Wedding trends for 2013
Some girls have a clear vision for their wedding, having dreamed of the big day since they were a child. Others are faced with a long and daunting list of decisions to make about everything from the dress itself to the makeup, bouquet and cake. If you fall into the latter category, take a little inspiration from this year's hot bridal trends.
The dress
Perhaps the most important decision to be made and the one most brides will fret over more than any other, is the dress. Luckily, this year there's an on-trend style to suit everyone.
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For those who don't look good in white (and you're not alone) be bold with a coloured or patterned gown. The catwalks were awash with sumptuous hues, with everything from smouldering red and ethereal blues to soft blush and pretty pastel prints. The key to colour confidence is to find a tone that suits your skin.
Following on from last year's revealing backs, things will be a little more demure in 2013, with sheer, embroidered panels or portrait backs for added glamour. As has been seen on the haute couture catwalks, trends such as the peplum have transferred to bridal gowns to create an elegant silhouette, while lace, made popular by the Kate Middleton's stunning Sarah Burton-designed dress, is still very much in vogue.
And for the ultimate in wedding convenience, there are a host of convertible styles available these days, with removable trains and skirts, giving brides the freedom to party in style at the reception.
The makeup
Natural-looking makeup is hot on catwalks, high streets and at weddings this year. If you're going for the no makeup look, the key is to emphasis your best features with a little light contouring, but be ready to put in a few months of healthy eating and H2O in order to achieve a flawless complexion for the day itself.
Alternatively, opt to highlight one feature with strong eye makeup or a bold lipstick, keeping everything else to a minimum. Smoky eyes remain popular, and this year it's all about being a tad braver with colour, peacock purples, green and blue hues being very much on trend for the confident bride.
The reception
With The Great Gatsby hitting cinema screens, wedding receptions with a touch of 1920s glamour are likely to be popular this year. The trend will be reflected in everything from cakes to centrepieces. Think pearls, swags and lace in simple, elegant white, and consider art deco style arrangements for the venue. Birds remain a popular theme, and these can fit beautifully with the 1920s look, with cake decorations or even birdcages as centrepieces.
On the other side of the coin, couples are increasingly keen to really personalise their weddings these days, and that means quirky and eclectic centrepieces, table decorations and favours with real charm. Meanwhile, a surge in popularity of the al fresco wedding means many a bride will be keeping their fingers crossed that the British summer doesn't ruin their big day this year.
And according to Ideal Bride magazine, the 'goodnight station', which bids your guests farewell with a treat or beverage, will be taking 2013 weddings by storm. Think ice cream sandwiches, fresh fruit cups and frappucinos in summer, or warming hot chocolates and mini apple pies for autumn and winter.
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The flowers
Vintage-themed floral bouquets were a hot trend last year and it looks set to continue throughout 2013. Hand-tied bouquets with ribbon or lace bindings look fabulously classy, particularly if you opt for a one-colour arrangement. Soft shades like dusky pinks and sage greens are a winner too.
If you're opting for an outdoor venue though, consider looser floral arrangements, a sort of just-picked, wild flower-type affair, where you can introduce brighter pinks, purples and yellows.
Are you planning a wedding for 2013? Tell us about your ideas below...
