Wedding Guide 2015: A look at wedding trends

Weddings are a time of joy, however, they can also be a time of stress. Not only must a bride take into account her own tastes, she must learn to describe what she wants or collect pictures in order to convey her wants to those she hires. From floral arrangements to bridesmaid dresses and seating arrangements, weddings can seem to overshadow the real reason for the occasion -- lasting love.

One thing that many will look into when planning a wedding are the current trends, and this year is certainly not short on trends. While some decide to ignore the trends to do their own thing, which is perfectly well and good, others use trends as a guide to help aid in relieving the stress of some decision making. Some find a comfort in knowing that certain trends limit their options.

Colors

Many time, the first thing people will ask a bride is what her wedding colors are. Wedding colors can be fun to choose, as they can reflect the personality of the couple tying the knot.

This year there are specific color trends that will follow weddings around for the remainder 2015.

The color of 2015 is Marsala, which is a deep red wine color. It can look extremely elegant when paired with softer shades of gray, brown and cream. It also pairs nicely with lighter ice blues and darker navy blues for those who want more color.

In addition to the color of the year, Pantone (a system for matching colors by Pantone, Inc.) has released the top colors for spring 2015.

Aquamarine is the first color on the list, about which Pantone says, "Cool and calming, ethereal Aquamarine is a shade with a wet and watery feel. Open and expansive, this restful blue also acts as a stress reducer."

Much like its sister, mint green, aquamarine can be paired with peach and other greens for a soothing and lovely look.

Pantone's next color for spring is a bit more fun, called scuba blue. "Scuba Blue conveys a sense of carefree playfulness. Scuba Blue offers a feeling of escape as it is reminiscent of a tropical ocean. This stirring and energizing shade takes us off to an exotic paradise that is pleasant and inviting, even if only a fantasy," Pantone said.

Scuba Blue is definitely for those feeling adventurous and who want their wedding to pop. Scuba blue pairs well with purples and pinks used as bold accents in addition to the bright white so many associate with weddings.

For those who find themselves wanting a vintage or natural vibe to their wedding, lucite green can do the trick.

"Generally not thought of as a fashion color, though it does come back from time to time, lucite green is a soothing green shade whose time has really come again. Fresh and clarifying, cool and refreshing, lucite green has a minty glow. Light in weight and also in tone, lucite green seems almost transparent," according to Pantone.

Lucite green will go well with antique lace, and much like other paler greens, it pairs well with a nice peach color and/or browns and tans.

Classic blue, like the name suggests, is a tried and true color. It is reliable and versatile, it can be the accent of a traditional low key wedding or it can add to the atmosphere of a quirky and current wedding.

For those seeking a neutral look, toasted almond might be something to look at. Toasted almond is a warm and inviting neutral that can offer a clean and inviting look. However, despite the neutral vibe, it does not have to be boring. If put together with metallics and lace a variety of textures, it can make a very interesting look despite its neutral colors.

Of course there are many out there who simply want to think pink for their wedding, and Pantone offers a wonderful pink for this year's spring color collection. Strawberry ice is the pink of 2015. This particular pink offers a nice pop of color and is a must have for any spring bouquet. It also compliments skin tones and helps in giving off that new bride glow.

Lavender herb is a color that is a wonderful compliment to the ever popular rustic wedding. Lavender florals can be used in these instances and to provide a delicate touch to the aesthetically rough edges brought forth by the rustic theme.

Pantone throws an orange into the mix for spring with the very particular shade of tangerine. Pantone sums up the feel of tangerine rather wonderfully,  "Spontaneous and gregarious, Tangerine is a juicy orange shade that is energizing, yet not jarring to the eye. Good natured and friendly, but with a tangy edge, this fun-loving color invites a smile." 

Tangerine is the emboldened pop of color every wedding needs without being an assault to the cornea.

Another way Pantone is bringing a zesty pop to spring color choices is by adding in custard. Custard is a yellow that offers any atmosphere a feel of cheerfulness. This yellow hue is sure to add a sunny brightness, especially when paired with whites and greens.

Colors that complement the men have not been left out of the equation this spring. Glacier gray is a color that provides separation and contrast without overwhelming the other shades it's being paired with. In fact it presents itself as a lovely background color that allows other colors in the palette to stand out while remaining unobtrusive. It's definitely a lovely choice for groomsmen this spring.

Dusk blue is offered up as a shade that infuses its surroundings with a calm. It's a versatile color that can work in a masculine or feminine atmosphere, so no one should feel as though it can't be used for groomsmen and bridesmaids.

The next two colors are both greens, but they each provide a different sense and provoke different tones of the overall palette. Treetop is a deep fertile green, and being a darker shade it helps to combine it with neutrals and other organics in order to present a modern and sophisticated look.

The next green on the list is woodbine. This green is a bit more vibrant and tropical. It goes with just about everything and can really make things pop.

For those going either the direction of rustic or for those who want to impose a beach theme on their special day, sandstone is the color to go with. Sandstone is great for giving a wedding a bit of boho inspiration and is warm enough to be reminiscent of sunbathed sandy beaches.

Finally, Pantone wraps up the spring of 2015 with titanium, a sleek dark gray that is classic and practical. It has a certain durable feel that allows it to pair well with softer pinks and lavenders.

Dresses

For some brides the most important part of the wedding, other than getting married itself, is the dress she chooses for that day. With shows like "Say Yes to the Dress" having so many successful seasons, it would seem that most people agree that the dress has importance.

With so many wedding dress designers coming up with new and interesting ideas for wedding fashion, it's a wonder anyone can keep up.

The year 2015 brings in some new twists to bridal fashion, as well as enhances some classics.

One of the trends in bridal gowns to be aware of is the off-the-shoulder neckline. This neckline will be noticeable on many bohemian inspired gowns. This particular bridal trend is for the bride who is free spirited and who would also like the freedom of physical movement on her wedding day. This style can be had with sleeves or straps, but anyone sporting this look should be prepared to bare her shoulders.

Another trend that seems to be finding its way into the bridal world more and more with each passing year is that of color on the bridal gown. This year brides can expect to see shades of blue, gray and green on bridal gowns. However, it seems that with these cool hues, the typical blush treatment of some bridal gowns will not be as prevalent. This look is definitely for the bride who wants to break away from tradition and yet still remain elegant.

Brides can expect skirts that are full of tulle this season. Tulle provides a light full-skirted look. Those itching for this style should expect dress skirts with light overlays of tulle, and floral skirts that pump up the volume of the dress. The full tulle treatment can fit a wide variety of brides. Tulle can provide a much needed casual look to a gown, it can be the very epitome of class, and it can also serve as the big attention grabbing element some brides seek out. Lots of tulle, a bit of tulle, whatever the taste of the bride, tulle can fix it.

It was only a matter of time, really, what with all the superheroes in the mainstream media and the elvish warriors that danced across the silver screen, before capes became a part of bridal fashion. That's right, hooded capes, sheer capes, long capes, short capes, any cape really is all any bride needs to add a dramatic and convertible element to her bridal gown. The capes offered with different gowns are sometimes subtle, short and covering the shoulders, maybe for a modest church element, but can be removed for the reception. This way brides don't have to opt out for a gown with sleeves because of some church guidelines.

For the bride who wants a regal touch to her big day, collars are the new rage. Collars add an elegant and formal look to a bridal gown and are achieved in a variety of ways. Lace over an illusion neckline or gathered fabric up to the collar are only some of the variety offered by this particular trend.

This next trend will take people back without the necessity of a time machine. The 1930s glam look is putting a sparkle in many bridal gowns. For those brides who don't want the pomp and poof of the traditional wedding gown, the '30s glam look is an elegant alternative. Clean and simplistic lines follow this trend around, and when accompanied by sparkles, will certainly turn heads.

For the bride with a destination in mind or the bride who plans a laid back affair, the beach chic look is one that will have to be considered. The beach chic look is one full of breezy fabrics, peek-a-boo lace, crop tops, and asymmetrical hemlines.

Obviously, each bride must let her own personal taste guide her in the quest for the perfect dress. However, it doesn't hurt to be able to see what will be offered on the racks or to try something new that just might be more perfect than ever imagined.

Flowers

Flower arrangements are a major component to planning a wedding. This season's trends offer styles of arrangements that can meet the needs of any wedding theme while also being tailored to all budgets.

The pricier of the floral trends this season is referred to as romantic luxe. This particular style is inspired by celebrity weddings, and is high in the flower count. The point of this particular style is to limit the amount of stems and other greenery and foliage visible. The goal is to have an abundance of flowers in pastels that offer up the romantic feel of the day. To achieve this the flowers to seek out would be hydrangea, hyacinths and orchids in pastels and other creamy colors. Keep in mind that this arrangement is for the bride with a large floral budget.

The next floral style for 2015 is one that is sticking around from the previous year, wild garden. This look is popular and gives off the feel of having just picked the flowers from a garden as a bouquet. Notice the key to this is that it's a look, not literal. Some brides might ask a florist to do an arrangement out of wildflowers the bride picks and brings in, however, most florists will not do this. There are several factors to consider when dealing with wildflowers. Most florists won't take them in because there is no guarantee that the flowers will be bug free and they don't want to risk an infestation in their cooler. If a bride wants the wild garden look and isn't doing it herself, she should be prepared to order flowers through her florist.

The wild garden is best achieved through a mixed flower bouquet. By mixing flowers like sweet peas, garden roses, tulips and some sort of greenery, the illusion of having freshly picked these flowers is being created. Brides should try to match the flowers in her bouquet with those that are season for a more authentic look.

It would seem as though 2015 might be all about wearable flower crowns. More and more brides are seeking out floral crowns to wear on their special day. This can be tricky and flowers that are easy to manipulate should be selected. If unsure of flowers that can be used for this, brides should speak with their florist and they'll be able to give a better idea of what they can accomplish with different flowers. However, some delicate flowers that are being used in flower crowns are gypsophila, roses, and hydrangeas.

For the bride who wants a clean and classic look to her wedding, a bouquet of one single type of flower is recommended. Roses and calla lilies come is a nice ivory color, and when grouped the cluster of green stems provides an impact while maintaining that simplistic feel.

Winter weddings see a trend that has popped up in which bouquets and floral arrangements are being made heavy in earthy materials. To achieve the winter wool look brides should consider white anemones, lamb's ear, and pussy willow.

Concerning decorating around the ceremony and reception, hanging blooms are quite popular. This trend consists of jars and bottles filled with pretty blooms that are hung from branches on the trees of an outdoor wedding, or perhaps off of chairs and other areas that need a pop of color.

Kimball brides can find whatever they are looking for concerning flowers, ring pillows, flower girl baskets, guest books, pew bows, and even glass etching, at Hometown Floral. Dawn Moeser, owner and florist of Hometown Floral, can get brides what they need.

"We provide a private consultation for the bride, we discuss colors, flower choices and arrangement styles. It's all about the bride so we want to get them what they want," Moeser said.

Moeser expressed the importance of a consultation. Some brides want very specific flowers, including some that might not be in season, so a special order must be made. Special orders must be made no less than three weeks in advance. It's also important to talk about the kinds of flowers and whether or not they will withstand the weather and day planned for the wedding.

"So many brides want specific flowers, but they don't take into account that if they are having a summer wedding. They need to get flowers that can handle hours in the heat or they have to be strict about refrigerating their flowers when they aren't in pictures. Another factor is the cold. It gets pretty bitter here. Brides want flowers that can hold their own. That's why a consultation is so important, we can figure these things out," Moeser said.

There is a lot to consider when it comes to flowers and brides should make sure that first and foremost they speak with their florist, who can answer any and all flower questions.

Jewelry

While wedding trends do tend to permeate every aspect of wedding planning, one space that trends don't matter as much is with the ring. The engagement and wedding rings tend to be more personal and less about trends than the rest of the wedding. Larsen's Jewelry in Kimball is there to provide couples with a wonderful wedding experience.

Larsen's has a selection of wedding ring sets in traditional golds and alternative metals such as titanium and tungsten. The latter metals are rather popular for grooms. For those who might not see the exact ring they want, Larsen's will work to construct a custom ring for those interested. Larsen's also offers engraving on a variety of things. They will engrave in the inside of the wedding bands as well as on gifts for the bride and groom or bridal party.

A bridal registry is available through Larsen's for the bridal showers. In addition, brides can find necklaces and other tokens of appreciation to get her bridal party as thank you gifts.

Larsen's will also work with brides and grooms, and upon a credit check, they do offer financing on wedding rings.

One way to cut down on the cost of a wedding is by doing as much is possible locally. The closer to home the less is spent on traveling and importing items for the big day.