Wedding Trends for 2010 - Applaud Women

Divine Inspirations
Alexandria
744-2557

I DO Bridal & Tuxedo
Alton
875-4848

Wooden Soldier Ltd
Bartlett
356-5643

Modern Bride & Formal Shop
Rte. 101
Bedford
472-4933

Betty Dee Fashions
Berlin
752-5141

Sherry's Veils
Bow
493-2775

Heidi's Bridal Boutique
Claremont
542-3345

Linda's Country Lane Bridal
Claremont
543-0882

A Day to Remember Bridal
Boutique
1 North Main St.
Concord
228.8031

Cassie’s Bridal
41 North Main Street
Concord
227-0561

The Perfect Dress For You
Concord
856-8829

Two Hearts Bridal Boutique
Dover
743-1433

Custom Bridal Veils
Exeter
778-6440

Townsend's Bridal & Formal
Center
Exeter
778-0280

William Fitz Bridal
Fitzwilliam
585-9555

Bridals by Giuseppe
Freedom
236-4543

Maria Antonieta Couture
Bridal
Gorham
839-5440

Country Bridals and Formal
Wear
17 Main Street
Jaffrey
532-7641

Wedding Trends for 2010
by Janie Haas

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The hottest trend of 2010 is…that there is no trend! Unlike the days of traditional planning, we are now finding that
weddings are more about branding the event with the couple’s personal touches in lieu of a standard, cookie-cutter
formula. These days, in the world of wedding planning, anything goes! Everything from lighting and party favors to
entertainment and food options can facilitate in the creation of a trademark for the wedding that speaks to the bride
and groom’s specific preferences and interests.

No longer is it necessary for the ceremony to take place in a banquet hall or country club. Couples are thinking
more “out of the box” when it comes to venue choices and are using their ceremony location to speak to who they
are as individuals as well as a couple. If they have a favorite vacation setting, a family home or a spot where they
first met, they may use that as an alternative to the more traditional ballroom — for instance, planning a wedding for
two Red Sox fans at Fenway Park! With all this being said, a ballroom still offers great space, amenities and a
security blanket with regard to weather should the couple chose to go a more traditional route.

In addition to meaningful locations, couples are opting to use homespun touches when it comes to their special day.
With modern technology, people have the capability of designing their own invitations, save-the-date cards, place
cards, and more! They might also make homemade party favors that speak to their interests by creating a CD with
their favorite songs, custom-making their own wine bottle labels or even donating to a charity that’s important to
them.

Brides are no longer doing what’s expected of them with regard to attire, but doing what they choose. Comfort is
overpowering fashion these days. We’ve worked with brides who have worn ballet slippers, bedazzled white
sneakers and even cowboy boots! Brides often opt to purchase two dresses for the big day; a more traditional
ballroom gown for the ceremony and a fun party dress for the reception. As for the men, no longer are they tied
down to the traditional tuxedo, but are keeping things casual with khakis, button down shirts and sandals. Weddings
are becoming more playful with even the smallest details like the use of color. Vibrant colors are now popping up,
not only in the bridal party’s dresses, but also in the décor elements of the wedding (linens, floral arrangements,
etc). Gone are the days of only creams and beige!

Décor is a great focus for couples looking to brand their wedding. The use of a monogram or a fun logo throughout
the ceremony is a terrific way to accomplish this. Couples may begin by stamping it on their invitations and then use
it on their place cards, linens and centerpieces. They may also use flowers that are indigenous to where they are
from. For example, if they grew up on the Cape, they’ll make bouquets out of hydrangeas. In lieu of expensive
lighting packages to enhance the look of a venue, some couples are opting to keep things simple and whimsical
with less expensive alternatives like hanging lanterns, candles, and battery operated lights.

Couples are “shaking things up” when it comes to food and beverage as well. While a sit down dinner is still classic,
brides and grooms often keep things casual with buffet stations or small tasting plates and hors d’oeuvres. This
leaves more time for partying and dancing while allowing the food to be more mobile. Couples may also work with
bartenders to create their own specialty cocktails to serve at the event which further brands the ceremony.

The choice of food can also showcase the bride and groom’s likes, tastes, and even heritage. For example, if the
bride’s family is from Martha’s Vineyard, it might be fun to incorporate a beach clam bake or if the groom is from
Texas, a Southern BBQ would be an enjoyable selection.

Above all, brides and grooms should stay true to their own style and budget, irrespective of trends. While trends
can be thought-provoking and allow couples to think outside the box, the best weddings are those which are warm,
intimate, and are inspired by the bride and groom’s personal touches!

Janie Haas is the owner of Janie Haas Event Consulting. With over 33 years in the industry, Janie has worked with
all types of brides and grooms and planned countless weddings, each one tailored to the specific interests and
preferences of the couple getting married. She helped plan it all; from the fun eccentric parties to the beautiful
traditional ceremonies! The choice is entirely up to the couple! For more information she can be reached by
phoning 978-725-5956 or visit her website at www.janie.haasevents.com.