| Because of the recession people are getting a bit | | | | Forget attention to detail, this/next year it is all about |
| more resourceful with their wedding plans. Suddenly | | | | the core of the event, well thought out timings and |
| wedding venues and hotels are out and marquees | | | | just one or two big design statements rather than |
| are in big-time. Placing a stylish tent in the back | | | | lots of expensive little decorations. |
| garden of a parent's home is uber-chic and gives lots | | | | Invitations will be self-designed and printed |
| of opportunities to save money in other areas while | | | | professionally and will include reply postcards or |
| creating a really unique wedding. Also, receptions in | | | | email-only RSVPs. |
| restaurants are trendy for 2010, it's cheaper than a | | | | For years photography has dominated wedding |
| traditional reception venue and it's less likely that any | | | | media. Well, 2010 sees the dawn of a funky new |
| of your guests will have already been to a wedding | | | | videography style to rival it. Photographs will be |
| there. | | | | kept to a few formal family shots while the |
| Multi-destination honeymoons are big in 2010: a week | | | | ‘candid' moments, vows and first dance will be |
| of activities, touring, sightseeing and city breaks, | | | | captured on hi-res film instead. |
| followed by a relaxing week at a beach resort or on | | | | Religious, ethnic and cultural backgrounds will be |
| a cruise. The perfect way to cram in all life's big | | | | incorporated into the themes and colours of the |
| adventures before your babies come along! | | | | wedding to bring a new depth and meaning and a |
| More and more couples are paying for over 75% of | | | | unique day that isn't based on arbitrary themes. |
| their wedding themselves so the old-fashioned ideas | | | | Chinese sky lanterns popped up in nearly all weddings |
| of the last generation are right out of the window. | | | | in 2009. This will continue to some extent in 2010 |
| Eco-friendly weddings took a bit of a dip in 2009 | | | | along with the new dove-shaped balloons that can be |
| when financial fears knocked people's principles out of | | | | released at weddings as a tongue-in-cheek homage |
| the window! But 2010 sees a re-emergence of | | | | to a real dove release. |
| ‘green' weddings. When done correctly it can | | | | Birdcage veils (where netting covers only the face) |
| save money: potted plants are cheaper than cut | | | | combined with a feathered clip, nod to the ongoing |
| flowers, walking is cheaper than a vintage car… | | | | 80's influence in everyday fashion. Statement |
| 2010 offers wide v-neck bridal gowns and off the | | | | jewellery will be popular and will feature chunky |
| shoulder styles as a contrast to the strapless gowns | | | | necklaces and bangles paired with plainer tulle dresses |
| of the last ten years. It's time to move on. Sheer | | | | and no necklace at all or simple chokers with the |
| fabric or lace overlays replace sequins and crystal | | | | more highly detailed dress fabrics. |
| detail, and extend into long trains. | | | | Multi-coloured bridesmaid dresses will replace the |
| Fancy favours are out for 2010, too frivolous for a | | | | ‘one colour-different style' trend of last year, |
| recovering economy. Simple homemade treats, such | | | | two tone and simple patterns will be popular. |
| as fudge or cookies will be popular instead. | | | | |