next two years.

 

Color Trends

The following colors are featuring on all the fashion runways: Turquoise, Coral, Black & White, Yellow,

Fuchsia, Deep Red, Slate Grey, Purple & Latte.

 

Wedding Reception Decorations

Brides are choosing centerpieces that are in the same colour tones, but of different sizes. They are also

changing the shape of the tables, mixing round with square. These trends give the reception tables a more interesting look and a less "coordinated" feel. Unique fillers include glass marbles, glass sea shells, acrylic ice, water absorbing crystals, /beads, and fresh fruits such as lemons and limes.

Faux rose petals, diamond confetti and shells and mini star fish remain the most popular confetti. Also,

flowering vines or individually cut flowers are placed directly onto table linens. Reception chairs are

decorated with tulle, fabric overlays with bows or sashes, floral swags and/or ribbons. Other popular

decorating items include: Chinese lanterns, garlands and balloons. An increasingly popular trend is the

candy buffets, this consists of a variety of candies or treats placed in varied sizes of glass containers and

grouped on a table. Pretty silver spoons or scoops in each container allow guests to fill small boxes or

bags as take-home favours.

 

Bolts of economical tulle fabric are typically combined with white lights and/or floral garlands for draping

between pews and decorating banisters and ceilings. Candles are always a popular choice for

centerpieces, and lend a romantic feel to any room. Choices include pillars, tea lights, tapers and floaters.

Since some facilities do not allow candles, alternatives include faux tea light candles or battery operated

LED lights. Head tables are replaced with a small table for just the bride and groom. Many couples plan

weekend weddings that start on Friday and go for the entire weekend. Dove and butterfly releases add

drama and excitement to your event, despite the environmental issues.

 

Wedding Favours

Although completely optional, couples now opt for more unusual, useful, and personalised favours to

thank their guests for coming. In many cases, the favours do double-duty as place-card holders, table

decorations, and even centerpiece arrangements where larger favours are grouped together in the centre

of the reception tables. Favours can be ready-made items, although currently popular are hand-made items embellished with ribbon & assents that coordinate with the wedding theme or colour scheme. This is definitely an aspect of weddings that has gone DIY in recent months.

Wedding Themes

Currently, the top wedding themes are "beach", "garden", "winter wonderland", "vintage glamour",

"woodland/rustic", and "Tiffany Blue" (aqua) and "sparkling diamonds." Destination and ethnic-influenced

celebrations also remain popular choices.

 

Eco-friendly or Green Weddings

Going green is important in almost every area of life including weddings. Many couples are choosing

organic fabrics, flowers, food that has been locally sourced and environmentally friendly invitations, etc. In

the event of global climate change, making green and sustainable choices helps our environmental crisis

tremendously. Decisions that decrease the amount of carbon emissions promote sustainable practices,

support local businesses and foster community and worldwide health and longevity. Let's hope this trend

is here to stay!

 

Wedding Dresses

Romantic, flowing dresses in floor-length styles remain popular. Brides today choose dresses with flowing, soft fabrics, ruffles, satin sashes (at the waist), and delicate floral details. Most dress silhouettes are refined and include the delicate overlaying of fabrics such as chiffon, tulle and lace. Gowns with crystal, cubic zirconia, and/or pearl embellished bodices are very popular at the moment.

The modified A-line skirt also remains prominent on the fashion runways (slim through the waist and

flared at the bottom) although many designers have included ball gowns and tea-length styles in their lines as well. Strapless gowns are perennial favorites, but this season has brought back the off-the-shoulder look for brides who want to accentuate their neckline or draw attention to gorgeous jewelry.

 

Wedding Accessories

Shorter trains and veils (especially the bird cage veil) are popular as are pretty boleros, and shawls. For

colder weather, brides choose wraps of faux-fur, velvet, heavy satin, or a luxury pashmina. Light weight

fabrics, including organza, lace, tulle and chiffon, make perfect wraps for the Spring or Summer bride and

reduce sun exposure on bare arms and shoulders.

Pearls, diamonds, rhinestones, and crystals remain the top jewelry choice for necklaces and earrings.

Crystal brooches are also a popular accent for wearing on the dress, in the hair, brides maids hand bag or on the bouquet handle.

 

Wedding Hair Styles

There are no clear trends in hair styles, although wearing the hair in long romantic waves or loosely

pulled back are popular choices for brides with long hair. The 60's updo's are also coming back. Hair

ornaments such as hairpins, brooches, flowers, and hair vines made with crystals, pearls, rhinestones,

and/or silk flowers are also popular.

Beautiful tiaras and combs made with either rhinestones, diamonds, crystals, or pearls have been the

trend for many seasons and seem to be getting smaller as more crystal-embellished dress styles take

center-stage. Some brides are placing their veils directly on their hair or using a single silk flower for a

simple, classic look. Visit our hair gallery for hundreds of hairstyle ideas.

 

Wedding Bouquets

Ninety five percent of wedding bouquets are hand-tied, where the flowers are gathered together and the

stems are wrapped in wide satin ribbon. Brides wanting more glamorous bouquets choose beads,

brooches, jewel pins, pearls, crystal/rhinestone picks, and monogrammed ribbon to dress up plain ribbonwrapped stems and blooms. With the continuing popularity of the beach and garden themes, brides

wanting a more rustic and natural look to their bouquet add elements such as shells/starfish, feathers,

berries and pinecones. The rose continues to be the most popular and elegant bouquet flower. Lilies, peonies, hydrangeas, tulips and orchids represent the trendier choices. Arrangements with a just-picked and looser casual look have replaced the more tightly-bound bouquet shapes of previous seasons. Vivid flower colors will continue in popularity.

 

Children's Attire

Flower girls are sporting fairy wings and cute wands, although baskets of rose petals, posies, pomanders,

and dainty purses remain popular. A-line dresses and dresses accented with chiffon overlays steal the

show. Floral head wreaths or dainty tiaras finish the look. The tuxedo is still the most popular choice for

the ring bearer. Ring pillows often come in colors, other than just white and ivory, and include bead,

pearl, ribbon or floral accents. Popular fabrics include velvet, lace, and satin.

 

Wedding Transportation

Limousines, exotic cars, and horse-drawn carriages are top picks for wedding transportation. More

unconventional choices include motorcycles, horses, two-person bikes, hot-air balloons, and sleighs.

 

Wedding Ceremony

A current trend is for couples to walk down separate aisles during the ceremony and meet together in

front of their guests. They write their own vows and incorporate their children in the case of second

marriages. Pets are also part of the day. Brides riding their horse in outdoor weddings or walking their

dog to the altar are not unusual. Grooms typically escort their mothers down the aisle.

Brides are escorted by both father and/or stepfather, or by her mother, mother and father together, or

grandparents or by a significant person in their life. Traditional guest books remain popular, however, a

trend that has been around for many years is to display the couple's engagement photograph on an easel

at the ceremony entrance. The photo is matted, framed without glass and takes the place of a guest book

when guests sign the matting. Some couples ask their guests to sign a scroll which they later have framed.

 

Wedding Planning

Wedding inspiration boards are increasing in popularity as they are a great tool for helping brides focus

their wedding ideas, color schemes and decorating details. Choosing a wedding motif is also helpful in

coordinating the overall wedding day decor or theme.

 

Wedding Cakes

Cakes decorated with handmade icing flowers, shells/starfish and delicate dots and scrollwork remain

popular. Couples are choosing cakes that fit with the location, theme and season of their wedding. Four

to five layers is the average size for a wedding of 150-200 people. Butter cream or smooth fondant

frostings are most common. Popular cake flavors include lemon, chocolate, carrot, spice and "white"

although some couples are choosing non-traditional flavors such as gingerbread, espresso and hazelnut.

Flowers, sculptures, and large monogrammed letters are replacing the traditional bride and groom cake

top.

 

Wedding Photography

The photo-journalistic (candid) approach to wedding photography is preferred by many brides to the

traditional posed shots. Capturing the day's events as they happen helps tell the story of your wedding.

Naturally, posed pictures are still enjoyed and requesting that some of the photos be black and white is

common.

 

Wedding Stationery

Stationery adorned with ribbon, beach, feather, bamboo, rhinestone buckles, or floral accents remains in

high demand. Ribbon is used for decoration, or to simply hold the invitation together. Handmade

stationery is a more personal, and with the popularity of scrap booking, stamping, and various computer

programs available, there are endless creative options. Many couples choose to add this personal touch to their wedding.

 These trends have been put together by the events team at The Pavilion Function & Conference Centre.

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