With each new season come new trends in bridal fashions, food and décor. The following themes are stylish for fall 2011.

Wedding Dresses

There are a lot of new and old styles happening this season with wedding dresses.

New looks in bridal fashion include textured bottoms.

“Ruffles, flowers and feathers are all hot in wedding dresses,” said Betsy Nymeyer of Mary Katherine’s Bridal and Tux.

Ivory and light pink are the hot wedding dress colors. Though pure white is traditional and classic, it tends to wash brides out. Choosing one of these other shades will decrease this effect.

A few old trends are making their way back into the bridal world.

“Sleeves and straps are coming back,” noted Aslynn Terpstra, assistant buyer at The Bridal Connection.

“Antique lace and classic shapes are also reappearing in bridal fashion,” Terpstra continued.

Bridesmaid’s Dresses

The big thing in bridesmaid’s dresses is short and simple.

“Simple, wear-again dresses with pockets and shorter hemlines are huge this year,” Nymeyer said.

Men’s Wear

Traditional solid black tuxedoes with satin lapels are a dying look. Instead, many couples are choosing a more casual look with a touch of flare.

Charcoal and dark blue, as well as pinstripes, are all trendy choices that will add some pizzazz.

The big trend in men’s wear is the movement away from the extremely formal tuxedoes to a more casual look with suits.

“We’re actually selling more suits right now then we are renting tuxes,” said Dave Swanson of Moorman Clothiers.

This look is not only popular, it’s practical. Unlike the rental tux, suits can be worn again and again to other special occasions and work.

The bowtie is also making a comeback in men’s dress-wear.

Flowers

A new craze in the floral world includes using handmade paper flowers.

“Our flowers will last for years, as long as you don’t water them,” joked Elizabeth Lott, artist at The Paper Florist.

Brides can have a mixture of live flowers and paper flowers, or they can have their whole wedding decorated with paper floral arrangements.

Food and Décor

Cyndie Marske and Nikki Ball, independent wine consultants for Wine Shop At Home, suggested the unique idea of using wine as more than just a beverage.

“Many people are now using our Double Magnum bottle as their guestbook,” Marske informed.

The “Double Magnum” bottle holds about four bottles of wine. Personalized wine labels can be ordered for these bottles.

Another unique guest book option is to use pictures printed instantly from a photo booth, which is currently a huge trend in receptions.

“It’s just another event to add to the reception and another way to capture the day,” suggested photographer Mandy Stenberg.

Mandy Photography tries to customize to the weddings theme and colors.

“I’ve seen Clue-themed photo booths and circus-themed photo booths,” Stenberg said. “The possibilities are limitless.”