2010 Wedding Trend Predictions

Article provided by Amber Hunter of The Wedding Planner School

Because of the recession people are getting a bit more resourceful with their wedding plans. Suddenly wedding venues and hotels are out and marquees are in big-time. Placing a stylish tent in the back garden of a parent’s home is uber-chic and gives lots of opportunities to save money in other areas while creating a really unique wedding. Also, receptions in restaurants are trendy for 2010, it’s cheaper than a traditional reception venue and it’s less likely that any of your guests will have already been to a wedding there.
Multi-destination honeymoons are big in 2010: a week of activities, touring, sightseeing and city breaks, followed by a relaxing week at a beach resort or on a cruise. The perfect way to cram in all life’s big adventures before your babies come along!
More and more couples are paying for over 75% of their wedding themselves so the old-fashioned ideas of the last generation are right out of the window.

Eco-friendly weddings took a bit of a dip in 2009 when financial fears knocked people’s principles out of the window! But 2010 sees a re-emergence of ‘green’ weddings. When done correctly it can save money: potted plants are cheaper than cut flowers, walking is cheaper than a vintage car…

2010 offers wide v-neck bridal gowns and off the shoulder styles as a contrast to the strapless gowns of the last ten years. It’s time to move on. Sheer fabric or lace overlays replace sequins and crystal detail, and extend into long trains.

Fancy favours are out for 2010, too frivolous for a recovering economy. Simple homemade treats, such as fudge or cookies will be popular instead.

Forget attention to detail, this/next year it is all about the core of the event, well-thought-out timings and just one or two big design statements rather than lots of expensive little decorations.
Invitations will be self-designed and printed professionally and will include reply postcards or email-only RSVPs.
For years photography has dominated wedding media. Well, 2010 sees the dawn of a funky new videography style to rival it. Photographs will be kept to a few formal family shots while the ‘candid’ moments, vows and first dance will be captured on hi-res film instead.
Religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds will be incorporated into the themes and colours of the wedding to bring a new depth and meaning and a unique day that isn’t based on arbitrary themes.

Chinese sky lanterns popped up in nearly all weddings in 2009. This will continue to some extent in 2010 along with the new dove-shaped balloons that can be released at weddings as a tongue-in-cheek homage to a real dove release.

Birdcage veils (where netting covers only the face) combined with a feathered clip, nod to the ongoing 80’s influence in everyday fashion. Statement jewellery will be popular and will feature chunky necklaces and bangles paired with plainer tulle dresses and no necklace at all or simple chokers with the more highly detailed dress fabrics.

Multi-coloured bridesmaid dresses will replace the ‘one colour-different style’ trend of last year, two tone and simple patterns will be popular.

Colours -
Spring: lavender, latte and coral
Summer: turquoise, mauve and sage
Autumn: emerald, burgundy and chocolate
Winter: black, plum and navy

The Comparisons

2009

2010

Dresses – demi-matte strapless dresses with sweetheart neckline and fish tails.
Low veils hanging from the nape of the neck, tiaras.

Some strapless dresses but with lace shoulder covers, off-the-shoulder and more A-symmetrical straps. One-layer of Tulle or lace covers dresses.
Birdcage veils hang over the face only starting at the crown, held with feathered clips.

Venues – hotels losing their appeal, trend for castles, stately homes and

Packages are out. The most stylish weddings will be in the garden of a private rented house or a marquee in your own back garden. Restaurants and well-dressed village halls are also good indoor alternatives.

Themes – village fete, vintage 1920’s & 30’s and movie themes. Centrepieces made of lights and sculptures. More and more imaginative favours.

Eco-friendly potted trees and plants (again!), minimal but with one or two very large features. Table centres are out completely, as are favours unless the favours are the décor!

Photography – reportage dominates, two cameras and online-designed photobooks

Photobooks and canvas still popular, shift in popularity from photography to videography as technology and editing improves.

Bridesmaids – shorter dresses, off-the-rack, one fabric made into different styles

Variety in the colour of dresses, one shape in two colours: e.g. one in pink with a yellow sash, one in yellow with a pink sash etc.

Decoration – bouquets and decorative arrangements still in minimalist modern shapes, solo flowers and low table arrangements.

Hanging decorations making use of tall and vaulted ceilings, more use of uplights and shaped gels for creating wall colour and pattern

Colours - Black and white for the chicest weddings or mixed primary colours for more relaxed themes

Coral, browns, greens and purples spill over from the 09/10 winter catwalks, with each season using it’s own shades of these colours.
Winter will see deep plum, navy and black

Plain white or chocolate 3-tier cakes decorated with fresh flowers Tower of small cakes.

Large multi-layers with coloured icing, lace and broderie-anglaise-effect patterns and textured icing.

Jewellery – delicate bespoke pieces

Impact jewellery, chunky statement pieces paired with plainer dresses and no necklace or chokers with fussier fabrics.

Stationery – professionally produced outers with self-printed inners, lots of inserts and information provided on separate sheets.

Self-designed stationery printed by local printers or via the internet. No inserts apart from a bespoke reply card.

Honeymoons – Safaris, package honeymoons and island beach holidays.

Eco tours by train and car or multi-destination trips mixing activities with relaxation. High-end cruises are coming back into fashion.

Author Bio – Amber Hunter

If you would like to submit an article to Your UK Wedding Directory for inclusion on our Wedding Articles page, please email us at info[at]yourUKweddingdirectory.co.uk
Please replace [at] with @ when emailing.

Or if you'd just like to add your site to Your UK Wedding Directory, then please click here.

Free Wedding Directory