Tip of the Day #62: Top Wedding Trends for 2013 - What's In and What's Out

Tip of the Day #62: Top Wedding Trends for 2013 - What's In and What's Out

We can happily report that the one projected trend that will remain for 2013 is a break from tradition with a focus on adding a personal touch to each and every wedding!  After consulting with the wedding gods, we have come up with a list of what's "in" and what's "out" in 2013.  No vibrant images, no frills, just cold, hard written predictions.

FOOD & DRINK In: Locally grown fare and seasonal vegetables served in interesting new ways A focus on incorporating dishes from a bride and groom's cultural heritage Artisanal cocktails & Tequila drinks Out: Bite-size Everything Emphasis on Comfort Food Signature "Couple" drinks

CAKE In: Multiple Mini cakes Serving an assortment of desserts Homemade desserts and pies featuring local and regional ingredients Absence of cake!  Dessert bars with a wide variety of offerings appeal to discerning palettes Out: Overly opulent multi-tier cakes Theme cakes (Cakes crafted in the shape of a couple's beloved dog, favorite hobby, etc.)

FASHION In: Interesting necklines (sleeves, off-the shoulder, a-symmetrical) Layered fabric Peplum waist gowns Pops of color (gold, silver, blue) 1920s inspired fashion Laser Cut accents to replace traditional lace Flower crowns Varying bridesmaid dress styles and prints from non-bridal dress designers Fifty shades of "...INSERT COLOR!..." for bridesmaids.  Pick a color, leave the style and design to your best girls! Floor length bridesmaid dresses Out: Runway dresses & shopping by designer Birdcage veils Cowboy boots, sneakers and other alternative footwear for brides and bridesmaids

DESIGN & DECOR In: Art Deco design and decor Incorporating mixed metals including copper, silver and gold design elements Interesting patterns & textures in linens Laid back lounges with furniture in mixed materials Out: Shabby chic and overly girly/romantic design Overuse of monograms and wedding "branding" Sleek "clubby" lounges with white sterile furniture

COLORS In: Neutrals; gray, blush pink, mint, cream Out: Deep reds, purples, pinks and stark white

INVITATIONS AND PRINTED GOODS In: Custom illustrations and personalized invitations Textured & metallic paper accents Interesting envelope liners Vintage stamps Out: Matchy-matchy paper suites Cookie-cutter formal invitations Custom stamps that match invitations (think Zazzle)

FLOWERS In: English Garden  a la Downtown Abbey A return to "minimalist chic" with opulent florals taking a backseat to interesting candlelight and decor accents Vegetable and backyard garden inspired bouquets Bridesmaid bouquets each featuring one type of flower; a bridal bouquet with elements of each of her bridesmaid's flowers combined Out: Over-designed and fussy tall floral centerpieces Brooch and non-floral bouquets

ENTERTAINMENT In: De-constructed photo booths set in front of interesting backdrops Late night food trucks featuring gourmet fare Out: Traditional photo booth structures with props Flash mobs and choreographed dances performed by the bridal party

MUSIC In: Electric violins Incorporating interesting musical instruments into modern day music Shift from DJs to bands overall Out: String quartets and harpists

LIGHTING In: Natural candlelight and amber washes(most universally flattering tones for all skin tones) Out: Vibrant color washes like blue and purple; save it for the galas!

FAVORS In: Edible favors (Secret family cookie recipe?  Homemade treats are always a plus!) Seasonal Treats (hot cocoa & mittens for winter, chilled lemonade and mini fan for the summer) Hangover helpers (You know your guests want them!) Forego favors overall in lieu of a donation to the couple's favorite charity (Giving back is always in style!) Out: Useless nicknacks; anything branded for your wedding day

RECEPTION VENUES In: Alternative venues like camp grounds, farm houses, personal estates, warehouses and rooftops; expect the unexpected! Out: Ballrooms and country clubs

SOCIAL MEDIA In: Pinterest will reign supreme as the primary source for wedding inspiration and idea sharing.  Single ladies, we love the idea of creating Pinterest wedding boards for your future nuptials, but, whatever you do, steer clear from naming your albums "One Day" or "A Girl Can Dream."  #CrazyCatLadyInTraining Creating a signature #Hashtag on Instagram for guests to tag and share photos at your wedding Out: Over sharing every detail of your planning process!  Limit your engagement, wedding and honeymoon photos to 3 albums and enjoy the one-on-one time with your mother planning behind the scenes.  #EnoughAlready

PLANNING PROCESS In: Hands-on brides taking on a DIY approach; "My wedding, my way!" Shift from a focus on wedding magazines to Pinterest for inspiration Out: Flashy "celebrity" wedding planner dictating style and design trends

TRADITIONS In: Personalized vows (Always a wedding "do!") Nondenominational wedding officiants Throwing wedding "rules" out the window!  It's your day, do your own thing (no matter how weird, unpopular or non-traditional!) Out: Bouquet and garter tosses

What are your thoughts?  Love the list?  Hate it?  Weigh in on YOUR predictions for 2013 weddings and what you hope to see more or less of in the coming year!