Wedding trends for 2009 are shaping up to be private, cozy affairs rather than the large weddings seen in years past. When it comes to planning a wedding, brides are choosing vibrant colors and time-tested ideas to celebrate and are envisioning ways for their guests to enjoy the festivities even more. Wedding trends of 2009 are based on many factors, influenced by the economy, the fashion world, and a penchant for personalization.

Flirty, Fun, and Seasonal Colors

No longer too exotic for a May wedding, vivid oranges, deep reds, sunny yellows, dramatic greens, and especially lush purples are taking center stage at this year's weddings. Brides are incorporating intense colors into their whole scheme when planning a wedding - from dresses and bouquets to decorations and food, color boundaries are meant to be broken. Metallics have also been spotted at some gatherings, but just practice caution how and where you add the glitz.

Patterns like brocade, gingham, checks, polka dots, and toile are popping up at weddings across the country. Coordinated with your colors effectively, you can use these patterns to drape over your reception tables or as chair covers. When planning your wedding, don't go overboard - a dash here and a dash there is enough to keep you up-to-date with this year's hottest wedding trends.

An Eco-Friendly, Do-It-Yourself Event

The push for eco-friendly initiatives is everywhere, and this earth-loving mentality has spread to 2009's wedding trends! Many brides are choosing to go eco-friendly while planning their wedding events. Purchasing a secondhand wedding gown, growing (and making) your own flower centerpieces, using recycled paper products for your invitations, and serving organic food at your reception are all ways to promote your environmentally savvy ingenuity.

Some brides also decide to make wedding decorations themselves to save money - sew your own tablecloths from 'green' fabric or serve cocktails and drinks in recycled glassware. You could even have a donation bucket for an environmental cause of your choice, asking guests to chip in as part of your wedding gift.

Glamorous, Yet Traditional Silhouettes

You'll be glad to know that the traditional dress with yards of silky fabric is back in. Wedding trends for dresses are now emphasizing a vintage style with glamorous lines. Crinoline and tulle, a mainstay in the '40s and '50s, are returning to modern-day weddings to give brides that extra bit of bounce (and color) beneath their gowns. To find the right dress, search online or even in your grandmother's closet. If you'd rather have something new, find a dressmaker and discuss your intentions with him or her.

Another of the more popular wedding trends is the mini dress - a short, above the knee design that lets you show off your legs (ideal, of course, for a spring or summertime event). With a nod to the colorful wedding trends of 2009, many brides are planning a wedding and reception that reflects a preference for modern elegance and choosing dresses fashioned from brocade or charmeuse that are adorned with beads, flowers, big bows, and embroidery.

Honeymoon at Home

Getting away from it all is the best respite after months spent planning a wedding! Travelling outside the country for your honeymoon is a thing of the past (at least as far as brides of 2009 are concerned). Many couples have felt the pinch from the recession when planning a wedding and are deciding to stay closer to home not only to save money but to experience their own home turf. Honeymooning in the U.S. is no humdrum idea; there are a number of hot spots that offer excellent deals (depending on the time of year).

Some of the top picks include the wine country in California's Napa Valley, the rustically charming Poconos in Pennsylvania, the old French Quarter of New Orleans, and, of course, the highlight on nearly everyone's list - the Hawaiian Islands. Of course, it all depends on what you prefer, how much you want to pay, and the sights you want to see. One thing's for sure, though - honeymooning at home is the affordable way to see the country and still snuggle up with your sweetie.

Mingle and Greet Eating Tasty Treats

Many couples are electing to do away with the typical sit down dinner where guests are required to eat with people they don't know or people they talk to all the time. How boring! Brides have realized through the course of planning a wedding that getting guests up and moving (and more importantly mingling) with each other is the key to a successful reception. The food stations idea in particular is taking off - guests can choose which foods they want and get to know their fellow wedding guests (and eliminate waste if you're into the eco-friendly wedding trends).

While two-tier, elaborately decorated cakes still remain popular, more and more brides are opting for cupcakes, which can still make the desired statement. You have the option of decorating the cupcakes differently or adding varied toppers - and best of all, they are the perfect portion size and create less mess (especially for your pint-sized guests). Keeping with the vibrant jewel tones wedding trends, brides are choosing to serve dishes and sweet treats that are not only flavorful but colorful as well.

Whichever Wedding Trends You Choose, Make It Your Own

Planning a wedding doesn't always come easy - you'll have a lot of choices to make. Your wedding is a reflection of you and your loved one, so whether or not you decide to follow one of this year's wedding trends, remember to make it your own!