High-Style Weddings (and Favorite Flowers) for 2007

Chances are, you're newly engaged (congrats!). And let's say that right about now you're elbow-deep in that part of your planning notebook devoted to bouquets and altar arrangements.

We'll go even further and imagine that your life is full of other responsibilities — like a full-time job, say. This isn't a simple task!

But what makes things easier for many brides is a good grasp of what looks fresh for the season. To that end, we've compiled lots of data from planners, publications and our own 2007 orders to give you a sense of the color and style trends that are stealing the show right now: for weddings in general, and floral arrangements in particular.

Bridal White, Clean and Bright

Brides still love to wear white for their weddings, and in many parts of the country, the broader palette offered up by designers hasn't really caught on. One partial exception: destination weddings, where brides are caught sparkling with pale pinks, lavenders and blues in the embroidery and beadwork — a subtle touch that sets off casual weddings to tee.

But for bridesmaids, the going gowns are straight from a Delacroix. Rich jewel tones remain on top, especially aquamarine, emerald and amethyst. Deep reds are strong for all four seasons. So's magenta, and a profusion of pinks. Black, we fear, is on its way out — but chocolate brown shows no signs of flagging.

Don't Fence Me In

You can't pin brides down on one style of bouquet this season: individual style's running the show, and brides want everything from nostalgic tussie mussies to carefree hand-tied bouquets, or even single stems. The common denominator? Everyone comes in knowing just what they want!

Bouquet accessories are huge, though — and these days, they're not just picks. Sure, pins and picks abound, ranging from clear Swarovski crystals to deep blue dragonflies. But from here, all bets are off, with brides asking designers to weave in keepsake family fabrics, heirloom jewels, photos, charms and other personal treasures.

The balance of bridal and bridesmaid bouquets are changing, too. Traditionally, bridesmaids got a bouquet much like the bride's — only smaller. But these days, brides are shrinking the bridesmaids' bouquets down even more and amping up their own. It's worth a mention that with silk flowers, you can choose an entirely different (and smaller) flower for your maids' bouquets, while getting the exact same shade.

Tip: brides are looking for longevity with those lovely flowers, and turning them into a keepsake's a popular move. Bouquets and boutonnières look lovely in shadow boxes (especially with a photo, invitation or quote). So do nosegays tucked into that sterling silver or Baccarat vase that materialized off your registry.

Color Me Beautiful

Gone are the days of one white wedding after another (and good riddance! — weddings have left the diner-coffee stage and entered the have-it-your-way world of Starbucks). Brides are borrowing high-octane hues from the bridal bouquet, and splashing them all over the reception hall.

But don't chain yourself to your swatch book just yet: the days of obsessively matching colors are fini, too, with today's savvy brides opting for complementary colors that play off each other, instead of swamping their venues in one shade of peach ("Peach! It's about Peach! Get it?").

Bringing it Home

Remember those old stalwarts, pillar candles on mirror bases? Wave goodbye, because they're being whisked out by a new breed of centerpiece that leans heavily on trendy home décor.

What we're seeing for 2007: exotics like birds of paradise, anthuriums or single orchids in simple, clear containers, and jumbo party drinks in nightclubby colors. And let's not forget the monochromatics: floral arrangements in two or three shades of pink, orange or green set in a stylish base are cropping up all over.

In fact, it's the new sophistication about color play (instead of color matching) that brings us the season's gorgeous monochromatic arrangements, and the new bouquets featuring laid-back canvases punched up with electric purples and lime greens.

Tip: it's increasingly popular for brides to hand those lovely centerpieces to close friends or family at the end of the day. Which gives silk flowers the advantage, since they'll last as a keepsake for years — and you've wrung two uses out of one line item. Nice!

2007 Made Simple

Our birds-eye view from behind the scenes: brides are constantly looking to push the envelope, and make their wedding 100% true to who they are. For some, that might involve a stroll down the aisle to Wagner, roses and candelabras, and a cathedral-length train. For others, it might be bridesmaids in baby-doll dresses and bright fuchsia tights. Either way, just make sure your day is how you imagine it — and have a glorious time bringing it to life.

Miniature Calla Lilies, in fiery hues or jewel tones. Orchids, in arrangements from traditional to edgy. Hydrangeas: large and lush. Roses, in tight and timeless arrangements. Lilies, often updated with non-traditional florals. Peonies, in compact groups with lots of volume. Gerber daisies, in the brightest of brights.