Top Wedding Trends for 2006

Wedding fashions come and go, but this summer’s classic and elegant looks pull together for romance and luxury. In addition to usual venues such as beaches, resorts, and five-star hotels, the top wedding trends include fashionable lace, romantic flower arrangements, with an emphasis on Victorian-inspired style. Extravagance and luxury continue to be themes for most, but budget-minded brides and grooms need not worry with the variety of low-cost, no-hassle wedding planners and accessory outlets available.

Organizing and planning a wedding can be a very rewarding and exciting experience, and often takes months to prepare. From colors, themes, travel arrangements, invitations, accessories, and food selections, the decision can be overwhelming. The keys to an exceptional wedding do lie in the planning, and your ability to stay flexible with the latest trends. Here are some key trends to be aware of that will ensure you won’t be delivering an out-of-date style or theme!

A glimpse of this years top fashion and decoration trends for summer and fall weddings in 2006:

Top Colors: This year you’ll find an assortment of coral, lavender, emerald, turquoise, chocolate, and sage. Other classics include chocolate, black, and navy.

Bridal Dresses: Both the bride and bridesmaids will choose from tulle, chiffon, and lace accented pieces with an emphasis on the detailed bodywork and satin trim. Rhinestone and crystal are additional classic touches for this year.

Bridal Accessories: Extra-long veils and trains are a hit this season, along with faux-fur wraps for the fall and winter. Summer fabrics will be light, lace, and ruffles and crystal embellishments. Purses and handbags will continue with Victorian-inspired trends, with the addition of pearls, crochet, and rhinestones. Hair accessories will include classic French twists adorned with rhinestones, hair pins with silk flowers, and pearl embellishments on updos.

Flowers: This year’s flower of choice is the classic red rose, but other bouquets will range from wild flower assortments, and hand-tied silk flower arrangements.

Transportation: High-luxury limousines and Lincoln Towncars look to be this year’s top picks.

Ceremony: Outdoor summer weddings continue to be a popular choice, weather permitting, with the addition of outdoor gardens, gazebos, and trellis doorways. Pets as part of the ceremony are becoming a popular trend this year and next, and will feature specially tailored clothing and accessories.

Reception: Top wedding favor and reception ideas include homemade gourmet jams, blooming flowers with bulbs for guests, free poems, rose petals seed favors, and theemse of hearts, butterflies, and wildflowers. Square tables are th e pick of choice, and the buffet line will cater to both heavy hors d’oerves miniature appetizers and deserts, and ethnic themes.

Cake: Hexagons, square, and oval cakes are the best choices for wedding cakes this year, with a miniature cake for each guest also becoming a quick favorite. Small cakes to serve as centerpieces are a great idea, as well as monogrammed cupcake towers, and specialized groom cakes.

Invitations: Invitation themes this year focus on the Victorain-inspired elegance of script, calligraphy poems, and unique, signature postcards. Of course, invitations will follow the theme of the wedding, so take the time to be selective!

Honeymoon: Last year’s top ten list included Hawaii, Italy, Tahiti, Anguilla, Fiji, and Jamaica, and this year Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, and Fiji look to be consistent best choices. Other trends include backpacking trips in Europe, travel destinations such as wellness resorts, and spa packages and luxury getaways at fine hotels across the country.