Tropical Greenery
Whether or not you have a destination wedding, you can bring the tropics into your embiance. Palms and Monstera leaves can be used as a grounding backdrop to a bouquet, a unique element of a tablescape, or a sculptural take on ceremony florals. The rich warmth of the greens adds a lush look to any room.

Pantone Living Coral
Coral has always been an idyllic spring hue, but Pantone's color of the year is a soft, romantic take instead of a bright and daring. Feminine and pretty, it is versatile enough to work in a beachy seascape or among a meadow of flowers.

Bold Prints
There's no need to choose a single color or to rely on solids when you can have it all. A whimsical bride can choose from abstract prints, geometric patterns, or quirky florals for herself or for bridesmaids. Rules don't apply if it makes your heart sing!

Lucite
Acrylic accents can be used for just about anything, from table numbers, signage, decor, and stationary. Being clear, it can be mixed and matched with any color, and it can be written on, painted on, or printed on. If you want a sleek, modern vibe, lucite is a must.

Appliqued Lace
Lace gowns are a tale as old as time, but oversized, embroidered lace appliques are a new spin on the tried-and-true classic. Especially when the appliques are strategically placed, they can add a sexy touch to an otherwise sweet look.

As October comes to a close, I definitely have fall weddings on my mind. While fall colors and autumn leaves are fairly common wedding decor, pumpkins are not seen quite as often. Pumpkins are definitely an on-the-nose decorating choice - for some they might read as too overtly seasonal, and when done the wrong way they can skew cheap and tacky. That said, there are many ways pumpkins can be used that will enhance any fall wedding's ambiance.

The size and visual interest of pumpkins make them ideal for aisle decor. Mixing pumpkins of different colors and varieties makes a great impact, and integrating flowers, leaves, or pillar candles adds depth and dimension.

Using mini pumpkins as escort cards or favors is a tangible way for guests to get into a festive spirit. You can paint or decorate them in any color or material that goes with your theme.

Creating a guest book or card box out of pumpkins from the craft store is a great DIY opportunity, and not only gives you a memento from your special day but allows guests to have an interactive experience.

Pumpkins can make exquisite centerpieces, from faux pumpkins as centerpiece vases, floating mini pumpkins in water with matching flowers, or dispersed pumpkins throughout the middle of a long table.

Carved pumpkins are a great alternative to signage and can be used as table numbers, directional arrows, or sweet sayings. (A note to only use faux pumpkins for this so they can be done in advance and so they last.)

Succulents are a huge trend for modern weddings, and pale pumpkins are a perfect way to showcase them.

Of course, pumpkins look wonderful as props in wedding and engagement photos!

For more pumpkin decorating inspiration, visit my Pumpkin Weddings Pinterest board!

Wessex Gown by Watters
A barely-there nude top could be risque, but topped with intricate floral beading and a flowing, feminine skirt, this dress is a romantic dream.

Bow Drape Ballgown by Viktor&Rolf
There's nothing better than a well-draped, classic ballgown, and this one keeps things fresh with a 50's style bow and (the best) pockets.

Soleil SS18 by Leanne Marshall
If you're looking for a bit of color, this soft painterly wash fits the bill, and there is a unique juxtaposition between the artistry of the skirt and the sporty racerback top.

Paolo Gown by Rosa Clara Couture
Gowns with sleeves can easily become matronly, but the low back and flash of leg lightens up the look, and the beaded bow detail screams Tiffany's glam.

Glazer Gown by Hayley Paige
This gown proves you can look sexy without showing a lot of skin. The straps on this gown provide great support and coverage, the bandage-style bodice is incredibly flattering, and the soft layers of the skirt keep the silhouette balanced without looking too harsh.

Loretta Gown by Whispers & Echoes for BHLDN
I'm thrilled that 90's simplicity is coming back to bridal, and I love the combination of modern straps with the classic button-back. 20 years from now this gown will still be a stunner.

Appliqued A-Line Dress and Topper by Oleg Cassini for David's Bridal
This dress (also available in plus sizes!) is as traditional as it gets, but the antique color helps the lace details pop. The topper is removable to reveal a chic strapless gown for the reception.

Sia Gown by Amsale
This gown is perfect for a bohemian bride who doesn't want to look too much like a flower child. The shape is effortless and is enhanced by simple details.

3800 Gown and 3814 Gown by Lazaro
These two gowns, while very different in shape and vibe, have the most exquisite beadwork without feeling fussy or overdone. They are both a perfect blend of traditional meeting modern.

Sheer Skirts
When people think "sheer" they usually think "sexy," but sex appeal is only one facet of the sheer skirt trend. The look can feature a see-through layer over a mini dress, a sheer bottom on a mermaid silhouette, or a traditional gown with a sheer overlay. The results are often soft and romantic, and you'll look like you're floating down the aisle.

Bridesmaids Separates
Just as bridal separates came onto the scene this past fall, separates for bridesmaids is quickly taking over the market. The possibilities are truly endless, from sophisticated tops over gowns to miss-matched tops and bottoms to sweet sweater separates. When your bridal party is made of all shapes and sizes, this is the perfect route to take.

Shake the Cake
Wedding cake is iconic, but today's bride isn't confined to conventions. Whether she creates the shape of a traditional cake with donuts, macarons, or Oreos, or whether she lays out a buffet of assorted sweet treats, cutting the cake is no longer a necessity.

Pantone Rose Quartz and Serenity
This is the first year Pantone has released TWO "Colors of the Year," and both of them combined simply scream spring. No matter how you utilize them, from attire to decor to flowers to invitations, they are a perfect pairing that can do no wrong in the wedding scene.

Rose Gold Glory
It's not just for rings anymore! Rose gold details are popping up everywhere, from gowns and accessories to table accents to stationary. Because it's so bold it is usually paired with neutral matte tones, and the result is absolutely glamourous. For the bride who is a little sassy and isn't afraid of a little glitter and shine, this is a great trend!

Separates and Onesies
Brides this season are definitely going the non-traditional route.  Crop tops and jumpsuits/rompers have definitely been huge fashion trends, and designers have transitioned those trends into the bridal industry with great success!  Bridal jumpsuits are a great way for menswear-loving brides to feel comfortable without leaving the traditional bride completely in the dust, and separates are fantastic for the indecisive bride who likes to mix and match.

Pantone Marsala (Fall Edit)
Marsala has been a very popular "Color of the Year" for Pantone, and while it was popular for spring weddings along with blush and pastels, the fall edit takes a completely different tone.  Deeper shades of Marsala coordinated with berry hues, greys, and browns make it luxurious and irresistible.

Teacher's Pet
I was unaware that classroom-themed weddings were a thing until my best friend, who happens to be an elementary school teacher, found an inspiration post online.  I've been obsessed with teacher weddings ever since.  Not only is it perfect for teachers, but it's a great idea for high school sweethearts.  Chalkboards, books, apples, rulers, pencils, and maps all make this motif tie together.

Royal Jewels
Jewel tones are often reserved for winter weddings, but they've been popping up early this year.  Deep royal blues, reds, purples, and greens popped with bright gold make any formal wedding a little more special.

New Victorian
When people talk about vintage weddings, they usually refer to the 1920s, 50s, or 70s.  Rarely do weddings reflect the turn of the century, but this season it's taking over with a modern twist.  Adding intricate, antique details to modern shapes is key to bring the 1900s to the 2010s.

Gilded Glitz
Metallic threads woven into wedding gowns, gold sequined table runners, and glamourous sparkling bridesmaids looks are taking over bridal magazines everywhere.  Using metallics instead of specific colors is an easy way to take any wedding to a higher level of class, and it can turn any room into a fantastic soiree.

Emerald and Ivory
Green isn't often seen as the most flattering color, but this season is changing all that.  Deep emerald greens are taking over the drab olive tones of bridesmaid's nightmares, and to tone down the green's boldness, contrasting it with ivory and hints of gold is a popular route.  Ivory and green makes floral arrangements easy (and inexpensive) and the whole look gives off a sophisticated flair.

Traveler
For the couple who has been on a journey, near or far, this is the perfect theme.  Using suitcases as centerpieces, luggage tags as escort cards/favors, and vintage maps as decor, guests will be able to travel with you into your new married life!

I was a bridesmaid last month and we were lucky enough to wear the BHLDN Ainsley dress. BHLDN bridesmaid dresses are always a hit, and they are one of the few salons that carries a wide array of navy gowns to suit any season or level of formality. As nautical weddings are growing in popularity, navy dresses are a hot commodity.

Here's a look at BHLDN's current selection:

Non-Floral Bouquets
DIY Brides everywhere are going for bouquets they can make themselves, that won't cost much, and will last forever.  Because of this, bouquets that look like flowers but are actually made of a lasting material have been at the top of the trend list.  Using colored paper, book pages, leaves, or brooches, you can create a unique bouquet that resembles flowers while reflecting your artistic creativity and personality.

Blushing Bride
Blush wedding gowns have been popular for some time, but this spring everything is blushing.  From gowns to bridesmaid dresses to flowers to decor, the whole wedding industry is going soft and serene.

Pantone Radiant Orchid
Project Runway's "Color of the Year" challenge has brought Radiant Orchid to a new level of popularity, and for the bold bride it has been a smash for spring.  A vast array of bridesmaids dresses in this purple tone have been hitting the shelves, and brides with whimsy have been sure to accessorize with orchid shoes, belts, and jewelry.  For decor, the amount of orchid touches is up to you - whether you hit it up with subtle splashes or "go big or go home," you can't go wrong!  Obviously, orchid bouquets and floral arrangements are a must.

Petal Pusher
Having a garden wedding, floral bridesmaids dresses, and floral decor is all common for spring weddings, but lately wedding gowns have taken a turn to the floral side.  Whether it's colored dresses with bright floral pops, floral lace patterns, or skirts resembling flower petals, everything's coming up roses.

Naked Cakes
This year "naked cakes" (which simply aren't frosted) have expanded from being popular only at rustic barn weddings to being popular EVERYWHERE.  Whether you decorate them simply with powdered sugar, add fruit or flowers, or include some personal wedding decor touches, it's sure to be a hit.  As an added bonus, it's significantly less expensive than a traditional fondant-covered cake, and it great for a bride on a budget.

Literary
People claim that our generation doesn't read anymore, but book-themed weddings have been blowing up Pinterest.  Building ceremony arches out of books, using book pages to make bouquets, and stacking books for centerpieces is appropriate here.  As an added bonus, the photography possibilities are almost endless.  For an extra umph, pick a specific/favorite book to narrow down your wedding theme, or find a children's book and base your wedding on the illustrations!

Bonfire
There is nothing like a late-season bonfire, and if your wedding is small, having a bonfire wedding  seems like sheer perfection.  Smores Bars and hot cocoa during the reception are a must, and wearing a cozy sweater over your bridal gown is an adorable touch.

Pantone Tangerine Tango
Pantone's 2012 "Color of the Year" has been taking over by storm, and orange has always been a popular fall color, but this year Tangerine has kicked it up a notch.  When combined with orange-toned pinks, light greens, greys, and whites, "Tangerine Tango" goes from garish to fresh!  Make sure to use the Tangerine as your POP of color (not your primary color) in bouquets, dresses, and decor.

Totally Taupe
All-Neutral weddings have been showing up in the magazines for months and are making a strong appearance in Fall 2013 collections.  To keep it from falling flat, mixing matte and metallic neutrals together is key, as well as adding texture (with materials like lace) and breaking up the taupes with ivory accents.

Mixed Metallics
Instead of mixing browns and oranges for a fall wedding, why not mix golds and bronzes?  Metallic touches instantly add glamour to an event, and with DIY paints and sprays, it's as easy as ever to make your wedding gilded.