Economic woes continue to affect today’s weddings. Couples are opting for smaller weddings and choosing to spend money more wisely. According to a recent study from TheWeddingReport.com, brides and grooms are paying for more of the wedding bill themselves (to the tune of $10,000 – $20,000), and they’re having more fun with it.
“We are seeing couples move away from formal and traditional type weddings to fun, romantic, simple, casual, and unique weddings with a touch of formal and tradition,” the report reads. Here are more trends forecasted for 2012, as couples scale back, simplify and reflect their personalities.
1. Couples are keeping a tight rein on guest numbers (under 150), as the overall cost of the wedding is directly affected by how many are in attendance.
2. Autumn leads. While June is the reigning month for marriages, September is a close second, and August and October are on the rise.
3. Rustic themes and vintage touches continue to trend. Kellie Hanley of Orlando, Fla., is planning a “rustic, country chic” wedding this June at the Mead Gardens Amphitheater in Winter Park, and a reception at the local Farmer’s Market “to tie in that ‘barn’ feel we wanted,” she says.
4. DIY reigns. “You can do things for so much cheaper yourself!” says Hanley. She’s not alone. Megan Knight, from Coppell, Texas, is taking on most of the wedding day tasks. “Flowers, invitations, website, so far, perhaps even the cake,” she says.
5. Today’s brides are planning, shopping and registering online and even incorporating technology into the wedding day itself. Online blogs are providing the inspiration brides are looking for when beginning to piece together their big day.
6. Dessert buffets continue to take a bite out of receptions, with nontraditional choices like square mini-cakes and cupcake tiers or pies, macaroons, Whoopie Pies, cake pops, color-coordinated candy and even ice cream sundae stations or a cookies and milk bar.
7. Color me vibrant. Knight, who describes her upcoming Texas wedding as “laid back” and “casual,” is using a formal royal blue theme, and softening it with yellow and white accents. Some of the biggest colors this year are purples and green as well as jewel tones, according to TheWeddingReport.com.
8. Much to the relief of grooms everywhere, tuxedo rentals are out and suits and casual wear are in. TheWeddingReport. com states demand for tuxedo rental is down 11% over 2010 numbers.
9. Formal photos are out and candid shots are in that fit with the look and feel of the wedding day.
10. Non-traditional gift registries like CardAvenue.com are popping up, allowing couples to register for gift cards according to their tastes and needs, as research shows that couples are waiting longer to get married.