2012’s Trendiest Bridal Accessories

Bridal accessories will be bolder this year and will also reflect the new wave of brides who want to personalise their look or simply be unique; by incorporating traditional elegance with their own modern flair.

Here is the "glam list” for this year:

Victorian-inspired – Accessories are taking a cue from the Victorian era. This year, we are seeing motifs that were once popular on Victorian jewelry such as: flora, fauna and bows. The incorporation of ribbon, lace and tulle on jewelry pieces, is another Victorian influence.

Sashes– Sashes are multifunctional; providing a focal point to simple dresses and helping to create an hourglass shape. They canbe bought in various colours and most are embellished with feathers, jewels, crystals and beadwork. The popular colours this year are: black, blush pink, deep purple, mauve, lavender and champagne or ivory

 

 

Head Gear - The shorter, face framing “bird cage veil” is still popular, as well as fascinators. Ribbon headbands or metallic headbands that incorporate flowers, plumes and crystals are also trending. Other stunners are: bohemian styled-headpieces (similar to what Kim Kardashian wore on her head, for her wedding), jeweled barrettes, embellished hairpins and dramatic, crystal haircombs.

Bold Colour – Modern brides are now exploring coloured gemstones and crystals instead of the traditional clear crystals, diamonds and pearls. Some brides are even opting to match their jewellery with the colour of their bridesmaids’ dresses, for example sets in sapphire, turquoise, onyx, ruby and emerald. Other choose to match jewellery to their shoes, if they have chosen to wear a coloured shoe!

New spin on pearls – Brides who love pearls are now going a fresher route and choosing pearls in black, grey, blush and other pastels.  

Statement Necklaces – Stylish “bib” necklaces are all the rage this year or for those who think those are too daring – long, layered necklaces or chunky “torsade” necklaces (multiple strands of pearls or beads, twisted and held together with a clasp) can also be just as dramatic. These types of necklaces are best for simpler wedding gowns and also work especially well for sleek strapless-styled dresses.  

Wrist Wear- This year, is all about statement cuffs (filigree, studded or solid) as well as stacks of varied bangles, for example pearl bangles interspersed with diamond or rhinestone bangles.

Earrings – Chandelier and shoulder sweeping earrings are still “in,” particularly those that are in the geometric, Art Deco style.

Rings – apart from the engagement ring, trendy brides are now wearing cocktail rings, which feature large real or faux gemstones.

Eco-friendly jewelry – There is now greater interest from brides about jewellery that is ethically-mined, recycled or hand-crafted.

The Green Bride!

How many Trini brides seriously consider having a stylish yet eco-friendly wedding? Perhaps not many and that’s unfortunate, moreso because there are so many simple and sustainable ideas out there. It’s also unfortunate because weddings by and large, generate substantial amounts of waste with food, paper goods, packaging, ribbons, favours, wrapping paper, decorations and stationery that are tossed in the trash after the reception or…soon after.

Here are some tips to help you have an environmentally-friendly wedding:

Food

·         Donate leftover food to a shelter or soup kitchen or have boxes available for guests to take some of the eats home with them.

Fashion & Beauty
·         For your dress, use one or a combination of: remnant lace and fabrics, organic cotton, hemp and silk blends or vegetable-dyed fabric.

·         Select organic or mineral products that are not tested on animals, for your makeup

·         Go to the “Bridal Classifieds” page on www.trinidadweddings.com to see if anyone is selling a used or new wedding gown or selling centerpieces they no longer need. See link to it here: http://www.trinidadweddings.com/Shop/BridalClassifieds/tabid/239/Default.aspx

·         Upcycle bridesmaid dresses that won’t be worn again, into decorative throw pillows or window treatments. You can also donate the dresses to someone who will use them.

Invitations & Stationery
·         Use post-consumer recycled paper

·         If you have open seating for the reception, this can reduce your paper needs, with doing away of place cards. Also, you can do one tented programme (printed on both sides) per table, to reduce the need for every guest having a paper programme.

·         Create custom invitations or “thank you” cards by hand or try utilizing hand-painting or stamping on your invitations, to save on printing costs

·         If you want to go entirely paperless, invite guests via e-cards or telephone

Décor & Favours

·         Use organic décor materials like: bamboo, coconut shells, hemp, pressed flowers/leaves, burlap, jute or raffia.

·         Make use of organic or fair trade items, for your food and favours

·         Create a local favour instead of one that’s already pre-packaged and full of unnecessary plastic packaging. Wrap your favour in biodegradable bags or in hand-made paper.

·         For centrepieces, choose containers you can use again in your new home and perhaps fill with fruit that you or your guests can eat!

·         Choose a florist who uses locally-grown flowers.

Reception

·         Have an outdoor wedding to save on day-time electricity costs. The options are endless: a park, at the beach, a private garden, courtyard, ranch or nature reserve.

·         Use cloth napkins as much as possible, versus paper napkins

·         Plan your ceremony and wedding reception in the same place, to save energy costs and emissions from transportation.

Registry

·    If you already own household items, perhaps you can ask guests to contribute to a wildlife conservatory, animal shelter, a recycling initiative or a charitable cause, in lieu of favours/wedding gifts

·    Ask the store that is hosting your bridal registry, not to gift wrap your wedding gifts.