10 of-the-moment ideas for your super-hip wedding

—By Erin Meanley

 

1 Long-Stem Bouquets

Inspired by the scepter or thank you bouquets she was making for pageants and award ceremonies, Kimberly Buffington of Flowerchild began creating these dramatic beauties for her brides. “Don’t feel limited to flower species with long stems,” she says. “Any flower can work by using a flower holder.”

 

2 Pop-Up Weddings

Want a ceremony that’s quick and easy, yet far more chic than City Hall? Say “I do” at a pop-up wedding like the one recently thrown by Sitting in a Tree Events. You bring your fiancé, marriage license, and best pals, and they provide the rest. We bet we’ll be seeing more of these events soon, so get ready!

3 Bridal 5ks

A surprising number of women are running races the morning of their Big Day—it’s a great way to shake off stress and bond with your bridal party.

The first-ever running wedding gown (left): Oiselle “Runaway Bride” dress, $1,756, oiselle.com

 

4 Metal Invitations

Is metal the new paper? These unexpected invitations are sturdy and bring a lot of shine.

5 Weddings on the Beach

Get married on the beach, not across the street from it. The State now grants permits for events on select local beaches (and yes, you can drink alcohol!). Companies like True Beach Events offer all-inclusive packages.

 

6 Long Banquet Tables

Do as the royals (like Will and Kate) do. Plus, round, tidy groups of 10 or 12 friends and/or family are a headache to coordinate.

7 Gray Suits

Gray is the new black! “Gray is a hot color for fall and winter weddings, and it complements most skin tones,” says John Jacques of Gentlemen’s Tux Club. Local couple Katelyn and Caleb (above) said “yes” to gray.

 

8 Oyster Bars

Treat your foodie guests to an oyster station. Local shellfish distributors Chris Reid and Rhett Melbo, a.k.a. The Oyster Boys, will shuck 30 dozen oysters for $550.

 

9 Paper Flowers

Paper flowers are sprouting everywhere. Check out the oversize blooms at this San Diego Botanic Garden wedding (below). For a Mexican-inspired style, see the paper stems and petals on page 172

 

10 Wine-Infused Makeup

Oeno Beauty makes all-natural lip glosses and cheek stains infused with the free-radical fighting antioxidants and polyphenols of the almighty grape. Cheers to that! Pictured:  Meritage lip gloss, $14, and Cabernet cheek stain, $22.