Weddings By Recommendation Only

Gowns

Strapless gowns are still in, even though spaghetti straps and small sleeves are occasionally seen
Mostly cream and ivory colors with emphasis on adventurous texture
Less emphasis on train and veil
Bride changes into a party gown after the ceremony
Colored bridal gowns
Bridesmaids select their dresses within a color range, though style and shade may vary

Event Design

Creative and personal (see: Somewhere over the Rainbow)
Dinner party experiences with sit-down dinners
Attention to personal space - eight guests instead of ten are seated at a round table
Paired food and wine
Dessert bar, sushi bar, ethnic stations where guests can converse
Dessert buffets, chocolate-dipped strawberries, cookies and milk instead of wedding cake
Lounge-style bars remain fashionable
Pink spotlights to enhance colors and textures
Elaborately designed menu cards

Drinks

Ethnic
Mixture of old and new customs

Venue

City weddings
Winery weddings
Destination weddings Due to the less valued dollar mostly locations where the dollar is accepted as currency

Rentals

Draping and piping, giving a tied-back curtain effect, to cover entry ways between rooms; sometimes large mirrors are placed over the drapings
Lounge furniture
Matching seat covers and napkins
Fancy linen

Photography

Inspired by celebrity trends, to reflect an affluent lifestyle, often of casual grace
Candid/photojournalistic or artistic pictures
manipulations though photoshop
Digital photography is the standard, with magazine-style albums and prints available online
Rich colors
Coffee table books
Album covers in splashy colors

Flowers
Favorites are Roses, mini Calla Lilies, Cymbidium orchids, Peonies, and old fashioned, hard to find flowers

Colors

eclectic and unexpected color combinations such as fuchsia and purple, greens, and violet
Colors still follow the seasons: fresh and softer tones in spring; fall and deeper colors in late summer and fall

Design

Flowers determine the shape of the bouquets
More unruly rather than round compact style
Adventurous in flowers, materials, texture
Crystals, velvets ribbons, and heirloom pieces, such as a broche or a hanky are added
Floral designs submerged in water are on their way out

Video