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Style 2004… Wedding Trends
One of the many great aspects of working with weddings is always being on top of the latest trends. If you're wondering what the hottest looks, colors, and tastes for weddings in 2004 are, read on!
Color
For 2004, no one color stands out, but all colors. People are moving away from pastels and embracing brights. Nothing is more surprising for a guest at your wedding then to see unexpected details of color. Brides Jackie Sandler and Trista Rehn love pink… Shaquille and Shaunie O'Neal, violet… Kimberly Williams and Brad Paisley, blue denim… Tom and Shelby Arnold, lime green and white… Gwen and Gavin, red… Jessica and Nick whites, ivory and a touch of blush pink…
As for me, orange is my favorite for 2004. Flowers going from the palest peach, to the deepest burnt orange… yes, orange!!!
Bouquets
Bouquets are very personal… I love all one color. It can be all-white or -ivory florals tied with colored ribbon, or all-colored florals tied with ribbon to match the gown. Bouquets are definitely smaller -- the bride is the star at the altar, not the bouquet.
Cakes
Guests at your wedding will be pleased to learn that traditional cake flavors are coming back. Mango and kiwi filling is out; old-fashioned chocolate and vanilla buttercream is in. Couples are now opting to use their creativity on the outside of the cakes, and leaving the rest to the familiarity of good old traditional birthday-cake flavors.
Food and Drink
Clean and traditional foods are gracing wedding menus in 2004, and color is important! Vibrant vegetables include rich green salads topped with sun-kissed yellow pear-shaped tomatoes; crisp peas; bright, blanched baby carrots; and homemade soups bursting with color. Sliced New York steak filets are popular, and "Chipper Chicken" is not a no-no anymore! Deep roasted chicken is a favorite, and easy on the budget -- no gravy is needed, just the fresh, clear juices from the chicken itself. Fresh potatoes are roasted or mashed -- no garlic added! - while crisp asparagus, leeks, and fava beans round out the sides. There's no need to limit dessert to wedding cake. Add a plate of warm delicious cookies to each table, or a small delicate bowl of berries for each guest. Back by popular demand are individual chocolate fondues for each couple at the table, with homemade marshmallows, fresh bananas, and your favorite fruits for dipping.
Let your guests know that the wine being poured was selected in honor of the evening. A great trend is to make an experience out of presenting the wine by letting your guests know you will toast each other at each anniversary with that particular vintage, and will therefore remember the beautiful evening your guests have shared with you for years to come.
Fashion
I feel really strongly that the trend in wedding gowns is brides finding a dress that flatters and reflects their taste - whatever the style. I personally love the clean, simple gowns. Accessories are very important in 2004. A simple dress with an heirloom or borrowed diamond broach pinned in the right place, or a lace dress with just a stunning pair of earrings for jewelry makes a beautiful statement. The biggest success of a dress is if the bride's beauty gets noticed first! I LOVE veils for the sexy innocence they add that I feel a bride ought to reflect. They're not for every bride… but should be! Simple flowers in the hair are always beautiful if a veil isn't for you (always buy extra to keep fresh in your hair).
The shoe trend that NEVER goes out of style is having two pairs - always. Buy a pair that you love, and a pair that is comfortable. (If you can find both things in one, please share with every bride!)
Wraps are IN, trimmed in fur for the cold months and sheer and sexy for warmer times. They also make a great bridesmaid gift. Miss-matched bridesmaids' dresses are OUT.
Yes, finding the right gown is always a bit of a challenge, and it would be perfect if you could please everyone. But forget it. The best compromise is to choose one color (same fabric) and three styles that will most closely suit the body of each bridesmaid. They can choose their own style and all are happy (well, almost all). The dresses look so much better in pictures when they are uniform, and this compromise brings the element of tradition back to the wedding. As for groomsmen attire, neckties are still in and also make a great groomsmen gift.
Décor
Low floral centerpieces are popular as they don't interfere with the guests' ability to see each other while chatting at their tables. Candles are ALWAYS in. Either colored linens that match the flowers, or neutral linens and napkins contrasted by vibrant centerpieces are currently the rage. If the venue has attractive simple chairs don't cover them; if it looks like a convention center, work those chair covers into the budget! Unique seating arrangements are still desirable; long tables seating 14 to 20 people, or small square tables of eight can make it easier to seat more of your guests together.
The biggest trend of 2004 is adding your personality to your wedding. YOU are the ones who set the trends, while I can only help a little. Create your own beautiful memories with your own special touches, and I'll be here to help guide you through it. Good luck!
Meet Mindy Weiss!
Making Your Mark On Your Ceremony
Have a question about bridal style for Mindy? Email her here!
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