The Latest in Modern Wedding Style

The wedding trends right now are dramatically shifting, as the ornate wedding cakes and chocolate brown everything of 2006 recede into the past. On that note, here is a glimpse into some of the most cutting edge wedding trends for 2008.

One big change in 2008 wedding style is the combination of glitzy jewelry and simple wedding gowns. Perhaps drawing inspiration from the red-carpet style of the Grammy's or Emmys, brides are walking down the aisle in simple A-line or sheath gowns, accented by big glitzy necklaces and earrings that invoke Old Hollywood 1940's glamour. On that note, thin, glimmery tiaras are replacing the veil as the wedding headpiece of choice for 2008. Soft metallics like champagne, latte, and light gold wedding gowns continue to gain momentum over traditional white.

Another big change is wedding party wear. Instead of the chocolate brown and shy pinks seen everywhere in 2006, bridesmaids in 2008 are wearing dramatic hues like black and red, while bridesmaid gifts may include matching jewelry. Another cool idea is to weave ribbons through the bridesmaid bouquet that match the wedding invitations, giving your nuptials a cohesive look.

Chocolate brown is still a prevalent wedding party color in 2008, however. This year it's being seen on grooms and groomsmen! Appearing often in pinstripe or even Hawaiian prints, these brown suits look snazzy when paired with burnt orange, teal and dark red vests.

Chocolate cuisine is big in 2008 as well, with truffles, espresso beans and personalized M'N'M's making a hit at wedding receptions. Overall, taste is paramount in 2008 weddings, as yummy fillings take precedent over the ornate designs and cardboard flavor of wedding cakes past. While modern wedding cake designs are simpler, flavors are getting more and more exotic. Think poppy seed, passion fruit, and raspberry swirl.

Another exciting 2008 wedding trend is technologically enhanced wedding videos. According to an article in the Canton Rep, "High-definition isn't just the next big thing when it comes to PlayStation and Sunday afternoon football. It's also an option when it comes to your wedding video." If you want to turn your wedding video up a notch, high-definition may be the way to go, but be warned they are a little more costly to make than the average reel.

Also in fashion for 2008 weddings are bold ceremony and reception colors. From bridesmaids dresses to table linens, sedate white and celadon are being replaced with vibrant shades of orange, red, purple, kiwi, chocolate and Tiffany blue. These parrot-bright colors bring a vivid splash when incorporated at the ceremony and reception. Another great place to introduce this colorful trend is with your bridesmaid gifts. Think brightly colored Po 's or makeup totes!

Save- the- date cards are another big trend for 2008. Although they have always been available in stationery stores, it is only lately that save- the- date cards have become a wedding staple. What with busy schedules, destination weddings, and out-of-town relatives, it is easy to see why save-the-date cards are becoming a necessary precursor to the traditional invite. Save- the- date cards are also the best way to ensure your get your first choice wedding venue because they give you more time to plan.

Theme weddings continue to be a huge fad in 2008; however the themes are even more unique and personalized than seen in the past. Picking a particular era, incorporating the place where you met, or dotting your reception with the wedding pictures of relatives are all trendy themes this year. These more personal themes replace the universally popular themes of 2006, such as garden, Asian, and tea party. But if you are looking for a good timeless theme, two trends that never go out of style are destination and ethnic-inspired, according to this article. Bridesmaid gifts and wedding favors are two easy places to start when creating a theme.

Overall, the article describes 2008 as more "frugal, clean, crisp and elegant" than the lavish affairs of the past few years. Couples and guests alike see this return to sentimental simplicity as a welcome and refreshing change. Click here for more great wedding etiquette and advice.

Some info taken from:

The Portage Daily Register: Latest Wedding Style on Display at Bridal Fair

CantonRep.com: Planning a wedding? Professionals tell you how to do it in style

ABC.COM: Style Watch: Spring Bridal Trends