Planning tips for the Bride

1: Start early

Brides and vendors both suggest at least a year to plan a typical wedding.

"I would definitely say prepare well in advance so you're not overwhelmed on your wedding day," said Kari Polzin, a Victoria bride-to-be who is in her fifth month of planning. Brides and vendors suggest having a location booked at least a year ahead of time. A dress should be decided at about eight months out, at six months a photographer, at four months flowers and food. In the last couple of months, send out the invitations and make hair and nail appointments.

2: Location, location, location

Forget the chapels and churches, the trend nowadays is unique settings.

"I think nowadays, they're breaking traditions," said Lynette Migl, with Raisin L. Ranch, a Crossroads special events venue that is popular for weddings. "They're wanting to do more their own thing."

Picking a non-traditional setting offers more freedom for brides to choose a time of day and flexibility in the ceremony, said Jennifer Saenz, a Cuero bride-to-be.

Special event centers like Raisin L Ranch can also simplify the wedding planning process by offering a place for the ceremony, reception and pleasant grounds for guests to carouse.

3: Smell the flowers

Submerged floral arrangements that showcase flowers in tall containers filled with water are becoming more common, says Ginger Patterson, a designer with McAdams Floral in Victoria.

The arrangement is simple yet elegant and uses fewer flowers per piece so it can even be more affordable, she said. A typical floral budget can be anywhere from $200 to $5,000, she said.

Colors spring brides might consider are fuchsia, hot pink and gold.

4: Capture the moment

Wedding photojournalism is more of a trend for capturing the spirit of the big day, photographers say.

"Weddings tend to be kind of a blur for the bride and groom," said Danny Vivian, owner of Danny Vivian photography in Victoria. "So what we like to do is catch the moments they miss."

In addition to offering all of his wedding pictures on a CD, Vivian also offers a CD with pictures pre-sized for the Web, something he says many brides have found convenient when sharing photos on Facebook or through e-mail.

5: Have your cake

Rarely will you see a bride and groom atop a cake anymore, said Barabra Halepaska, owner of Halepaska's Bakery in Victoria.

"I think the Food Network has a lot to do with the trends," she said, referring to popular shows like "Ace of Cakes."

More and more couples are opting for a cake that showcases their wedding location or personality, she said. Cakes with seashells for a Rockport wedding or a waterfall for a Hawaiian-themed wedding are becoming more common. Typical three-tier cakes can serve 80-90 people and cost an average of $180.