Planners Predict the Hottest 2012 Wedding Trends

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Want to get a headstart on your wedding planning in the New Year?

Santa Clara brides, we've got just the ticket: Join expert celebrity planners Preston Bailey, Sasha Souza, Nikki Khan and Bryan Rafanelli at The Wedding Faire & Symposium from Jan. 6th - 8th!

They'll share their expertise and all of the newest wedding trends during special workshops throughout the day. The Wedding Faire will also include 100+ photo booth displays and vendor exhibits, as well as bridal fashion shows (it's the largest wedding planning event in NoCal). Get additional info and purchase your ticket at wedding-faire.com.

If you can't make the event (is it too late for the BG editors to hop on a plane from NYC?), we've got an exclusive sneak peek at some of the trends that will be featured in Faire. They also offer wedding planning tools for brides across the country.

1. Incorporate Color Into Your Gown

At New York Bridal Fashion Week, we saw gorgeous gowns in a variety of hues, from pink to icy blue to black for 2012. If you're dead-set on wearing a white dress, you can still find ways to include a pop of color in your bridal ensemble.

"Consider asking your seamstress to sew your favorite colorful fabric to your wedding dress' crinoline petticoat; as you walk down the aisle, everyone will catch glimpses of your favorite color beneath your long white gown," said Preston Bailey.

Photo Credit: {Sequins and Candy} Photography

2. Photo Finish

You may have heard of brides and grooms renting photo booths, but "back drops" (where guests use a variety of props and backgrounds to take snapshots) are an emerging trend.

The possibilities are endless—planner Bryan Rafanelli suggests individual handheld photo frames in a variety of colors, a favorite quilt, or setting up in front of a great architectural element at your venue.

Photo Credit: Renaissance Studios

3. Go Natural

Hearty flowers in subdued hues and even trees (see: Royal Wedding Ceremony) add a clean, fresh feel to your fête. Rafanelli recommends miniature calla lillies in white, green, lavender, or brown for receptions outdoors.

Photo Credit: Matt Teuten Photography

4. Mix, Match and Miniaturize

Smaller centerpieces will reign supreme in 2012, especially in multiple container shapes and sizes. Consider a combination of exotic flowers mixed with the classics (roses, orchids, calla lillies) to add a modern feel to your wedding décor.

"Tight bunches of hot pink carnations in square containers, coupled with orchids in another holder can look great, even with mini English roses in another container. It's all about balance," said Rafanelli.

Photo Credit: Genevieve DeManio Photography

Also don't be afraid to mix a couple of vibrant colors ("Tangerine Tango" was revealed as the new Color of the Year by Pantone). These eye-catching set-ups were created by Nikki Khan.

5. The Truck Stops Here

The food truck revolution caught our attention this past year, and experts predict that it's going to pick up steam in the coming months.

"Old-fashioned ice cream trucks, crème brûlée trucks or even bacon trucks offer a fun addition to the end of the night or the after party," said Sasha Souza.