2012 Wedding Trends

Last year was all about the rustic vintage and shabby chic. 2012 is the year to take it up a notch to elegant vintage and Hollywood chic, with a touch of unconventionality. Without further ado, here are the top five trends you can expect to see at this year’s weddings.

We began to see the rise of blush-colored dresses and illusion sleeves last year, but it’s a trend that will definitely explode during 2012. Expect to see more variety in hues: blush pink, pale gold, ice blue, and other nude tones. More and more brides are adopting lace sleeves and intricate textures and patterns, channeling old Hollywood glamour a la Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor. If you’re not a blush gown bride, you can try incorporating bold pops of color and metallics with nail polish, chic headpieces, or eye-catching baubles. And don’t forget your red lipstick!

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Out with the standard chicken and starch, and in with sleekly presented food stations and seasonal meals. While food stations became pretty popular in the last year, the elegant vintage trend is steering it toward petite servings from tiny shots of soup to mini desserts. Foodie couples seek to more fully express their personality and tastes this way, all while presenting it in a chic manner. Likewise, more eco-conscious brides are requesting meals prepared with in-season foods.

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Soft, lush florals are here to stay, accented by bold, retro prints such as chevrons and stripes. The Art Deco look is in with its clean and modern lines that all the while preserves the vintage style. Watch out for scaled-down arrangements in mixed-and-matched vases to create texture and variety. Add a towering candelabra with romantic taper candles for a drop-dead gorgeous effect.

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If you are one of the many brides looking for ways to incorporate personal touches into your special day, look no further than your iPod. While walking down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon in D has been the norm for decades, more brides are choosing to walk to more contemporary music that expresses their personality and their sentiments. Reception music is gearing toward cross-over mash-ups of standard party songs and modern hits, as well as the time travel effect, where the music begins with the classic 40s and travels through the decades to current hits.

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Speaking of personalized elements, more than ever, couples are making their own traditions by incorporating cultural ceremonies and rituals that express their love in a way that’s more “them.”

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Mexican Weddings: The Ceremony

Considering the deeply religious and spiritual background that significantly influence Mexican culture, marriage is viewed as a deep and unbreakable bond between the couple. From this belief stem various customs that take place during the wedding ceremony. Breathtaking locations abound in Mexico, which set the background for a uniquely spiritual and beautiful wedding ceremony.

Though the majority of Mexican wedding ceremonies take place during a Catholic Mass, the beautiful cultural rituals that accompany the service can be adapted to any ceremony.

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First is the tradition of el Lazo, or the Lasso. The lazo is a double rosary, or a white cord as another option, in the shape of a figure eight. It is placed over the couple’s shoulders directly after their vows by the chosen padrinos as a symbol of their union in love and trust, and remains there for the rest of the ceremony.

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Another custom is the exchange of the Arras, thirteen golden coins contained in a box or pouch. The groom will present the arras to the bride as a symbol of him giving her all his wealth and material possessions, and confidence in her.  The bride accepts them, ready to manage the responsibilities of marriage wisely and take care of her groom.

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During Catholic wedding ceremonies, the couple will often present flowers to the Virgin Mary and pray for her intercession throughout their marriage. This customs stems from Mexico’s long devotion to the Virgin of Guadalupe.

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Another ceremony option is to include Mayan traditions. The Mayan wedding ceremony is performed by a shaman in front of an altar with points facing in all four directions. The shaman will welcome guests during a purification ritual using Copal, a plant typically used by the Mayans as incense. The couple then will walk up to the altar, barefoot and in light clothing made of natural materials, share their vows, asking for blessing upon their marriage from Mother Earth and Cosmic Energy.

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These traditions are wonderful ways of incorporating Mexican customs and adding symbolic flair to your wedding ceremony!

Mexican Weddings: Padrinos Tradition

Weddings in Mexico are communal events that celebrate not only the love of husband and wife, but also the newly-created union between their families. The family plays a pivotal part in the life of the couple reaches far before they ever set foot at the altar. They guide and encourage them throughout their courtship and usually take important roles in the wedding… as well as celebrate the marriage with gusto!

Photo by Di-Lanattas Photography

One way to incorporate the family is by having padrinos, or godparents/sponsors, who take on the responsibility of providing different elements of the wedding, such as the bridal bouquet, lazo and arras (which will be explained in a later post), or even parts of the reception- further making it a communal celebration.

Photo by Di-Lanattas Photography

The most important padrinos are called Padrinos de Velación, who usually help cover the cost of the ceremony spot. What makes the honor so great is that they act as the witnesses, taking the place of a maid of honor and best man. They are usually a married couple who guide the bride and groom with wisdom through their own example.

The role of padrinos is a great honor and just one of many wonderful ways to involve family and friends in your special day!

Mod Romance Goes Uptown

Here at Wedding Elegance, it’s all about the “Wow!” factor. We were proud to be a part of the annual US Grant 2012 Wedding Showcase: Love, Etc. this past weekend to demonstrate just that! Hundreds of attendees were treated to the latest in bridal trends, sensational entertainment, and spectacular event design.

This showcase was a great opportunity to roll up our sleeves and create something eye-catching and luxurious that has never been seen before. The basic idea was centered around the romance of bold pink and vibrant red hues and the extravagance of gold and silver.

As you can see in the inspiration board below, this design was heavily influenced by the latest and richest trends in fashion, particularly fur; and was in turn balanced with modern, clean lines for a sophisticated effect.

We were privileged enough to collaborate with the fabulous Shawna Yamamoto, famous for her chic and cutting edge style,  to create this stunning event design featured at the showcase. Her one-of-a-kind florals and backdrops infused a rich, exotic feel to this Mod lounge-style design.

And then, the design was brought to life!

Sumptuous florals were flanked by matted metallic vases standing atop reflective boxes. The china was carefully selected and paired with silver chargers and fine linens for a sophisticated effect. Lush cushions added a more intimate atmosphere to a set of lounge furniture. Finally, the lighting tied it all together and brought you “Mod Romance Goes Uptown.”

The end result was a showstopping lounge setting dripping in vibrant color and a sultry touch of romance. From the fur table runner to the brightly polished silver to the recurring owl motif, brides were stunned by the intricacy of Nahid’s beautifully executed vision.

Thanks to all of you who came out and joined us! For fabulous design and styling ideas for your wedding or next social event, call Nahid!

Photography: Gene Higa  and Braja Mandala

Furniture: Lounge Appeal

Menus and place cards: Pink Star Design

China and Glassware: Powwow Vintage Rentals

Floral and Backdrops: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design

Favors: Sobelle Favors

Linen: APR Linens

Real Wedding: Beach Elegance at L’Auberge

Bay and Casey are a gorgeous couple who wanted an elegant beach wedding at L’Auberge Del Mar. The couple met through mutual friends and family at a Christmas party nine years ago. Their personalities are like mirror images of each other and they love to be active. While on a snowboarding trip in Big Bear, Casey proposed to Bay at a bed and breakfast resort… how romantic!

L’Auberge Del Mar is an elegant setting for any wedding! It’s known as one of the best North San Diego coastal resorts.

Love the floral accents on the cake and the couple’s decision to have a modern, sleek lounge for guests to mingle during cocktail hour.

Bay’s fondest  memory of her wedding: Seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony.

Bride’s words of wisdom: Relax and have fun. Involve your partner and do it together. It’s actually fun. Be very organized and get things done early so you’re not stressed. Hire a great planner like Nahid!

Ceremony Site: Seagrove Park in Del Mar, CA

Reception Site: L’Auberge Del Mar

Photographer: Brett Charles Rose Photography

Florist: Haydee’s Creative Flowers

Hair: Jessica Bertheau

Makeup: Mirror Mirror

Linens: Concepts Event Design

Rentals: Lounge Appeal

Lighting: England Lighting Systems

Stationary: Paper Paper Del Mar

Cake: Cake, Inc

Ceremony and Cocktail Entertainment: Caprice Strings

Reception Entertainment: Wayne Foster Band

Videographer: Pristine Videos

Transportation: LA Class Transportation