I knew I had to design the Twilight wedding set the moment I read the book. Sure, my five teenagers had a good laugh, but I like to say "who is laughing now?" It was the most amazing experience for me -- as both an artist and an admitted Twi-Hard. I wasn't simply designing a set. I had the opportunity to use some of the hottest wedding trends to build an entire scene -- arguably the most iconic scene in the film saga -- from square one.
That scene says a lot about some current wedding trends that will continue to surge into 2012. We are seeing an altogether earthy style, reflective of our concerns as a society -- a pro-earth, pro-nature look -- and weddings will be more natural altogether. You can get that down-to-earth beauty in every facet of your wedding celebrations, from the venue and the dress right down to the smaller details; including your place cards, for example. Weddings, like fashions, have styles and trends you need to consider, so remember to keep some key things in mind.
Look at your venue!
The venue can completely shape the wedding dynamic. Just like we pair accessories with garments, everything has to go with the venue. Look at your space. Is it historical? Are there ornate details like golden moldings and burgundy heavy drapes? In that case, I would not recommend something like modern blue light boxes, no matter how good they look in the picture you clipped from that magazine. With weddings, you must keep true to the concept of your space.
For example, if you are working with a space that has short ceilings, you want to remain consistent with the architecture of the building. Instead of hanging tea lights or draping flowers or fabric from the ceiling, utilize your tables to accent the venue with creative displays. Try some twisted wood on the table with moss balls and tulips, or perhaps a calla lily standing up in a short vase. No matter what venue you are working with, there are always earthy options to dress up or down, according to your décor. For an extra splash of elegance, use colors to make your space shine.
Your colors -- from your dresses down to your decor
The earthy palette gives you a plethora of colors to choose from. You can remain neutral and down to earth with your greener, mossier, natural tones, or opt for something bolder. The season's hottest bold colors are oranges, tangerine, peacock, and greens. And while you might not always find these colors readily available in items for your décor, they work splendidly in accents. Utilize your accents to make these colors pop! For someone like Drew Barrymore, who was recently engaged and reportedly intends to have a big, traditional wedding, she can use accents as a fun, inventive way to enhance the wedding décor. Simply adding in jewels that tie her flowers up, using a variety of colored stones or setting out colored or decorative glasses that will highlight the table will boost colors that are otherwise a bit more difficult to find in nature.
But be mindful of what works, and what doesn't. Not all color combinations that work on dresses work on events. While I am partial to the rainbow -- where all the bridesmaids wear a similar style dress in a different color -- the rainbow might not work for the décor of the event.
The "do it yourself but it shouldn't look like it" style
While some might argue that do it yourself (DIY) weddings are OUT, I would argue that the trend is still swelling. Rustic elements are going to be a huge go-to in the upcoming season because they are easily found for instant décor.
There are parks and backyards everywhere, so anyone can find pieces of wood, branches or other rustic elements that can easily, with a touch of glam, be made up into elegant wedding accessories. You might tie branches or twigs in a satin ribbon, garnished with a few diamonds in the center of the bow to create an original DIY piece. Consider using beautiful glass cylinders to position the branches over glossy stones, mixing in a few Dendrobium orchids that would work wonderfully and give the piece a very wispy, natural look. Adding a splash of color, it makes your table lavish and inviting.
Rustic elements like stones can also be used to create tasteful pieces of your wedding décor. Spray them in a gloss and they are a lovely accent! Or, for a more practical approach, make them your place cards! Simply glue a small silk flower to each one with a little hanging name tag. Situate these on a moss bed and you have something that is truly amazing and very inexpensive.
Look to the A-Listers to lead the way
With many newly-engaged leading ladies looking to tie the knot in 2012, Hollywood's finest will likely produce some innovative and elegant spins on the hot wedding trends. With a variety of options in the earthy palette, stars like Anne Hathaway, Jessica Biel and Drew Barrymore can easily put their own spin on this earthy décor.
In 2012, we will see that weddings will be more natural than ever, with choices of more outdoor (weather permitting of course) spaces or spaces boasting oversized windows with a panoramic view of the outdoors. Spaces like lofts will likely rise to stardom for couples to celebrate their wedded bliss, replacing the traditional, hotel style -- a very bourgeois feel that is no longer the go-to in the wedding market. Brides are looking for spaces that are more open and entertain a free spirit. Ideas can be easy and innovative. Just think out of the box and have fun with it.