The main theme for this spring and summer’s wedding trends seems to be “out with the new and in with the old.” All of you brides-to-be can be grateful that this means you get to dress like a princess and live out the dream you’ve had since you were a little girl. The hottest trends this season highlight the soft, feminine, and romantic side that will be sure to capture that dreamed of “ohhh ‑ ahhh” reaction from your soon-to-be husband and guests. The Royal Wedding seems to be a main player of inspiration for dresses and accessories, while a more minimalist approach to other areas of the wedding is “the thing” this season.
The Dress
It’s all about texture and color. Yes color! Even though the dress designs are reminiscent of the old days, and classic white is still the most popular, many brides are deciding that they don’t have to necessarily choose white. Pantone starfish, natural stone hues, and blush are definitely the hottest color choices this season. According to Brides.com, the delicate “illusion neckline” has replaced the strapless gown by showing just enough skin to be gorgeous, but keeping the cleavage elegantly concealed. Also a big hit this season are two-tiered skirts, which replaces last season’s three-dimensional floral. The two-tiered skirt offers a very flattering fit that can camouflage hips for women who are trying to tone down those voluptuous curves. For those with a smaller frame who want to add a little volume to their shape, fear not! The Horsehair trim dress adds lots of texture and fluff, which aids in creating shape and volume in certain areas, and is a big hit this season. Don’t let the name throw you off animal rights activists; it’s not made from real horse hair! It is made from a synthetic fabric that resembles the underskirts of gowns. Many designers are also adding fashionable belts to the dress as well.
Shoes
Shoes are so important this season that many brides are choosing their dress around the perfect shoes. Open-toed heels, sky high platforms, tons of bling, and shoes that can be worn again after the wedding, are the hottest thing this season.
Colors
While classic white and blush tones are the main players for the gown, Pantone Tangerine Tango and Pantone Cabaret have taken a front row seat for the rest of the wedding. Although bold neon’s seem to be the most favored color choices, there are also pastels for those brides that want a softer touch.
Hair and Makeup
The good news here is that the trend this season is loose waves with little stray pieces of hair strategically left out, which replaces those tight, migraine-invoking up-do’s. Smokey eyes, bright lips, and long eyelashes complete the picture of the trendy spring or summer, 2012 bride.
The Reception
A few of the trends you will likely see are a scaled-down menu of three stations with specialty food items, and macaroons instead of mini-cupcakes. Fancy Jell-O shots decorated with the theme of the wedding are a big hit for the open bar, which will come in handy to give the wedding party and guests the nerve to get out on the dance floor to a live band, as many brides are opting for live music instead of the traditional DJ.
