The Knot

2009 Wedding Trends

Trend 1: Rustic homespun details
Outdoor weddings -- on a farm, in a vineyard, or even in the backyard -- are huge right now, and we'll continue to see a lot of them in 2009. It's really no wonder: An outdoor setting makes for a fun, laid-back vibe and the decor options are limitless. So what kinds of details are in store? Vintage vases filled with fresh-from-the-garden flowers, mismatched china in bright colors, and homemade wooden signs to direct guests. Even catering is in on the action with in-season ingredients paired with local wine.

Trend 2: Jewel Tones
Say good-bye to pale pastels and bright poppies. Rich gem colors like navy, plum, and amber are going to be hot. And instead of chocolate brown, look to a soft creme brulee hue, bronzes, coppers, and black. Yes, that's right -- black is back too.


Trend 3: Patterns that pop
Gingham, checkered, polka-dotted, paisley, toile, damask -- you name it, colorful patterns are in and in a big way. Add patterned overlays to your tables to instantly perk up the room, find an off-the-rack patterned dress for your bridesmaids, and have your invitations and envelopes lined with colorful designs. The best part about this trend is that it lets you throw around a lot of different hues and still keep a cohesive look and feel.

Trend 4: Ball gowns are back
From a full A-line gown to a very over-the-top design, this silhouette will make a huge resurgence down ceremony aisles this year. And you don't have to have a ballroom wedding to pull it off either -- the key is in the fabric. Find one with layers of airy tulle or even cotton for an outdoor spring or summer wedding; get a silk satin ball gown for a more formal wedding; or go for ultra-soft suede for a wintertime wedding.

Trend 5: Two-tiered wedding cakes
While cupcakes and dessert bars have been popular for the past few years, wedding cakes are making a comeback -- but not in tall towers anymore. Now it's all about having just two tiers. Order several small cakes and put them on each table as a centerpiece, or set up a table of tiny wedding cakes mixed with desserts, cookies, pies, and more. And vintage cake toppers are in too. Find one online at a site like Etsy.com, commission one from a local artist, or borrow your parents' or grandparents' to make your cake extra-memorable.

Trend 6: New Centerpiece Vessels
The classic floral vase has given way to mix-and-matched clusters of vintage pitchers, vases, jars, and galvanized buckets. Other ideas: apothecary jars with colorful rocks, sand, or even candy; uniquely shaped glass vases featuring fresh fruits like raspberries and blueberries; and mason jars loaded with fresh flowers like daisies and dahlias. To throw extra color or texture into the mix, line your flower-filled vases with patterned paper or even fabric. For a wintertime fete, get knit and sweater-like coverings to line your vases and complement a cozy decor.