1. Smaller Weddings
Couples are having smaller weddings with more intimate guest lists. Some are opting for simplified and less formal weddings, while others are making theirs more elaborate. They are also incorporating special traditions into their wedding ceremony, including family traditions, as well as other cultural, ethnic and spiritual practices. Back-yard weddings have increased and couples are having their receptions much closer to home. Couples are spending less money on catering services by ordering buffet dinners or just having hors d'oeuvres or cocktail receptions. Couples are also purchasing smaller entertainment and photography packages. In addition, they are purchasing basic services, with less add-on or luxury items and services.

2. Photography
Couples are still hiring less expensive unprofessional photographers with digital cameras. They are looking for inexpensive photography services and choosing packages with less hours of photography. In addition, they are requesting packages that include CDs of all their digital images so that they can make prints themselves or post slideshows of their weddings online. These are often called "shoot-and-burn" photography services. Other popular requests include DVDs with high-resolution images as opposed to traditional print and album orders.

3. Do-It-Yourself Projects
Brides are opting to create their own invitations instead of having them professionally made. Seal-and-send invitations are quite popular. Brides are also buying cut flowers and crafting their own bouquets and centerpieces. Couples are more likely to hire "Day of" Coordinators and wedding design services, as opposed to traditional long-term wedding consultation. Brides are looking for inexpensive alternatives to conventional décor, particularly centerpieces. Bridesmaid bouquets can double as head table centerpiece decorations. Brides are also choosing to do their own hair and make-up instead of hiring someone for the wedding day.

4. Packages
Couples are likely to choose venues that offer discounts when they have their wedding ceremony and reception in the same location. They are also seeking services from vendors that offer package deals and all-inclusive or multiple services. For instance, hotels or resorts may offer packaged rates that also include catering, entertainment, and the use of decorations. When couples hire venders independently, they are selecting lower-end packages with limited products and services. They are also attempting to individualize packages to meet their particular preferences in order to just pay for services they want and avoid those they don't feel they need.

5. The Internet
Couples are using the Internet in many areas of wedding planning. They are going online to research vendors, make purchases and compare prices on wedding items before going shopping. In addition, brides are increasingly using the Internet to purchase and resell their wedding gowns. Couples are also creating wedding websites to keep guests informed and updated on locations, accommodations, directions and other pertinent information. In addition, they usually indicate where they are registered for gifts, and guests are able to RSVP on the website instead of mailing back invitations. After the wedding, couples continue to use their website to post slideshows of their wedding pictures.

6. Cakes
Cheesecakes, cupcakes, specialty deserts are trendy alternatives to traditional wedding cakes. Couples are displaying decorative cakes during the reception and purchasing large sheet cakes from grocery stores to actually serve to guests. They are also searching for wedding cake recipes on the Internet, suggesting they or their family members are creating the cakes themselves. Groom's cakes are also currently trendy. They're usually served after the rehearsal dinner and are designed according to a special interest of the groom's. For instance, the might be shaped like a motorcycle or a basketball with his favorite team's logo on it.

7. Colors
Brides are choosing a certain color and style or designer for their bridesmaid dresses and letting the maids select the dress they feel suits them best. This way, brides are able to show individuality while keeping enough uniformity to make things appear coordinated. Bright colors are incredibly popular right now, particularly red, orange, green and blue. Color schemes include bolder colors and unusual color pairings. Brighter colors are also popular in bridal bouquets as less brides are requesting all white bouquets.

8. Flowers
Brides are purchasing cut flowers and creating their own bouquets and centerpieces. In addition, they are choosing brighter colors for their bouquets, and less brides are asking for greenery. Brides frequently search for calla lilies when they're researching wedding flowers and bouquets on the Internet. Laying fresh flowers on cakes is still trendy, both directly on the frosting and scattered around the table.

9. Honeymoons
Couples are searching for all-inclusive honeymoon packages, and cruises are rising in popularity. In addition, they are choosing honeymoon locations that are closer to home. Couples are also registering for their honeymoons instead of other gifts. In addition, they are extending their wedding festivities by having post-wedding brunches and excursions. Therefore, they often postpone their honeymoons to spend more time with close family and friends.

10. Same-Sex Marriage
Same-sex marriage legalization has increased the number of gay weddings in California. Some gay women are choosing to wear dresses while others are looking for curvy, feminine suits or tuxedos, which they are having a difficult time finding.