Wedding Trends: What’s Up for 2012?

Let me start by saying congratulations to all our 2011 brides. We absolutely loved sharing your year with you and hearing the stories — both touching and funny — of your exciting journeys to the aisle, and down it.

Another year is beginning (can you believe it?) and we’re excited for our 2012 brides and grooms! 2012 promises to be an exciting year in weddings, with lots of original, highly personalized choices for couples.

As you know, we’re big on “unique” around here. So we’re lovin’ the predictions of designers, fashion moguls and our brides already. Here’s what we’re seeing for the year to come:

• MORE vintage. Vintage was in its infancy in 2010 and 2011. This year, the old-fashioned-meets-modern trend comes into full bloom, fashion designers are saying. And their 2012 collections prove it. At right: SO cool; Oscar de la Renta welcomes spring with vintage flair.

• LESS cookie-cutter copying. This year, brides are encouraged to show any side they want: playful, sophisticated, indie, futuristic, whatever strikes a girl’s fancy. (Yay!) Tie the knot at Great Flags, Disney or even Starbucks; wear shiny silver instead of traditional white; dance to reggae at your reception. The day is yours.

• LESS free-for-all spending. This trend isn’t as new as you may think; though we still see many wedding sites erroneously reporting greater than $28.5 k for the average U.S. wedding, theweddingreport.com says otherwise, with 2010 averages having fallen to a somewhat more sensible $24 k (see this breakdown from Wiki for details). Smart brides will stay smart this year and think of ever more cost-cutting ways to have the wedding of their dreams.

• MORE highly unique bouquet and “cake” choices. 2012 brides will be walking down the aisle holding oversize lollipops, bunches of feathers or favorite trinkets this year instead of floral arrangements, fashion experts predict. As for the wedding cake? It’s still all good — but more couples will venture into tasty new territory with wedding cupcakes, fudge bites, a reception dessert bar or dessert-type wedding favors such as muffin mixes.

• MORE princess-style touches. Although the new duchess of Cambridge herself, Kate (Catherine) Middleton, went sophisticated and almost understated (well…for a princess) with her gorgeous gown, traditional “princess’ additions like wide ball gown skirts, lots of crinoline, organza and tiaras are on deck for 2012 — and it was all inspired by the 2012 Royal Wedding. Sparkly, showy crystal is big too, for centerpieces, jewelry, gifts and wedding favors, wedding experts say.

• LESS front and more back…upper back, that is. Necklines are coming in closer toward the center and sometimes rising higher this coming year, while upper back hems are plunging to daring new depths. This sophisticated trend is a la Hollywood 1940s and very glamourous for 2012 brides.

• MORE ruching. Can we all stand up and give a hand to whomever brought ruching back? The slightly gathered look is usually placed at waist-level to give even the most modestly curved bride an hourglass figure, while hiding what many of us don’t want our wedding guests to see. Flattering ruching, we love you! In 2012, you’ll see the style for both brides and bridesmaids.

So. Excited for the new year yet? We can’t wait to see what you’ve chosen for your 2012 wedding. Thanks for e-mailing us, and here’s to a gorgeous wedding for you this year!

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