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Photo by Hunter McRae Photography
Wedding planning by Weddings With Leah
Most of today’s weddings still include the same traditional elements seen at marriage celebrations for generations: the gorgeous gown, the emotional walk down the aisle, the touching first dance.
But if you look closer you’ll notice subtle differences—tiny nuances that collectively say, “This is not your mother’s wedding day.” Today’s brides and grooms are making lots of little changes to make their days unique.
Here are 2012’s trendy twists on wedding traditions.
Wedding Dresses
There’s a wedding dress style to suit every bride, but a few overriding trends this year include the use of lace, color and multiple fabrics.
Kate Middleton departed from the strapless style when she walked down the (very long) aisle in a gorgeous gown with covered shoulders and lace sleeves. The $400,000 Sarah Burton dress proved sleves can be classy and sexy on your wedding day, and brides everywhere took notice. Look for more gowns with lace sleeves and illusion necklines this year, in homage to the duchess’s forward-thinking classic style.
Brides also are letting more color seep into their wedding-day wardrobes, from colorful sashes against crisp white dresses to gowns in hues of pink and champagne. Brides who still want a traditional white gown, meanwhile, are choosing bolder accessories. “We had one bride in the fall who wore a white gown, but her sash was orange, her shoes were orange and she had a beautiful orange orchid in her hair,” said Molly Kennedy at Celebrations Catering and Events on Hilton Head Island.
Sashes and embellished belts don’t always have to be a different color, but they are becoming more prevalent on wedding dresses. Also popular on the runways this past fall were dresses made from multiple textures and layers, so this year promises to give brides more options for fun and frills.
Attendants’ Attire
Most brides today aren’t sticklers for conformity the way yesterday’s brides were. These days, bridesmaids are often free to select their own dress—or at least shoes—based on an overall look, color or theme. Bridesmaid dresses in general are shorter and less formal than in years past, but color schemes continue to run the gamut from the boldness of tangerine to muted pinks and browns. Seeing maid of honor Pippa Middleton in a white dress for last year’s Royal wedding made it clear that an all-white bridal party can be chic and stunning, not the faux pas it once was.
As far as the men go, linen pants and shirts are still a favorite for Southern weddings along the coast. “I think people are wising up to the fact that you don’t want to put your wedding party in tuxes on the beach in July,” Kennedy said.
Flowers
Floral arrangements and bouquets are getting simpler and more monochromatic, with brides going for that “just picked” natural look. All white arrangements and bouquets, possibly with a hint of green, sound simple but find plenty of drama in their presentation. And baby’s-breath is making a comeback, not just as filler but as the main floral feature in some centerpieces.
Also look for more natural plants and herbs to be incorporated into the centerpieces and other decorations. Moss, mushrooms, potted herbs and palm fronds are being used, especially in Lowcountry weddings where couples want to highlight the area’s rich natural beauty.
Receptions
More couples are going for a party atmosphere rather than a banquet atmosphere, and they’re using some creative ways to accomplish that. Celebrities Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo’s rooftop wedding shower, seen by more than 4 million TV viewers last spring, highlighted the trend of outdoor receptions where the classy yet casual atmosphere is carefully choreographed using white couches, chairs and ottomans.
The martini was their signature drink, but here in the Lowcountry look for Southern specialties like the Firefly-Spiked Arnold Palmer, a mix of Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka and lemonade that’s often served in Mason jars.
Traditional banquet-hall receptions are getting an updated look with decidedly non-uniform tables—some round, some square. Meanwhile, what was traditionally the long head table has been replaced with a small table just for the bride and groom.
Desserts
The cake is a longtime wedding favorite, of course, but more couples are opting for fun alternatives that take the meal’s last course from traditional to trendy. From cake pops to mini Bundt cakes, they’re redefining “wedding cake” and giving guests their own frosted confections.
Another trend with staying power is the dessert bar, either in lieu of a traditional wedding cake or in addition to it. The dessert bar can take many forms, from an ice cream sundae bar to a table of cookies or truffles and other decadent delectables.
Here in the South some couples are opting for a pie bar, with a selection of pecan, blueberry, Boston cream, Key lime and more all set out for guests to choose from — topped with whipped cream or a dollop of ice cream, of course.
Favors
Traditionalists might find sentimentality in that old box of Jordan almonds, but more bridal couples are mixing things up when it comes to take-home sweets. Candy buffets are still very popular, giving guests the opportunity to make their own baggie of treats—including Jordan almonds—to take home as a memento.
Photo booths also remain popular for higher-end weddings. Some even come with green screens and the technology that allows you to select your own backdrop.
Another popular choice is something simple and locally made, such as small jars of local peach preserves or locally made honey with a custom label.
Those planning a destination wedding on Hilton Head Island often spend conservatively when it comes to formal favors, local wedding planners say, since they’re footing at least some of the bill for loved ones to attend their special wedding weekend getaway.
