With the beginning of busy season just around the corner, I thought I’d share a few of the wedding predictions for 2013 I’ve seen that have gotten me even more excited about what’s to come this year. Before I start, I want to say that I’m in no way an expert, these are just cool or interesting things I’ve seen that I thought I’d pass along to possibly peak your creativity while you start, or put the finishing touches on your wedding plans.

Wedding Cakes – I’m loving this years cakes! They are ruffly, dainty and as girly as can be! With neutral colors being hot this year, the mint colored, or cream colored cakes with light colored flowers are huge. I’ve also seen some cakes adorned in jewels in honor of The Great Gatsby and Downton Abbey (my favorite show!!). Diamonds, lace, feathers, and pearls are another big accessory to this years cakes.

Wedding Colors – This is kind of a toss up because I’ve heard two different sides to this subject. Bright, bold colors or neutrals. I don’t think you can go wrong with either.

If you are going for bright colors, patterns would be super cute to incorporate into the wedding somehow (chevron, stripes, florals). You could use pattern in napkins, cakes, table runners, ties, handkerchiefs and even bridesmaid dresses. It’s also cute when the bridesmaids have a bright dress on with a bright bouquet of another color. For instance (bright pink dress with bright yellow bouquet…I’ve seen switching colors for shoes too). When using bright colors and patterns, just remember, less is often more.

My favorite color theme right now is neutrals. Mint, pink, gold, grey taupe, cream, whites…it’s just so elegant. You could even add lace into the mix to give it some texture. Pretty much every single photo I’ve seen with neutrals get’s pinned onto my Pinterest page in some fashion. Oh, and the soft lambs ear and hens and chicks succulents as an accent in bouquets and centerpieces is to die for in Laurie standards.

Reception lounge – This is perfect for the older or younger guests at your reception. If I had a dollar for every time I overheard an older couple talking about the loud, obnoxious music at a reception I’d be quite a wealthy individual. So the trend of making a comfy little lounge area for those that don’t want to bust out a little Gangnam Style, but would rather just sit and chat with friends and family they haven’t seen in years is a brilliant idea. It’s also great for parents with kids if you set up a game/craft area to keep the little ones busy.

Wedding Flowers – I have to mention the big thing for this years flowers because I’m so excited to see what our brides are carrying! The flower trend for 2013 is more formal, less “weedy” looking. Meaning, it looks like you pulled your flowers straight out of an old english garden. Everything is perfection. Less loose, wispy wildflower look and more perfectly coordinated and perfectly complimentary flowers. AND, according to BridalGuide.com, the flower of the year is the Peony, my fav! Since peonies only bloom for a few months of the year, the garden rose is the perfect substitute.

Virtual wedding – We saw a little bit of this last year with FaceTime, but this year it’s supposed to be even bigger. Setting up an Instagram hashtag for those that can’t attend to keep up with the day or having a videographer who is able to live stream the wedding for you online.

Local goodies – Infuse a little of your hometown into your wedding by providing local wine or beer, having a local food truck come out (huge this year) instead of a catered event or using a local, non-chain restaurant to cater. I’ve also seen the idea of picking up products unique to your state or town to put in your “Welcome” goody bags at the hotel for each guest. Such a cute idea!

Camping – This one is kind of weird to me, but since I love camping I can’t wait to see how it goes. Apparently Matthew Mcconaughey made it popular with his wedding when he set up tents for each guest to stay in? SO…I’m guessing when they say the camping theme will be popular in 2013 they might mean a cabin venue, s’mores station, bringing the outdoors in with ferns, trees or other mossy decorations, or a play tent for the kids (that would actually be really cute). But I’m excited to see what other creative ideas 2013′s brides come up with around the camping theme.

Wedding Venues – We will continue to see couples choosing a location that is unique to their personality. Vineyards, parks, historic mansions, mountaintops, at their parents house…the more customizable the better for 2013.

1920 Inspired – Thanks to inspiration of The Great Gatsby movie coming out this year, we will see a lot of beautiful headpieces and unique veils this year. Cakes can be jeweled or feathered. Chandeliers will be everywhere. Attire will be more like a black tie affair.

BONUS: 13 more trends!

Click here to see 13 other neat ideas on shefinds.com.

That’s it for now! If I come across any other cool ideas I’ll be sure to share. Until then, you can keep up with pretty cakes, flowers, unqiue wedding ideas, shoes, hairstyles, and gowns I’m loving on my Pinterest page: www.pinterest.com/streetlightrep.

Happy pinning and planning!