1. Bold Colors
Brides are choosing a bigger variety of colors than ever before, from bold and sexy reds to burnished copper and amber. Although the white wedding remains a classic, more brides are putting their own twist with hits of black and apple green with white, or shocks of color in unexpected places - like a fuschia sash on their wedding gown.
2. Dramatic Lighting
Whether through hundreds of votive candles hanging from tree branches over the ceremony area, dramatic washes of color on the ballroom walls, or crystal chandeliers under the chuppah, brides are realizing the importance of creating ambiance through lighting. Candles of any shape and size remain the gold standard for romantic lighting, but we're also seeing great props like disco balls, ice cube lights and illuminated tables becoming more common.
3. Gardenias
Originally introduced into popular culture by the Jazz singer Billie Holiday, who wore white gardenias in her hair, Gardenias originated in Eastern Asia and the western parts of China, Japan and Taiwan. Gardenias have long been associated with love and romance and are finding their way into more and more weddings. Whether in the bride's hair or bouquet, worn as a corsage, or even covering a wedding arch, their incredibly sweet fragrance and creamy petals are making a huge comeback.
4. Organic Elements
Earth-friendly weddings are becoming de riguer. Some brides are choosing to have exclusively organic blooms in their bouquets and centerpieces, others are asking for donations to be made to organizations like Greenpeace, Heal the Bay or The Sierra Club in lieu of gifts. Why not have your invitations printed on recycled paper or have your florist donate all the leftover flowers to your city's Green Waste program for mulching? Another popular ideas is having centerpieces such as lavender plants or succulent gardens that will be taken home by guests and live indefinitely.
5. Open Seating
Whether because of strained relations between in-laws, a desire for a more casual vibe than the typical wedding, or just because "we don't like that", assigned seating is not always the choice for this year's couples. This works well in an informal setting, like a restaurant or friend's home, or if you have a primarily younger crowd. But in more formal settings (such as a country club or upscale hotel) or with larger weddings, it can become a bit confusing for guests who are looking for direction. To avoid confusion, make sure to have someone in charge of informing your guests as they enter the reception area that seating is open.
