Beach Wedding Trends for 2011
What's hot for 2011 Beach Weddings? Here are some of my favorites of what Brides want - sorry it's so long - but there was so much to write about for 2011!!
After reading articles, searching the web for trends and ideas, and reviewing my upcoming wedding files, I've decided that 2011 will offer a potpourri of options!
Dresses will feature unique textures and luxurious fabrics - ruffles will be very popular! Bridal Hair Pieces will also take the place of traditional veils. Remember - long veils on the beach don't work well!
From Romantic to Fresh & Vibrant, this is definitely going to be a colorful year! My faves are those that "pop" on the beach. The beach is white - the chairs are white - add some color! Some of my favorites from 2010 were aubergine and red (fall), Celadon Green, and Champagne, Any blue (navy - light blue) and hydrangea green, and I just loved the Pink Pink Pink wedding that made CNN!
Some of the colors of my 2011 are: Grape, Lime Green, and Ivory; Wine, Gold, and Ivory; Purple, white, and Gold; Turquoise, Chocolate, and Ivory; Hot pink, Blush Pink, and hydrangea green; Coral and Ivory. You can see the trend...purples and Ivory!!
Non-linear aisles - I love this! Have a smaller guest list and share a lot of the same friends? Enter from the sides and have all the chairs in the center - as a symbol of coming together as one family. Also, triangular, and circular aisles will be a 2011 trend. I posted this for 2010 and now have 2 spring weddings with circular aisles - I'll be sure to post the pictures!
Still hot and going strong for 2011:
Photo Booths! Let guests get crazy and have some fun - what great memories these provide! Check out this facebook page: SHOOTSHED (love this husband / wife team!)
Vintage! From the bride's gown to the men's suits - Vintage will be in high demand. I love Ivory Toile on the arbor for this and a vintage hair style with a single flower.
Family heirlooms with play a part in ceremonies and receptions. I don't recommend this too much for destination weddings, as things can be broken in transit. But how about your grandmother's broach on your bouquet, or a family necklace wrapped around it and dangling a bit...
Keeping with the vintage - Black and White Photography! I love this for this beach pictures!
Originality! Traditional weddings are a thing of the past - brides want to be original and the Beach is the best place to pull it off!
Simple, but elegant ceremonies. This just happens to be my specialty!
One of my favorite favors : Wine Openers! These were given at one of my October weddings 2010, and were the best favors I've ever seen - I was given one and have used it many times already! I always tell the story of it when I use it too! Thank you Chris & Deanna!
I LOVE champagne toasts! Don't exclude this to save money! So many memories come from the toasts of loved ones. A simple champagne flute, inexpensive champagne, and a rasberry make an elegant touch and lasting memories!
Package Deals - this is becoming more and more in demand. We are keeping up with the times, so be sure to check out our All in One Beach Wedding Package and the all new All Inclusive Tent Reception Package!
DIY (Do it Yourself) Brides: This is why we give out all the referrals you need for your reception, as well as put together your tent and rental order for you (if needed), as long as you order through us. We also offer discounted bulk flowers and linen rentals.
We've added staff coordinators and planners - so if you really want to have it all done for you - this is the place to go!
Due to the oil scare - many 2010 beach weddings were postponed. I believe that many will decide to go forward with their plans in 2011 - which means a very busy wedding season and dates will fill fast. Don't procrastinate!
My best advice for a lower budget wedding: Spend the money on a great ceremony (buy a package that comes with a coordinator!), really good buffet options, buy your own alcohol and have the caterer supply a bartender. Make your own wedding favors - and give them a personal touch. Book your own reception vendors and hire a coordinator to handle the details on the wedding day. -Charli Linn/Owner
What's NOT HOT for 2011 Beach Weddings?
Fake flowers and greenery - NEVER IN! You should ALWAYS use fresh flowers - even if you do them yourself!
Wire arches - these look small and wobble badly on the beach.
Hearts in the sand - we get asked to do these, and I try my hardest to talk brides out of it - it's very 70's...
Tiki torches, unless bunched together and used for floral arrangments.
Wedding Tulle -white and other colors - use a higher quality fabric - like a crushed voile.
Traditional weddings - formality - black tie - nobody wants to dress like that at the beach!
Seating cards (people don't like to be told where to sit!) Besides, a cocktail feel, with some seating tables, and some cocktail tables for standing and mingling are what make the best receptions - having everyone sit all at one time, and be limited to speaking to only those at their table - kills a party!
Over the top decorations - these are quickly forgotten and completely frivolous - I've seen some receptions that looked like they used decor from their home! A few elegant touches, and some color with your fresh flower centerpieces are all you need - oh, and awesome lighting too!
