Something old, Something new.

Old is easy. Here are a few of the newest wedding trends.

Something old

Something new.

Something borrowed.

Something blue.

Tradition says brides should wear or carry one of each.

The “old” is simple enough. We’ve known brides who carried a bouquet with a small dried flower – one of significance (from the first bouquet her husband-to-be ever sent or a sprig of rosemary from her childhood home), an old family bible or a lace handkerchief passed down from a grandmother. Even the most modern brides feel sentimental as the big day approaches and want to honor family and tradition.

But every bride wants her wedding to be memorable for guests. While you’re considering what new thing you’ll wear or carry, think about something innovative to have at your reception your guests haven’t seen before. Here’s what we’ve seen that’s new and noteworthy:

  1. Saying “I do” to local. Whether you’ve invited guests to your hometown – or have chosen a destination for the “I do’s” – brides and grooms are offering guests a taste of local cuisine. If your cousins from Connecticut have never had Cheerwine and Moon Pies, they’re going to flip for a taste of the South.
  2. Cake alternatives. A tower of doughnuts. An ice cream truck. A make-your-own sundae bar … there are plenty of sweet endings besides (or in addition to) the traditional tiered cake.
  3. Signature cocktails. If you choose to serve adult bevs, beer and wine (and maybe a glass of bubbly) may be in order. But lots of couples are setting up a special bar and offering a signature drink. Moscow mules, sloe gin fizzes, pina coladas or Mai Tais (for coastal weddings) are all fun and out-of-the-ordinary. Some couples even have a mixologist concoct a new craft cocktail just for the occasion. Guests will remember the “Emma-tini” or the “Moscow Mary.”
  4. Deep, rich colors. We’re seeing fewer pastel color schemes and more jewel tones. Deep purple, bright orange, citrine, lemon yellow, crimson, burnt umber. Saturated color has made a comeback.
  5. Mix and mingle. Fewer couples are opting for a seated lunch and dinner. More are creating a festive cocktail-party atmosphere and inviting guests to move and mingle. Food stations and multiple bars help encourage guests to flow freely throughout the reception space.
  6. Less is more. Not all trends are expensive. A big free-for-all with a cast of thousands is a bit passe. Lots of couples are recognizing that quality trumps quantity and opting for an intimate gathering of family and close friends. Enjoy the savings!
  7. Up in the air. Who says your entertainment has to be limited to a DJ? Some bridal couples are hiring acrobats or even (gasp!) aerial dancers to entertain guests.

No matter if your venue is a rustic barn, sleek ballroom or your own back yard, your wedding will be uniquely your own. Old, borrowed and blue: Check, check, check.

But new and different? That requires thinking outside the box.

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