2012 Wedding Trends (explained)

It’s a New Year and the trends are changing. What was supposed to be (at least Mayan-wise) a downright apocalyptic year is actually full of promise. Or at least escapism. We will elect a president, maybe the economy will keep on the up and up, and our dreams of nuptial bliss will reflect a society that is blurring itself into the fantastic, the glamorous, and maybe even the dangerous. In other words, to get a good glimpse of the 2012 bride, check the New York Times Bestseller list, the best rated TV drama, and who’s getting Oscar buzz. Think vampires, royalty (both fictional and otherwise), and competitions of stealth.

1. Vintage Glam/Vintage Modesty – When Pippa sauntered out of that black limo last Spring, we all gasped with awe. This was a truly classic white gown on a gorgeous lithe figure we had not previously acquainted ourselves with. ‘My Week with Marilyn’ reminded us that that very same class has never really gone out of style. Who doesn’t want to be a bombshell…especially on their wedding day? But in the same vein, classic modesty came back hand in hand with the classic glam. Kate herself wore long lace sleeves and a perfectly sweet neckline. Even Bella covered up (as long as she didn’t turn around) in white satin for her ill-advised vampire ceremony.
We’ll see a remake of The Great Gatsby this year so we can only imagine that such timeless style will stick around for 2012/2013 brides. We would assume that this kind of vintage fashion will translate into big, dramatic receptions. Maybe we’re seeing the last of chalk board signs and mason jars in a barn setting? Only time will tell!

2. Jewels – The simple may be on its way out with the Recession. 2012 brides are expected to bedazzle everything. Think studded headbands, bouquets dripping with crystals, etc. Silver and Gold will be paired with any and everything for the Bride who wants a traditional yet edgy look.

3. Food Stations – Maybe it’s the food truck phenomenon. After all, society is all about showing some love to small business and especially those on wheels that cater to our every taco craving. The translation to Wedding Reception? Mini food stations. Coffee bar here. Milk and Cookie bar there. Travel around the reception hall to nibble on your favorite, varied flavors. It’s also just cute.

4. Custom, custom, custom – Mix a genuine, Southern affinity for the Monogram and a very real hipster mentality that makes it crucial to have a wedding unlike any other…and you’ve got the fascination with customization! You put your initials in lights, on the aisle runner, and on the personalized, mixed cd you’re sending with the invites. Couples are even creating “When Harry Met Sally” type wedding films so that their guests can know every little unique detail of their falling in love.

5. Gothic Dresses – We’ve definitely been dabbling in the realm of the fairy tale this year. With prime time dramas throwing us into the dark, modern worlds of Snow White, Cinderella, and the Brothers Grimm, we seem to be favoring the original, Gothic children’s tales over the brighter, Disney versions. Vera Wang shocked the couture runways last October by presenting her wicked new line of wedding gowns. Her Twitter account described Vera’s inspiration: “Witchcraft! Light, airy, concoctions of froth. … Mysterious and sexy, frivolous and fun.” Every dress is pitch black. We wonder how far this trend will reach but anticipate at least some hints of Gothic style in wedding designs, whether or not the bride is brash enough to go all black.

6. Hunger Games-esque Bachelor Parties – If you’ve heard anything about Suzanne Collins’ Trilogy, ‘The Hunger Games’, you know it’s grim stuff. The Young Adult Lit has been on the New York Times Bestseller list for over 60 weeks running and its film release is due out in March. It seems like the post-apocolyptic tale of survival is even striking a chord among husbands-to-be. Don’t fret…groomsmen aren’t expected to battle it out to the death in snowy arenas. But 2012 is going to the be the year of strength and skill training. Instead of glitzy retreats to Las Vegas or even shady trips to bars around town, it looks like more grooms are wanting to challenge their best pals in actual hunting trips, extreme sports, and even race car driving.

7. Neutral or Bold – 2012 style swatches are showing us either palettes of complete neutrals or shockingly bold pop. Use blush, peach, and taupe or jade, cherry, and tangerine. Bridesmaids are being mismatched in their own, bright attire and fresh cut flower alternatives such a big paper flowers or succulent plants are adding a more sustainable approach.

8. Sapphire – It’s most definitely Kate-inspired but it’s also solving the problem of the “conflict diamond”. Guys and gals are picking out sapphire rings over diamonds and the deep shade of blue may be popping up in more conspicuous wedding details as well.

9. Backyard weddings – Why spend the money on a venue when home will do the trick? It could be for the budget conscientious or maybe just because of the charm, but creating the perfect nuptial setting in one’s own family home is making a comeback. All you need to do is rent the tables, linens, and chairs!

10. September and October – We’ve always known that October was a fashionable month here in Memphis for a wedding (not too hot!), but this year, it looks like the trend has risen nationally. September and October are THE matrimonial months of 2012. So start booking now, ladies!