Untraditional with a Twist
Brides and grooms once felt compelled to conform to the trappings of traditional weddings. From uber-romantic vows to pastel colors to the penultimate white tiered cake, various wedding components were long considered must-haves. But modern couples are increasingly expressing their individuality, and even embracing more edgy and adventurous elements, when planning their weddings.
According to The Knot, a leading bridal resource and information site, today’s weddings are not what they were just a few years ago. Bold colors, exotic cakes and nontraditional foliage, are just some of the elements modern couples are embracing to set their weddings apart.
Adventurous locales
Smaller, intimate weddings are gaining popularity. Vineyards and catering halls can be great places to tie the knot, but couples who like to push the envelope are looking to more adventurous locales to impart their unique spin on their weddings. Sharing vows atop a mountaincrest at the end of a favorite hiking trail or on a roller coaster at a theme park are some adventurous places to tie the knot.
Outside-the-box menus
Couples may want to break with tradition by offering a wide selection of foods at their receptions. These foods can include items that fit with their specific ethnic cuisines, gourmet comfort foods (think cocktail franks wellington), or foods that fit with their dietary choices, such as organic or vegan options. Some experts say even hiring your favorite restaurant chef to curate a menu that suits your tastes is a great option.
Bold wardrobe choices
Brides can put new spins on their gowns by adding color and texture. Sequins, bold embroidery, shorter hemlines, and whatever adventurous fashion style you want to impart can be considered. Non-traditional wedding dresses will continue to gain popularity. If white isn’t your thing, that’s okay, too. The Pantone Color of the Year is Classic Blue which is a great color to incorporate. Also, yellow and slate gray look great together. Men can choose to wear a black suit or any combination of color and style they want to make a dramatic impression.
Full of flavor
Current wedding cake trends are naked, rough-iced and floral painted buttercream cakes though white with vanilla buttercream is still the most popular choice, says Monica Whitaker of Say it with Sugar in downtown Wylie.
If couples are afraid to commit to one flavor for the whole cake, Whitaker says it’s not uncommon to have each tier be different flavors but be prepared to spend $5 per serving for the wedding cake.
“One of the important pictures at your wedding is cutting and serving the cake to each other,” said the cake designer.
Putting an individualized spin on the ceremony and reception can make couples even more excited to tie the knot but before any decisions are made, wedding planners say the bride and groom should have a wedding budget and stick to it. Once that is established, there are creative options in every price level that will yield amazing results.