Crystal Adair-Benning, owner of Toronto-based wedding planning company Distinct Occasions, says that when it comes to nuptial trends for 2012, details and embellishments take center stage with everything from wedding gowns to décor. Here, she provides an insider look at some of the hot wedding trends for 2012.

Wedding trends: Kate Middleton-inspired elegance

Adair-Benning says that couples are opting for more refined, modern affairs in 2012. Brides are influenced by the sublime styling of Kate Middleton’s wedding dress and are choosing lace details in their gowns. As Adair-Benning explains “Less cleavage and more leaving it to the imagination – these gowns are all about sophistication.” The popularity of lace, sequins and other embellishments are also being carried over into linen trends this year. Couples are giving up their grandmothers china and opting for cut crystal, hardwood tabletops, and sleek and sophisticated textured florals for a classy look worthy of modern royalty, says Adair-Benning.

Wedding trends: Glamorous post-wedding photo shoots

According to Adair-Benning, “Trash the Dress” photo shoots that have been trendy over the past few years are on their way out (mercifully!). Instead, sophisticated brides are opting for more stylized and glam post wedding photo-shoots. As Adair-Benning says, this is a chance to wear the accessories you may have nixed for the big event.

Wedding trends: Bold and trendy accessories

Bright fuchsia shoes? Yes, please. Extra long lashes? Why not? A killer location fit with design, props and wardrobe switch-ups? You bet, Adair-Benning says. For 2012, the post-wedding shoot is all about playful glamour and bold styling. Try out some colourful sashes in contrasting hues to brighten up your stark white gown. Or add some geometric bangles and cascading earrings to your wedding day ensemble. Have fun toying around with
creative "something blue" accessories. Your options are endless!

Exotic locations, innovative invites, gourmet food stations and much more, on the next page…
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Wedding trends: Exotic destination weddings

Destination weddings are still hot for 2012 but couples are getting more creative when it comes to locations. “
Europe and Asia are seeing some major growth as the idea of taking a vacation with guests is more appealing than a one-day shindig where you suddenly turn into Cinderella at midnight!” This year alone, she’s planning weddings in the UK, Italy, France, Bali, Thailand and Borneo to name a few.

Wedding trends: “Font-tastic” wedding invitations

Gone are the days of traditional invites and sans serif fonts. Instead, couples are opting for much more creative, design-oriented fonts and invite designs. Adair-Benning says calligraphy and Sci-fi are hot when it comes to invite design, as well as
elegant minimalism. “Minimalism is chic with fonts to fit the vibe of your celebration,” she says. And with the advent of Pinterest, culling new presentation invitation ideas is easier than ever.

Wedding trends: Proposal planners

In 2012, a dream wedding starts with a dream proposal. The latest trend in weddings, which will likely continue to grow in popularity, is the Proposal Planner. Toronto-based company The Engagement Planner targets engaged-wannabes who are looking for the perfect way to pop the big question and to lock in a “yes” response. She adds that everything from private dinners to elaborate multi-activity wooing is par for the course with this new trend. “It takes the stress off the person popping the question and allows them to focus on the moment at hand.”

Wedding trends: Food stations

“Chicken or Fish?” is not a question you’re likely to be asked at a stylish wedding in 2012. Adair-Benning says that couples are getting more creative with their food choices but skipping the down-home basics of years past. For 2012, it’s all about choice. Food stations offer a fun, sophisticated, “mingle-friendly” alternative to the traditional sit-down wedding banquet of the past that is why they are gaining popularity. Love sushi? Set up a sushi station. Want to celebrate Paris as your favourite city? Have a crepe station. In a multicultural setting, food stations allow the couple to highlight their favorite foods while paying tribute to their heritage. Adair-Benning loves the variety food stations offer and says: “Whether your style is gourmet or gourmand there’s something for everyone.”

Read more:
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