In and Out

When planning your wedding, take inspiration from the latest wedding trends and then infuse your own personality and style. So, how do you know what's hot and what's not? Here are some the latest wedding trends from a number of the industry's top experts. 

 

Wedding cakes

Gone are the days of white cake, white icing and a figurine of the couple on top.

"Many couples are taking their cakes to new levels with unique fillings such as caramel apple or cream cheese, while others are making each layer of the cake a different flavor," says Diane Forden, Editor-in-Chief of Bridal Guide Magazine.

"The days of the white cake are over. Brides are opting for cakes with bold colors and abstract shapes," explains Andrea Correale of Elegant Caterers.

The cupcake wedding cake is also becoming extremely popular. Instead of a fancy, expensive multi-tiered wedding cake, many couples are opting for cupcakes arranged in the shape of a cake. This is a much more affordable alternative to a traditional wedding cake.

Your guests, young and old, will enjoy the cupcakes at your reception. What’s fun is that you can get the cupcakes in a variety of flavors.

If you’d like, you can still have a smaller, separate one tier cake used to do the cake cutting ceremony.

Wedding food

Instead of a sit down or buffet dinner, many couples are saving money by serving cocktails and appetizers only at their wedding reception. If you aren't serving a meal at your reception, be sure to plan your wedding away from traditional mealtime and indicate that it is "cocktails only" on your invitation. You don't want hungry, disgruntled guests who were expecting a full meal.

Dessert action stations are also becoming very popular. You can rent a chocolate or caramel fountain and provide lots of fruit, cake and other treats for dipping. A build-your-own banana split or ice cream sundae station is also a terrific idea.

"Fried food and heavy entrees are out," says Andrea Correale. "Lighter fare, organic cuisine, and vegetarian cuisine are definitely in."

"Serve guests an organic feast of foods produced without chemical fertilizers, antibiotics or pesticides, and top it off with organic drinks," says Diane Forden. "During cocktail hour, for example, try Square One vodka and Juniper Green gin, both fermented without additives." 

Green weddings

Around the world everyone is "going green" and that goes for brides too! You don't have to have a completely green wedding. However, you can incorporate some eco-friendly ideas into your wedding planning.

Recycled paper invitations

Find a printing company that uses recycled paper and soy-based ink for wedding invitations, programs, menus and place cards.

Go organic

Select locally grown organic food, coffee, wine and flowers if possible. Avoid seafood choices that are endangered or depleted.

Candlelight

For an evening wedding, conserve electricity by planning a candlelight wedding ceremony. For a daytime wedding and reception, an outdoor ceremony can be beautiful. For indoor ceremonies, try to incorporate more natural light.

Horse-drawn carriages

Instead of arriving at the church in a limousine, how about a horse-drawn carriage instead? It's very romantic and you won't use any fuel! Depart the reception hall in a hybrid car instead of a sports car.

Eco-friendly favors

Give flower seeds, plant bulbs, potted plants and other eco-friendly favors to your wedding guests.

"Provide your guests with party favors they will enjoy and can reuse," says Diane Forden. "Consider fair-trade tea, coffee or chocolates, tree seeds or saplings or re-usable totes. Natural soaps and body lotions are also a favorite."