What’s in, what’s out 2012

We reveal the top trends for the remainder of the year.

Colour palette

Brides and grooms are plumping for the following colours: coral, black, white, pastel yellow, bright pink, deep red, slate grey, purplel, pale coffee.

Receptions

Out: Big, bolshy expensive dos.

In: Going understated. Spend more money on fewer people.

Venues

Out: Hotels

In: Barns, farms and gardens. Couples want to bring that element of nature into their big day.

Favours

Out: Cosmetics, almonds, candles, salt and pepper shakers.

In: It has to be edible. Lots of couples are choosing to have a ‘goodnight bar’ offering guests a choice of midnight snacks to take home in cute boxes. Try piles of doughnuts, bowls of sweets or pastries.

Food & drink

Out: Pay bar

In: Speciality stations. Wow your guests with a cocktail bar, liqueur tasting table, a coffee bar with a trained barista or a cheese and wine sampling table.

Out: Pudding

In: Dessert table. Like dining of yesteryear, have waiting staff take a trolley of goodies to each table including mini cheesecakes, tarts or even ice cream sundae selections.

Tables

Out: Plain starched linen, uniform table arrangements.

In: Patterned linen, lace and beautiful vintage-style runners, mix and match tables and trellises.

Centrepieces

Out: Height

In: Low flowing table decorations including chalkboard tealight holders as place names, centrepieces in the same colour but different shades, bowls and vases filled with glass marbles, sea shells, acrylic ice, water-absorbing crystals or beads, or fresh fruits, LED candles.

Flowers

Out: Bright shades and architectural displays

In: Flowering vines, individually cut flowers directly on linen, peonies, smaller arrangements, terrariums (domed vases filled with found objects such as shells, feathers, jewellery etc).

Décor

Out: Anything tight or structured.

In: Loose fitting chair covers, bows, swags, sashes, Chinese lanterns, garlands, pom poms

Added extras

Out: Chocolate fountains.

In: Candy buffets in traditional-looking glass containers with silver vintage spoons or scoops and old-fashioned printed paper bags or popcorn cartons.

Seating plan

Out: The top table.

In: A head table for the bride and groom only so they can share their first meal together as a couple alone.

Invitations

Out: Comedy and caricatures.

In: Watercolour prints, laser-cut work and your own family crest.

The dress

Out: Overly fussy detailing, diamantes, strapless gowns.

In: Romantic, floor-flowing dresses in soft fabrics with lots of chiffon, tulle and lace – a la Catherine Middleton.

Off the shoulder dresses to accentuate jewellery, pashminas and boleros, crystal brooches, illusion necklines, tiered skirts, lace sleeves.

Hair

Out: Pulled back, tight chignons.

In: Loose flowing curls held back with a vintage-style grip on one side or fresh flowers.

The cake

Out: Chocolate decorations, too much colour, fruit cake.

In: Pure white cakes decorated with handmade flowers, shells, scroll, lace and dot freehand icing, lemon, chocolate and carrot flavourings.