Trend Alert Part 1

Yesterday we wrapped up production of our annual Worldwide Guide issue, which is chock-full of venue ideas, carefully vetted beauty products, and trends galore from real destination weddings. Pick up your copy from newsstands on Dec. 15, and in the meantime, here’s a look at some fun trends that we didn’t have room to mention!




Unique guest books. Forget a bound paper book. Couples are getting guests’ John Hancocks on bottles of champagne, local postcards, and note cards designed to match decorative wish boxes.








Bouquet mementos. Sentimental brides are attaching heirlooms like brooches, lockets and small framed photos of lost loved ones right to the ribbon wrap of their bouquet, keeping their near and dear ones close to their heart.






Sassy sashes. They’re not just on flower-girl gowns anymore. Bold sashes add spice to bridesmaids’ dresses, and they even made a number of appearances on bridal gowns (like this one, by Vera Wang) at the Fall 2009 Bridal Market shows.






Fans, flip-flops and refreshments. At beach weddings, couples are making sure their guests are comfortable by providing handheld fans, bottles of water, and buckets of flip-flops in a variety of sizes.







Creative lighting. We’re noticing Chinese lanterns hanging from trees, vintage string lights strung across naked tent frames, and backsplash lighting mimicking the wedding colors — all of which does wonders to set the mood. (Image courtesy Kelly Oshiro Events and Harper Smith Photography.)




More trends to come next week!