In a recent interview with Patricia MacArthur, executive creative director of WeddingStar.com, we take a look at wedding trends of 2012. Read below to see what's hot this year!
What do you foresee being the biggest wedding style trends for 2012?
Easy. Extreme romance and extravagant Victorian inspired wedding themes are going to be the big thing in 2012. And with that comes the elaborate details and the glitz and the glam of faux rhinestones and crystals. Centerpieces will be blinged out, wedding gowns will be full and even colorful and the decor will be full of small personal touches.

I think the vintage and rustic chic wedding themes that were so huge this last year will still be very popular in 2012. These two themes are classic, they're timeless and they're so versatile that it's easy to put extra special personal touches on almost all aspects of your wedding, and that's really what Brides want these days.
And what sort of trends can we expect in accessories?
Brides are really looking to incorporate unique yet practical elements into their weddings. Something we've noticed this last year, and we're anticipating it will continue to be popular next year, is that Brides are choosing creative alternatives to traditional guest books and wishing wells that are really more like keepsakes.

Are there particular wedding accessory trends for brides having destination weddings?
It's not an entirely new thing, but many Brides are really starting to incorporate a Unity Sand Ceremony into their destination weddings. Oftentimes destination wedding ceremonies are quite short and even impersonal, so this is just an extra something special a couple can do to really personalize their ceremony and make it all their own.

For many destination Brides, it's all about finding those personal touches that can be easily packed in a suitcase. Items such as personalized favor tags, tote bags and water bottle labels are easy to transport but still add an element of personality.
How does the location or venue for the wedding dictate the type of accessories used i.e. beach vs. city wedding?
You know, nowadays it really doesn't make much difference whether your wedding is inside or out, in a hall or on the beach, because so many of our accessories are designed to work and look great at any venue. But when it comes to beach weddings, popular accessories typically include hand fans, parasols, pashminas, sandals, sunglasses, disposable cameras and welcome bags filled with a bottle of water, maybe a container of mints, sunscreen and a few local treasures.

How have wedding accessory trends shifted in recent years? Are brides more budget-conscious?
Absolutely! Many Brides are taking on a lot of DIY projects to help cut costs for their weddings. When it comes to guest favors, Brides are skipping the decorative trinkets and going for more useful gifts like jars, bottle stoppers, edible favors and even baby trees and herbs.

Thankfully, it's the age of digitally printed stationery, which is unbelievably more versatile and less expensive than old-fashioned thermography. Couples can now put their names on virtually all aspects of their wedding to really give it that personal touch. Aisle runners and even photo booth backdrops; you name it, couples can personalize it.

As for decor, many couples are going for a more intimate and romantic look. Neutral color schemes with outdoorsy accessories are all the go right now.
What influences wedding accessory trends? Runway/couture fashion? Celebrity looks?
Brides do a lot of research before they decide on their theme, whether that's through television shows, blogs, friends' weddings or celebrities. You can bet that Kate Middleton's elegant, lacy wedding style will have Kate look-a-likes gliding down aisles all over the world next year. But at the same time, most Brides have had their dream weddings mapped out in their minds since they were little girls. So, although they may tweak a few things here and there as fads change, they'll generally go with their gut.
What are the upcoming trends in cake toppers? Traditional or more unique?
Brides have always loved their traditional Bride & Groom cake toppers, but now they're looking for something with a little personality.

Many of our cake toppers not only reflect modern day fashions and hairstyles, but the overall concepts for the cake toppers are totally unique, a little unconventional and full of personality. We have one cake topper where the Bride is pinching her Groom's behind, that's definitely not something you would have seen 10 or 20 years ago.
Are headpieces or tiaras becoming more popular, especially after Kim Kardashian's wedding?
Tiaras, I would say no, but you can sure bet chic headbands, big fantasy floral headpieces (or fascinators), feathers and hair jewelry will be popular in 2012.

Do you have any predictions of your own for wedding trends this year? Comment below!