Our Top 2012 Wedding Trends on NBC!

Written on January 21, 2012 by Alex Hirst

We love sharing our annual sustainable wedding trend forecasts with you each year, and 2012 has tons of exciting new styles in store! Check us out on NBC with some of our favorites, and see below for all 12 trends and where to get them.

1. Brides Get Fascinated: This years must-have bridal trend is the fascinator; a luxe headpiece or hair accessory made from lace, fabric flowers, feathers or jewels. Designer Arturo Rios makes our favorites! . 2. Smashing Sashes: Bridal belts and sashes are hot this year, turning up on the runway and down the aisle. We love jewel-embellished sashes and classy neutrals like this black belted Tadashi Shoji organza ball gown (and its only $800!)

3. Home is Where the Party Is: Taking cues from newlyweds like Reese Witherspoon, Kate Moss, and Lauren Bush, wedding receptions at home are hot. Backyard bashes have gone elegant and upscale, with couples celebrating in their own homes.

4. Cakes Make a Comeback: Cupcake towers and dessert tables have dominated the dessert scene for years, but the traditional wedding cake is back for 2012. Find inspiration from the celebrity bakers at Fantasy Frostings.

5. Virtual Guests: Technology is making it possible for faraway friends and relatives to attend 2012 weddings without traveling. This year, guests will arrive via tablets and smartphones, just like this iPad bridesmaid!

6. A Signature Sipper: Signature cocktails are all the rage, letting you skip the overstocked wedding bar in favor of one affordable signature cocktail, plus organic wines and local beer. Were in love with the yummy Goji Fizz from GQ Eco Bartending.

7. Flor-ternatives: Traditional cut flowers are expensive, and quickly wilt, but paper flowers are forever! The best ones can be found at The Crane Factorythe bouquet on the right is made from the pages of a romance novel!

8. Something Blue: Royal blue sapphires are outshining diamonds this year as engagement jewel of choice. This one is just $700 for 2.5 carats of beautiful blue bling.

9. Something Old, Something New: Wedding resale has doubled in the last year, with more than 20% of brides selling or shopping for a gently used wedding dress, decor, or bridal accessory online. In fact, Recycled Bride now has more than 18,000 discounted wedding items for sale! 2012s engaged couples will reduce, reuse, and resell in record numbers, saving money and the Earth.

10. Modesty & Lots o Lace: Inspired by Kate Middletons royal wedding gown, 2012s brides are loving lace, sometimes with covered arms and shoulders. This stunning Melissa Sweet lace dress can be worn with a shrug or capelet.

11. DIY Wedding Videos: Using Flipcams, smartphones, and an army of friends, many couples will forgo traditional wedding videos in favor of DIY mashups recorded from guests perspectives. Use free online editing tools like WeVideo, or let the pros at Storymix Media edit for you. Either way, youll save a bundle and get a unique and creative perspective on your wedding day. Plus youll decide what moments to preserve for your future children to enjoy!

12. Midnight Munchies: As wedding celebrations become all-nighters, fill the bellies of party-hardy guests with a comfort food-style midnight snack. The sustainable chefs at Whoa Nelly Catering make delicious mini burgers & more.