I attended a wonderful luncheon at The Driskill where we heard from several speakers in
the wedding industry. One of the most interesting was "the knot" sharing their predictions
for the top wedding trends of 2012. I was very excited that several of my 2012 Austin brides
are right on target with the latest styles.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 12, 2012-- From bewitching, fairy-tale-like wedding dresses channeling Snow White and The Huntsman to bachelorette parties with The Hunger Games action, TheKnot.com (NYSE: XOXO), the #1 online wedding planning resource, today released its annual forecast for the hottest wedding trends for 2012.
“Weddings have been sexy and bold, but now the world is ready to embrace the traditional…with a modern twist, of course,” says Carley Roney, cofounder and editor in chief of TheKnot.com. “From the long-lasting ‘Kate Middleton Effect’ on wedding fashion to romantic watercolor details and a 1900s-inspired panoramic wedding portrait, expect more classic and formal wedding details for 2012. Just remember – brides will still take certain elements to a whole new level, like once-in-a-lifetime mega-moons or even The Hunger Games-style bachelorette parties.”
Here’s a look at the top 10 wedding trends for 2012:
1. “Snow White” Wedding Dresses: Buzzed-about movies Snow White and The Huntsman and Mirror, Mirror will inspire 2012 brides to wear wedding gowns that are light and airy, but with a mysterious and sexy vibe. Vera Wang’s stunning witchcraft-inspired 2012 wedding dresses will be the bride’s first stop.
2. Enchanting Flowers: The magical settings of these Snow White-inspired movies and even much-anticipated fantasy film The Hobbit will have an effect on wedding décor, with brides opting for a woodsy vibe. Think: soft, decadent bouquets filled with flowers like cabbage roses, peonies and dinner plate dahlias.
3. Watercolor Designs: On dresses, invitations and table designs, watercolor touches give weddings the perfect creative bent for 2012. A-list designer Carolina Herrera showed stunning watercolor prints in her spring 2012 bridal collection. And the color palette to do this in? Pastels like pink and lilac are the “it” colors of 2012!
4. The Hunger Games-Style Bachelor Parties: Forget strippers and booze, the bachelor and bachelorette party of 2012 is giving way to The Hunger Games-style action. While ladies are channeling their inner Jane Bond via programs like Stiletto Spy School where they get to learn defensive tactics, high-speed stunt driving and MacGyver-like survival skills (all while rocking a dress, of course), guys are finally fulfilling their lifelong fantasies of race car driving, learning how to play poker like a pro and even, believe it or not, herding cows and sheep.
5. The Bombshell Bride: Marilyn Monroe wooed a president, was featured on the cover of the first issue of Playboy, is the subject of Oscar-buzzed movie My Week with Marilyn, and is going to make an especially big impression on brides this year. The beauty icon’s ability to accentuate her best features, signature pouty lips and slinky dresses (we especially love a number from Reem Acra with a sexy slit up the side!) are the perfect inspiration for bombshell brides.
6. The Panoramic Wedding Portrait: Just like critically acclaimed movie The Artist was shot on film without sound, the trend in wedding photography is to steer away from all the overdone effects (like odd angles and lots of added filters). Instead, photographers are shooting turn-of-the-century-inspired wedding portraits with a formal, classic approach. One shot that’s totally mantel-worthy? A panoramic wedding portrait where every single wedding guest is in the photo.
7. Ritzy Ranch Weddings: The setting? A 200-year-old barn complete with long exposed-wood tables, large chandeliers and ambient lighting. The flowers? Lace-wrapped bouquets of wild roses, lilies of the valley, Queen Anne’s lace and gardenias. The food? Delicate wild game like juniper-spiced venison, cider-braised pheasant and pan-roasted quail, Top Chef: Texas-style. Brides will be channeling the Old West with a rustic-elegant spin à la Lauren Bush and David Lauren’s recent nuptials.
8. When Harry Met Sally-Inspired Video Trailers: When it comes to wedding videos, it’s not something brides are watching after the wedding anymore. Couples are filming their love stories à la When Harry Met Sally and then showing snippets of it in video e-save-the-dates and having it screened at the wedding…all while guests are being filmed watching it, of course.
9. Long Sleeves & Lace: Brides can thank Kate Middleton and the latest Twilight installment for this wedding fashion trend – long sleeves and lace! Strapless dresses will still rule the bridal aisle, but expect more coverage for 2012 with a sexy twist. Think: sheer backs and illusion sleeves. And don’t be surprised if the look of lace pops up on everything from the wedding cake to the décor.
10. Mega-Moons: Sri Lanka? Check. Patagonia? Check. All in one trip? Check. That’s right, for 2012, brides won’t be settling on just one dream destination, but instead, they’ll be opting for a round-the-world getaway to several far-flung locales. Plus, they’ll be virtually bringing their friends with them via social travel apps that crowd-source friend-approved recommendations from resources like Tripl and Gogobot.
Does anything look exciting to you? What touches are you going to add to your own wedding?
Be sure to contact us if you need help making it all come together for your wedding day.
Happy planning,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com
It has been such a whirlwind of activity with the holidays wrapping up as we continue
with our January weddings coming up. We have met several new brides the past week
and we're so excited they chose us as their planner, especially since two of our new
brides are long distance. If you live out of town, out of state or in some cases out of the
US, we can be your Austin wedding planner anchor. Having a wedding coordinator based
in Austin gives you the insight and experience you need to make all the details come
together for your perfect day.
We normally participate in an Austin bridal show in January, but we just aren't able to
with weddings on the same weekends. We always encourage our brides to take our
preferred vendor list with them to the bridal shows so they aren't as overwhelmed with
the tremendous volume of vendors in all categories they will meet at the bridal shows.
Be cautious with "deals" that seem too good to be true. You should be able to take a
day or two to think over the special offers the vendors are offering. Don't feel pressured
or rushed to make a decision at the show. If you don't have a wedding coordinator yet
be sure you feel that connection when interviewing them. You shouldn't have any doubt
or hesitation with your vendors, especially your wedding coordinator or designer.
I have a text code below for you to use to get one free ticket into the Bridal Extravaganza
at Palmer Event Center on Sunday, January 7 & 8.
Text "BrideA" to 45384 for one free ticket per bride. Offer good for online purchase only.
Not valid at the door and this coupon expires January 8th.
Have a great time at all the shows happening over the next month,
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com
There is always excitement in the air around the holidays, but add in that it is also one of the
most popular times for engagements. You have this amazing ring sparkling on your finger and
the man you love by your side, so what is next? Where do you start with wedding planning?
Start thinking and writing down your ideas and thoughts.
1. The first thing I would suggest is deciding the month you'd like to be married. What is your
favorite time of year? If you hold off on the specific date it will give your more options with the
venues for the ceremony and reception.
2. Are you a morning person or a night owl? I knew from the beginning we wanted to
get married in September but we were also living in San Diego. I know I am not a morning
person, so we picked an evening wedding.
3. Do you want a big wedding or a more intimate affair?
4. What is your most picturesque setting when you dream of your perfect day? Ours was
on the water with our closest family and friends.
5. Hire a wedding planner to help you find the perfect location and the right vendors.
6. Start gathering photos of what you are envisioning for your wedding.
7. As uncomfortable as it is you also need to know what your budget is? Are you paying
for it yourselves or are your parents?
Those are the first steps after you become engaged. We look forward to hearing from you.
Congratulations!
Barbara
www.barbarasbrides.com