TRENDS
What is new for 2012!
Stripes
Whether they’re vertical, horizontal, multicolored, or in shades of your signature hue. Our pick? An elegant script style juxtaposed with a playful pinstripe border — the perfect blend of classic and contemporary.
Bejeweled
Embellishing your invitation with small rhinestones, tiny pearl-toned beads, or miniature Swarovski crystals makes a low-key invitation style fashionable.
Go Bold
Though the use of color has been a wedding trend for years, white is making a comeback in an unexpected way. We’re seeing bright color card stock with sleek white type. What we found? Papers in fabulously rich purple hues with white lettering.
Wrapped Up
Stressing over whether the response card goes inside its envelope and over the direction card? You’ll be glad to know today’s invitation designers are making pouches and pockets to keep your papers in order. Our selection is a bifold invitation that keeps all of the pieces neatly tucked away. Bonus: You can introduce your wedding colors with this concept — choose one color for the card stock, another for the type and ribbon, and a third for the envelopes.
Fabric Flowers
Nothing says wedding like flowers, especially close-to-the-real-thing ones. Check out the three-dimensional orchid that substituted for a traditional engraved floral print on white stock. Tip: For the ultimate in personalization, put your signature bloom on your invitations too.
Couture Texture
Using unique materials for your invitation is the newest idea on the market: We’ve seen invites stitched into fabric or burned onto wood. The ultimate in modern style? A superchic acrylic invitation.
Vintage Patterns
Move over motifs…allover patterns are gaining popularity. Your invitation designer could create a pattern based on your gown, for instance — a ring of rosettes, a square of lace appliqué, or a beaded vine. We fell in love with this vintage-inspired floral pattern.
Modern Monograms
What’s the new take on the monogram? Simplify it, like a traditional invite that pairs your first initial with his. Since you’re not married until the officiant announces you as husband and wife, if you’re changing your name(s), save the new monogram for the reception — and the rest of your lives!
Designer Envelopes
Saving the suspense is so over: Why not introduce your wedding motif on your invitation envelopes? Our top pick? These midnight blue dragonflies are perfect for your special delivery — and every aspect of your day.
Mark’s Kingsdorf 2012 trend predictions…
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- “White weddings are in… they are elegant, romantic and beautiful when paired with crystal, platinum or silver accents.” We love a white wedding– this chic and understated option is timeless and suits modern and traditional brides alike.
- “Return to glamour… vintage, 1930’s black and white rarely goes out of fashion – beautiful accents of art deco, black and white checked dance floor, vintage touches and some feathers.” We are seeing brides work the vintage look into their fashion and makeup (a smoky eye or bright red lip).
- “Pantone’s #17-1463 Tangerine Tango – definitely a BOLD color for weddings, depending on your bridesmaids coloring and the time of year (probably not a Halloween color) you may see this in bridesmaids dresses… chances are you’ll probably see it as an accent for a pop of color when paired with shades of purple or Cobalt blue.” We agree; this color is eye catching yet not overpowering when used as an accent.
- “Photos booths are here to stay – guests love having fun – fun twists on the original, fun props or multiple copies they can put into a guest book for you and your fiancé make it memorable.” Photo booths provide you with nearly endless options to customize your look. Get creative with your own color-coordinated or themed props.
- “Local fun and funky food – food from your favorite restaurant or celebrity chef will remain hot, as well fresh, local seasonal foods. Fun things like Food Trucks or things guests can see being prepared in front of them (action stations) will remain hot.” A major carryover from 2011 weddings– we can’t wait to see how this continues to evolve!
- “Cupcakes, cookie bars and candy bars are here for at least one more season – putting a personal twist on these will be the key. Favorite flavors, family recipes and displays incorporating personal touches will be what make it yours.” We just LOVE Mark’s suggestion of using family recipes in your dessert bar!
- “Good Night Kiss – is a small snack or beverage as guests are leaving your wedding, [such as] hot cocoa, cookies and milk, Philly soft pretzels – the sky’s the limit. Fun and reflective of you are what makes this the last impression of your wedding.” A great way to end the night, on a sweet or savory note.
- “Prosecco is HOT; slightly sweeter than its French cousin, Champagne, we’ve got couples using it for toasts, a wine bar (in a BIG carved ice bowl) and as gifts in guests’ “Welcome Bags.” An excellent suggestion for those who aren’t fond of champagne; another great alternative that is rising in popularity for its sweetness and light fizz is Moscato d’Asti.
Mark concludes that, “In 2012, ‘a return to elegance and simplicity’ will be the motto – Will and Kate’s royal wedding, while in amazing, historic and opulent locations, was somewhat understated. While Kim K’s over the top wedding and short lived marriage seems to have caused brides to take a u-turn back to simple and elegant.”
