Trendy Alert

Big in 2011? Here are a few things to think ahead to your "frugal" 2011 nuptials.

Backyard Weddings at Home
While getting married at home isn't necessarily cheaper, it feels more personal, allows you to have a more intimate affair, and doesn't feel ostentatious. The economy means not only that people want to spend less money, but also that they feel guilty when they do spend money. A backyard event not only helps to put your guests at ease, but also allows you to make more casual, less expensive choices elsewhere. For example, a BBQ picnic feels more appropriate at home than it would at a country club.

Homemade Wedding Favors
Though favors are an expense that's easy to eliminate, right now couples are especially grateful to guests who have incurred considerable expense to be a part of the celebration. The 2011 wedding trend is using homemade favors to express that thanks, and to send guests home with your love.

Birdcage Veils
These vintage-look veils combine a jeweled clip or feathered headpiece with netting that only covers the face. Wearing one allows you to have some dramatic glamor and feel like a bride, but is a more fun look and less hassling than a long traditional veil.

Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses
For several years, brides have been selecting a bridesmaid dress designer and a fabric, then letting their bridesmaids choose the style that works best for their bodies. But the 2011 wedding trend takes idea further. Choose only a color, then let your bridesmaids find an off-the-rack dress of any designer that they like. Not only does this take some pressure off of you, but it also ensures that women are choosing a dress they like and they'll be likely to actually wear again. If you follow this trend, be sure to tell your bridesmaids how formal the dress should be – you don't want one bridesmaid wearing a casual sundress while another has on a beaded evening gown.

The End of the Standard Year-Long Engagement
Though a year is a good amount of time for an engagement(and thus that's what I use for my wedding planning checklist) it certainly isn't obligatory. Some couples will be planning quick elopements, while others will opt for longer engagements. There are advantages to both – a quick engagement means that you don't overwhelm yourself with trying to plan the perfect wedding, and often means that you spend less money on unnecessary things. A long engagement can help relieve the stress, spreading out the tasks and the expenses. You'll have time to save money, and hopefully be able to feel more secure about your jobs before you sign unbreakable contracts. Read more – How to Choose a Wedding Date

Strapless Wedding Dresses
If you're saying to yourself, "This isn't a new 2011 wedding trend!" you're right. Strapless dresses have been extremely popular for several years now. And though more brides are opting for sleeves, straps, and other ways of covering the shoulders, strapless is going to continue to be the dominant style for the near future.