Brides all over the world will be marrying their very own Prince Charming this year, but one wedding this spring will have everyone’s attention. It has been thirty years since the last royal wedding, so there is no doubt that Prince William and his future princess, Kate Middleton, will set a new precedent for weddings in the years to come. We can still recall that in 1981, over 750 million people tuned in to watch Lady Diana and Prince Charles take their vows. Many were taking note of the extravagant ceremony to not only gain ideas for their own weddings, but to watch history in the making.
Prince William and his exquisite bride-to-be have stated they are going to be hands-on with the wedding planning, and brides all over the world will be paying attention to their personalized touches as well as traditions. Prince William and Kate are also very aware of the current economic situation of the world and are said to be simplifying aspects of their wedding day – but do not expect to see a lack of luxury.
Thirty years ago, Princess Diana’s dress was made of silk taffeta and lace and included a 25-foot train – fit for one of the most beautiful princesses of our time. The upcoming royal wedding will no doubt be lavish and luxurious, and it is expected that Middleton’s wedding dress will set many trends. The world will not see the future princess’s dress until April, and it is rumored it is being constructed within the palace walls for extra security. Many top designers like Vera Wang, Karl Lagerfeld, and Frida Giannini (Creative Director for Gucci) have released sketches of dresses that could fit Kate’s personality and future royalty. These sketches are sure to be picked up by other brides in the seasons to come.
In the hype of the royal wedding, brides across the globe will be watching as plans unfold. The Internet has proved that sharing trends immediately is possible. Wedding blogs and websites are becoming a hub for brides to explore while planning their dream wedding. For 2011, brides-to-be can surf the wedding blog circuit to view the latest trends, such as penning personalized vows. Couples should not be afraid to express their love in their own words. The day is meant to be about the bride and groom, but personalizing the experience for the guests and not just the wedding party is also admired.
Without breaking the budget, brides can include a list of favorite local ‘hot spots’ (favorite restaurants/special events) in the invitations to encourage traveling guests to turn the trip into a mini-vacation. Also, homemade goods available at the reception are always nice. In the past few years candy bars have been a treat, but 2011 brides might opt to prepare mason jars with ingredients for S’mores (to roast marshmallows during the reception over an open fire pit) or other goodies made by hand.
‘Rustic-chic’ notions are also likely to be a hit in 2011. Utilizing vintage aspects, such as incorporating the couple’s grandparents’ and parents’ wedding photos as a part of the décor or paying homage by wearing a elder relative’s veil are lovely touches. Also, “Wish trees” are being used in place of guest books in 2011. Invitees can take and sign a Polaroid photo or write a personalized message on paper provided to the bride and groom to place on the ‘tree.’ Additionally, brides will not hesitate to use a lot of color in 2011 paired with a feather of some sort – this can put the final finishing touches on centerpieces and bouquets.
With the exposure of the royal wedding’s details and other trends, brides in 2011 will be investigating various personal touches they can add to their special day. The hope is to make their weddings memorable for all involved, and perhaps set their own trends for family and friends in the years to follow.
by- Amanda Andreoni, owner of Marien Mae Bridal Boutique, Peru, IL
Posts
