Top 25 Bridal Trends of 2012

Well the New Year is upon us and with that comes new design trends!  Newly engaged couples can be excited and equally overwhelmed with just how much glitz and glamour or elegant simplicity that can go into a wedding.  Nothing gets me more excited than THIS because there is so much room for creativity and individuality.  Bridal designs are my forte.  In addition to creating my own, I love to read about them and learn of new things to come.  So, in case some of you out there were hoping for a summary, I managed to use my resources to put together this a 4 part series for you. Happy New Years!

-P.S. To my Cinderella's out there, lets hope some of your Prince Charming's get down on that bended knee tomorrow and keep you out a little past midnight eh?  *wink wink.


1. Victorian styled gowns: and we can delightfully blame The Duchess of Cambridge for this one. She bought the romantic look of lace and bolero jackets back in style this year.  If your aiming for a traditional wedding with a romantic theme, this is the way to go.  Shop for gowns that are full or form fitting with plenty of lace, chiffon, and organza fabrics with accents of crystal beading and embroidery.  You want to spice it up a little bit? Dye the crinoline of your dress to match your colors.

2.  Themed engagement photo sessions:  Photo sessions with your photographer give you chance to get to know each other and work out any kinks before the big day.  Your pictures can show off your fun side, tell a story about how you met, or display something of deep sentiment that both you may share.  You can take it even further and create wedding announcement cards with your images as well.

3.  Unique Venues: Instead of holding your ceremony at a church.  Try bringing your officiant a location that defines a part of who you are.  Do you and your fiancé enjoy fine art?  Try holding your wedding at an Art Museum.  The sky is the limit with this trend and many places are willing to rent out their facilities for a fee.

4. Go Green:  Be kind to the earth and reduce your carbon footprint by sending out invitations on recycled paper.  If you don't like that idea, register for a charity of your choice.  Instead of buying wedding favors and worrying about whether or not your guests will keep them; you can make a small donation in the names of your guests instead. It can also save you a couple of bucks.

5.  Decadent Desserts: Let's face it cakes are costly so a lot of brides are beginning to use cupcakes instead and if your good at baking DIY.  Sundae Bars, Chocolate Fountains, S'more Stations are also turning up and weddings are becoming big hits.  They create fun memories that will have your guests talking.

     

6.  Non traditional Guestbooks:  I've seen photo frames with diamond tipped pens so that people can write  their well wishes on the glass.  But you can try these alternatives too.

Have your guests sign off on your favorite song or your favorite bottle of wine.  It's the little personalizations in your wedding that truly make it special.