2012 Fall Wedding Trends

With brides like Blake Lively and Natalie Portman pulling fast ones on us with their surprise nuptials, we’re on pins and needles wondering when the next lineup of megawatt A-listers will grace the aisle. Rumors are swirling that Angelina Jolie could take the plunge any minute, not to mention other to-be-weds like Jennifer Aniston, Anne Hathaway, and Jessica Biel. So what will they wear, eat, and choose should they utter “I Do” this fall? We want you to be prepared, so we got the experts to dish.

THE DRESS
The strapless gown is out, proving just how profound an influence Kate Middleton’s Alexander McQueen made on the wedding scene. Drew Barrymore, Natalie Portman and Camila Alves all donned long-sleeved frocks this summer. Now expect to notice more brides covering up.“This fall we’re seeing a heightened interest in sleeves, whether it’s a warm cashmere knit sweater, a fur bolero or a pearl encrusted capelet,” says Lindsey Robers, a buyer for the Anthropologie’s wedding spinoff BHLDN. Brides will also take a cue from the 1920s in anticipation of Carey Mulligan’s next big flick. “In the midst of all the buzz around the upcoming Great Gatsby movie and the jazz era’s affect on the industry as a whole, we’ve seen some great excitement around our Lita gown from Catherine Deane,” Robers remarks.


THE DECOR
Look out for retro-inspiration in weddings this fall. “We are definitely seeing the continuation of the ‘vintage’ feel for weddings,” Sandy Chiu, the director of catering at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa, notes. “Romantic lace, furniture that plays on a more classic era with pin tuck buttons and wood edge finishes, and neutral tones remain popular.” For couples who want to make a splash, there’s plenty of room for color. Rich emerald greens mixed with peacock blue are trending hues, according to Erinn Valencich of the new bridal database Bride Bop.
THE MAKEUP
On the Fall 2012 runways at Gucci, Bottega Veneta and more, models sported deep-shaded pouts in the berry and burgundy families. There’s a way to channel the look without going goth. Blushington’s Head of Artistry, Emma Willis, advises “a red berry with pink undertones offset with very softly smoked, plumy mauve eyes or earthy coco browns and you’ll be the belle of the ball – just like Reese Witherspoon!”


THE JEWELRY
When choosing how to be bedazzled, brides this season will strive for understated elegance. Jewels should complement the engagement ring so that it remains the showstopper piece, says Michelle Adorjan, the fashion director at Tacori. “We’re seeing brides invest in classic diamond stud earrings that are elevated with specific designer details, such as a bloom of diamonds – and that are special enough to be worn on the wedding day – but also practical enough to be worn daily when the wedding is over,” Adorjan tells us. Tacori’s Wedding Day Jewelry Collection is exclusive to Bloomingdale’s Century City.
THE DESSERT
If you’ve had your fill of the seemingly ever-popular dessert and candy bar, you’re in luck. Let us welcome the newest saccharine sensation in town: the mini cake. “Mini cakes usually accompany a sweetheart cake for the bride and groom to cut, while each guest get their own,” says The Butter End’s Kimberly Bailey, who most recently crafted the cake for Drew Barrymore’s Montecito nuptials. “Some couples are also opting for a single small cake for each table, differing in style slightly from table to table.” Bailey dreamt up an ombré style for Barrymore, a reigning trend in the summer that may carry over.

Fall weddings, you had us at “mini cakes.”


- Allison Kornberg Walch