What's Big in 2008

I spent an afternoon browsing bridal magazines one day at my local book emporium. To say that there is an abundance of magazines for brides-to-be is an understatement. I nearly lost my head trying to figure out which one to pick up first. I decided to forgo the common Modern Bride, Brides and even the local glossy pieces. I went straight for the high-end magazines because much like to couture these ideas will trickle down into the main stream bridal industry in the next year or so and the photo quality of these magazines cannot be beat.

Here are some of the very hot trends and ideas for weddings this season and quite possibly the next few-

1. Clear chairs (typically made from some form of plastic) at the reception. This is a great concept as it is very modern and makes it easy to utilize and bring out other colors at your tables and around the room. Using colored plastic chairs is another big idea. It gives the table a nice jeweled look.

2. Spring Green. It's everywhere! From the use of leaves and stems in centerpieces and bouquets to actual swags of fabric hanging from walls, ceilings and draped around a room this color is hot! It often is accompanied by a nice stark black and white contrast. It pairs well with cream too for a softer less dramatic look.

3. Move over aqua and make way for periwinkle. This color is showing up far and wide. It looks gorgeous paired with brown too. It feels cozy yet elegant all at the same time and looks amazing in a rustic candlelight church setting or at a sunny beach reception. I love it in bridesmaids dresses too.

4. Jet. This type of beading is everywhere in fashion this spring so why not in the bridal world? It can be seen adorning dresses for the bridal party, hanging from chandeliers at the reception and even adorning cakes. This pretty black bead is especially nice when it is paired with a baroque patterned linen on a table.

5. Baby's breath. Quite shocking I know since this 1970-80's filler flower of choice has seen some sad times of late. No one would touch the stuff until now. However, it is only used alone. In short and bunched pieces it looks great in a spring green theme. Use it in tiny bud vases in a tight bunch and it looks fabulous as a tiny gathering around a larger centerpiece.

6. Black Cala Lilies. Need I say more? These flowers were at my own wedding and I still love them. They look stunning in a bouquet, carried alone, in a centerpiece or adorning a cake. They are elegant, smart and timeless.

7. Asian inspired themes- from the use of Chinese symbols on cakes to dragons on an invite, this theme is popping up all over. Bamboo on the table for good luck? Why not! I have even seen it used as edging on a cake as well.

8. The use of silver wire as an accent for flowers. This is very modern. It looks phenomenal wrapped around a bouquet and has an edge to it that satin ribbon just can't compete with.

As always with the spring and summer weddings there is the use of nature, colors that pop and the outdoors being brought inside. Using anyone of these ideas your wedding will have a very fresh feeling about it that will look visually stunning in photographs.

Oh Whatever - I'm Just Going to Give You This

I'm having immense trouble with some email so my scheduled piece on our featured bride Ashley is going to have to wait a bit. In a fit of rage at hotmail and msn I found this little gem on their site. I use the term gem loosely because quite frankly "what's hot in '08" is basically more of the same. GO BIG. Go broke is what I say. "GO BIG!", says the industry and I want to barf.

I'm sick of the big weddings without personality but claim to scream personalization. I'm sick of the slickness and use of the word 'luxe'. Isn't there something better one can spend their money on than a 15K dress with the must have accent of gray? Do you have to have gold-plated tartlettes? I realize that it is the couples day and it is their money to with what they wish, but in a sense it just seems very gauche.

My trend for '08? Don't go for broke. Go for quiet style and sophistication. Go green. Go tasteful and not bombastic. Donate money or take a green honeymoon instead of throwing pearls and using jet fuel going to multiple locations. That's just me though and I'm sick of the gluttony today.

Anyway, here are the trends for 2008 from the wedding industry big wigs. (Then my snarky remarks)

1. It's all about more, more, more. Multiples really. In dresses it is one formal gown for the ceremony and a fun one for reception. (Hey, keep those seamstresses employed with more complex beading I say! Plus it makes your guests wait even longer for the alcohol.)

2. Hairdressers need love too. Do various hair styles throughout your day. (Why not make the day even more endless for your guests. Make them wait for not just the photo ops after the ceremony, but also your next 'do. Awesome.)

3. The Marie Antoinette take on a reception. Luxe floral arrangements. Brocade, feathers and gilded pieces. (This actually can be quite beautiful but since I'm on a roll here let me just say this- we all know what happened to Marie Antoinette don't we?)

4. Vintage. This is a good one. Except don't go buy vintage looking pieces. Buy actual vintage-wear. Old china would look fab at the reception or in your cabinets. A vintage dress or tux from an era you love works too. Antique candelabras and other assorted pieces like napkin rings or placecards would make a unique look. Even vintage rings. This is by far my favorite trend and it's green too. It is far better to buy actual vintage wares than buying the reproductions. It's also fun to search. Have at it!

5. Cover bands. Also acceptable to this cantankerous and strongly opinionated blogger. Hire a fun band referred by a friend or you have actually seen in action. Cover bands are loads of fun, not terribly expensive and you are helping your fellow man by giving the group a gig.


*For the original and more serious take on this list by a Knot expert click here.