Five Fun Wedding Trends for 2006

Teal bridesmaids' gowns? So last year. Bridal bouquet of red roses?  Been there, done that.  Platinum wedding bands?  A classic choice, but there are trendier options.

According to a report published by The Wedding Report, the $58.5 billion wedding market in 2006 is expected to boast 2.2 million weddings (a three-percent increase over last year), at an average cost of $26,400 (a 2.3 percent increase.)  With staggering statistics such as these, no wonder that planning a wedding can be difficult - and expensive - work.

Many brides- and grooms-to-be already have a firm grasp on their wedding plans and budgets. For those of you just starting to comb through bridal magazines, here are five trends you may want to consider when planning your big day:

COLORS. While many colors will be popular this year, purple will prevail.  TheKnot.com foresees a palette from pale lavender to deep eggplant, used in a variety of patterns on everything from bridesmaids' dresses and invitations to the wedding cake and cocktail napkins. Seasonal hues, according to The Wedding Company, include black, plum and navy (winter), latte, coral and lavender (spring), mauve, sage and turquoise (summer), and emerald, burgundy and chocolate (fall).

FLOWERS. While roses will forever symbolize love and romance, more adventurous brides are experimenting with orchids, gerbera daisies, peonies, gardenias, lilies and green hydrangeas.  Arrangements with a "just-picked, casual look" are favorites for both brides and their mothers, with silk flowers gaining speed as more durable, yet equally colorful, options.

RINGS. Gold is gorgeous, diamonds are to die for, and platinum is a perennial favorite, but the hot new metal in men's wedding bands is tungsten.  Over the past two years, tungsten has "taken on a life of its own," according to Steve Blackwell of e-Weddingbands.com, a premier online wedding band retailer. "It's the only metal that is scratch-resistant, making it very appealing to men who may have shied away from softer metals in the past." Another trend noted by Blackwell: custom-engraving wedding bands, with personalized messages of loyalty ranging from "All my love" to "We Are . . . Penn State" (www.e-weddingbands.com).

ATTIRE. We can expect to see more and more strapless bridal gowns, as well as floor-length styles, adorned with pastel trimmings and embroidery, fancy beadwork and satin accents.  Experts also see a renaissance of the morning coat for grooms in both black and gray - a less formal alternative to the traditional tuxedo.

RECEPTION. Bridal Guide magazine notes unique menu fare ranging from one-bite desserts and chilled soups served in shot glasses to ethnic-inspired entrees and make-your-own food stations.  Long tables conducive for family-style serving will be decorated with colored stemware, gilt edging, and party favors that include ginger-flavored truffles and monogrammed chocolate bars. The event will rock this year - literally - with DJs spinning favorite tunes from the '80s or even spicy Latin samba music.  

For both trendy and traditional wedding rings, visit e-weddingbands.com.

Copyright © 2006, ARA Content