The State of Matrimony 2015

Every couple envisions their wedding day as being the stuff that dreams are made of.  And this season is no different as we find brides immersed in dazzling wedding details, wrapped in fabulous fabrics and sparkling gem accents.

 From elegant and chic to informal and fun, today’s bride and groom are willing to invest to get the wedding of their dreams and many of them are covering the cost by themselves.

Rustic weddings are becoming increasingly popular but the age of elegance and luxury is definitely in. Think Great Gatsby, champagne toasts and art deco. Downtown formality with crystal chandeliers, textured, shimmery gorgeous linen, silver candlesticks, bling, sparkle and pearls are now in the spotlight as the look of this upcoming season. Elements of gold, silver and copper are sentimental and add a luxe and dreamy feel to the decor.

We also predict that accessories such as bird cages, lanterns, balloons and big flowers will dominate reception décor this season. Professional lighting is also a huge consideration as it has a dramatic impact on the look, feel and mood of the reception, while creating an original experience for the guests.

Look for the palette of blue this season- from aqua to royal navy, its presence will be seen everywhere and it signifies serenity, peace and loyalty. Toasted almond, custard, tangerine, strawberry ice and glacier gray will round out the fashion colours for women in the upcoming season as reported by The Pantone Color Institute.

Innovative signs will be everywhere as couples communicate memorable unique and distinctive messages at ceremonies with menu cards, seating charts, bar menus and food descriptions using blackboards, wood and metal as the medium.

Anything goes as couples choose unique statements for their venues which range from beach to yacht, museum to mansion and mountain top to garden weddings. Outdoor settings are still extremely popular, as well as the traditional settings of clubs, wineries and hotels.

When it comes to seating options, many brides and grooms are eliminating head tables completely and going to either a sweetheart table for the two of them, or sitting with their parents and friends.

The club atmosphere is still a popular feature with receptions featuring a swanky lounge feeling with sleek leather banquettes and seductive mood lighting with many nooks and crannies for guests to carry on conversations.

Brides today are delighting in the look of delicious wedding gowns in all colours of the rainbow from soft blush to mint, blue or even black. Luscious fabrics of lace, silk, satin, taffeta and tulle are all favoured options; some embellished with sequins, glitter and crystals.

From long and elegant to short and sassy, bridal gowns are sporting unique and detailed open backs with styles to suit any figure. Frothy ruffles, sleeves, belts and pockets add to the design features. Long cathedral veils and romantic mantillas silhouette the brides face, but expect to also see fascinators, jewelled headpieces and stunning garlands of flowers in her hair.

Flowers are always a signature statement at receptions and this year will be no different. Bridal bouquets will be larger than in past seasons, with generous arrangements of flowers. One colour may dominate or the bouquet may sport but one single magnificent flower. You’ll see simple, but towering, bright green centrepieces and pomanders for the flower girl. Brooch bouquets are still garnering a lot of attention and evolving from last season.

Farm to table is an important consideration in creating both innovative and organic menus. Caterers are working with couples to create meals where the local bounty is a prime consideration in menu planning, particularly during summer receptions.

Fun food bars are still hot too; donuts, snow cones, biscuits, pasta, coffee, waffles, and more imaginative and inventive items will be served to delighted guests as part of a culinary adventure. As guest lists become smaller and more intimate, expect to see a culinary adventure with a number of flavours.

Wedding cakes are luxe for 2015 with metallic influences of gold and silver. Embellished with flowers and decorated with ribbon, pearls,  sparkle and unique cake toppers, they are a focal point for picture taking. Once the traditional cake-cutting is done, it signals the end of the wedding meal.

Gift cards have taken on a new status as a wedding present. Once considered impersonal, today it makes a perfect gift They are easy to wrap and the bride and groom can shop anytime- a perfect past time after all the months wedding planning.

Although no two weddings are identical, at the end of the day one thing is certain; two people who are totally in love with one another are legally married. Whether it’s a small intimate affair or a large ballroom reception, they will have stood before others to sanctify their vows and celebrate with their family and friends.

The 2015 wedding season will be a wow from the vows to the end of the reception. It will be detail driven, emotional and filled with joy and it will reflect the signature style and personality of the couple marrying.