Crowning Celebrations: Toledo Free Press Eventista: 2013 WEDDING TRENDS

In case you didn't catch my article on 2013 wedding trends - here are my top trends and inspiration boards!

Eventista: Hot wedding trends for 2013

Each year weddings get more trend-specific. But as the trends increase, the sizes of the weddings are decreasing. Doing more doesn’t necessarily mean spending more or inviting more. Wedding guest lists are being trimmed as carefully as the details are planned out. Here are some ways to create a fabulous 2013 celebration.

You can’t plan a 2013 wedding and not talk texture! It’s growing year after year and it’s bigger than ever. We have seen it in bridal bouquets that have a varying selection of flowers and uncommon greeneries to bridal gowns with appliques, rosettes and flowers that pop right off the fabric. Cakes are mimicking these fabrics with ruffled layers and large sugar petals cascading down. Modern patterns like chevron and polka dot are some of the most popular. They are gracing the papers of invitation suites and adding an extra punch to tablescape linens. We are seeing a hint of pattern on bridal gowns under traditional overlays like lace and they are also giving groom’s ties a playful look.

Color gives even the most traditional affair an added punch. Bridesmaids dresses are bright and festive. We are still seeing a trend toward variable design in each maid’s attire from gradual shades of ombre dresses to the same fabric in countless styles. The bride’s bouquet has strayed from all white and now includes a multitude of hues and colors. But probably the most noticeable color change this year is the blush-colored wedding gown. Bright white is a thing of the past as brides are choosing softer hues for their skin tones.

Kate Middleton’s lace-style gown still reigns, but with a new twist.

“We are seeing a different take on lace with the Guipure pattern. It’s a larger pattern and less traditional,” said Stacy Fork of The Gown Shop Ann Arbor.

Another trend, according to Fork is the horsehair-trimmed bridal veil.

“The stretch nylon that now adorns some of the most modern and romantic veils has been a top pick,” Fork said. “It definitely gives that extra wow factor to a veil versus just the standard tulle.”

Grooms are taking an active role in the planning. Not only are they attending meetings and playing a role in the decisions, they are adding in details of their own. From groom’s cakes and dessert bars to special signature beers and menu selections, grooms are finding their voice.

Vintage is not necessarily decorating with antiques and it’s often confused with shabby chic. Vintage is a style all its own and the vintage trend in 2013 is the roaring ’20s. Popular shows like “Downton Abbey” and movie “The Great Gatsby”

provide inspiration for wedding style and theme.

“Our clients are enamored with ‘nostalgic vibes’ that are unique to them,” said Heather Zeller, owner of La Boutique Nostalgie. “Shimmering candlelight, garden roses and hydrangeas, lace, birdcage veils and chandeliers in equal measure are popular, key elements in completing the vintage vision.”

One of the hottest wedding trends this year has gone to the birds — literally! The bird theme surfaced in 2012 and is taking flight in 2013. Birds are being seen on wedding invitations, on the top of cakes and they are bringing little accents like nests and twigs to centerpieces. Feathered accessories will also be popular on veils, purses and bridal sashes.

Incorporating yummy goodness you can only find street side will be the icing on the cake for your wedding guests with a food truck! “Late night snacks” or “afterthoughts” have been a hit of weddings for years with selections like mini-sliders, homemade doughnuts and pizza.

But for that crowd that parties hard and gets hungry, why not treat them to their favorite guilty pleasure with gourmet hot dog truck or ice cream truck?

Grab your issue of the Toledo Free Press Bridal Guide or see it here online!