First Coast Register | Page 40

Fall BRIDAL TRENDS FOR 2012 BY CARRIE RESCH F all can be a wonderful time to say,“I do” as the weather is cooler and the changing leaves offer beautiful natural backdrops of oranges, yellows, and red color combinations. Whether it’s a traditional fall wedding or one that integrates the latest trends, fall nuptials provide the opportunity for exceptional seasonal décor and unmatched elegance. Some fall wedding trends include incorporating the colors of fall and fall standbys such as pumpkins or apples.You can incorporate these items through centerpieces, or more subtly such as a dish made with pumpkin or apples. Fall color palettes typically include cranberry and chocolate tones, but trending this fall are the gold and tan hues. The Dress: Several styles of wedding gowns are emerging that offer many options for brides based on personality, from the more traditional and modest to modern and slightly risqué. The wedding dress is still being inspired by Kate Middleton’s dress, moving toward higher necklines and long lace sleeves, according to Wedding Trends 2012. Long sleeves would be perfect for a fall wedding when the weather is cooler and invoke classic sophistication. Is it the end for the classic white wedding dress? Wedding gowns with a more modern appeal are popping up the on runways in colors from pastels like lavender to Vera Wang’s inspired runway collection of beige and even black wedding &:,:89s8*59*2'*7| +.789(4&897*,.89*7 gowns. Dresses with high leg slits (think Angelina Jolie’s 2012 Oscar dress), sexy backs, illusion necklines, white dresses with floral accents, high-low hemlines that are high in the front and low in the back, enabling those expensive pair of heels to be seen that are usually hidden away under the dress, according to the bridal blog the HECTOR (www.the-hector.com). Bridesmaids Dress: Popular colors for bridesmaid dresses this fall are tangerine, pink, ultramarine green, lavender, chartreuse green, honey gold, or French roast brown, according to the Perfect Wedding Guide (www.perfectweddingguide.com). Another trend, according to the site, is to have bridesmaids pick out their own style of the dress that best suits their body type. The leg slit trend is also seen in bridesmaid dresses, as well as off the shoulder necklines, according to The Knot (wedding. theknot.com). Flowers & Decorations: Fall-inspired flower arrangements may not be flowers at all. Brides and bridesmaids may carry wheat bunches or have wheat centerpieces