British versus Canadian Weddings

Being in the UK for the past month has given me great opportunity of researching the trends here in Europe versus what we are currently doing in North America!

One thing that has changed over the past decade is the age to be married for Brides is changing! It seems British girls don't want to end up like 'Bridget Jones' starring into their empty wine glass and singing 'all by myself....' instead the average age has now dropped from 32 down to 26 and again couples are deciding to have children in their late twenties instead of waiting until their 30's!

So whats new in the UK.. well hardly anyone has heard of Candy Tables! Cupcakes have only just become really big for weddings in the last 6 months, Momogramming is also just starting to take off and Sweetheart Tables at receptions for just the Bride & Groom are now being seen!

But what you really want to know is what trends are coming through from Europe... well I can tell you that David Fielden suggests putting your bridesmaids in White Dresses with the Bride wearing a Black Wedding Dress...... this will really wow guests - just like Sarah Jessica-Parker did on her wedding day! Black Wedding Dresses on the runways in Paris were also seen in 08/09. If your budget can stretch to it, Black Orchids are definately 'the' new thing! Other colours seen in 2008/9 were Grays & Silvers which are still very popular, Icy Blue's and Turquoise and every shade of Purple from Lilac to Deep Aubergine (Egg Plant).

Smaller decadent weddings of 30 guests or less are becoming increasingly popular, using budgets to really splash out on their weddings and guests. Marquee (Tent) Villages are also very new where multiple rooms and structures are used within a larger tent to create intimate spaces with larger reception areas.

Multiple themes are another great idea especially if you are mixing cultures - or if like me you just love too many different foods and drinks to choose, well now you can have them all! How about a Russian Vodka Bar to start, followed by an Oriental Dinner with Bamboo Place Settings and finishing the evening with an English Tea Party, Scones with Strawberry Jam and Clotted Cream all served on pretty China and Cake Stands!

Speaking with Debbie of Wedding Wonders, guests are also looking at different transportation ideas, one client asked Debbie to transport all their guests in a 'Red London Bus' to the Wedding, with the Bride arriving in a 'White London Cab'!

But whatever you do, don't do like the Brits and get stressed! Planning a wedding in the UK according to the polls is now the 5th most stressful things to do after moving house and changing jobs etc - RELAX, you can always hire a reputable wedding planner to do the organising for you!