Around the start of this millennium, there
began a trend toward simpler weddings with increased focus on family
and friendship. And, after investing so much time, energy, and money
in their nuptial celebrations, why shouldn’t couples want more time
to savor the occasion with family and friends?
Where to wed
In a trend than harkens back to
times when days-long celebrations were the norm, more couples are
choosing “wedding weekends” when family and friends have traveled
from afar. The expanded celebration allows everyone more time
together and often becomes a mini-vacation for wedding guests. In
Northern California guests might see the spectacular California
coastline, magnificent redwoods or nearby San Francisco. In this
food and wine region, the wedding couple might host a barbecue or
schedule a Wine Country tour for the day following the wedding.
Destination weddings have tripled
in popularity recently as more couples choose to hold their weddings
far from home. Among the most popular romantic and exotic locations
are the California Wine Country, Hawaii, Jamaica and Las Vegas.
Destination weddings are generally under one hundred people and
include mostly very close family and friends. These weddings are
about being with people you love in a fabulous location so wedding
rehearsal dinners generally include everyone.
Customizing touches
Couples create unique memories when
they personalize and update ceremony and reception traditions.
Following a long reception, a dessert and espresso bar adds a nice
touch at the end of the evening. Cigar and port bars are popular
today, too.
Journal-style guest books passed
around at the receptions allow guests to enter spontaneous written
good wishes for the couple. Picture guest books coordinated by a
designated photographer—volunteer or professional—assure the couple
will have a picture of everyone who attends because the photograph
is adhered to the page the guest signs.
For smaller weddings, and
particularly destination weddings, gift baskets in the hotel rooms
of wedding guests are a welcoming gesture extended by bridal
couples. The baskets generously show appreciation for the
considerable effort and expense these guests put forth to attend.
Wine, sparkling or otherwise, is
today’s adult beverage of choice. Especially in Wine Country,
pairing wines with cuisine is a well-received reception trend.
We finally seem to have seen enough
bouquet and garter toss disasters. Brides are deleting them from
receptions, along with wedding favors–a cost to the bridal couple
which has no real meaning for guests.
Deja vu trends in fashion and color
Some old wedding customs are new
again. Live music is once again top choice for the ceremony and
reception. Long, formal head tables at the reception are making a
comeback.
In wedding fashion, veils with long
trains are back, especially the multi-tiered veil resembling styles
of the 1960s or trimmed with ribbons. Wedding dresses with colored
accents are big this year. Renaissance-style dresses, looks from the
1950s, and with princess-style dresses adorned with ribbons are
“new” again. Popular colors for receptions and bridesmaids’ gowns
are champagne, sage green, periwinkle – black is back. Favored for
bouquets are white and colored calla lilies.
Simplicity
Photo journalist-style photography
is sweeping the West Coast, as is black and white and digital
photography. Artistic realism, creative angles and candid, unposed
shots create albums with a personal point of view.
