In an area filled with high-end resorts along the beach or historic hotels that were once the playground for millionaires, The Golden Isles is no different when it comes to wedding trends.  Three beautiful islands tucked away into the coast of Georgia have trends of their own that are popular in the sweet low-country. Sometimes it takes a while for trends to get to us, or we just create our own.

Attending bridal shows gives the bride so much more perspective beyond the typical wooing of wedding vendors.  Wedding vendors are smart—they know that in order to stand out, they have to be the best, have the best or do the best, in order to attract the bride.  This means staying on top of what is hot in their area or observing what has been most popular in their area.  If a bride pays attention closely, she can witness the current trends all in one place.

What’s hot this bridal season in the Golden Isles for 2007:

It’s Hip to Be Square

Square cakes are a big hit here in the area and are becoming the must have.  In addition, having each tier flavored with varying flavors are popular, only with richer tastes. Gone are the simple fruit fillings—instead, white chocolate, caramel, lemon curd, Irish Cream, canoli or Bavarian cream will be a big hit.  Cake flavors, too, are getting an extreme makeover.  Spice, champagne, citrus butter and tiramisu are very rich flavors that complement and excite any menu.  Also new is “cake splashing”.  I haven’t seen much of it here, and am not sure if I will.  Splashing is the concept where a flavor is literally splashed over the cake.??  This works well with complementing flavors. The beach themed cakes we have loved and see constantly are still around.  They have truly become a staple here!

It is easy being green. 

I’m not too sure what Kermit’s beef was, but he would fit in perfectly here!  When chocolate was big last year, we saw a lot of brides pairing it with the turquoises, baby blues and pinks.  Sage green began to work itself in, slowly but surely.  Soon after, the chocolate began phasing out, and the shades of green became lighter.  Now, Golden Isles’ brides are exploring apples and mints in varying textures and fabrics.

Good things.  Small packages.

Caterers are doing their menus in miniature scale. Foods are becoming smaller, but are not losing their quality or taste.  We saw a lot of tiny foods done with huge presentation.  If brides decide to go that route, they should take care to find a culinary designer who can follow through with a “knock ‘em dead” presentation.  Otherwise, you risk having your food display look like it was made for munchkins.

Less Pose. More Action and Motion.

More of our brides are steering completely away from the archaic posed photography and opting only for photojournalism.  I think this is primarily because brides want to remember their special day as it happened—not as it was posed or manipulated.  Additionally, some photojournalists opt for only 15-30 minutes of standard photos: family, bridal party, etc., which frees up more time for the cocktail hour.  Likewise, brides are opting for more dynamic and stimulating videography.  Wanting to relive every moment, it is important that the video does not have the “Uncle Fred’s Camcorder” look. Instead, it should unobtrusively tell the story, while also add a little bit of movie-star flair (titles, transitions, editing, etc.).

Ivory Is the New Black

Several of the bridal boutiques showcased their fabulous dresses, a majority of which were in the ivory family.  Seeing all the models of different complexions and body types, I am convinced that ivory looks good on everyone.  Not only is ivory popular, but dresses with intricate designs and lush fabrics are big here too. These give the gowns a very couture look.  A majority of the dresses were not very “big”—instead, they were form fitting with embellishment. Some had form fitting bodices that extended to the hips that billowed out into mounds of luxurious satins in bustles.  Designer bustle clips are becoming popular as well. We see a lot of Reem Acra and Monique L’huillier here, too.

These are just a few of the hot things that have made an appearance in the Golden Isles.  How long they will be here to stay? Who knows.  All the more reason why it’s important to plan your wedding around you and what you love, than to keep up with trends!