WHAT ARE THE WEDDING TRENDS FOR SPRING 2001?

By Janice Murray of Ask Ginka

Ah spring…what a delightful time of the year to get married in!  The return of spring blossoms, birds, bright, cheerful colours and warmer temperatures.  Want to know what’s in for Spring 2001 weddings?  Here are some ideas to get you inspired when planning your spring wedding.

Colours:  The colours of spring flowers always seem to influence the colour trends.  This year will be no different, as lilac/lavender, daisy or light yellow, lime green, ivory & white, celadon, icy blue/periwinkle, light pink and gold are hot colours for weddings and for bridesmaids dresses.  Metallic shine continues to be popular; especially since most bridesmaid dresses are already satin.  Some designers are also getting bolder; using the bright sherbet colours of mango and raspberry, which should carry right through into Summer 2001.

Cosmetics:  Foundation is all-day wear, but application with ease.  2 in 1 foundation and powder or foundation sticks are quick and easy to apply and touch up.  Red continues to be the hot colour for nails, but pink is also making a comeback.  Nail polish that changes colour under exposure to heat or sunlight.  Also, look for nails appliquéd with glitter designs or glitter in the form of funky little stick-on tattoos on the upper arm.  Lips are bright and eyes are dark and smoky.  In keeping with the spring colours, greys and mauves are shown on eyes.

Hair:  Long hair is back in as evidenced by celebrity hairstyles.  This gives you many options including updos, weaves or crimped.  Jennie Garth had a messy, bedhead style for her wedding.  We are also moving away from the formal, perfect hairdos of last year, into a looser, more relaxed and romantic style (Debra Messing).  Bright hair highlights are still popular as is the tiara.  New trend: jewellers who will restring your wedding tiara into a necklace you can wear again later.

Gowns:  First trend, “The Fairytale Princess”.  Big, full skirted, ball gown type of dresses in satin or with layers of chiffon and tulle.  Gently structured corsets, especially with detailed appliqués of flowers.  In fact, flowers are showing up everywhere-on bodices, shoes, purses, invitations and bridal jewellery.  After 2 seasons of next-to-no sleeves, some types of sheer, or shawl-like sleeves are being seen again or even detachable sleeves.  Second trend, the 30’s influenced strapless and halter-top styles are still popular; particularly sleek and comfortable for brides.  Choker pearl necklaces are shown with strapless gowns.  For the bridesmaids: the evening fashion look (and actually reusable!).  The gowns are floor length, usually a collarbone neckline with all the emphasis on the back.  The backs are interesting with halter-tops, crisscrossing straps or more intricate tiebacks.  Still fashionable are cover-up wraps in a contrasting weight of fabric; like a chiffon scarf with a satin dress or vice versa.  Asymmetric necklines are a new trend, baring one shoulder.  Many brides are choosing to pick the colour for their bridesmaid’s dresses and then let them choose which style they like best.  This way everyone gets a dress they are comfortable wearing and takes into consideration different body types.

Celebrities:  Madonna’s wedding is guaranteed to influence trends this year.  The best information on her “secret” ceremony is that she wore a strapless ivory gown with a long train, tartan sash, and a diamond tiara.  Her veil was of antique lace and she wore a huge diamond cross necklace.  Of course, the theme was Scottish, with the men in kilts and the Scottish castle location.  Catherine Zeta-Jones also wore an very classic ivory satin dress with a long lace train, diamond tiara and floor length antique lace veil.  Jennifer Aniston wore a simple, white silk halter-style dress with veil.

Flowers:  Spring blooming flowers such as: rainbow tulips, yellow, white or peach daffodils, blue or white irises, narcissus, lily-of-the-valley, pussy willows, dark purple or pink hyacinths, crocus, yellow forsythia, pink, yellow or white daisies, Easter lilies, lilacs, pink or yellow roses.  New trends for flowers: floral balls instead of bouquets for bridesmaids or flower girls.  Bouquets are small, compact with simple elegance, all one type of flower, and tied loosely with a beautiful ribbon or two different shades of ribbon.

Themes:  Spring or Easter 2001 decorating style:  Easter-egg feather tree centrepieces, fabulous floral (3-5 tiers) wedding cakes, Zen-like table settings (various shades of green mosses, votive candles and low succulent plants).  Butterflies-either live releases after ceremony-or seen as a decorative element on purses, on hair jewellery, as table decorations (made of feathers), or printed on wedding invitations.  Designer, heart-shaped wedding rice is biodegradable, safe for animals and not slippery or staining like fresh rose petals.  Divide it into tiny organza bags and pass out to guests as they leave the ceremony.  Jazz up reception tables by sewing or hot-gluing on, flat silk flowers in wedding theme colours onto tablecloths or on the ring bearer’s pillow.  Or make an inexpensive purse for the bridemaids by gluing on silk roses or daisies onto a plain white purse.  Scatter spring-coloured jellybeans or pastel mints on each table instead of the typical metallic confetti.  Hot new trends: individually themed reception tables (taking favorite places from the bride & grooms lives or hobbies) and themed bars (such as dessert or champagne bars).  For an evening reception, light the way for guests with wedding luminaries.

Favours:  Sparks.com is carrying plantable cards (handmade paper cards with imbedded seeds in the paper) for spring wedding favours.  They also have scented cards in sage, wild rose or citrus.  Other neat favour ideas include: Easter egg or duck candles, pastel-coloured fortune cookies, bunny egg candle holders, mini china teacups, egg mini chocolates nestled in miniature grapevine nests, rose and rosebud floating candles, origami birds or animals, miniature hand painted birdhouses, homemade decorated eggs, pastel Jordan almonds (in blue, pink, mauve or yellow), grow real grass in tiny frosted votives or silver metal buckets, chocolate tulips, spring-scented mini votive candles (in lilac, hyacinth, lavender or honeydew), milk or white chocolate bunnies, personalized CD’s, daisy-shaped sugar cookies, homemade gem or botanical soaps in wicker/straw baskets. Glue overlapping variegated silk rose petals (or just leaves) onto a mini terracotta favour pot and top with a single white rose. Give away a single, beautiful tulip as a wedding favour, hiding the water pick inside of the folded dinner napkin and write the guests’ name on the leaf.  Drape white mini-lights with a floral shade on your head table.  Always check local dollar store for inexpensive small Spring/Easter cello bags or mini baskets to use for favours or table decorating.

Food:  Wedding reception or bridal shower food ideas: use seasonal spring produce or incorporate the colours of spring.  Try these vegetables and appetizers; dilled shrimp with cucumber ribbons, artichoke bruschetta, poppyseed breadsticks, oven-roasted asparagus & leeks, arugula-mushroom-parmesan salad, sushi squares, melon & seafood salad, seviche or hot spinach salad.  Try edible flower garnishes or an organic mesclun green salad.  For your entrée, rack of spring lamb with mint salsa, grilled chicken breast (with asparagus, lemon & cream sauce), salmon with pesto crust, roasted duck a l’orange, new red potatoes with dill-cream sauce, baked ham with Dijon-honey glaze, pasta with spring vegetables and prosciutto (or pancetta), lemon & rosemary chicken, salmon & parmesan crepes, grilled scallops or tuna (served on citrus orzo or lemon rice).  For dessert, why not have: strawberry brule, poppyseed orange chiffon cake, frozen white chocolate mousse, lemon swirl cheesecake with strawberry sauce, kiwi ice cream, lemon meringue crepes, strawberry cream puffs, or hot lemon soufflés.  Lively spring-coloured drink ideas: pink mimosas, lemon (vodka) or melon (Midori) martinis, Campari cocktails, champagne with cassis liqueur (Kir Royale), or frozen honeydew margaritas.

Spring is the rebirth of the year, and there are many inspiring ideas you can feature in your wedding to make it extraordinary for you and your guests.  Take your inspiration from nature, and you will be surprised how easily all your wedding planning is when you build it around a theme.

WHAT ARE THE WEDDING TRENDS FOR WINTER 2000/2001?

By Janice "Ginka" Murray of Ask Ginka

Many of the trends from Fall 2000 are carrying through into Winter 2000 also.  The emphasis on a new chic, sophistication is still apparent in the wedding gowns and bridesmaid’s attire.  Long, formal, floor-length styles for the attendants continue to be the standard.  The addition of a wrap in satin, organza or a warmer pashima can make them more comfortable in the winter months.  The bridal gowns styles are very simple and elegant with understated emphasis on one focal point, such as the bodice or waistline.  Bridal styles are also shown with wraps and the prerogative of a winter bride is to always wear a fur/velvet cape (cloak) or hand muff in chillier climates.

Colours: With the cooler temperatures, the style and character of weddings take on a new dimension.  Gone are the rich autumnal hues of orange, red, gold, chocolate brown.  Instead, look for fun, shimmery and pearlized colours in periwinkle blue, lavender, plum, silver, cranberry, gold and of course, white.  Always traditional around Xmas-time are tartans and plaids paired with dark velvets.

Cosmetics:  The look is perfection.  All major lines are promoting flawless, long-lasting foundations and lipsticks.  Winter always seems to be popular for more glamorous, sparkly eyeshadows and lipcolors.  This winter’s hot eye colours include silver, pink, pearl, mauve, gray and icy blue.  The lips are shimmery, using pink or dark cranberry tones and new this year, the glam of a gold lip gloss on top.  Nails follow the same colours as the eye shadows and lips.

Hair:  If you have the length, updo’s are still in.  Added twists for winter weddings include weaving in silver, rhinestone or pearl accents such as jewellery, pins, flowers, or ribbon.  Add a seasonal accent for the attendants such as dried flowers or Christmas themed jewellery (snowflake, poinsettia or berries).  Another fun idea:  sparkle hair spray.

CURRENT HOT TRENDS:  Why not have your wedding gift registry online?  In this age of connectivity, many more people are web-savvy and it gives the bride & groom a whole range of different shops to register with all in one place.  Some top sites include:  felicite.com and firstregistry.com and newgift.com.  Another trend is creating your own personal wedding website.  Some major wedding sites have this feature, or you can buy software to do-it-yourself.  Couples list all the relevant facts about their wedding day, take RSVP’s by email, post engagement stories and pictures and eventually include the wedding photos.

Themes:  Yes, you can always have a red & green colour theme for your Christmas wedding but how about cranberry and chartreuse instead?  Other popular wedding colours include:  black & white, all white, gold, candy-cane, silver or champagne.  Interesting theme decorating ideas:  snowflakes, The Nutcracker, candlelight or winter wonderland (think Dr. Zhivago’s ice house).  Incorporate these ideas into your invitations, reception decorations and favours.  Neat Xmas wedding favours for your guests could be 3 jingle bells tied together, miniature sleighs which double as placecard holders, tree ornaments (have a large Xmas tree decorated with them and let the guests choose one as they leave), gold or silver Jordan almonds (wrapped in an organza bag), mini snowglobes, spray-painted pinecones, festive truffles/cookies or seasonal candles (holly, poinsettia, present, snowflake or peppermint shapes).  If your wedding falls around New Year’s, incorporate 2001 (the new Millennia), champagne, balloons, streamers and confetti into your theme.  For a simple winter theme wedding, think white, snow, elegant glamour and sparkle.

Let your imagination be your guide for a unique winter wedding.  There is an abundance of decorating and theme inspiration at this time of the year with products readily available.  Even if you are not lucky enough to live in a snowy climate, you can still capture the essence of the season in your wedding.

WHAT ARE THE WEDDING TRENDS FOR FALL 2000?
Author: Janice "Ginka" Murray

Trends are great sources of inspiration, but do realize that what works on the Paris runway does not always work in Baton Rouge or Tacoma.  Every woman has her own vision of what her wedding will be and you need to create a personal expression that is true to yourself.  You do not want to look back with any regrets.  Keeping that in mind, here are my interpretations on the cosmetics, hair, accessories, gowns and themes for Fall 2000.

Cosmetics:  Continuing from last year, focus is on drawing attention to one dramatic part of the face: either strong eyes or lips, not both together.  The skin is youthful, flawless and polished.  Blush is very subtle, just a dusting, but in a bright pink or red.  Peach, orange and periwinkle blue are out for fall.  Many designers are showing a return to a lady-like and very feminine classic style.  The nails are short, but brightly polished in pink or red tones.  Eye shadows are in greys, earthy browns, khaki greens and plums.   Lashes are thick with black mascara.  Gold is in.  Either on nails, highlight on lips or as a skin bronzer. The feeling is a return to the elegance and sophistication of the 30’s.  Look for bright red lips, nails and toes-strong, dramatic dark eyes and eyebrows-shiny and smoothly coiffed perfect hair.

Hair:  Bridal styles have not varied much in the past few years in keeping with the issue of having to work around headpieces and veils.  The hottest trend in hair is the 30’s look, with its sculpted flat curls.  Or Hepburn-inspired, with dramatic, golden streaks and a severely pulled back topknot with the veil and/or fresh flowers tucked in under the bun.  Granted, this doesn’t work for everyone styles, so try going with the classic French twist or the soft chignon.  This is a more romantic look, with loosely pinned hair and hanging side tendrils.  You can incorporate little rhinestones, crystals, beads or flower accessories scattered throughout the hair.  Tiaras and crowns continue to be popular positioned in front of a high pile of hair.  Sparkle and crystal are in.  Veils are kept far back off the face.  Long or short hair can pull off these styles with the addition of hairpieces or extensions.

Shoes:  Strappy sandals look great with a slinky, halter-top, sleeveless or spaghetti strap gown.  Also popular, a slide or mule: which is great for comfort.  There is a return to the high heeled, stiletto pump, but with open sides and straps.  Usually white for the bride-colour coordinated, silver or gold for the bridemaids.

Gowns:  Show your shoulders!  Slim and sleek halter-top, strapless or back baring styles are hot.  Wraps and shawls come with many of these dresses in organza or matching satin fabric (or for fall/winter in cashmere and fur).  The gowns are so simple that it is possible for the bridesmaids to copy it, but with a shorter skirt.  Wraps come in very handy in the cooler fall weather.  The look is elegant.  Think lo-o-ong gloves.  The ball gown skirt continues to be popular but shown without any adornment, either plain satin or with a chiffon overlay.  The emphasis and ornamentation is focused on the bodice or waistline.  Veils are fingertip length and often trimmed in satin and given a sparkly sheen.  Also, look for gold or silver threads worked into the fabrics of veils and gowns. Touches of pastel shades show up in the form of embroidered details on the bodice.  Black for men only please; gray is out.  Vests are always in style and classy, either in very dark tones, striped or patterned.  The cummerbund and bowtie are dead.  Hot new look is the euro-tie worn with the wing tip collar and long cut jackets.  Do not dress the groom in all white!  Make him stand out from the best men with a different cut of jacket or put him in tails.  Remember some guests will be seeing him for the very first time and he should stand out from his men.

Themes:  Fall always brings to mind the rich colours of autumn leaves and Thanksgiving.  Burgundy, chocolate brown, deep red or hunter green are all great for a fall wedding and for the bridesmaids dresses too.  Use all the same colour but choose different styles or keep all the dresses the same and individualize each attendant with different colour flowers.  Floral bouquets continue to be a tightly arranged solid colour, tied simply with a beautiful contrasting or coordinating ribbon.  If you are using fresh flowers, then try to use seasonal ones such as asters or go with fall colours such as red, orange, gold, wine and yellow for your inspiration.

Incorporate the leaf motif into wedding invitations, place cards and thank you notes with a rubber stamp.  Make use of natural products in your florals, wedding favours and decorations by using raffia, vines, twigs, mosses, leaves, branches and other rustic materials.  Get married outdoors or have your wedding pictures taken outside on a canopy of fallen leaves in the late afternoon sun.

Serve hearty harvest food at your reception such as roast turkey or stuffed pork with rich gravy, gratin or oven-roasted potatoes; root vegetable medleys (potato, carrot, onion, rutabaga or turnip), whole grain mini buns/bagels or individual stuffed acorn squashes.  How about a bread pudding for dessert made with pumpkin bread and a caramel or maple syrup sauce.  Or even small apple crumbles with cinnamon whipped cream, pumpkin-white chocolate cheesecakes and rustic freeform raisin & nut tarts.  Serve crantinis, hot buttered rum toddies or a spiced cranberry punch.

Fall is a fabulous time of the year to get married and there is so much to enjoy and incorporate into your wedding.  Your family and guests will be impressed that you brought the specialness of the season into your wedding theme.  And you will have a memorable celebration to look back on for the rest of your life.