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Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Wedding Fashions and Trends

Wedding Fashion & Design Trends
Compliments of Carol Beaugard, Affairs of Distinction

Now that you're engaged it's time to create your dream wedding. As you begin planning all the details for your wedding are you hoping to have an affair that will capture some of the most beautiful new fashion trends? Do you want your wedding to be wonderfully unique with thrilling new details? Carol Beaugard, president of Affairs of Distinction, an event planning company headquartered in Montclair, NJ, wants to share some of the hottest trends forecast by industry experts so your celebration can be truly exceptional. A few major example sites are:


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backpack purses http://www.become.com/backpack-purse
purse handles http://www.become.com/dritz-purse-handles


Europe and the media are reporting some major trends for the upcoming year. New, richer color schemes are predicted; vintage accents will increasingly be seen; events will reflect more international and ethnic elements; global awareness will spawn more organic and charitable selections; destination events are on the rise and budgets are increasing.


Let's first talk about color. In Europe brides are boldly choosing deep, rich colors for not only their bridesmaids dresses but also for their bridal gowns. Here in the United States, Ms. Beaugard predicts that American brides will stay true to the traditional white wedding gown but will pick up the new color palettes with smart accent details. 


We'll continue to see sashes, ribbons, and embroidered detailing in beautiful colors and brides will pull these bolder color choices into their selections for linens, stationery, additional décor and even the wedding cake.


The trend that brides in the U.S. will embrace will be gowns that feature multi-layers of fabric, including tinted mutli-layered voile and chiffon that will suggest beautiful seasonal colors mingled with a white silhouette. The effect will be a breathtaking blend of both color and white purity. Chic brides will also turn to colored crinoline underskirts and accent colors featured on the soles of their bridal shoes.


The hottest color for next season is purple so expect to see everything ranging from pale lavender to deep eggplant reigning supreme. Seasonal colors will include: for Winter ­ black, plum and navy; for Spring ­ latte, coral and lavender; for Summer ­ mauve, sage and turquoise and for Fall ­ emerald, burgundy and chocolate. Another important trend will be the use of floral patterns and geometric shapes for fabrics and materials and a heavy emphasis on shiny metallics.


Vintage is in and we'll see vintage influences harkening back to the glory days of Hollywood and beyond. Romance is everywhere seen in more halter necklines, capelet sleeves, light and airy styles, strapless gowns, plunging necklines, antique lace, satin ribbons for straps, ruffles, tea-length dresses in Spring and Summer, diamond or rhinestone accessories, open-toed stilettos and dangling earrings.


There is also a move toward embracing more ethnic and international looks. The East is creating a hunger for the Bollywood look so expect to see an increased use of hand beading and sari looks and ethnic choices in catered food. We'll see more Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Latin American cuisine featured on menus presented on tables featuring linens in bolder, brighter colors or patterns. Menu items will be colorful and more diverse and even wedding cakes will show lots of vivid color in frosting hues, flowers and fruit. 


Other catering trends will include miniature portions, side dishes and geometrically shaped fare. You can also expect to see increased interest in interactive cooking stations. The vintage influence will lead to more personalization and Ms. Beaugard predicts that brides will draw more personal touches into their experience by using old family recipes, nostalgic favors and more signature drinks. 


Beaugard also forecasts that custom-designed wedding logos will replace monograms, which are quickly becoming passé. Branding on pillows, cups, napkins, furniture, ice and more will continue to advance the personalization of the event.


Today's bride and groom is also much more educated and globally aware. This raised awareness and concern for the environment is leading to the heightened use of organic produce and materials. Many couples are also applying this sensibility by using their wedding as a way to give back to the community through the selection of charitable donations to relief efforts in lieu of traditional favors.


Room décor and design will also reflect more updated looks. Couples and event designers will increasingly move away from traditional white décor and will rather utilize bolder, richer colors for rentals with retro-design concepts set in alternative spaces, such as rectangular and square tables accented by multiple centerpieces.


Many couples are fortunate enough to enjoy bigger budgets to make their weddings truly unique, featuring hi-tech lighting, videos, projections on walls, ceilings, floor and décor for a grand mood and fluid feeling. Far-away relatives and friends unable to attend an affairm can now view the event through the use of podcasting over the Internet, which can offer worldwide access to an event. Bigger budgets also allow couples to enhance their affairs by showcasing more live bands, higher end talent and specialty entertainment, including performers, staging games and virtual reality entertainment.


Finally, Beaugard is noting an increased interest in destination weddings. Over the last decade there has been a 400% increase in destination events and more couples are realizing that they can create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for family and friends at a destination at a cost which comparable or less expensive than having a grand affair held regionally.


View our most recent website post on upcoming Wedding Trends.