At this time of the year, my inbox tends to be flooded with newsletters from various concerns, all predicting the trends in their sector for the year ahead. Just this past week, these have varied from what is happening in the retail sector, to marketing to today's youth. This led me to think about the emerging trends in the wedding industry, and what we can expect to see in 2008.

Date decisions

For many couples worldwide, the popular date for weddings last year was 7/07/07 and this year, even though it falls on a Friday, I'm sure there will be as many takers for 08/08/08. According to the Chinese, the most popular date for weddings has always been 8 August, as they consider the number eight to be very lucky.

In 2008 this date offers couples the chance to have three times as much good fortune, so I have no doubt it will be a popular choice. (It's no wonder this is also the date that has been chosen for the opening of the Olympic Games in Beijing.)

I always maintain that grooms love marrying on dates such as these, as it makes remembering their wedding anniversaries that much easier. I mentioned this to a photographer friend, who asked: "Do you know how to always remember your wedding anniversary?" I answered that I didn't, and loved his reply: "Just forget it once!"

Going green

Maybe it's because we haven’t become as actively aware of environmental issues as other countries have, or been party to more compulsory hands-on recycling projects, but 'green' weddings are sadly still very much in their infancy in South Africa.

In contrast, there is a growing awareness abroad of how (with a little thought) couples can ensure that their weddings have a reduced impact on the environment. I do believe, however, that 2008 will see more 'green' weddings taking place in this country.

Black wedding dresses?

I was intrigued to see that some Parisian couturiers are attempting to market black wedding dresses to brides. Although the addition of black ribbon or lace to white wedding dresses is still popular, and indeed can look stunning, somehow I don't think he will have many takers for all-black wedding gowns.

Many years ago, Ralph Mayer, owner of the well-known Mayers — the Bridal Shop, assured me that you could gauge the state of the economy by wedding dress styles.

Over the years I have often thought of Ralph's words as I have watched wedding gown designs change from slinky (when the economy was down) to full ball-gown styles, when it was buoyant.

Style predictions

I asked Ralph this week for his style predictions for the year and I was interested to hear him say that wedding dresses are starting to pare down in size, and that ball-gown styles are fast fading in popularity. (Maybe I should start to take more seriously the analysts’ predictions that 2008 will be a year to start tightening our belts!)

According to Ralph, the most notable trend of late is an increase in the use of diagonals on wedding dresses, which he predicts will be big this year (incidentally, this style is very flattering to the fuller figure).

Some brides are still opting for lots of beading and sophisticated Chantilly lace on their dresses. Entourage size is tending to reduce, with brides choosing to have far fewer bridesmaids.

Choices, choices…

Interestingly, predicted colour choices for 2008 weddings have shown an inclination towards the autumn spectrum, with yellows and deep, rich reds emerging as favourites.

According to a report in a British newspaper, destination weddings are still gaining in popularity, as many Brits — apparently disillusioned with both the weather and nagging relatives — escape to warmer climates for their nuptials.

What many seem to be unaware of, though, is that research has shown that in the UK, 70 percent of those invited to a wedding abroad actually go. With Cape Town now being listed among the top 10 as an ideal wedding destination, I think we are going to see even more British guests arriving here for weddings this year.

As the average wedding in the UK today costs around £20 000, our very favourable rate of exchange means couples are able to have luxurious weddings here at a fraction of the price they would pay back home.

Gift trends

For some years now, there has been an increasing tendency for couples to put off marriage until their late twenties or early thirties.

This trend continues to grow, and is the reason why many couples have most of the household items they need by the time they actually marry.

As a result, gift registries tend to list more luxury items — a trend that is predicted to increase this year. Couples are also choosing to have lists at more specialised stores, and it is not unheard of for them to ask for contributions towards the honeymoon or their wine cellar.

Groomzillas?

In one very welcome emerging trend, grooms are tending to take far more interest in their weddings, and especially in what they wear for the occasion.

While they may not yet be agonising over their outfits as much as the bride does over her dress, they are undoubtedly becoming more involved in the planning of the occasion in general. While we've all heard of the term 'Bridezilla' I was amused recently to hear that there are also 'Groomzillas' out there!

Down to size

As the effects of the predicted worldwide recession and the increase in the oil price start eating into our budgets in 2008, couples are going to begin looking for more and more ways to save on wedding costs, and the 'over-the-top' spending of the past few years is likely to drop off.

They will be looking for value for money and will no doubt also be cutting down on the number of guests they invite to their weddings.

Generally speaking, the wedding industry in South Africa has seen phenomenal growth over the past few years, with new websites and magazines appearing at an alarming rate. In view of the increasing trend away from excess and towards a little austerity, it seems very likely those who entered the industry with the main aim of making the proverbial 'fast buck' will have their time cut out trying to stay in the game!

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