A new year brings new beginnings.  For those planning a wedding, it’s the perfect time to start the year with renewed clarity and vision.  Stick to a budget, follow a plan and avoid indecisiveness (if you can).

It’s exciting to think about all the couples that got engaged over the holidays, whether the wedding date is set or still being considered.  The following 2011 wedding trends should help brides and grooms during the wedding planning process. Susan Southerland of the Perfect Wedding Guide provides these wedding trends for 2011.

Subtle Luxury:  The overall theme for 2011 weddings seems to be “subtle luxury,” with emphasis on creativity and personalization.  Every element should be tailored to reflect you and your groom, but not cross the line into lavish or excessive.

Intimate Weddings: Even though wedding budgets are beginning to recover in 2011, a return to the traditional lengthy guest list will not make a comeback.

Buck Wedding Tradition:  Couples will continue to buck wedding tradition and personalize every aspect of the wedding to reflect the bride and groom’s interests and personalities will be big again in 2011.

Vendor Services: With wedding budgets rebounding, some of the services that were DIY in 2010 will be given back to the pros.  Look for more professional DJs, videographers and higher quality wedding photography.

Wedding Gowns ­– Texture:  In past seasons, we have seen pops of color, lots of bling and feminine detailing galore.  In keeping with the subtle luxury tone of all wedding trends this year, gowns are following suit with visually interesting and rich textures.  (Sleeves haven’t made a big comeback on the runways, as was predicted last year.)

Non-Traditional Veils: Vintage or heirloom bridal hair combs are really hot.  Reusing old items are great for the environment and they are a great way to incorporate something special for a loved one.

Bold Colors:  Bold wedding colors are the thing for spring.  Shades that are a bit punchier than pastel, but not-quite-jewel-toned are making a big statement this year.  Look for rich corals, vibrant apple greens, violet and goldenrod.

Eco-Friendly Options:  Outdoor weddings (saves on power), recycled paper or “plantable” stationery (reduces waste), vintage jewelry and décor (reusing saves energy and waste).

Alternative Times:  Wedding brunches are big as couples try to spend wisely.  The time change can save money on food and bar bills.

Technology:  Technology is being used to its full potential behind-the-scenes (wedding blogs, smart phone apps, social media, personal websites, etc.)

Simple Wedding Cakes:  Cakes will continue to be scaled back to more modest designs with all-edible elements.

Reception Seating:  Couples will be using different table shapes and sizes at the reception to create a more casual “lounge” feel.

DIY Wedding Accessories:  Handmade and DIY wedding items continue to grow in popularity.  Handmade, vintage and rustic touches are being prominently showcased. Regardless of budget, many brides are getting into the DIY craze as materials are become easier to access and more affordable through major craft retailers and reputable online sources.

Unique Ideas:  Couples are choosing to provide their guests with a dessert bar, a candy bar, cigars and a signature drink, coffee bars, or souvenir photo booth picture strips in lieu of the traditional wedding favor trinket.

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