Top Wedding Trends for 2009

Are you in the planning stages of your wedding? Perhaps you are just daydreaming about your big day. Either way, it is important to stay informed about the latest trends in the wedding industry. Here are a few of new trends in modern weddings to ensure you'll be in style when you walk down the aisle.

Budgets: From Preposterous to Prudent

Over the last few years, weddings have cost on average more than $30,000. With the economic uncertainty that shrouds the market today, brides are turning toward more cost effective strategies. Instead of looking extravagant, couples are more interested in looking practical.

Your guests will likely never remember the wedding favors you deliberated over for months. They may not even remember your table centerpieces. What they will remember, however, is how you looked, what they ate and the entertainment. Be sure to satisfy these requirements and look for budget-savvy solutions for the rest of the details.

One of the best ways to keep your wedding on a sensible budget is to keep your guest list small. At first, a small guest list sounds like a huge compromise. Remember, however, many more options are open to you with fewer people. You are able to upgrade your food choices, decor and cake. Add any other detail your heart desires, or just save the money and put it toward a down payment on a car or house. However you spend the money you save, be sure to keep your guest list small and your choices practical.

Dresses: Beyond the Pale

If white has never really been your color, you are in luck. Modern wedding dresses are taking a turn for the colorful. In 2009, expect to see shades of red, black and blue increase in popularity, both as accent colors and as the main colors for bridal gowns. Consider dressing your bridesmaids in white and yourself in red. It is far from traditional, but it's a trendy look that will certainly turn heads.

If you are not quite adventurous enough for a scarlet red wedding dress, colors like taupe and gold are great ways to show off your individuality in a subtle way. Alternatively, if bright white just doesn't flatter your skin tone, consider a dress in off white, cream or diamond white. Diamond white is a true white, but it does not have the harsh blue undertones of the brightest shades of white. This is a flattering color choice for many modern brides.

Capturing the Big Day: Think Digital

In years past, people have opted for expensive photographers that bring an entourage of assistants and charge inflated prices when the time comes to order your prints. The trend toward pricey photo packages is turning today. Consider hiring a photographer that will provide you with all your wedding photos in a high resolution, digital format.

Then, you are in control of reproducing your pictures. Make your own wedding book online for a fraction of the price, and never worry about your photos turning yellow. Create art to hang on your wall or e-mail your photos to friends and family. This route gives you many more options at better prices. Look for a photographer willing to provide this service.

The top wedding trends of 2009 are budget conscious without sacrificing on the essentials. The modern wedding is all about your personal style. However you plan your big event, be sure to relax, enjoy and let your bridal party handle the details. Then, you'll be free to have fun when your wedding day finally arrives.

Update:  Read about the Hot Wedding Colors for 2009!