Current trends. Regardless of whether you are planning a large, splashy grand affair or a small celebration, color and beauty are the elements in today's weddings. Incorporating some of the new trends in wedding style can help make your wedding more special.

Color. The latest trend in wedding is to combine more color, whether it is a decor during the reception, or a more generous use of color with bridesmaid dresses. Brides are using brighter and richer colors, while moving away from pastels.

Cakes. Wedding cake designs have now become a creative and unique. Customized cakes can be fashioned after a special memento or place (e.g. where the couple first met or got engaged).

Bouquets. A bouquet can bring forward the beauty of the bride and her dress. It can either be a colorful bouquet or elegant white or light pink roses tied with a colorful bow.

Food. The upcoming trend is having a refined menu selections with three-course sit-down dinners, which include light soups, salads, nicely prepared fish, chicken or meats with elegant presentation.

Drinks. More and more weddings now adding Champaign and chocolate fountains to the traditional coffee, martini and desert bars.

Lastly, more and more couples now prefer to have their weddings outdoors - at the beach, an estate garden or a mountain top.

Wedding Themes

To make the wedding unique and special, couples often choose one or two interesting elements and create a theme.

Seasons: Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring.

Summer: the weddings are often outdoors, on the beach or at a garden setting. The celebrations are often easy and relaxed with menus featuring fresh seafood and tropical fruit.

Fall: this part of the year is characterized by rich and warm colors and so the decorating elements may include autumn leaves and sheaths of wheat.

Winter: the decorations may include evergreens, candles.

Spring: the season is characterized by abundance of flowers and foods just coming into season. Keep presence of flowers noticeable.

Wedding Idea: Consider tying your wedding theme to various holidays, your hobbies or favorite sports, historic eras, or various ethnic or cultural backgrounds.

Holidays: Valentine's Day, Easter, May Day, Fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Eve.

Hobbies or Sports: Gold, Derby Day, Mystery, Nautical.

Historical: Medieval, Victorian, Regency, Renaissance, Roaring 20s, Green-Eco, 1950s.

Cultural or Ethnic: Hawaiian (Luau), Southern, Country, Chinese, Irish Gaelic, Native American, Viennese, Mexican, Italian.

Wedding Style (formality)

While there is greater flexibility today, typically the wedding style falls into four degrees of formality: Very Formal, Formal, Semi-Formal and Informal.

Very Formal: typically takes place at a church or hotel, with 200 plus guests, bridal gown with long train and veil and a full bouquet, men wear tuxedos, formal photography and engraved invitations, reception with large and elaborate sit-down dinner.

Formal: typically takes place at a church, hotel, a garden or a large home, with up to 200 guests, bridal gown with a veil of contemporary length and a full bouquet, men wear tuxedos, formal photography and invitations, reception with sit-down dinner or buffet.

Semi-Formal: typically takes place at a church, chapel, hotel, club, home or garden with 75-200 guests and often at the same location as reception. The bride's gown is usually shorter, groom wears a suit, reception with a buffet and a cocktail party, small band or DJ.

Informal: may take place in wide variety of locations including beaches, parks, etc., with under 75 guests. The gown for the bride is not necessary, the groom wears a suit or less formal attire. Flowers and decorations are optional, with very informal weddings. 

Should you have children at your wedding?

Some couples specifically exclude children from their wedding because they get easily bored and often pose a real challenge. The key to happy children at weddings, however, is keeping them occupied, particularly during the wait times. Some of the quiet and easy activities may include coloring, or playing with a magician.  Alternatively, you can find out if the property offers off- and on-site childcare throughout the day.

Should you have dogs at your wedding?  

Dogs can make the wedding much more personal but they can also be unpredictable in their behavior. They can play a variety of cute little roles, such as being a flower pup, the ring bearer, or honor guard. Make sure you know how your dog behaves around people, especially large crowds and kids. Check with the venue if pets are allowed. Also, make sure you thought of the area where your dog can rest, has water and food and a shade to keep cool.

Some couples dress up their dog (like a little tux, a bow, a bow tie, fresh flowers, etc.). It would be a good idea to have him/her wear it for a while prior to the event, so he/she gets used to it and does not pull it off.

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