Happy New Year! This time of year may be quiet for weddings, but with all the engagements over Christmas and New Years Eve, there is much planning being done by new “brides to be”! Here’s a few of the latest wedding trends for 2012 to help all you brides get a head start on your wedding plans.

Color Schemes:

This year’s hottest color to choose for your wedding according to the Washingtonian is Tangerine Tango. While this color is certainly not one to get lost in the crowd, it can work for modern, vintage or traditional wedding styles. This color choice pares well with vibrant pinks and blues or can be tempered down with pretty pastels.

Tangerine Inspiration Board Courtesy of: The Swish List

Themes:

Vintage wedding themes are taking over in 2012. Brides are embracing the decades from the 60’s up to the 80’s. Purchasing decorations from thrift and antique stores or incorporating traditions from generations past.

Wedding Inspiration Board: Glamour This

What to Wear

Color is not only a big part of the decor, but finds a place in fashion accessories. Brides are choosing soft blush gowns or accenting their white gown with brightly colored shoes or bedazzled sashes.

Bedazzled Sash by Zazzaretti Bridal and Wedding Shoe Clips by LemonRing

With the royal wedding of the century this past year of Prince William and Kate Middleton, royal-wedding inspired gowns are showing up all over salons. Gowns with texture and touches of sheer necklines are also a hit.

Gown Image via: Vogue

Kate Wedding Dress by Aire Barcelona

Wedding Cake:

Brides are moving on from the traditional wedding cake and opting for boldly decorated cakes or a variety of dessert options for their guests. Everything from miniature cheesecakes, ice cream sundae bars and cupcakes are the top choices of the 2012 bride. The bride looking for a cake worthy of being the focal point of the reception has several options. Vintage wedding cakes with texture, lace or fondant will remain popular this year. For those brides wanting more color, hand painted wedding cakes open a world of options. As long as you have a talented cake artist, you can design the cake of your dreams. Tall wedding cakes, flowered and royal influenced cakes are also top choices this year.

Cakes from the Sweet & Saucy Shop

Happy 2012 and good luck with your wedding plans this year.