2011 Wedding Reception Trends

"Does art imitate life? Or, does life imitate art?" Philosophers have tried to answer this question for centuries. This question could also apply to wedding design - - especially now! Are designers and couples going to continue to outdo one another, by designing lavish weddings? Or, is the economy going to dictate the new wedding trends? Well, you decide! From room arrangement, morning brunches, after parties, weekend getaways, unique venues, entertainers, regional food and décor - - here are some new wedding reception trends!

All round tables are history! Couples are now for going the typical, stuffy, and formal all round 85x85 tables. They are now adding an element of surprise by choosing many tables of all different sizes, shapes, and heights. Want to create a casual and comfortable setting? Rent living room couches, large overstuffed chairs, coffee tables, and ottomans creating a longue ambiance! Add throw pillows, in your color scheme, for an added touch! How about the dining chairs trends this season? Seat covers are still out - - chiavari chairs are in! Chairs are more expensive than seat covers. So, if you have a wedding budget, don't forget to budget your chairs! Speaking of casual settings - - ditch the sitting chart! This season, couples are skipping assign sitting so that their guests would be more willing to mingle freely. How could this design help you save money? Couples are skipping the formal dinner and having a casual cocktail reception in a lounge setting!

Want to save some money on your wedding reception? Are you a morning person? Couples are now choosing to have a brunch wedding reception, instead of the night affaire! How would having a brunch save you money? Brunch entrees are less expensive and guests trend to drink less alcohol!

If you don't want the party to end, have an after party! Want to find a way to keep your guests partying with you all night? Offer food, drink, and great music! Couples are now offering dessert, candy, late night comfort food, specialty coffee, cognac, cordials, and cigar roller stations. Want great music? Hire a DJ! Brides and grooms are now hiring DJs instead of bands. Why? DJs can save money and also they have a wide selection of music, which can please any crowd. Are you on a budget and still want an after party? Don't want to party with grandma around? Here is a solution! After the ceremony, plan a cake and coffee reception with family and friends. After your cake reception, go celebrate with your closest friends, at your favorite night time spot. Brides, do you not want to wear your wedding gown all night? Change into a white cocktail dress for the evening festivities!

Don't have a wedding budget? Plan a wedding weekend getaway! Couples are now choosing far way destinations for their wedding festivities. Instead of planning one wedding reception, they are planning many banquets and activities throughout the weekend to celebrate their nuptials.

This season, vineyard weddings are still very popular! They provide a warm, welcoming, casual, romantic, and family atmosphere for your wedding reception. Also, often the facility provides the wine tasting! Wouldn't this provide a unique activity for your guests? Trust me - - it would make your wedding reception memorable! Also, vintage or old world themes are popular this year.

Want to offer some live entertainment for your guests? Hire dancers and musicians to perform at your reception! Want other options? Hire a company to set up a casino for your guests to play and win prizes. That will definitely entertain any crowd!

Want your out-of-town guests to experience the area's food? Offer food from the region! Chefs are shopping for their ingredients in their local butcher, farmer, and seafood markets. They are choosing fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and other unique items from the area to make their menus unique. For example, if you are having your reception on the eastern seaboard, offer your guests seafood chowder!

Frilly is out - - simple, clean, and modern design is in! The biggest trend in décor this season is simplicity! Simple color combinations, for example, are black and white or gold and cream. How are designers making these simple color schemes interesting? They are adding texture! For example, they are adding texture to the table linen, cake, and floral design. You would like some color in your design? Color is still popular this season! Colors that are in the greatest of demand are: turquoise, mauve, yellow, orange, magenta, hot pink, coral, emerald green, sage green, dark green, dark or violet purple, brown, blue, and slate grey. What is making a comeback from last season? Metallic! However, instead of silver, brides are choosing warmer metallic hues, for example, gold, bronze, and copper. Popular patterns this season are: Damasks, pock-a-dots, and black and white flocking! Table layering is still very popular. From the table cloth, runners, overlays, centerpieces, props, lighting, and chargers - - designers are creating very unique ways to make your room present a "wow" factor! However, this season, designers are finding dramatic ways to add impact to the room. One way - - they are hanging props from the ceiling!

So, where do you think this art form is going to go next? Whether or not wedding trends are reflected by our lives, wedding design has definitely become an art form. From room arrangement, morning brunches, after parties, weekend getaways, unique venues, entertainers, regional food and décor - - these new trends will continue to shape the wedding industry. Start creating!

Sources:

Liane Membis, "New Wedding Trends Shake Things Up," www.articles.cnn.com

Allison Micarelli, "Wedding Receptions: 15 Unique Receptions Ideas," www.theknot.com

"2011 Wedding Décor Trends," www.theweddingring.ca