TREND WATCH: WEDDINGS 2011

Weddings are still a large part of many floral retail operations. When asked why they enjoy doing weddings, many respond with answers such as, “It gives me a time to be wildly creative”, or “I really enjoy making a brides dream come true”. Trends for weddings are just like those in other regular fashion or home décor. Some changes are quick to appear and then quickly disappear. Those we refer to as fads. While others are slow to emerge, stay around for a while, and then start to decline. Here are a few trends that we are seeing around the country.
While white is still the strong choice for bridal gowns, the white is shifting to warmer whites. Soft flowing lines are replacing cinched waists and stiff skirts. Strong colors are being seen as choices for some wedding dress as well. Recently, Valerie Bertinelli sported a strong blue wedding dress on the cover of People Magazine. When “stars” are seen doing something, everyday people tend to follow. Also, keep an eye on the Royal Wedding this spring. We remember the influence that Prince Charles and Lady Diana had on our trends for weddings in the US. Exaggerated cascading bouquets were once again all the rage.
Dress designers are adding many options this season for trims and interest. 3 Dimensional trims are very popular this year. Lots of appliquéd fabric flowers such as roses and other fantasy flowers are being seen on gowns in various amounts from subtle interest areas to shirts completely covered. Another way of adding the 3-D look is the use of fabric flounces. These are different than ruffles of old. Flounces add a softer, more fluid line to the gown. Beading is still a very popular choice for interest areas as are pearls. While we are seeing a diminished use of sequins, crystals and rhinestones are making a strong appearance.
Fashion gets its influences from many sources. Right now we are trending to the Art Deco and Art Nouveau time periods. Strong geometric shapes and bold colors give us the Art Deco influence while softer more fluid curvaceous lines are gathered from the Art Nouveau time era. Art Nouveau also gives us a softer more cosmetic color pallet. Peaches and pinks are skin tone friendly so they work with a larger target market. Coral and rich dulled down greens are this seasons newest choices for color. Lavenders are being paired with Champagne for a softer more romantic feel. Also influenced from the Art Nouveau time era, are the use of bridal metallics. Platinum, silver, and a newer look call Champagne Metallic are showing up in both jewelry and fabric finishes. While gold is gold is an emerging choice, most brides are still choosing the lighter whiter metallics.
Sashes are once again becoming more developed as an area of interest. Often seen in white or neutral, we are seeing more and more color accents appear in this area. The cue for this change goes to Michelle Obama. Also influencing fashion change is the movie Black Swan. Look for the use of tulle to reappear. This usage will be not as it once was with layer upon layer of tulle for the skirting, but will instead be used as accents and abbreviated ballet skirting. For those brides who still want the romance of tradition but want a more modern look, watch for the return of the glamour of old Hollywood. The Coco Channel of the 1930’s silhouette will once again make its way down many aisles this year.
As fashion changes, so do the choices for flowers. It is important to remember that not all bouquets fit every dress style. While hand tied garden bouquets or tightly compacted nosegay bouquets may look great for some dresses, the return of cascading bouquets is becoming more and more predominate. Also, as dress lines soften, flowing arm bouquets will be in demand once again.
Marriage is in the top three special events that most ladies think of from childhood on. It is important to help make her dreams come true. Choosing the right flower and foliages from Florabundance will assure that everyone will be pleased on that special day! Be sure to keep your Account Manager informed of all your upcoming spring events.