2011 Trends With spring just around the corner, most brides are planning for their summer weddings. "The overall trend for 2011 seems to be 'subtle luxury,' with a heavy emphasis on creativity and personalization, says Perfect Wedding Guide Wedding Planning Expert Susan Southerland, whose works has been featured in national magazines and television shows such as The Style Network's "Whose Wedding Is It Anyway?" "Every element of the wedding should be tailored to reflect the couple, but not cross the line into lavish or excessive."Southerland also notes that handmade, vintage, and rustic touches are being prominently showcased, while technology will continue to be used to its full potential behind-the-scenes (brides reading wedding blogs, using smart phone apps, communicating wedding plans through social media, etc).Here, a detailed list of additional wedding trends and wedding ideas for 2011 based on industry buzz:DressesDress are all about texture this year.Romantic, flowing dresses in floor-length styles remain popular. Brides today choose dresses with flowing, soft fabrics, ruffles, satin sashes (at the waist), and delicate floral details. Most dress silhouettes are refined and include the delicate overlaying of fabrics such as chiffon, tulle and lace. Gowns with crystal, cubic zirconia, and/or pearl embellished bodices are very popular at the moment.The modified A-line skirt also remains prominent on the fashion runways (slim through the waist and flared at the bottom) although many designers have included ball gowns and tea-length styles in their lines as well. Strapless gowns are perennial favorites, but this season has brought back the off-the-shoulder look for brides who want to accentuate their neckline or draw attention to gorgeous jewelry.CakesSimple Wedding Cakes. As opposed to elaborate and whimsical designs of years past, wedding cakes in 2011 will be scaled back to more modest designs with all-edible elements. Girls are also forgoing the flower-covered bridal cake and going with a more simplistic look: a solid cake with one big flower. Cakes are becoming more contemporary and brides are finding their inspiration on TV. Monograms don't seem to be making as much of an appearance this year either. This may change because it's still early in the year, but based on her clients, monograms aren't as popular. While cupcakes were common for the past couple of years, bride seem to steer away from them in 2011.. the Groom's Cake is becoming more of a dedication. It's being decorated with souvenirs, personal effects and backdrops.FlowersA big trend set to continue into 2011 is to use one single flower .. It looks incredibly opulent, but also very distinctive and different.A growing trend in 2011 will be the use of imaginative vases or containers for your flowers.Making your venue smell as beautiful as it looks will be on trend next year. Matching scented candles to the bride's bouquet is growing in popularity and candle light gives any venue a fabulous feel.ReceptionIntimate weddings are still going strong; although wedding budgets are beginning to recover in 2011, a return to the traditional lengthy guest list will not make a comeback.Less Traditions. Couples will continue to focus on personalizing every aspect of their wedding to reflect their interests and personalities.Bigger Focus on Wedding Entertainment. Services that were quick to get the ax in previous years, due to budgetary constraints, that will begin making a comeback are: wedding videography, DJ services, and higher quality wedding photography.Textured linens will be layered to dress up reception tables, chair covers may be embroidered or beaded, and branchy centerpieces and floral arrangements will captivate wedding guests.Whether it's two bright hues with a metallic accent, or several metallic shades used together, brights and metalics will be popular choices for wedding color palettes in 2011. Gilded gold, shimmery silver, and sparkling champagne will used alone or with accents of yellow, purple or teal. And since metalics make such a bold statement on their own, couples will scale back over-the-top decor in favor of a more restrained style aesthetic.Couples will plan a post-reception after party lasting into the wee hours of the night with drinks, entertainment, dancing, and snacks so that wedding guests can party all night long!Gift RegistryCouples are registering for more simple everyday place settings instead of fine china. A noted trend is registering more than one place for gifts.Text module
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