2011 Wedding trends

By Rachel Kinscher, Visionary

Weddings in 2011 will be heavily influenced by the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton...crystals, candles, mirror bases and personalisation is the general prediction.

Colours will be BRIGHT the traditional white wedding dress is making a slow come back, with dresses and weddings going vintage.

Eco-friendly weddings are on the increase, with recycled products and local food and wine being introduced. Tech savvy weddings are also growing in popularity, use of twitter and facebook to keep guests and family updated with wedding plans. Video and the clever use of technology used on the wedding day are helping to create more personalised and romantic ceremonies and receptions.

Ceremonies and receptions are becoming more personalised and while some wedding etiquette is being adhered to, in many cases wedding days are becoming more about the personality of the bride and groom, incorporating their favourite colours, sport and hobbies! Destination weddings are still growing in popularity and will continue to do so in the future!

Ceremonies are increasingly moving outside and receptions are becoming more relaxed and informal. Simplicity is key. Strategic spending is the new frugal and over-the-top extravagance will be toned down to a new era of "casual" traditional.

Currently, the top wedding themes are “beach”, “garden”, “winter wonderland”, “vintage glamour”, “woodland/rustic”, “Tiffany Blue” (aqua) and “sparkling diamonds.” Destination and ethnic-influenced celebrations also remain popular choices.

Colour

Think bright and multiple contrasting colours – greys continue to be a great highlight colour with navy blue and mocha also emerging as popular highlight colours. Many shades of green, orange and pink will be popular contract colours, with yellow and coral continuing to make an impression on brides colour wheels.

In 2011 don’t be afraid of colour, mix it up and be daring. Bring everything together with a good base highlight colour and use consistently throughout your ceremony and reception.

Ceremony

Wedding ceremonies will be moving outside with weddings taking place in forests, halls and clubs, back gardens, on beaches and cliff tops. It is all about relaxation, with plenty of room for guests to move about and mingle.

Outdoor weddings require a back-up plan in case of inclement weather so don’t forget to hire a marquee.

If a church wedding is not a priority, it's becoming more and more fashionable to have a civil ceremony, attended by just immediate family, followed by a bigger ceremony with personalised vows, your own choice of music and a real 'party' atmosphere at a later date.

A current trend is for couples to walk down separate aisles during the ceremony and meet together in front of their guests. Children in the case of second marriages are being incorporated into the ceremony and increasingly pets are also part of the day, often used as ring bearers.

Reception

Unique and different venues such as an art gallery, outdoor locations in marquees, beaches, farms, historical sites and other hipper locations are replacing the function centres of the past.

Long tables are most definitely in for 2011, as is uncoordinated looks which can be achieved by varying the tables in size, shape and height. Use different styled chairs covered with sashes and ribbons to complete the look. Lounge settings and cocktail tables are trends in reception decor also.

Head bridal tables are very much on the way out with brides and grooms joining their guests in dinner party style setting. Throw out name cards to create a complete relaxed feel and allow for mingling.

Brunch style receptions coupled with an after party are growing in popularity.

Centrepieces reflect the colours of your wedding however be daring and use different sizes and shapes of vases. Unique vase fillers include glass marbles, sea shells, acrylic ice and fresh fruits such as lemons and limes. Faux rose petals and diamond confetti remain the most popular table confetti.

Simple floral arrangements are the style for 2011 with flowering vines or individually cut flowers being placed directly onto table linens.

Visionary can assist you with the hire of quality glass vases, candleholders, marquees and other furniture and infrastructure for your wedding. Visionary also has a stock of decorative elements that you can purchase including vase fillers and table confetti. Visionary’s styling services can help you to use colour and effects to create your dream wedding!

www.visionaryweddings.com.au