As 2010 draws to a close, it is fun to look back over the best and worst of the year.
2010 saw some great wedding trends, many of which will hopefully continue to be popular well into 2011.
This is the year in review - the best wedding trends of 2010.
Convertible Bridesmaid Dresses: The convertible bridesmaid dress has got to be one of the best wedding innovations of the last decade.
Usually made of a material like matte jersey, the dresses are designed so that they can be draped in numerous different ways.
From one basic dress, you can create a huge choice of necklines, such as halter, spaghetti strap, cap sleeve, one shoulder, or V-neck.
It is so fresh and modern to have bridesmaids look coordinated yet unique, in everything from their dresses to their bridesmaid jewelry to their shoes.
Best of all, after the wedding, the convertible bridesmaid dresses can be worn in any number of variations with different jewelry, which means that finally there is a bridesmaid dress that will actually be worn again! New Bouquet Shapes: After years and years of perfectly round nosegays, brides in 2010 finally experimented with some other bouquet shapes.
It is refreshing to see wedding flowers arranged in more natural or unique forms.
A big new trend which is sure to continue into 2011 is the updated cascade bouquet (also called a waterfall).
Nothing like the very stiff cascade bouquets of the 1980s, the waterfall bouquets allow flowers to move gracefully and show off their natural form.
Variations on the cascade bouquet include the crescent shape and the teardrop shape.
Another new type of bouquet to consider is the presentation bouquet (also known as the pageant or arm bouquet).
Very stylish and grand, this makes an attractive bouquet for a formal wedding.
Family Style Receptions: In recent years, people have come back around to remembering what makes a wedding truly special: family.
This has seen a rise in popularity of family style seating for wedding receptions in 2010 and surely beyond.
Instead of round tables, brides and grooms are favoring long rectangular tables designed to encourage conversation and a spirit of togetherness.
In true family style receptions, the food is passed on large platters, much like a holiday family dinner at your grandparents' home.
A family reception should have a warm and homey feeling.
Buttercream Wedding Cakes: Fondant has been supreme for wedding cakes over the last several years, but in 2010 brides started moving back towards traditional buttercream frosting cakes.
It goes along with a trend towards more simple cakes with sweet charm, featuring decorations like vintage bride and groom toppers, birds, or fresh flowers.
The buttercream trend is likely to have legs in 2011, for the simple reason that buttercream frosting tastes better than fondant, and usually costs less as well.
Handmade and Crafty Wedding Decorations: In 2010, anything handcrafted was huge, from bridal and bridesmaid jewelry to bouquets to decorations.
A particularly big trend was the handmade paper flower - very Martha Stewart, and a chic way to dress up an altar, hang over tables, or sweeten the back of chairs.
Also big was anything made from felt, such as ring pillows, bouquet flowers, or boutonierres.
2010 also saw things such as bouquets made from old brooches or buttons.
Basically, if you could make it, it was good for your 2010 wedding.
Will this crafty trend continue for 2011 weddings? Only time will tell...