The 2012 Wedding Predictions

As we're only a touch over a week into the New Year, and I'm still managing to feel all New-Yearsie (that's a word, right?), I thought I'd dedicate today's blog entry to predictions for the coming year for weddings and ceremonies. I decided recently to ask a hand-picked panel of wedding industry businesses to help me with this particular post. I wanted to know their ideas and thoughts and insights into what they think will become the big trends and themes for the year ahead.

Having started my business about 15 months ago, it's been amazing to me to watch how quickly wedding fashions and trends come and go. Some have a natural limited lifespan, while other trends have such longevity, they're easy to adapt and evolve into something new.

So what do we think we can see in the next 12 months?

Over to the experts....

Weddings will still be concentrated heavily on detailing for most weddings. Less Shabby Chic more Elegant and sophisticated. Brides dresses shall become focussed either around a fashion influence for the 2012 which is Drop waist (1920s styles) due to the two films ; The Artist and The Great Gatsby our this year. Or the dress will take on longer sleeves, lace and A-line from the influence of the Royal Wedding Dress from Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge. The wedding colours will be fresh/clean for spring/summer and towards the latter months the pantone colour of the year (burnt orange) will be more widely used with bold colours.
- Mel, Homegrown Bride Blog
http://homegrownbride.com/

‘Uplighting and mood lighting will be big for 2012. Following on the trend from American weddings, I predict brides will be keen to personalise their function suite and make it more atmospheric by adding LED uplighters, fairy lights and candles. They can also enhance the space in accordance with their colour scheme too!’
-Laura, LFT Events
www.fabulousweddingshow.com

• Yellow, either on its own, or mixed with greys, creams or pastel shades.
• Vintage - still big, but particularly accents of patterned retro fabric and the inclusion of vintage books. People seem to be focusing on using more props to make table decoration more interesting or themed and vintage/childhood memorabilia seems to be a strong theme. I'm also often being asked to source vintage glass and silverware for my couples.

I know thats only two things but they do seem to feature quite heavily in my bookings this year! I think the overall feel is a very creative one, with couples and their friends making items for the wedding, whether that is stationary, decorations, or even flowers and outfits. Maybe bridal DIY but with an emphasis on simple, chic ideas and a more luxurious style than previously. I've seen a few perplexed MOB's listening to their daughters' creative plans!
- Sophie, I Heart Flowers
http://iheart-flowers.blogspot.com/

Top trend/reception detail that I am seeing a lot of interest in is speciality stations. Whether that is a dessert bar, a candy buffet, speciality cocktails/signature drinks or all together. This has been influenced by the american wedding cocktail hour. A Scottish twist can be added with a scottish favourites bar - dumpling, tablet etc.
- Alison, Plans and Presents
http://www.mrspandp.com

Over the years styles of favours have changed from sugared almonds to lottery tickets. Why not try something a little more personal... handmade bracelets can be created to tie in with colour schemes of your day or particular styles.
- Jo, Jo's Highly Strung
http://www.coriandr.com/shop/joshighlystrung

I see a move from Vintage to boho/shabby chic weddings with lots of hand made details by the bride and friends. I love this as it allows people to get creative, pool talents and resources and create their own style. Fun to organise and fabulous to photograph!
-Jaz, Jaz Ampaw-Farr Photography
www.jazampawfarr.com

I think lace is going to stay popular in 2012 and lots of plummy and purple shades for the bridesmaids.

- Wendy, Flossy and Dossy

http://www.flossyanddossy.co.uk

2012 will see the tradition of having lace in the Wedding Dress continue as many Brides took inspiration from Kate Middleton in 2011. This will develop from lace in the dress to softer, more romantic accessories with flowers in the hair, more muted colours in the Wedding decor and softer edges to Wedding Cake design.
- M.T., Edinburgh Brides Wedding Guide
www.edinburghbridesweddingguide.com

Feel free to add any predictions you think we'll see in weddings in 2012 - would love to hear from you!