Personalized Ceremony Trends

I love the personalized ideas presented by Katie Lester of West Manor Events on ceremony trends.  So many unique and inspiring ideas that are sure to kick start your ceremony creativity!  Do you have any fantastic ceremony ideas to share?

Outdoor/ Personalized Ceremony Locations

The raw, minimal backdrop of an outdoor setting leaves room for personalization and customization; a major perk for the new, creative, hands-on bride of 2011. Out is the need to be a “bridezilla.”  I now see couples willing to roll up their sleeves to create a day representative of both their personalities. For instance, there is nothing more romantic, or organic feeling, than an outdoor ceremony, where the bride and groom have sought refuge in a unique and aesthetic creation reminiscent of an old abandoned church. You will see muted color combinations, such as off-white and khaki, light and dark grays, as well as willow and apple greens. This color palette is fresh and fabulous for an outdoor affair. To bring texture to your wedding decor try adding touches of wood, burlap, or glass details.

Take a Seat

Creative seating is also a really hot trend right now.  We have all attended weddings amongst a sea of white wooden chairs, but have you ever attended one with ottomans and pillows, blankets or hay bales?  How about an eclectic array of dining chairs provided by various family members and friends? These are some excellent ways to personalize any ceremony.

Pre Ceremony Activities

We all know cocktail hour is the perfect way to entertain your guests while they wait for you to start the reception, but why not give your guests something to do while they wait for the ceremony?  Seasonal specialty beverages such as hot chocolate bars, or lemonade stands are a unique way to greet your guests.  How about some passed hors d’oeuvres to settle grumbly tummies?  I guarantee your guests will sit and focus on your ceremony more with a snack in them!

Alternatives to Flowers

From buttons to brooches, the non-flower is the new flower.  For a while, we saw broaches and lockets pinned to a bride’s bouquet.  We are now seeing them as the whole bouquet!  It is creative and unique, and so of course I love it!  What I love is that no matter how many brides copy this idea, it will always turn out different.  The best part is that our brides can tuck this keepsake away in a trunk or take it apart and use the broaches on a daily basis. (Here is a posting we did on bouquet alternatives!)

Unify without Flames or Sand

If there is anything I am burnt out on, it would have to be the unity candle and sand ceremonies.  The concept of incorporating a unity candle into a wedding ceremony began in the 1930′s, and while I love vintage throwbacks (think the reinvention of the birdcage veil), I am hoping this is not one I will see again anytime soon. 2010 saw the test run of the unity painting and I admit, I am not a huge fan; a logistical nightmare for your wedding director. Paint + wedding dress = so many opportunities for disaster!  I did, however, come across the unity tree, later to be planted in the couple’s yard.  It fits right in with this year’s push for more outdoor, organic, green weddings!

Wedding trends, like any trend, spread like wildfire; and while some linger long after the flames of excitement ignite, others extinguish to make way for the next that David Tuttera, Preston Bailey, Vera Wang, or Martha Stewart has to inspire us.   In a small town like the Hill City, guests often experience very similar weddings.  It is my hope that this post inspires you to think outside the box for your wedding, and find a way to truly make your mark on 2011′s wedding season.

Source: Post by Katie Lester of West Manor Events for Hill City Bride