Spring 2008: Bridal trends

Another hot trend is for pre-wedding pictures of both the bride and groom in their formal attire, according to Strong. It's a style known as "bridals" and "groomals," and can take the pressure off a couple on their wedding day if the weather or other elements aren't perfect, she said.

As for the artistic bride with no sentimental attachment to her gown, consider a style known as "trashing the dress." It's a nationwide trend, and happens after the wedding. A photographer will shoot a bride in her dress, posed in a grungy cityscape, or doing things as extreme as floating in a water fountain or posing with her gown lit on fire.

Flowers, cake, color and decor

It's spring, so colors such as lime green and hot pink are returning to style, but instead of decorating with multiple hues, brides are going monochromatic with just a hint of an accent color. It's a style that looks both trendy and high-end, even for the bride on a budget, according to Reid.

Add a unique floral design, and a couple can make an even stronger style statement, said Tracy Barlow, owner of The Window Box in Layton and a certified florist with the American Institute of Floral Designers. Instead of loose flower arrangements, couples want styles that are distinctive and reflect their personality, he said.

For Reid, unique style is a must-have for most brides, although many of her reception arrangements feature a mix of classic and contemporary design. That's to ensure both moms and daughters are happy," she said.

"The moms have a hard time with that," Reid said of the desire to be edgy and different.

But cakes are trending towards the classic, according to Janna Ellis, sales manager at the Granite Bakery and Bridal Showcase in Salt Lake City. Like wedding gowns, girls are choosing a vintage look, with buttercream frosting in shades of ivory or champagne. Some girls have even offered samples of their dress so the cake design can mimic their beadwork, she said.

Above all, the key to a great wedding is for a couple to make their event as personal as possible, but still remember why they're planning the activity, according to Vagnozzi.

"In the end, it's all about family and friends being able to celebrate this day with you," she said.

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Nationwide wedding statistics:

Number of marriages in 2006: 2.2 million

Percentage of destination weddings: 15 percent

Biggest wedding months: June and September

Average age of bride: 27

Average age of groom: 28

Average cost of wedding: $27,882*

Average number of guests invited: 215

Average number of guest attending: 161

Average cost of a wedding gift: $85

* includes engagement ring, but not honeymoon