Trends for 2011

  Happy New Year! I'm sure you've been busy making and breaking resolutions.  Myself, I skipped the resolutions and went straight to trend watching.  What's ahead in weddings? Here a few trends to watch for this year.

  Dresses. I am very excited about certain styles that are making a comeback this year and they all have one common element - femininity.  We're seeing vintage couture make a comeback, thanks to period TV shows like Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire. Put a twist on that with New York prep style inspired by Blair Waldorf and you'll be the belle of this season's ball.  And of course, the ballerina dress.  I've already shared my love of that new style.  Thank you, Black Swan!

From Wedding Nova

  Eco-Chic. Eco-Chic has been trending since the start of the 21st century, but this year there are even more ways to have an environmentally conscious wedding.  First of all, buy used and buy local.  Buying used means that you are more likely to find a vintage dress.  Buying local not only encourages the local economy (which you'd obviously like to do if you live there), but often it also decreases the cost of items.  Local caterers and floral shops will also give your wedding a personal touch.
  Another way to get in touch with the environment is to have a wedding in nature.  The trend is becoming more popular this year: people are ready to get out doors! Not only that, but outdoor venues are often less-expensive.
  My favorite thing about this trend has to be the paper products - invitations, menus, etc.  These invites from The Paper Door are simple, classy, and totally eco-chic.

The Paper Door
  Fun with Food. I don't know if you've been watching the Food Network lately, but gastronomy has recently taken a turn for the inventive.  And now many brides are incorporating that into their wedding.  Watch out for peculiar foods in 2011.  Some couples may even forgo a classic caterer for a food truck.  

  Technology.  There is no doubt that Facebook has radically changed modern society, but I doubt Mark Zuckerburg ever thought he would have an influence on the wedding industry.  But he has! Brides are using Facebook to invite guests to events, using Twitter to update friends and family on the progress of the wedding preparations, and posting photos to Photobucket to share with guests.  And with social networking sites growing exponentially every year, getting in touch with friends and relatives will only get easier.  I hear your grandmother is on Facebook now, how about inviting her to your bridal shower?

  Princess Fever.  Sadly, it is true.  Prince William is officially off the market and tying the knot with longtime girlfriend, Kate Middleton.  She is the perfect princess. Beautiful and smart, she will take the London Royal Family by storm.  And we won't be able to stop watching as she prepares for her big day.  It promises to be an extravagant wedding and I cannot wait to see what happens.

From MamaPop.com

  Watch out for these trends in 2011 and stay ahead of the game with your wedding preparations!