It’s amazing that one young woman’s dress of choice for her big day would drastically influence countless others embarking on the “next stage” of their lives. We see exactly how much interest is sparked as William and Catherine – the newlywed British royals – embarked on their first trip to North America together last week. But more than just passing fancy, Kate Middleton’s wedding style is one of the major influencers in this summer’s wedding trends.
“It was classic, it was romantic, it was glamorous and royal,” said Martha Stewart weddings editor Darcy Miller, commenting on why the royal wedding serves as such an inspiration on U.S. brides. “It was elegant and royal, but then it was infused with all these highly personal touches: the trees into Westminster Abbey that could be replanted; wearing (Princess) Diana’s ring; borrowing the tiara from (William’s) grandmother; groom’s cake made from his childhood favorite cookies.
“Lace was already back, but you’ll see more requests for lace. The maid of honor’s dress, and whether your maid of honor wants a sexy look or not, she can wear white. It doesn’t need to be a standard bridesmaid,” she said.
While someone as high profile as Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, influences bridal trends, other looks develop on their own or from current events, such as the economy or globalization.
Purple is hot. From invitations, to dresses, décor and culinary choices, purple is big in many areas, and weddings are no exception. Color has been such a major summer wedding trend that MarthaStewartWeddings.com even presents content divided by color. It’s so big that the Dessy Group (Dessy.com), a bridesmaid dress company, created a partnership with color authority Pantone, to provide tips and tools for brides to assure that each aspect of their wedding is perfectly color-coordinated. Locally, the Ritz Carlton downtown will work with brides to meet their personal color needs.
“We can customize a purple-themed martini bar or even dessert buffet to meet our guests needs,” said Allyson Fredeen, public relations coordinator for The Ritz Carlton, Denver.
Fredeen’s mention of dessert buffets is right on cue, as another big trend is the dessert buffet. Displaying an array of desserts also is another way to incorporate color and personal touches that are special to the bride and groom into a reception.
Made-in-the-USA and destination weddings also are hot trends, and often that destination is a hometown somewhere other than where the couple lives. Colorado is big as a destination wedding location, and rustic mountain themes and snow peaked mountains provide the perfect backdrop for stunning photography.
An easy way to incorporate trends is with gifts to bridal attendants. Denver-made items such as Tokyo Milk Dark’s roller perfume or Pursen’s colorful and innovative purse organizers are fun, easy ways to make loved ones feel special, while also ensuring your event is on trend and in style. Find items to suit your taste at Tokyo-milk.com or Pursen.net.
So while the royals have taken America by storm, trends show numerous ways to make your wedding suit your style while giving guests an event to remember.
Doni Luckutt is a lifestyle expert who believes by enhancing interpersonal connection, we can stop simply living, and become Simply Alive! If you have a suggestion on what brings you to life, connect with her on Twitter @SimplyAlive, via e-mail Doni@SimplyAliveWorld.com or on her blog: .
