Plan a Wedding in a Tanking Economy
The wedding planners from Rich Bride Poor Bride help make your wedding fabulous without breaking the bank
The Rich Bride Poor Bride wedding planners are finding that wedding trends in 2009 will be heavily influenced by the economy. Their upcoming weddings have scaled back the opulence and are going for more natural, relaxed events with the focus being on friends and family.
Smaller budgets have inspired couples to have more creative, intimate, and personal weddings. Allister Reid says, “One bride whose father is a top stockbroker just got her bridesmaids dresses off the sales rack at a retail clothing store, a far cry from the $650 dresses she was going to get last year.”
Wedding planner Heidi Allen (pictured left, above) has pegged today’s economically based weddings as “style chic.” Allen says, “Rather than mega-big weddings where cost-cutting means a lack of details or fun, the 2009 wedding trends are full of fabulous details meant for smaller, affordable weddings.”
BUDGET
With the economy in question and budgets a must, many brides are opting to find cost-effective and creative ways to do things on their own, from making their own arrangements to doing their own hair and makeup. This practice is not recommended, discouraged really as your day should not be fraught with stress but filled with happy memories to last a lifetime.
MONEY TIP: Budget well for all the necessities and leave room for the experts to help bring your vision to life.
COLOUR
Colour schemes for 2009 will be an extension of previous seasons. The ranges of whites and greens, as well as purple and brown are not going anywhere anytime soon. In contrast, however, this year will see brighter and bolder hues emerge likes turquoise and yellow tones, even brighter shades of pinks, oranges, and peach. Get ready for vivid tropical colours to make a fresh, bold, and brilliant statement.
STYLE TIP:
Wedding planner Angelique Sobschak (pictured right, above) says, “A good way to get a feel for what the upcoming wedding colours and fashion trends will be is to check out the Oscars. The colours the stars wear on the red carpet are usually mimicked throughout the year.”
RINGS
The latest wedding band trends are affordable, fashion conscious, and uniquely designed. One variation that we’ll see a lot of this year is the unity band, a mixture of both white and yellow gold signifying two halves coming together in eternal union. Another must-have this year are platinum wedding bands.
MONEY TIP: In the past, this precious metal was almost impossible for the average couple to afford but look out, platinum prices have declined 60%, making this the year to go platinum or go home!
INVITATIONS
It’s another exciting year for wedding invitations as they’ll continue to make significant style, colour, and embellishment statements. For Spring and Summer, the fashion trends are sunny and optimistic: yellows or fuchsia paired with orange or watermelon pink. Looking ahead to Autumn, the colour palette deepens somewhat to hints of emerald green, scarlet, and deep brown. With Winter, plaid will add a warm and chic look to any invite.
MONEY TIP: Get more bang for your buck. Many couples are opting for stationery that comes accessorized with keepsake embellishments that include belts with buckles, faux wax seals, and beautiful solid brass charms. With theses embellishments, a modern bride can create the gorgeous personalized invitations of her budget-based dreams.
GROOM’S ATTIRE
Gentlemen, gone are the days of the traditional black tuxedo. This year, we’ll see more bold and punchy additions to your look. Uniquely patterned, brightly coloured neckwear is on the rise. Ties that stand out and bows that refuse to bow to conventional looks are also hot. Your bride may be the belle of the ball but this year, the guys have a chance to make a statement all their own.
BRIDAL HAIR
Let’s face it, as beautiful as they are, traditional veils can sometimes come at a pretty hefty price. After the ceremony and pictures, most brides tend to do away with the often cumbersome task of carting around the lacy fabric, anyway. This year is all about expressing yourself creatively yet economically.
STYLE TIP: Get ready for hair accessories like headbands or feathered flowers, otherwise known as fasinators, vintage twists to the traditional headpiece that add a hint of flare without compromising your vision.
RECEPTIONS
Budgets might be tight but that doesn’t mean that luxury and glamour go out the back door. Instead, couples are opting for more intimate, glamorous affairs. With a smaller guest list, you can have more opulent details like elaborate wedding favours, better wines, and gourmet tasting menus. Wedding planner Heidi Allen says, “With such a backdrop, it then feels right to be in your tuxedos and gowns, surrounded by your closest family and friends.”
DÉCOR
Reception décor will move away from white and ivory and will be much bolder this year. Colour will play a big part for accents such as linens and custom-designed lighting. Linens will feature gingham, checkered, polka-dots, paisley, and even damask prints. And projecting impressive lighting designs like chandeliers, flowers, and even city skylines onto the walls is very trendy.
STYLE TIP: When it comes to your space, hanging chandeliers in different sizes and adding colourful lamps and shades to guest tables is chic and stylish.
ENVIRONMENT
In 2009, the environment will be at the forefront for most couples planning their big day, from incorporating biologically and ecologically friendly materials in fabrics to non-conflict diamonds, fair trade coffee, and opting for hybrid cars. Today’s couples are cognizant of the green choices they’re making and how even the smallest change can make a huge difference.
FLOWERS
Jewels will add a touch of glitz to your bouquet this year and compliment your dress all at the same time. “Incorporating vintage pieces of jewelry in an effort to adorn your bouquet is also a nice way to carry out the ‘something old’ tradition,” says planner Angelique Sobschak.
STYLE TIP: Exotic flowers are more popular than ever; however, with the cost of imports, brides are using these flowers sparingly. The cascade-style bouquet is experiencing resurgences as well but in a more architectural way.
DRESSES
This year’s brides are very mindful of the economy and its effects on their budgets. Some will stick to their guns and purchase a traditional gown that reflects their tastes while others will look to more cost-effective means like buying pre-owned wedding gowns. Regardless of the direction you’d like to take, vintage fashion themes are hot and Hollywood glam—chiffon, satins, feathers, and netting—is where it’s at!
STYLE TIP: This year’s brides care more about comfort than making an impression. A growing trend is for brides to select not one, but two wedding dresses. Heidi Allen says “A bride can have her over-the-top princess wedding gown for the ceremony and a perfect chic dress to dance the night away.”
BEAUTY
For many brides, going veil-less has become a common look over the last few years, a trend that will continue in 2009. Something else to consider is whether to wear your hair up or down. One of the most popular trends is the half-up, half-down hairstyle. In terms of makeup, natural and clean looks, as well as big eyelashes, are making a huge comeback, allowing the bride to be seen in all her stunning glory.
CAKES & SWEETS
What better way to cap off a beautiful wedding day than with mouth-watering, irresistible cake! The trend of couture wedding cakes has continued into this year. We will see more and more black icing, gilded patterns, sequins, pearls, and frills. Brides are looking to bakers to create unusual taste combinations such as Chai tea, lemon raspberry, Dutch apple and banana split.
FOOD
Caterers are making the experience of the wedding dinner more of a community event. Chefs will get a chance to show off their culinary skills in what is called a “progressive wedding.” The idea is to offer every course with a different country’s cuisine for each part of the dinner. In that way, guests can sample foods from all over the world and are sure to find something on the menu that suits their individual tastes.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Boudoir photography is definitely gaining popularity among brides-to-be. It’s a sexy new trend that’s especially popular as a wedding day gift from a bride to her groom. “Boudoir photos are usually taken wearing either just a little or nothing at all,” explains Heidi. Boudoir photography can also be done as part of the bride’s morning with the bridesmaids on hand to assist her in dressing while getting ready for the ceremony.
FAVOURS
Wedding favours are not mandatory but are a nice way to thank your guests for sharing in your special day and to tie into your theme. Almost everything goes but, just like other elements of the wedding, your guest favours should reflect the style of the bride and groom. Eco-friendly favours like potted plants or flower seeds are growing in popularity. Many couples will continue to give to charities that they feel strongly about.
FUN TIP: Another great way to leave your guests with a memento they’ll cherish is to stage a photo area equipped with props like hats and scarves or a backdrop that reflects your theme. This way your guests will leave the wedding with a snapshot they’ll always associate with your day.
THANK YOU NOTES
Instead of the customary thank-you card that most guests receive months after the wedding, couples are finding new and unique ways to express their gratitude. Some are taking digital elements that much further by creating personal thank-you postings on websites like myspace.com or youtube.com.
TRAVEL
“Honeymoons are being taken full advantage of because of the economy,” says Allister Reid. “Four-star hotels are offering such amazing deals that this is the time to travel.” Some of the most popular honeymoon destinations this year include Italy, Napa Valley, Paris, and European cruises. But don’t limit yourself to just these hot spots. 2009 is about more than just your typical beach locals. Bustling cities like New York or remote destinations like the Maldives are only a drop in the ocean of honeymoon destinations you can explore.
From the desks of the Rich Bride Poor Bride wedding planners.