Anja Winikka of the knot wrote an article on Monday, March 31, 2008 of what's Hot and What's Not for 2008. So while Diamond Doctor can help you plan for the big question ,Anja can help you plan for all the questions that will follow.
Here's a look at the latest trends that are making memories:
What's In: Invites That Wow
Let your invites be the star of the show. Choose a design that will
make a bold statement about the two of you and your wedding day --
think two-color fonts, envelopes lined in a bright color, or a funky
wedding motif. Keep the focus on the invite design and colors; skip all
the individual inserts -- simple tri-fold invites are in.
What's Out: Overstuffed
envelopes. Even the most glamorous brides are eco-conscious and are
choosing to nix the wasteful paper inserts; now they're directing
guests to their wedding Web sites for all the extra info.
What's In: Eclectic Decor
Find ways to add elements that reflect you as a couple. Mix and
match colorful vases from an antique store or fill bold-patterned tea
cans with flowers for your cocktail tables. For added wow, tent your
ceiling with punchy fabric or hang a few vintage chandeliers in your
space.
What's Out: The same vase and flowers at every table. It's all about an unexpected pop of style.
What's In: Signature Bars
Signature cocktails have gotten bigger and better -- now, the entire
bar has a theme. Think margarita stations, drink menus with four
signature cocktails (Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed,
Something Blue), or wine-tasting tables.
What's Out: Vodka shot ice
sculptures. Don't let your wedding turn into a frat party. If you want
to serve shooters, make them wedding-worthy by dusting the shot glass
rims with edible gold flakes and passing them around during the
cocktail hour.
What's In: Six-course Meals
You may have a gorgeous wedding cake, but the dessert course is your
chance to serve some old-time favorites and really impress. Opt for
butler-served apple pie a la mode, strawberry shortcake with whipped
cream, or a rich chocolate mousse garnished with chocolate shavings.
Then, to amp the wow factor, lay out an artisan cheese and Port wine
buffet.
What's Out: Overlooking the
dessert course. Cake is important, yes, but adding in something sweet
at the end of the meal really packs a punch.
What's In: Longer Celebrations
A wedding is no longer just a one-day celebration -- the event has
turned into a weekend of gatherings for family and friends. Invite
guests a day or two early and throw a welcome party (a clambake or
cookout perhaps). After the reception, invite all your guests to an
after-party with fireside s'mores. The next morning, plan a
post-wedding brunch send-off.
What's Out: Having a
"club-like" after-party. Wild and crazy after-parties don't suit
today's couples, who are more likely to invite friends of all ages and
backgrounds and want to keep the gathering more intimate and memorable.
Can't decide between a relaxing beach vacation or an active,
adventurous one? You don't have to. Plan to do a little hopping while
on your honeymoon. Use the interactive map on the honeymoon channel
(TheKnot.com/honeymoon) and choose two or three destinations for your
once-in-a-lifetime trip.
What's Out: One-sided honeymoons that benefit either the bride or groom. This should be the trip-of-a-lifetime for both of you.
What's In: Going Green
Planning a wedding is the ideal opportunity to show off your
socially and environmentally conscious side. For decor, use potted
plants as your centerpieces instead of pesticide-treated flowers.
Reduce paper by directing guests to your wedding Web site and avoiding
paper-packed invites. And, in terms of the menu, serve up in-season
courses and hire a caterer that uses locally grown ingredients.
What's Out: Bridezillas who
are stuck on themselves. Planning a wedding is the perfect place to
exercise socially responsible decision-making.
What's In: Spreading the Wealth
Buy your veil and other extras online from a recent newlywed.
TheKnot.com and thenest.com have partnered up to launch a one-stop
shopping section, where brides can buy wedding goods from recently
married couples. Check it out at TheKnot.com/trashtotreasure. It's
perfect for the bride who decides to buy a new wedding gown because she
doesn't like the original -- it happens ... a lot.
What's Out: The pack-rat
bride. Do you really think your daughter will wear your gown, veil,
accessories, shoes, and undergarments at her wedding?
Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service
First published on March 10, 2008 at 3:15 am
