While at my parents home a few days ago I found myself staring at one of their wedding pictures from 1976. I’ve given them a lot of grief over the years about that oh so subtle 1970’s style that just leaps out of the frame and screams at you the moment you see it. Dad’s baby blue tuxedo with all the ruffles down the front of the shirt, mom’s high-wasted, high-necked wedding gown, the blue flowered bridesmaid dresses, mom’s bouquet of white daisies, and so on. Ah yes, my parent’s wedding pictures have yielded countless hours of mirth for my sister and I; of course my wedding pictures will no doubt do the same for my children! Fortunately the wedding trends for 2009 do not include pastel-colored tuxedos or ruffly shirts. In fact next year’s styles are so appealing I can’t imagine what the generations to come will be able to poke fun at!

Let’s start with the all important wedding dress. The fashion for wedding gowns in ’09 leans toward old Hollywood sophistication. Dramatic necklines, plunging backs, oversized bows and rosettes, and tons of detailing give these vintage-inspired dresses a touch of timeless elegance. Of course if you’re looking for something a little more fun you can opt for one of the many 1960’s inspired dresses. With cap sleeves, belted waists, and tea-length skirts these gowns are sure to add some flare to your big day. Throw in a clutch and a pair of wrist-length gloves and you’ve perfected that Mad Men style! Other great fashions showing up on the runway for 2009: the one-shoulder gown, pockets (yes I said pockets), and ribbon straps. For many brides finding the right hairstyle and accessories comes right after grabbing the perfect dress. In 2009 low-stress locks are in fashion with pretty, natural looking waves being preferred to tight curls and ringlets. Shiny, touchable hair is sure to keep you looking relaxed and beautiful! For ’09 accessories, be on the look-out for lots of stylish details. Shoes are particularly fun with stand-out accents like rhinestones or bows, lots of straps, long pointy toes or gorgeous colors like silver and gold. You’ll find these same trends in jewelry with the style leaning towards statement-making pieces rather than the basic strand of pearls.

For bridesmaids’ dresses the ’09 trend is definitely short! These fun, flirty frocks are ready-made to hit the town in once the “I do’s” are over and will allow your best girls to get some more wear out of them after the wedding. Knowing that it won’t be forever relegated to a hanger in the back of your closet makes taking on the expense of a bridesmaid dress a lot easier to handle and your gal pals will be sure to thank you for it!

As far as size goes, in 2009 couples are choosing to shrink both the size of the reception venue and the number of attendants they ask thereby creating a more intimate setting. The trend for next year has many brides and grooms asking only immediate family or close friends to stand with them as bridesmaids and ushers. In addition to setting the stage for a cozier wedding it also helps to eliminate the risk of hurting the feelings of your aunt’s, husband’s, third cousin since you can truthfully say that you’re only asking your siblings to join the wedding party!

For reception locations and decorations think green. Many couples are going with the eco-friendly trend and holding their post-ceremony festivities outside. They’re also opting to use things like fresh fruits and herbs as floral decorations and centerpieces. In 2009 bridal bouquets are getting in on the green action too…literally. Bunches of all-green blooms and leaves will make an appearance next year and add a fresh, vibrant quality to your big day. To further enliven your celebrations choose from some of ‘09’s eye-catching, fruity colors like lemon, tangerine, and watermelon. Turquoise and purples are two more favorites along with a neutral gray and the ever classic black and white combo.

2009 is a multi-cultural adventure when it comes to the menu with ethnic-themed foods taking center stage. You can chose to serve a selection of your favorite foods from just one country or you can take your guests on a virtual journey by offering dishes from a number of countries. Either way everyone is sure to love it! For drinks and desserts—including the all important wedding cake—fruit flavors and bright colors will be popular; the more unusual the better! With so many yummy options the hardest part will be deciding what to serve!

Now for a topic close to my heart! Engagement rings are getting a new look in 2009 with colored stones taking the place of the traditional all-white diamond. Sapphires, amethysts, garnets, and colored diamonds are becoming popular choices for a more updated look. I was delighted when I spotted this new trend because for once I’m ahead of the crowd, though not on purpose. When my original engagement ring was stolen a number of years ago I began wearing a sapphire and diamond ring my husband bought me for my college graduation. Rather than buying a new one I’ve continued to wear this colorful replacement. Who knew it’d be in vogue next year?

With so many fun trends to choose from, making decisions for your wedding can be confusing! Go with the styles that best fit your personality and that will set the stage for your perfect day. While you may still get some chuckles from your kids, (you chose those colors?) you’ll be able to say your wedding was as beautiful as you dreamed it would be!

- Kelsey Gonzalez