2011 Wedding Trends to Expect

Filed Under General

As the wedding industry starts getting ready for 2011 weddings, most of which will occur during the warmer months of spring, summer, and fall, there are certain predictions we can make about what the most popular trends will be in the coming year. Wedding trends often mirror trends in fashion and popular culture, so it should come as no surprise that what’s popular in 2011 will seem familiar to anyone who has a finger on the fashion pulse, so to speak.

Here are a few predictions about what is shaping up to be hot in 2011.

Outdoor weddings - Outdoor weddings are also becoming more popular. In 2011, brides-to-be will have learned to be more savvy with their wedding budget and holding your ceremony and/or reception outdoors, in a park or even a backyard, is just one way to do it. Outdoor weddings also have the advantage of being prettier and requiring less in the way of decorations as indoor venues. Just be sure to have an alternate plan in place, in case it rains!
Vintage style - Wedding trends tend to follow other fashion movements, and vintage or “retro” fashions are definitely in style right now. Vintage-style weddings can range from fun to romantic in feel. Besides the fashion appeal, the vintage trend can offer a friendlier budget and even a more eco-friendly footprint than more traditional wedding trends.
1920s weddings - Believe it or not, 1920s-themed weddings have become increasingly popular in the last few years. People are in love with the Roaring Twenties, as you can tell by the recent increase in movies and books about the era. The Knot predicts that this vintage theme will be one of 2011’s top wedding trends.
Video guest books - Whether you are uploading personal videos or using viral video to market your business, there is absolutely no doubt that online video is a powerful force in today’s world. The Knot predicts that we are going to see this technological trend in weddings in 2011, too: Couples are starting to use video guest books to remember who attended their wedding, and to record their guests’ well wishes. The benefit of this type of guest book is — you guessed it — the ability to upload it to YouTube and share it on the Internet.
Eco-friendly - The green revolution has been steadily growing; businesses as well as individuals are now becoming more aware of how their actions impact the environment. As a result, it is only natural that weddings should start to reflect these concerns, too. Some of the wedding industry’s services naturally lend themselves to a more eco-friendly approach; for instance, brides typically choose local caterers and florists. In addition, we should see more outdoor weddings, retro weddings with chic vintage dresses, invitations made of recycled paper, and other more eco-friendly wedding practices in 2011.

As mentioned, many of these trends could be seen taking shape in popular culture recently. Weddings are frequently on the cutting edge of what’s hot, but of course they are also affected by other concerns such as the economy, which explains some of the budget concerns this year’s brides are likely to face. If you are planning a wedding in 2011, which of these trends will your wedding reflect? What trends have you noticed that are not mentioned here?

Vera Mosley is an expert on wedding trends and bridal fashions. She is also a writer for a company that sells feather centerpieces.

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