In last week’s post, we explored some of the hottest trends for 2011 from The Knot and One Wed, two great wedding resources. Some things, you might have expected, like a return to elegance (especially with the royal wedding approaching) and even Grey being the new “black.” It was quite an impressive list. But the list goes on, and this time there are a few things that were totally unexpected.
A Celebration of Ethnicity
Unique cultural traditions say a lot about the couple and their family. According to OneWed, that’s why they’ll be celebrated this year with wedding ceremony rituals, traditional wedding-day garb, cultural cuisine and ethnic wedding décor. What a wonderful opportunity to incorporate some of our wedding favors with bold, ethnic patterns. The Knot agrees and says brides will follow the lead of Katy Perry’s Indian wedding, Eat, Pray, Love, and Nicole Richie’s exotic elephant as a wedding greeter. India will definitely be the “it” country for wedding inspiration. Think vibrant color palettes like purples, reds and golds, lavish décor elements such as beading and rich drapery, and exotic, spicy dishes.
Wedding Man Caves
It’s the year of the gentlemen! Blackjack tables, brandy bars, PlayStations and stogies will help them carve out a place of their own. According to The Knot , the man cave has officially moved from the home to the wedding, so don’t be surprised if you see all the male wedding guests in the new “groom’s corner” at the reception. I’m sure it will be a nice change of pace from the frilly flowers and dainty décor.
Pre-wedding PJ Parties
This isn’t Bachelorette Party, Part Two. Before the big day, brides will be planning a night of pampering and bonding via JHS-style slumber parties, complete with matching pj’s of course. (The Knot) Get ready for some girl talk, advice, movies, dancing and late-night laughter. But, be sure to give the girls a cute cosmetic bag with their initials filled with beauty essentials to make sure they look fresh the next morning. Under eye concealer, anyone?
Food Truck Fun
Waffles, tacos and dumplings, oh my! People’s hunger for gourmet food trucks has seeped into weddings, and brides will be embracing it wholeheartedly by requesting makeshift sidewalk carts during the cocktail hour or food trucks for the wedding after-party. (The Knot) Although not wildly popular in the South, gourmet food trucks have become quite the phenom in other parts of the country, especially the West Coast. What a way to interject some fun into the celebration! These diners on wheels would be a fun addition to a beach wedding, wouldn’t they?
Video Guest Books
Building on the popularity of “wedding photo booths”, wedding guests can expect confessional-style video booths and even iPads dressed up as guest books as the newest way to “write” well wishes to the happy couple. Bonus? Postwedding, couples can easily share their guest book online via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr or Vimeo. (The Knot)
Happy planning!
