Want your wedding to be the most stylish celebration of the year? Keep every element of your nuptials -- from the hottest color combos to sweeping displays of delicious desserts – on the cutting edge of 2007 wedding trends from Vancouver’s leading wedding experts. 

Glamorous Weddings
Old world luxe and modern chic is on the horizon this year. The past has shown us weddings based on fairytales and whimsical colors but with change in the air a return to more sophistication and elegance is what 2007 brings us.

The Dress
Form-fitting bodices with trumpet skirts are the freshest look for the fashion-forward bride this year. Brides today are choosing dresses with intricate beadwork, embroidery, laces, and rhinestones as embellishments. Through European influences, splashes of colour have transformed the traditional gown by adding luxurious sashes and trimmings. Overall, today's dresses are sparkling, romantic and infused with vintage style and charm.  
 
Décor and Colors
Departing from the ubiquitous pastel blue and pink that was so popular in 2006, brides are now seeking bolder statements in jewel tone wedding colors, including rich orange, raspberry and gold paired with espresso, for a modern and sophisticated tone. Green is also in -- shades of basil, olive and sage are hot. According to Elana Lancit of Sweet Beginning Wedding Consulting and Event Planning, couples are opting for romance and elegance while decorating a venue. Long flowing lines in textured materials such as pin tuck as well as a mixture of high and low centerpieces with flower and candles add charm to a room. For an extra special touch couples are monogramming invitations, menus and even the wall of the venue.

Square Tables
The square-shaped table not only gives the room a more clean and modern look but it also facilities conversation better than a round or rectangular one. Wedding designers and planners are opting for the square because they create a great canvas for interesting floral arrangements or rows of elegant pillar candles.

Cocktail Hour and Entertainment
Brides and grooms are constantly thinking of trendy new ways to wow their guests, and this year we see the rise of the cocktail hour. Couples are shaking up signature drinks designed specifically for the occasion. While sipping on drinks, couples are opting for live music such as a jazz quartet for their guests to enjoy.

The Cake
Luxurious cakes are all the rage this year. Thea Willgress of Sweet Thea says that wedding trends often evolve through fashion and interior design trends and that cake is no different. But when it comes to cakes they not only have to look good but taste good too. Think lemon mousse and vanilla chiffon cake finished with lemon buttercream, or amaretto chocolate genoise cakes with a caramel mousse and bittersweet chocolate ganache. As far as decorating goes this year we are seeing cakes that are replicas of vintage lace patterns or beading on smooth fondant layers.

The Photography
There have been incredible changes in wedding photography over the past few years, which is great news to anyone who is currently shopping for a wedding photographer. These days photographers are taking their cue from high fashion magazines. The trend is toward a new, more contemporary style of photography. It's more relaxed, more natural and more artistic than ever. Images are styled with unique locations picked out before the wedding so that your photos portray your personal style.

Daniela Cuiffa is the Principal of Ciuffa Photography.  www.ciuffaphotography.com

Copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Apr - May 07