As a Kelowna/Okanagan Wedding Planner and event designer I can’t wait to see the new trends and styles off the runways. Stay tuned for the latest in wedding trends and bridal gowns for 2012.

The Royal influence is expected to be big in 2012. Anything related to the royal wedding will be a popular trend. Weddings are so much fun and we get so excited with each new trend, whether in the resurgence of an old idea or a unique twist on an old favorite.
Compiled from multiple sources in USA, Australia, and Europe, from the runways of New York and Barcelona. The newest trends surprise and excite us all over again.

1) BLACK TIE IS BACK!
Ornate venues, fancier is back and grandeur and vintage is in. Formality doesn’t have to mean, no personality.

2) WHITE PALETTES REIGN!
From influences of celebrity weddings such as Ivanka Trump and Kim Kardashian and the Royal wedding, the all white palette is evocative, sophisticated and regal.

3) SURPRISES ARE A MUST!
Anything that WOWs your guests is the ultimate personalization to your wedding. Bakery breakfasts to go for the morning after as a favor, food trucks at outdoor reception venues and interactive entertainers.
Dove and butterfly releases and champagne toastings add drama, after the ceremony.

4) VENUE CHANGING!
The night doesn’t end with the reception. After parties will become part of the reception. Couples want elegance but want to end with pure unadulterated exuberance.

5) VICTORIAN STYLES
in bridal gowns are an inspiration for the 2012 bridal season. Long, full skirts paired with corsets, lace, chokers, and high collars – these are the details that you’ll see from the runways in 2012.

6) CANDY BUFFETS & DESSERT TABLES
gain more ground over the traditional cake again in 2012. Guests love the idea of getting up when they are ready and picking out one or two special treats. Miniature cheesecakes, single-serve key lime pies, sundae bars with a plethora of toppings, all fit and satisfy the sweet tooth!

7) JEWELS!
Jewels sparkle everywhere in the season to come. They adorn everything from the bride’s hair, to the bouquet and centerpieces. Some creative bakeries are even adding a little bling to the wedding cake for a unique look.

8) SPECIALTY STATIONS!
We have seen them in the past but they will explode in 2012. Couples now are combining food and favor into a fun, interactive station for their guests. Buffets of pastries, doughnuts and candy, AND providing guests with a goody bag & box to go. From liquor tasting stations to coffee bars with baristas, or Tapas stations. What type of specialty station to have at your wedding is only limited to your imagination. In fact, depending on your theme, you could even venture to include a cigar bar or have an entire reception centered on the idea of hosting wine and cheese sampling.

9) THEMES!
More than a color palette, themes or styling as I prefer to describe it, are carried through from the invitations to the flowers to the linens right over to the dessert table. Some popular themes include: Vintage, Rustic & Nautical. Creativity knows no bounds, so pick a theme that reflects you as a couple.

10) COLORS!
Some of the hot colors for 2012 are red cherry and lime, coral and grey which is always beautifully subtle. Hot pink, chocolate mocha browns with soft pinks, tiffany blue with pale aqua, different shades of orange and of course black is the new...black: You can NEVER go wrong with black ... sheer elegance and sophistication are always created with the use of black.

11) PETS!
YUP! You read it right. Incorporating your family pet into the ceremony seems to be a trend right now and it will carry on well into 2012. There are lots of ways to involve furry (or feathered) friends in your celebration, whether in a formal role as the ring bearer or flower dog, or simply as an honored guest. It is fun, out of the ordinary and something that will leave your guests talking.

12) CHILDREN'S ATTIRE!
Flower girls are sporting fairy wings and cute wands, although baskets of rose petals, posies, pomanders, and dainty purses remain popular. A-line dresses and dresses accented with chiffon overlays steal the
show. Floral head wreaths or dainty tiaras finish the look. The tuxedo is still the most popular choice for the ring bearer.

13) WEDDING STATIONARY!
Stationery adorned with ribbon, feather, bamboo, rhinestone buckles, or floral accents remains in high demand. Ribbon is used for decoration, or to simply hold the invitation together. Handmade stationery is more personal, and with the popularity of scrap booking, stamping, and various computer programs available, there are endless creative options. Many couples choose to add this personal touch to their wedding.

Follow my upcoming blog on the the latest trends in 2012 BRIDAL GOWNS!
Agatha