More Popular:
Photojournalism. Almost all our couples want candid shots that capture moments, gestures, emotions, and real interactions. That may not actually be a widespread trend, though - we're really good at and work hard to capture candid and "un-posed" moments, and couples specifically seek us out for that reason. Regardless, from what we can tell most couples want natural photos that truly reflect the day, and not posed photos that reflect, well, how the photographer wanted people to look.
Destination locations. More couples are opting for weddings at resorts or B & Bs or other locations where guests stay for a few days or longer, both before and after the wedding. The result is a wedding, reunion, and vacation all rolled into one.
Facing the guests. Traditionally couples face an altar, the person marrying them, or each other. We've seen a lot more couples turning to face their guests during the ceremony, or at least standing at a diagonal with their bodies opened up towards the "audience," which the guests seem to appreciate (and so do we).
Creative cakes. We've seen an increase in the use of flowers to decorate cakes, as well as monograms, crystals, and other items. Lots of cakes are now tiered in different flavors and colors so guests have a choice.
Save-the-date cards. Cards are mailed about six months before the ceremony, announcing the date, place and time of the wedding. (Formal invitations follow at some point.) They may also include information on hotels, flights or rental cars — anything guests may need to plan the trip.
Presents for guests. Instead of party favors, some couples have given meaningful tokens—we've seen books of poetry, monogrammed wineglasses, tulip bulbs... things with a lasting value. But - small boxes of candy is still very popular.
And a Little Less Popular:
Pastels. In everything from invitations to bridesmaids’ dresses and centerpieces, stronger, richer colors seem to be in. We've even seen a few engagement rings with colored diamonds (and they're really pretty.) Colored diamonds are rarer (red is most rare) and more expensive than white diamonds, though.
Tight bouquets. A lot of brides chose a more natural look, with stems exposed, tied loosely with long, flowing ribbons. While they're a little tougher to carry around all day, they are pretty.
Elaborate receiving lines. This summer we haven't seen a single formal receiving line; everyone who choose to have a receiving line just included the bride, groom, and parents. The days of receiving lines with every relative included seem to be over (thank goodness).
Post-ceremony church photos. More and more couples want their posed photos outside the church. Church interiors normally have busy backgrounds and poor lighting... plus some altar areas are simply too small to accommodate larger group photos. Many of our couples want a few shots inside and the rest outside, using the church, the mountains, etc as the backdrop. We're all for this trend - if for no other reason than the people being photographed appear more comfortable and natural outside rather than inside.
Garter and bouquet tossing. We think it depends on the age of the couple; if you and your friends are under 30, the garter and bouquet toss can be a lot of fun. If you're in your 40s or 50s... not so much. A number of couples, even younger couples, skipped this part of the reception this year.
Creating environmental issues. Rice-throwing seems to be completely gone (birds eat it, but not always to such a great effect) and very few butterfly release weddings. And a lot of couples seem to be planning the reception with recycling in mind.
