Trends for 2012 - Weddings, Food, Meetings

It seems each year we are inundated with predictions of the latest trends for the coming season. Some make sense or are a continuation of a current trend. Others make you wonder where the idea originated. Some of what are considered "national" trends, have actually been in vogue in this area for a couple years or more. The following are predictions for this year culled from several sources and presented in no particular order.

Wedding Trends - the following are compliments of OneWed.

• Food trucks - Whether it be a taco truck after a party or an ice cream truck at a wedding reception, if you have a favorite truck food, invite them to your event. You can even hire the corner hotdog vendor to drop by.
• Unique head pieces - Brides are replacing the typical veil and/or tiara with wedding hats, headbands and big, beautiful barrets and clips. Feathers for the hair are "in."
• Royal wedding inspiration - In the tradition of Kate Middleton, simple and understated is in, whether it be a simple bouquet, a free-flowing hair style or a modest gown with sleeves.
• Innovative invitations - Bright colors, bold fonts, geometric swirls and designs are all in, replacing the formal black script on white or ivory linen paper. (This has been a trend in Idaho for a couple years.)
• Smaller guest lists - Couples are opting to invite fewer guests and spend their money on fabulous decor and food.
• Smaller centerpieces and mix and match centerpieces - This has been a trend in Idaho for years. Not only is a smaller centerpiece more affordable but it allows guests to see one another rather than being hidden behind a tall vase. Many brides no longer want the more formal matched look, opting instead for a mix of two or three styles and heights, adding interest to the overall decor.
• Mix and match bridesmaids dresses - Again, this has been a trend in Idaho for a few years. When a bridesmaid is able to choose a style that looks best for her height and figure, she will be more comfortable. The bride can decide on the color and dress length, then let the ladies have fun choosing their perfect dress.
• Out with the garter and bouquet toss - The older the bride the less apt she is to toss a bouquet and brides of all ages are doing away with the garter toss as too tacky.
• Colorful wedding gowns - Gowns in shades of light blue, blush pink, gold and silver are increasing in popularity. Many such colors are more attractive than stark white and they can add a sophisticated look to the wedding. Colorful trim on a white or ivory gown has been a trend for several years.
• Rectangular tables - Brides are returning to the use of rectangular tables rather than round ones. Though round tables better utilize space, guests seated at rectangular tables are closer together and better able to converse.

Food Trends - Every party includes food of some type. Whether you are having a buffet or a served meal, food choices tend to change like everything else. Here is what's "hot," or perhaps "cool," for 2012.

• Whoopie pies are the new cupcake. These cookie sandwiches can be made in a variety of flavors. Keep them small to allow guests to indulge in several.
• Potatoes are in, particularly French fries. Offer a variety of dipping sauces and let guests choose their favorite. Mashed potatoes, particularly garlic mashed, continue to be popular.
• Grilled cheese is the new slider. Forget hamburgers and focus on everyone's favorite comfort food - gooey, warm melted cheese.
• Unique ice cream flavors are in. Forget vanilla and chocolate and opt for bacon flavored ice cream or maple syrup, cotton candy or popcorn flavors.
• Vegetables are popping up in desserts, everything from pumpkin custard and breads to chocolate zucchini cake and sweet potato pie.
• Pretzels are in, the bigger the better. Serve large ones with a variety of dips. Serve small ones in place of cookies with ice cream or serve them with dips as well.

Meeting Trends - The economy the last few years has affected the number of meetings held and the cost. The following trends are compliments of Smart Meetings magazine.

• According to American Express Meetings and Events, the number of meetings held in 2012 is expected to remain steady or increase over 2011. However, total meeting budgets are not expected to increase. To compensate, 40 percent of companies surveyed expect to decrease the number of attendees while 33 percent anticipate shortening the duration of their meetings.
• Meetings will be held closer to home, eliminating luxury resorts and air travel.
• Green is still in and gaining popularity. Corporations are image conscious and making a statement as being socially responsible is important.

Whether you are planning a wedding, a corporate meeting, or another event, you may find some of these trends spark your imagination. Today, we have the freedom to do many unique things at our events as long as it is done tastefully, so go ahead and delight your guests with a surprise visit by an ice cream truck at break time or ask the hot dog vendor to stop by at the end of the evening.