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The recent royal wedding has had a big impact on wedding trends. E
siness
Colored stones mixed with diamonds, such as these sapphire-accented rings, is a popular trend in engagement and wedding rings. Rings from Gem Jewelry. homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com
ngagement season was in full bloom as 2012 drew to a close, bringing more couples to the multi-billion-dollar industry that already is massive business. Weddings have become more of a production than just a ceremony about the ritual, which means there are a lot of companies thata have gotten in on the game, leaving the bride-to-be with so many choices. The business of weddings is huge, huge, huge, said BB Webb, owner of Carl House in Carl. The national average cost of a wedding is $25,000-$30,000; $150-$200 is spent per guest on average. Some 2 ½ million weddings will be done this year. Typically $70-$100 is spent on a wedding gift. The average diamond engagement ring is about $6,000. More than $70 million is spent on weddings each year in the United States; honeymoons are a $12 billion a year business. Along with big business, there are trends that come and go with weddings. For example, travel isn’t just for the honeymooners anymore. Over the past decade, there has been a substantial increase in destination weddings – where the bride, groom and their wedding party and attendees all go somewhere else for the nuptials. It is estimated that at least one in 10 weddings are destination weddings. Resorts and hotels in popular areas have begun putting together wedding packages; top destinations include Hawaii, the Caribbean, Mexico, southern France and Italy. Photographs of the bride and groom taken at old buildings, such as rustic barns, are also a growing trend. In some areas, old places – as long as they are well manicured and have modern-day comforts – are also a hot spot for the ceremony and/or reception. Trendy, hot ticket items for the reception include candy stations, photo booths, action stations (for food) and specialty drinks that are signature bride and groom drinks. There may have been a shift away from bright colors in bridesmaid dresses, but the trends in floral design are for color-color-color. Also, chocolate fountains remain a huge trend, and they are also getting the trendy color
treatment. HOME talked to some of the locally owned wedding service providers in North Georgia to see what the hot new trends are and what sage advice they would share. The Rings Couples are not going with matching rings so much anymore, said Temme Schooler, who runs the family business Gem Jewelry with her sister Linda Orenstein. Gem Jewelry is Gainesville’s oldest jeweler, located on the square in downtown, and was started by their grandfather 77 years ago. White metal is the more popular choice these days. “A lot of the guys are going with titanium for their rings,” added Orenstein. Colored stones mixed with diamonds are another popular trend. “Diamonds in clusters around the main stone is a popular choice, because it makes the stone look bigger,” Schooler said. Today’s bride also wants input in the ring, she said. “We suggest they come here together, and she can point out styles she likes. Then he can come back later and make the final choice,” Schooler said. “That way, she is getting the style she wants, while he is getting the price point he needs.” The Dress While many aspects of the wedding have changed, much has stayed the same for the gown. In some cases, what was old is new again. Most brides are not wearing white anymore, but they are still staying with close relatives in a full-length gown. “Only one bride last year insisted on white,” related Taylor Parkerson, bridal specialist and manager at Elite Bridal in Braselton. “Ivory, champagne and blush are really popular. Those colors look good with a variety of skin tones, and they also photograph well.” Chris Davidson, of Christopher’s Tuxedo and Bridal in Gainesville, noted the European influence with colors, saying he is seeing blushes and peach. January | February 2013
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