Wedding Trends

Weddings are filled with traditions – grooms wear tuxedos, brides don white dresses – and these customs often carry over to the menu. And while couples typically cut into snow-white wedding cakes with fondant flowers cascading down the side, there are many alternatives that put a fresh spin on the central confection.

Instead of a single cake, design a dessert comprised of individual cupcakes or doughnuts. It will be easy to divide up for guests, and these pastries are great for those who crave variety – instead of one type of cake, you can offer a range of flavors, such as chocolate, lemon and red velvet cupcakes.

If you prefer fruit, serve individual tarts at the end of the meal. Choose seasonal ingredients, such as peach in the summer or apple in autumn.

Those who don't want to stray too far from tradition can opt for a chocolate-frosted cake. The dark-colored icing will be a welcome change from conventional ivory confections but won't completely forgo the custom of cutting the cake.

Since the dessert is likely to be a focal point at the reception, select wedding favors that tie-in to the central confection. If you serve a chocolate treat, Hershey bars are a great choice, and personalized lollipops are ideal for those who opt for a fruity dessert.

While most people hold their wedding receptions at night and treat their guests to a multi-course dinner, those who prefer pancakes to pasta have another option – a brunch wedding. These early-afternoon parties are a sweet and unique way to celebrate your vows.

"Nothing is sweeter than watching two people saying 'I do' with a side of maple syrup," 27-year-old Melissa R. of Atlanta, Georgia, told Brides magazine. However, she warned, don't plan the ceremony too early – your loved ones will not be happy about having to arrive at 8am to watch you walk down the aisle. Instead, plan to exchange vows at 11am, so family and friends can be enjoying their omelets by noon.

And while brunch can feel more casual than dinner, it doesn't have to be. Forgo the buffet and opt for a sit-down meal. On the RSVP cards, offer guests a choice of dishes just as you would for a dinner reception – instead of chicken, steak or vegan, include items like a western omelet, Belgian waffles and eggs Benedict.

Instead of key chains or picture frames, send guests home with brunch-themed wedding favors, such as personalized packs of coffee or individually packaged tea bags. These items will commemorate your nuptials and embody the spirit of the brunch celebration.

While couples who live in warm climates can always opt for an outdoor wedding, those who live in the North may not always be able to hold their ceremony outside, as many months are filled with cold temperatures and snowfall.

However, there are ways that individuals in the coldest climates can exchange vows while enjoying the beauty of an outdoor wedding without freezing! It just takes a bit of careful planning.

First, look for a venue that boasts large, picture windows. Whether the room overlooks a beach, a lush forest or a snowy hill, the views are sure to be breathtaking.

Additionally, bring a bit of your natural surroundings inside. Fill the party space with bushels of blossoms and organic colors, such as rich earth tones. However, your wedding doesn't have to be a neutral-hued affair – some of the brightest shades are found in nature, so don't hesitate to use the colors of a sunset or a field of wildflowers.

Remember to continue the theme with your wedding favors. Send guests home with personalized wedding stickers that feature you and your partner's names as well as a picture of a flower or leaves.

Weddings are the ultimate celebration of a couple's love for one another, so it makes sense that many pairs about to tie the knot want an intimate and romantic ceremony. However, it can be tricky to think of fantastic decorations that embody the spirit of love without appearing too over-the-top.

Cream-colored accents will appear softer than stark white pieces. Warm colors, layers of sweeping fabric and lots of candles will instantly add a feeling of romance to any space.

Instead of roses and heart-shaped items, which can come across as conventional, opt for decorations that subtly convey romance. Fill glass vases with foil-wrapped Hershey kisses and surround the centerpieces with candles. The candle light will playfully reflect off the glass and the sweet treats.

Chocolate is also often thought of as an aphrodisiac, making it the perfect romantic favor to send home with your guests. Hand out chocolate bars that boast personalized labels – loved ones can keep the wrapper as a memento and nibble on the confection on their way home.

When planning a wedding, it seems that there are a million elements to consider – floral arrangements, cake, wedding favors. However, by hammering out a few details in the beginning, planning your wedding doesn't have to be overwhelming.

Sit down with your fiancée and make a few basic decisions, such as what colors you want to use in your wedding decor. Figuring out a color scheme early will make it easier when it's time to pick out flowers, invitations and decorations.

Next, draw up a quick guest list. This doesn't have to be an exact record of who you'd like to invite, just enough to get a general idea of how big your wedding celebration will be. This will help you get a handle on how much you can afford to spend on things like food and place settings.

Luckily, not every decision has to be difficult. In fact, some are downright fun! When choosing wedding favors, opt for personalized candy bars. The cute confections will boast a beautiful label that commemorates you and your partner's special day, and guests will enjoy having a sweet treat to snack on on their way home from the ceremony.