Trends for 2012 spring weddings are all about alternative designs and innovative ideas. Bridal gowns don’t have to be long and neither do they have to be white. Shorter prom-style wedding dresses featuring more intricate designs, weaves, wraps and twists are making an appearance while colour and prints are no longer a no-no. You may even dare to wear black as a bride. After all, it’s your special day so get ready to have some fun and let your imagination run free for a while.

Bridesmaid dresses for 2012 focus on different necklines. Off shoulder styles are still on trend - showing off the collar bones and accentuating the neck can be a very sexy look for both bride and her attendants. Using an asymmetrical dressdesign is another popular trend this coming year. The bridesmaid design can be longer on one side or have intricate designs on the back, while the front is plain, or vice versa. It may even have a particular colour or motif down one side while the other is left plain.

In spring, when the choice is so good, the bride can wear flowers rather than jewellery. Find a reputable, talented florist who can weave flowers into existing jewellery or who can fashion their own creation out of wire, pearls and fresh spring flowers.

As long as we’re talking gentle spring breezes as opposed to gale force winds then fabric that is light and flows naturally in the moving air is delightful for weddings this time of year.