Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 14, 1993 TAG: 9302120074
SECTION: YOUR WEDDING PAGE: YW-22 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
HERE ARE LATEST IN WEDDING TRENDS
Following are 50 latest wedding trends:1. Choose a variety of flowers in season to keep the cost down. And don't rule out less expensive blooms: A mixture of carnations can be very pretty and they last a long time.
2. For receptions, breakaway centerpieces are a thoughtful touch. Once suggestion: Individual, glass bud vases arranged together or in small, separate plants all gathered in one basket can be taken home by guests as a momento.
3. Many brides are requesting summertime centerpieces using field flowers and Queen Anne's lace to achieve a more casual appearance.
4. The natural look in bridesmaids' bouquets is being reflected in the choice of flowers. Many hand-tied arrangements now have a "just-picked" feeling, thanks to a selection of simple, garden style blooms.
5. Couples who are trying to accommodate their budgets take a new approach: Instead of sacrificing what they want, they're choosing to trim their guest lists and have a smaller but still elegant wedding.
6. Ceremony programs are now rising in popularity, as are scrolls that explain a service to the guests unfamiliar with the religion.
7. Rehearsal dinners are being held at more fun, informal places, especially if the next day's wedding is formal. These parties, traditionally hosted by the groom's parents, are more casual and often more affordable.
8. Invite the guys to the bridal shower. More and more of these parties are coed.
9. Another great shower idea: the spa weekend. The bridal party spends a few days at a relaxing retreat.
10. Musical tastes are changing. A few reggae and rap songs, mixed in with a selection from a swing band, help keep the party energized.
11. Couples are economizing with strictly wine and champagne bars. And instead of just red or white, the range of wines is now much greater.
12. Small, individual menus, done in calligraphy, are becoming a popular reception feature.
13. More and more couples are requesting a photojournalistic approach to weddings, meaning more candid than posed selections.
14. The wedding tent is gaining favor among brides and grooms.
15. Couples are once again appreciating the wonderful quality of wedding albums, photographed in black and white.
16. Fewer couples are opting to toss the garter at their receptions, leaving more time for music and dancing.
17. In negotiating with your photographer, you may want to omit a special album for parents and ask for more time or photographs instead. Later, couples can buy the previews or proofs, and put together their own parents' album - it's more economical and you get to own all of the pictures taken on the wedding day.
18. If you're not having a wedding video, the photojournalism style is a sensible choice because it's better at telling a story than portraits.
19. To capture more of the wedding experience, choose multiple images in different sizes on each page rather than just a single photo.
20. Some brides and grooms want the best of both photographic techniques: an album that combines both portraits and candids.
21. Couples are moving away from catering halls and into locations that match their personalities. Boats, mansions and museums are among the most popular.
22. With more and more couples paying for all or part of their wedding expenses, many are looking for creative ways to keep a budget. A cocktail or cake reception, light buffet or Sunday brunch are a few of the popular parties being given.
23. Ethnic food is being requested more frequently as a way to bring out the heritage of one or both families.
24. Alcohol consumption is down at many weddings, being replaced by a "white bar": vodka, rum, champagne and wine are a bit lighter and more economical.
25. Put more personality into your wedding cake. Love to ski? Try snowy slopes. Beach fans? Ask for a sand scene. Many of today's creative bakers bring an artistic background to their work and can whip up spectacular confections.
26. During the summer months, serve up more room-temperature foods to keep guests cool. In the winter, hearty dishes such as Chateaubriand, and hors d'oeuvres, such as handmade sausages and little pizzas, are a warm and welcome touch.
27. More chicken and fish entrees are being requested for wedding receptions, while red meat is on the decline.
28. The average marrying age for men and women has risen in recent years, and this trend is reflected in the size of many weddings. More of these couples are choosing "intimate" gatherings of 50 to 100 people so that they can spend time with their guests.
29. May, September and October are three months that are becoming more popular with brides every year.
30. For a livelier reception, play music that spans all generations.
31. Because of all the preparation time and money that goes into a wedding, more newlyweds remain at their reception until the very end. When a celebration is this festive, prepare to ask the band to stay longer, too - and keep in mind the cost of overtime.
32. To keep music costs down, a solo pianist playing during the cocktail hour is more economical than the entire band - and quite adequate.
33. Bands don't usually play "The Bride Cuts The Cake" unless it is requested. A more elegant option: violins and flutes played in a semi-circle around the newlyweds.
34. A three-hour reception can be just as wonderful and memorable as a longer four-or-five hour party and more affordable.
35. Today, weddings have reached the height of romance and this is reflected in songs - namely, movie themes. "It Had To Be You" from When Harry Met Sally and "Everything I Do" from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves have been two recent favorites.
36. Rap music has made it to the wedding reception. As long as the song's message isn't an angry one, these rhythmic tunes can draw a crowd to the dance floor.
37. Announcements made by the band (introductions, first dance, the cutting of the cake) help bring continuity to the event if they are done eloquently and elegantly. A few should be included, although some brides now prefer to omit them altogether.
38. There is a rise in the use of for-hire cards because of new drinking awareness.
39. In many cases, brides and bridegrooms are requesting elegant sedan cars instead of limousines to help trim costs.
40. Vintage cars and Rolls Royces are popular choices for those couples who want to make more of a statement on their wedding day.
41. Here's one new wedding idea taking shape nationally: wineries as both ceremony and reception site, a unique alternative and a real convenience for guests. These beautiful outdoor locations may also provide shelter in case of rain.
42. To achieve just the look they want, more brides are turning to professional makeup artists and hair stylists on their wedding day.
43. Since many of today's couples live on their own before marriage and have established households, they're registering at more specialty shops such as hardware, music and gardening stores.
44. Though wedding favors are still popular, the traditional almonds are being increasingly replaced by more delectable treats, such as elegant chocolate truffles.
45. There's even a bouquet alternative called "the flower bracelet." Worn over gloves across the wrist, this practical, turn-of-the century style is returning to the spotlight in some areas.
46. An espresso bar at desert time makes a new, sophisticated addition to the wedding reception festivities.
47. Balloons, in a wide variety of shapes and colors, are being used more frequently to decorate reception rooms.
48. Another way to dress up the reception: plant rentals. They add ambiance, help bring an outdoor feeling in and look wonderful when trimmed with lights for an evening party.
49. If your evening wedding is to be a formal affair, indicate "Black Tie Invited" in the corner copy of your invitation. By doing so, those guests who own a tuxedo will wear it. Others might welcome the chance to dress up in a rental.
50. The number of couples choosing to wed away from home is on the rise - Hawaii being among the most popular locales. For those short on time and/or money, a getaway wedding is a perfectly romantic solution.