Wedding trends: What’s hot, what’s not

Wedding trends. Just the mention of the world “trend” may tie up your stomach in knots. The wedding world is constantly changing, so much so that it’s hard to keep up.If you’re in the middle of planning a wedding and want to know what’s going on with wedding trends, here’s a brief list to help:

•Coordinated décor is out and less coordinated décor is in. More and more couples are varying the type and size of decorations in their weddings for a less coordinated look. Some of the reception tables may have large formal bouquets, for example, while others may have a single rose bud.

•Head tables are out and small tables are in. Many couples are choosing to forgo the pomp and circumstance of a head table and sit by themselves or with immediate family at a smaller table near the front.

•Single-flavored wedding cakes are out and multi-flavored layered wedding cakes are in. Many couples are choosing to give their guests more of a selection with a multi-flavored layered cake. Cakes made with a chocolate layer, a vanilla layer and a marble layer are all the rage.

•Pale hues are out and deep, rich colors are in. Couples are choosing deeper tones, like amethyst, burgundy, chocolate, indigo, navy, rose and ruby for their weddings. Lighter shades like periwinkle, sage green, soft pink and taupe are also hot. Shading has become important. Anyone who finds it difficult to match the color they have selected for their wedding can go with shades of it. A couple who has decided to have an amethyst wedding, for example, can incorporate various shades of purple into flowers and other decorations.

•Phones calls are out and wedding newsletters are in. Couples tired of answering the same questions over and over about their wedding are taking advantage of wedding newsletters. Posted online or sent by e-mail, wedding newsletters are a great way to let friends and family know what is going on with the wedding planning and make announcements, like upcoming fittings.

•Portrait photography is out and photojournalistic photography is in. Many newlyweds are asking photographers to take a photojournalistic approach to their wedding and go for more candid shots. Black-and-white photography with touches of color is also hot.

•Receiving lines are out and greeting guests individually at the reception is in. More and more couples are eliminating the stuffy receiving line and greeting their guests individually at the reception while they are seated and waiting to be served. Although time-consuming, the approach is more personal.

•Standing in front of the congregation is out and facing them is in. Many couples are choosing to connect with their guests by facing them when they exchange their vows. Not only does it give everyone a great view, but it provides the photographer with an opportunity for some great photos.

•Traditional wedding favors are out and less traditional ones are in. More and more couples are choosing to offer guests unusual favors, like personalized chocolates, small perfume bottles or monogrammed wine glasses, rather than the typical sachets.

•Transportation by limousine or car is out and more unusual modes of transportation are in. Couples are making a statement by arriving at their reception in a horse-drawn carriage, sleigh, motorcycle or even a hot-air balloon.

These are just some popular wedding trends. There are many others. Some couples, for example, arrange to have a supervised playroom where guests can drop off their young kids and be free to enjoy the ceremony and reception. For a complete look at current wedding trends, conduct a search online, browse bridal magazines or ask your wedding coordinator or consultant. Wedding trends come and go. What’s hot this year may not be so hot next year. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t incorporate a past trend into your wedding.

It’s your wedding. Make it one to remember.