All the Rage for 2010 Weddings

Eco-Chic is In

Incorporating ecologically conscious details into the wedding is the way to go in 2010. This is fairly simple to do. Brides can now select from a wide variety of recycled paper invitations, incorporate organic flowers in the arrangements, and opt for a menu with organic and vegetarian options.

Mini Cocktail Hour

Shorter cocktail hours will become the rule rather than the exception in 2010. The cocktail hour will take a back seat to the reception. Instead of spending lots of money on heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails and background music, cocktail hour will be reduced to less than 60 minutes. A shorter, but chic cocktail hour will lower costs and re-focus the spotlight on the main event: the reception. The guests won’t have to stand around for more than an hour waiting for the fun to begin!

Taller Wedding Cakes

The traditional 3 layer cake is a thing of the past. In 2010, wedding cakes will be taller and grander. Five or seven tier cakes (although some layers may be not be real cake) will be a focal point and part of the wedding decor.

Recycling and Donating

Being charitable extends to after the wedding. Brides are veering away from restoring their gowns and are beginning to move in the direction of selling their dress or donating it to someone in need. Other ways to share with the less fortunate include offering the leftover wedding food to a homeless shelter, donating the wedding flowers to a hospital, and giving reusable decorations to a church, school or organization that can reuse them.

Monograms and Initials

Personalizing the décor is very trendy. Using the bride’s and groom’s initials on the accessories and decorations is growing in popularity. The couple’s monograms can be incorporated into the invitations, cards, lighting, dinner plates, decoration, wedding cake topper, lighting accents, and ceremony runner. No one will mistake whose wedding they are attending!

Share the Wedding Using Social Media

Using your social media network is a popular way to showcase your wedding to friends and family. You or your photographer can upload the photographs on Facebook or on your wedding blog or wedding site, allowing you to quickly share the memories of your special day with those in your network. Using Twitter to post updates about the event is another new trend.

Favorite Edible Favors

The couple’s favorite cookies, candies or snacks are the hottest trend for wedding favors. The bride’s and groom’s favorite treats can be displayed on a specially designed buffet table, providing guests with the opportunity to share in foods that are especially reminiscent for the couple. The table serves as an additional accent, decorating the event while providing a topic of conversation to remind guests of the times they shared these treats with the bride or groom.

Focus on the Details

Taking time to attend to the small details that are unique and make guests feel welcome is a huge trend. Personalizing hospitality bags to include items that are family favorites or are region-specific make a great first impression. Filling the hospitality bags with weekend itineraries, booklets with suggested things to do, maps and brochures of places of interest set the tone for a fun-filled weekend. Serving a distinct menu and signature cocktail make for a special event. Setting out a special favor on a beautiful table for guests to take as they depart leaves a lasting impression of your memorable event.