Fall 2011 Wedding Trends: What's In and What's Out

The fall wedding season is almost upon us. With each new season come new wedding trends. Some things will rise, others will fall, and others will remain going strong. Take a look at the fall 2011 wedding trends: what's in and what's out.

In: DIY Projects. The DIY trend is still going strong for fall 2011 weddings. The easiest things to make yourself? Favors and centerpieces. The hardest? The bridal gown and the wedding cake. Autumn is a particularly good time for taking on bridal crafts, because you can work with seasonal elements such as potted mums, pumpkins, wheat bundles, and apples that require minimal experience to artfully arrange.
Out: Wedding Cupcakes. While they are as tasty as ever, the wedding cupcake has been done so much that it has lost its aura of originality. What's new on the horizon for creative wedding cake alternatives? Cakes made from non-cake confections. Think Rice Krispie treat cakes, brownie cakes, and so on. Or you could think outside of the box and have a traditional white wedding cake! Trendy or not, everyone loves the dessert at a wedding reception, so you really cannot go wrong with whatever you choose.

In: Anything Royal Inspired. The wedding of Princess Catherine and Prince William earlier this year has had a definite influence on brides. A dainty version of the bridal tiara has come back into style after several years of being out, elaborate monograms are a favored detail for wedding invitations, and traditional entertaining is coming back into favor. And those sleeves! Expect to see plenty of brides wearing wedding gowns with long lace sleeves both for fall 2011 and well into spring 2012.
Out: Choreographed First Dances. At last, this hideous trend seems to be waning. Hopefully guests at weddings this fall will be spared seeing the entire bridal party recreate the "Thriller" dance. With a general return to good old fashioned romance this season, we will be seeing the first dance return to its origins as a very special moment shared by the newlyweds. Bridesmaids everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief that they will no longer be expected to attend dance rehearsals as part of their pre-wedding duties.

In: Rich Colors and Jewel Tones. Deep colors like plum are very popular for fall 2011 bridesmaid dresses. They look especially gorgeous when done in a cocktail dress style worn with crystal bridesmaid jewelry. Other hot colors for attendants include cobalt blue, emerald green, and deep pewter. Bridesmaid dresses that look like chic party dresses rather than traditional bridesmaid dresses are also a big trend. Look for dresses with pretty necklines like off the shoulder and portrait neckline for a departure from the usual strapless.
Out: Cookie Cutter Bridesmaids. It bears repeating: just because someone is a bridesmaid does not mean she is no longer an individual. More and more brides are going the route of asking their friends to select their own dress within a certain color family. The bride often gives them unique bridesmaid jewelry gifts as well, further emphasizing that her attendants are not expected to look like clones. Hint: give your bridesmaids a color sample of the general hue that you like rather than relying on just a description. Otherwise one woman's sapphire might be another woman's periwinkle, or you will have four bridesmaids in soft rose pink dresses and one in shocking pink.

Bridget Mora has written hundreds of articles about weddings for the customers of Silverland Jewelry. See the latest trends for 2011 bridesmaid jewelry on our website, and while you are there, be sure to sign up for our free newsletter to receive special offers!