2012 Trends: Wedding Planning Tips from a Local Expert

Happy New Year, all!  As promised in my last blog, I'll be posting a series of trend pieces this month - getting the dish from local industry insiders on everything from the most scrumptious foods to the chicest fashions for 2012.  Today?  Weddings! 

Get out your notepads, brides (and grooms) to be, because Gina Vittorio, 10-year professional wedding consultant and founder of One Fine Day Events, is schooling us on what's in if you're saying "I Do" this year.

1. Blush-ing Brides

This ain't your mama's wedding dress!  Big on bridal runways NOW?  Color.  More and more, we are (and will be) seeing brides in blush and light pastel hues for their big day  - a la Reese Witherspoon - adding an eye-popping modern twist to the traditional gown. 

Other wedding dress biggies for this year?  Layers and lace.  Says Gina, "This season, designers are focusing on hemlines, creating skirts with two distinct tiers - super flattering  and genius way to camouflage wider hips."  Adds Gina, "it's suddenly cool to cover up.  We'll be seeing a lot of sheer, delicate, illusion style necklines and lace sleeves."  Think Kate Middleton.

2. Easy Being Green

Don't have a ton of green to spend on your wedding?  That's okay - kill two birds with one stone by going green instead, saving money AND the environment.  Says Gina, "Many brides are opting for a green wedding by choosing locally grown flowers, recycled invitations and re-purposing old items to become centerpieces. Guests are wowed by the bride’s creativity rather than lavish spending."

Local Green Inspiration:
Katherine Ann Confections - Local and Organic Focused Chocolatier
Pollen - Eco-friendly Florist (specializing in locally sourced and sustainably grown flowers)
Floriole Cafe & Bakery - Organic Cafe and Bakery
FIG Catering - Organic Caterer (& member of the Chicago Green Restaurant Co-op)
Tweedle Press - Environmentally Friendly Printers (using sustainable ingredients, like recycled paper and vegetable based ink) 

3. DIY: Brooch Bouquets

Huge in the DIY world of weddings is the brooch bouquet, a personalized and more affordable approach to the classic bouquet.  Literally created from a variety of brooches (or a mix of brooches and fresh flowers), these beautiful bundles are a wonderful keepsake for brides that can be passed down from mother to daughter ("Something borrowed!!").  "The growing trend of DIY weddings has exploded," adds Gina.  "The brooch bouquet is a great way for brides to add a bit of bling to their look without eating up their budget."   

4. Sassy Spaces

If you're looking to scrap the hotel or banquet hall and head elsewhere for your party, you're not alone.  "Over the past two years we have noticed a huge increase in brides looking for alternative venues for their receptions," says Gina.  "With the overall decrease in guest lists, all sorts of different venues are popping up. Couples are choosing to have a more intimate affair and entertain guests in a variety of spaces."

Local Recommendations:
Aeree Loft at Room 1520
Brookfield Zoo
Cuneo Mansion and Gardens 
Bridgeport Art Center

THE BOTTOM LINE:
From blush-colored dresses to DIY bouquets and alternative venues, 2012 is all about customized, personal touches for The Big Day.  Happy planning!

@deannadugo