A new year means new styles for weddings. An ever-changing industry, weddings have new influences every season (the green movement blitzed the bridal industry in 2007, while candy bars ruled the dessert table in 2008). So what’s hot for wedding trends 2009?

1. Going back to country roots. Outdoor weddings at farms, vineyard or local parks have made a comeback in the past few months and are expected to continue their popularity through the remainder of the year. A lot of down-home, rustic details come along with this trend such as flowers fresh from the local garden resting in tin buckets as decorations.

2. Creative lighting. Some couples are hiring lighting designers to set the scene for their reception or renting gorgeous chandeliers to hang over the sweetheart table. Specialty lighting on any budget can give your wedding a little something extra. A very popular newbie to our wedding trends 2009 list.

3. Perfect patterns. Plaid, checkered or damask, couples are straying from solids and letting their personality show through funky patterns. This can create a beautiful, whimsical look, and choosing one dominant pattern to carry through the entire wedding process from invitations to favors can really tie the whole event together. Be sure that if you choose more than one pattern they complement each other, and allow one pattern to dominate.

4. Vintage sophistication. Transport your guests back to the glamour of the 40s with a vintage-inspired wedding. Rich jewel tones, dim lighting and a lot of elegance are all key to a vintage wedding. Go antique shopping to find accessories that will add a something extra to your reception, and try focusing on really elegant, butlered appetizers for the majority of the food instead of heavy plated dinner. This is definitely a popular theme and worthy of mention in our wedding trends 2009 list

5. Cocktail receptions. With the economy as poor as it is, brides and grooms will be looking for way to cut back on expenses. Holding a late-afternoon cocktail reception that serves guests high-quality hors d’ouerves and a few signature beverages is a great way to allow them to mingle, drink and dance instead of being stuck to their tables. Because it often costs less for just appetizers and a limited bar, it can save couples a lot of money.

OK that’s it for now, watch this space and keep up to date with more wedding trends 2009!