2012 Wedding Season: Timeless Weddings in Store

It’s the season for taking the plunge, and the husbands- and wives-to-be of 2012 want only the newest, the latest, and the greatest when it comes to their special day. No longer the traditional, all-familiar walk to the altar our grandparents had, the modern wedding has elevated the occasion to greater heights beyond expectation. Today’s couples all want YouTube-worthy sensational weddings with the elaborate venue, enviable designs, surprising forms of entertainment, and “the gown to die for” that no one will forget. But how does one successfully go about planning the original once-in-a-lifetime event without getting lost in the details?

“Simple is the new ‘rich’ in 2012,” says expert wedding and event designer Amina Michele of the full-service wedding and event design company, Some Like It Classic (SLIC) in Phoenix. “Brides are inundated with new ideas, a million Web sites and blogs, and bridal magazines that all start to look the same. So, brides are reverting to simplicity due to the overwhelming amount of choices available in today’s marketplace.” To capture this sense of simplicity while still remaining true to the couple’s individuality, SLIC upholds the motto of creating “timeless” weddings that are reminiscent of classic motifs but incorporate these styles within a modern context.

First, to avoid confusion over mastering the unforgettable wedding, Amina Michele advises couples to pinpoint some basic elements of their relationship that they want to most share with their guests—like favorite foods, hangouts, hobbies—and to let these elements shape the vision for the wedding. “Our brides and grooms want us to deliver them and their guests a wedding experience that no one has experienced before as well as a wedding day that is unique to them as a couple so their guests learn why their love is so exceptional,” says Amina Michele. Instead of wrestling with all the possibilities, risks, and gimmicks for such a wedding, couples should let the location speak for itself. “Brides today want statement venues,” Amina Michele says. “They want venues that will create a specific environment and a fun energy. But brides are also getting smarterand choosing venues where they can get great photo opportunities.”

Next, when selecting the design aspects, Amina Michele usually guides couples into letting the wedding theme tell their story. While most brides love participating in the design process, SLIC’s inimitable way of taking a single theme and spinning it into every detail of the occasion takes the stress out of planning and allows couples to take in the idea that their dream wedding has become a reality. “At the end of the day, we find our brides end up trusting our direction while we bring their story to life, exceeding their expectations with inspiring design skills they never thought they had,” Amina Michele says. Though sensationalism quickly attracts attention, it doesn’t always guarantee that long-lasting appeal. That’s why couples should adhere to schemes, colors, décor, and arrangements that are not only breathtaking but also ageless.

As for the 2012 dress? Go for simple, of course. While brides in 2011 sought lavish layers of intricate fabrics and accents, Amina Michele says that the brides of 2012 are now opting for free-flowing dresses with whimsical silks and light fabrics. Best of all, brides tend to be allowing for more freedom when it comes to their wedding parties’ outfits—like letting bridesmaids choose their own dresses within the same color scheme. Although the attire is a major decision, Amina Michele says that “brides are focusing their spending money on food, entertainment, and unique environment experiences at their wedding. Detailed dresses are still in but are becoming less hodgepodge and more of a classic, simple look.”

Even though destination weddings may guarantee a breathtaking venue, Amina Michele infers that you don’t have to look far for your perfect wedding location. “Sedona is our favoritespot!” she says.

For more “timeless” wedding coordination and design tips, visit somelikeitclassic.com or aminamichele.com.