2012 was a wonderful year to get married. But if your wedding is pointing towards 2013, take advantage of the following emerging trends. As an avid follower and passionate researcher of wedding trends, I always try to get the most impressive and memorable news to my brides before it hits mainstream. Because I also strive for uniqueness for my clients, I take what is hot and personalize it for every bride I work with, by adding a little twist. Here is what to expect in wedding trends in 2013, and what you can do to “own” them for yourself.
Birds
Expect to see nests, vintage bird cages and flocks of birds in décor and fashion: lovebirds sitting on top of wedding cakes; releasing doves; favours with bird-inspired touches; and so much more. For décor, consider having a nest bowl filled with your favourite flowers. Feathers look great in centrepieces. Birdcages can be used for envelopes or as centrepieces, as well. Decorate with ribbons, flowers and candles — simply gorgeous!
Braids
Whether it’s attributable to recent hit movies and TV shows like Snow White and the Huntsmen, The Hunger Games and Games of Thrones is hard to say, but braids will be showing up a lot in brides’ and bridesmaids’ hair. It’s great, because there are so many ways you can get a braided ’do. For an outdoorsy bride, hair arranged over the head like a halo and entwined with vines is a clean and fresh look. Brides who love chignons can have braids on the sides, leading into the bun. Feminine and classic, braids are versatile and can go with many looks, from glamorous to casual.
Mint
Look at 2012′s spring fashion shows and you’ll see mint is everywhere. Incorporate this colour trend in your invitations, your bridesmaid dresses, flowers and other décor. Not to mention signature drinks (cucumber martini, anyone?), cakes and cupcakes, and wedding favours (mint boxes, tags). A vintage colour, mint evokes memories of the 1940s and 1950s. Classic and fabulous.
Fun Dresses
Look out for colorful wedding dresses — especially red, a bold color that has already been spotted on many bridal fashion runways (brides will definitely stand out and pop in it). Also expect short and sassy dresses; for ceremony or reception, it’s a look that’s fun and different. If you’re a traditional kind of lady and want to keep it more conservative, wear your conventional long wedding gown all day, changing into a fabulous short and playful dress later in the evening.
“Green” Weddings: Paper
Brides continue to be eco-friendly and 2013 will be no exception. The three environmentally friendly items that you can expect to see ascend are paper, cork and stone. Decorations made out of paper are already very popular. Paper is biodegradable and recyclable, and can be very pretty. It’s also very versatile: it can be used for invitations and place cards; it can be hung in long sheets on railings, canopies and fences; it can wrap or package favours. Paper umbrellas and parasols are also gorgeous for an outdoor wedding, both for ambience and photo opps.
“Green” Weddings: Cork
The Pantone colour experts predict cork to be a huge trend in 2013. You will see it in many elements of a wedding, from stationery to dinnerware to decoration and beyond. This is because, per Pantone, “cork’s natural wood tones and its warm, soft texture make it unique, inviting and comfortable; from footwear to furniture, the appeal of this renewable resource just keeps on growing.” Cork has a very rustic appeal. Hang recycled corks from wine bottles strung into garlands, or use corks to hold seating cards in place. It is, of course, a perfect choice for a vineyard wedding, but will work equally well for any quaint and charming event.
“Green” Weddings: Stone
Eco-friendly and affordable, stones can give you a true personal touch because you can acquire your own just by going outside for a walk. Use stones to decorate the sides of the procession aisle, or as seating indicators (write names and/or table numbers on them). Use them for centrepieces, in a clear vase, with the stones sitting on the bottom and a candle floating on the water.
So, there you have it, lovely brides-to-be: my sneak peek at some of the wedding trends that will be hot in 2013. What emerging wedding trends for 2013 have you been noticing?
Rita Wong is a wedding and events planner and owner of Rita Wong Events. Based in Montreal, she also plans many weddings every year for brides living in Toronto and abroad. She is a dedicated follower of new trends and her goal is to give each bride a wedding that is fresh, unique, and a personal reflection of who they are.
