As a mainstream wedding photography studio based here in the geographic center of the country (Springfield, MO), we certainly don't claim to be out on the cutting edge.
But when it comes to major trends that appeal to a wide variety of brides planning 2013 weddings--particularly here in the Midwest--we certainly have some ideas based on what we've been seeing lately.
Ready? Here's our list:
1. Mint Green Wedding Colors
Whether you use it as accents in cookies and table decorations, or as a more prominent color in your bouquet, bridesmaids gowns, or wedding cake, Mint Green is most certainly destined to be the wedding color of the year.
2. Wedding Cake Ribbons
In a trend that appears to be inspired by DIY photos and sharing on Pinterest, nearly every wedding cake we've photographed lately has a ribbon wrapped around it instead of more ornate, traditional floral decorations.
While a ribbon will add a little extra challenge to your cake cutting, it's a great way to incorporate your wedding colors on a white cake, while also keeping things a little more casual.
3. Going Non-Traditional
Tradition says that the bride and groom should never see each other before the ceremony. Often, however--with the best interests of their guests in mind--many couples are choosing to have their "formal" pictures shot several hours before the ceremony, so their guests don't have to wait afterwards.
Brides are also skipping formal introductions, bouquet tosses, and other traditions at their receptions.
It's not at all unusual to see a couple cut their wedding cake before their first dance, or save the toasts for later in the evening when everyone has "loosened up" a bit.
And speaking of loosening up... we've seen everything from mixed drinks, to beer steins, to spiked punch at the head table, instead of more traditional champagne.
Be unique. Be comfortable. Have fun. After all, it's your special day!
4. Brides and Bridesmaids in Boots
While many trends tend to start on the coasts and move their way toward the center of the country, this one appears to be heading in the other direction.
Boots are definitely "in" at recent weddings we've photographed here in Springfield and Branson, Missouri, along with other non-traditional footwear like heals and even sneakers.
And it's not just the locals. It's becoming common to see ladies from other parts of the country wearing boots at their destination weddings in this part of the country, too!
Watch for lots more to come!
5. The Vintage Look
While we have yet to photograph a full-on vintage wedding here in Missouri, we're definitely seeing vintage elements in many weddings, in terms of both venues and attire.
Among wedding venues offering a vintage feel, Victorian settings are very popular, such as the Mansion at Elfindale in Springfield, MO where we shot the photo above. The bride, by the way, is wearing her mother's wedding gown, and her grandmother's jewelry.
The Bottom Line
If there's one element that all of the above 2013 wedding trends have in common, it's individuality.
Professionals in the wedding industry have long recognized and maintained that every wedding is unique and different. Now, based on the trends we're seeing, it appears that brides have fully embraced that idea, too:)
These trends are of course just what we're seeing in our neck of the woods, and we welcome your comments and input... whether you agree or disagree!
If you'd like to see more pictures from weddings in Springfield, Branson, and elsewhere in the Ozarks region of southwest Missouri, please visit our Springfield Missouri Wedding Photography site anytime.
Thanks very much for reading... and if you happen to be engaged and planning a wedding in 2013... congratulations!
