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Wedding Trends Print E-mail
Remember when it was considered taboo for bridesmaids and guests to wear black at a wedding? Today, wearing black is not so uncommon and can actually add an air of elegance to an event, particularly a more formal evening wedding. While many couples choose to maintain cherished and time-honored traditions, an increasing number of couples are choosing to personalize their special day by incorporating new trends and creating their own traditions.

From decadent affairs at luxurious resorts to more understated ceremonies on the beach, today’s brides- and grooms-to-be have myriad trends from which to choose and the ability for them to create an unforgettable experience is limited only by their imagination. Monthly Wedding Site offers a look at some of the more popular trends


Having it your way
When choosing the wedding party, today’s brides and grooms are less concerned with gender, placing more emphasis on relationships. For example, if you are the bride and your best friend happens to be a guy, there is no reason why you can’t ask him to serve in the place of your maid of honor, dressing in the same style as the groomsmen.

If you come from a blended family, deciding who will escort you down the aisle can be complicated and confusing. It doesn’t have to be. Some modern brides are choosing to be escorted by both  parents, a father and stepfather, a mother and stepfather or a father and stepmother. Another option is to have one parent or stepparent walk halfway and the other the rest of the way. You may wish to have a grandparent walked you down the aisle or even walk alone. There is no right or wrong choice. Do what makes you happy and what feels right in your family situation.

By the same token, many couples are choosing to write their own vows. You can use your own words to personalize your promises and confirm your lifetime commitment.

Extended celebrations
Weddings are no longer just one-day events. Many couples are planning weekend events, particularly in the case of destination weddings. This, of course, requires you to plan accommodations, meals and activities for the guests. In such cases, it would be considerate to invite everyone who comes to town to the rehearsal dinner, not just the bridal party and family.

Receptions
Today’s reception décor is less matched. Couples are choosing to use tables of different shapes and sizes, as well as different flower arrangements or fruit centerpieces on each table. Lanterns and luminaries are popular lighting choices, especially for tented events.

Fewer couples are choosing to serve complete seated meals with the trend toward tapas and other miniature foods and desserts. Dinner stations (or action stations) are also a popular serving style. For a more formal effect, you can serve the salad first and proceed with the more casual style for the rest. Cash bars are completely out of the question. Guests should never be expected to pay for drinks.

The way couples are seating guests is changing, too. The head table is no longer “in.” Many couples are opting for a sweetheart table (where the bride and groom sit alone) or a family table, thus allowing the wedding party to sit with their spouses and significant others. Some head tables are situated to accommodate the bridal party and their significant others. Assigned seating is also gaining in popularity as guests seem more comfortable knowing that they have their own seats to return to after mingling or dancing.

Many couples are hiring bands and DJs together to provide reception entertainment. With the two alternating performances, the music is continuous. Some hire a DJ for the reception and may opt for a band to continue the fun during the 'After Party.'

After Parties are growing in popularity, particular with resort weddings. A reception held in a resort's ballroom or outdoor area, for example, may end at 10 p.m., then the After Party may take place elsewhere on the property, for those who would like to keep the fun going a while longer. After Parties may be themed and typically feature snacks -- ex. midnight nacho bar or sliders

Sparklers have replaced the tradition of throwing rice or birdseed for the send-off, making for incredible pictures. Bubbles are popular, too, but beware of soap spots on clothing. Other modern send-off ideas include rose or other flower petals, streamers, confetti or glitter. Some couples have also been known to release butterflies.
 

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Monthly’s Special Bridal Guide

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