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Five Fun
Wedding Trends
(ARA) - Teal bridesmaids' gowns? So last year. Bridal bouquet
of red roses? Been there, done that. Platinum wedding bands? A
classic choice, but there are trendier options.
According to a report published by The Wedding Report, the $58.5
billion wedding market in 2006 is expected to boast 2.2 million
weddings (a three-percent increase over last year), at an
average cost of $26,400 (a 2.3 percent increase.) With
staggering statistics such as these, no wonder that planning a
wedding can be difficult - and expensive - work.
Many brides- and grooms-to-be already have a firm grasp on their
wedding plans and budgets. For those of you just starting to
comb through bridal magazines, here are five trends you may want
to consider when planning your big day:
* COLORS. While many colors will be popular this year, purple
will prevail. TheKnot.com foresees a palette from pale lavender
to deep eggplant, used in a variety of patterns on everything
from bridesmaids' dresses and invitations to the wedding cake
and cocktail napkins. Seasonal hues, according to The Wedding
Company, include black, plum and navy (winter), latte, coral and
lavender (spring), mauve, sage and turquoise (summer), and
emerald, burgundy and chocolate (fall).
* FLOWERS. While roses will forever symbolize love and romance,
more adventurous brides are experimenting with orchids, gerbera
daisies, peonies, gardenias, lilies and green hydrangeas.
Arrangements with a "just-picked, casual look" are favorites
for both brides and their mothers, with silk flowers gaining
speed as more durable, yet equally colorful, options.
* RINGS. Gold is gorgeous, diamonds are to die for, and platinum
is a perennial favorite, but the hot new metal in men's wedding
bands is tungsten. Over the past two years, tungsten has "taken
on a life of its own," according to Steve Blackwell of
e-Weddingbands.com,
a premier online wedding band retailer. "It's the only metal
that is scratch-resistant, making it very appealing to men who
may have shied away from softer metals in the past." Another
trend noted by Blackwell: custom-engraving wedding bands, with
personalized messages of loyalty ranging from "All my love" to
"We Are . . . Penn State" (www.e-weddingbands.com).
* ATTIRE. We can expect to see more and more strapless bridal
gowns, as well as floor-length styles, adorned with pastel
trimmings and embroidery, fancy beadwork and satin accents.
Experts also see a renaissance of the morning coat for grooms
in both black and gray - a less formal alternative to the
traditional tuxedo.
* RECEPTION. Bridal Guide magazine notes unique menu fare
ranging from one-bite desserts and chilled soups served in shot
glasses to ethnic-inspired entrees and make-your-own food
stations. Long tables conducive for family-style serving will
be decorated with colored stemware, gilt edging, and party
favors that include ginger-flavored truffles and monogrammed
chocolate bars. The event will rock this year - literally - with
DJs spinning favorite tunes from the '80s or even spicy Latin
samba music.
For both trendy and traditional wedding rings, visit
e-weddingbands.com .
Copyright © 2006, ARA Content
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