Wedding Trends

The New Yorks Daily News reports latest wedding trends

Old-fashioned photo booths are the latest trend in reception diversions.

From the gown to the cake, it's no secret that all eyes are on New York for the latest in wedding trends. But get this: The fad of the moment in the Big Apple is, well, not to be too trendy.

"New York is an odd bird: It's the first to have the top trends, but ultimately most New Yorkers are staying classic," says Julie Raimondi, editor in chief of Brides New York.

"It's not just about showing off. New Yorkers are about making guests comfortable and being hospitable. That tends toward classic details," says Raimondi, who spotlights the hottest fall wedding trends in major cities across the country in the new issue of the magazine, which hit newstands this past week.

While L.A. weddings are paying tribute to the '80s with sushi bars and neon bridesmaid dresses, and Atlanta weddings are playing up luxury with elaborate groom's cakes and gourmet food stations, New York is getting back to basics with their trends for the big day.

WEDDING DRESS

"[New Yorkers] look for anything that isn't strapless, which leads to lots of cap sleeves, V-necks and high necks," says Raimondi, adding that good examples are in Vera Wang's latest collection.

BRIDESMAIDS

As for bridesmaids, no more matchy matchy dresses and too-outrageous colors. The metro bride's mind-set is to let her ladies pick the dress, while dictating the fabric or color. Raimondi highlights a short, champagne color Jim Hjelm dress with pockets (yes, pockets) as a typical dress.

COLOR PALETTE

"This is not the bride that is like, 'Oh my god, my colors are this and this,'" says Raimondi. "The colors comes out of a more organic place, rather than a trend. It often comes from flowers used in the wedding." On the list this year: pink and white orchids, roses and calla lilies.

NUMBER OF GUESTS

When it comes to size of the wedding, the numbers are shrinking. The average wedding is now just 150 people. "New York is the most expensive place to get married and for guests to travel to, so you see the numbers going down in order to save money, and most New Yorkers don't have the luxury of being impractical with money," says Raimondi.

RECEPTION

But a smaller wedding party has made way for the hottest (and most fun) trend in weddings: the cocktail reception. "It's a great way to save money ... and it's perfect for smaller weddings," Raimondi explains, adding it actually gives the couple a chance to interact with their guests, rather than just a napkin with their initials on it.

ENTERTAINMENT

Forget the karaoke machine. This season's hottest reception diversion is the vintage photo booth. Guests can take something home with them they actually want. "When it comes down to it, this city understands how to throw a party," explains Raimondi. "A lot of weddings are full of superficial silliness, but I think New Yorkers understand that some of the best times with friends and family can be at your own wedding."

By NICOLE CARTER

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