Wedding expert, and Philadelphia native Mark Kingsdorf; owner of The Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants looks at wedding trends here and across the region.The top 20 trends that are continuing, starting or that you can expect to see for 2007 and beyond.1. "Smaller weddings are in" - I keep hearing this...It's happening....but there are still a lot of weddings of 180-200 and over.2. Europe is seeing more color in bridal gowns - it's still a slow progression but it's happening here too!3. More brides are picking colors and length and allowing bridesmaids to choose something, which not only flatters them but that they can wear again.4. Black is Back - paring black and white is really big5. Bolder jewel tones are coming in- partially due to the King Tut exhibit coming to town - purples, deep blues and golds6. I'm seeing earthy tones too - doing a lot with paprika, brunt orange colors pared with softer sage, or pear -and also seeing copper mixed in with some other natural tones for a shimmer.7. More people are making donations to charities in lieu of a wedding favor. Edible favors especially chocolate will remain popular...8.Signature Cocktails are still big - and, Gin is IN!.9. Ethnic foods or fusion of different ethnic foods are a big hit , ethnic entertainment is peaking its head into a lot of weddings... an not necessarily the ethnicity of either family!10. Interactive stations at cocktail receptions... people want to be part of the fun11. Innovative twists on home cooking /retro foods are still big....everything old is new again...mini portions of your favorite kids food .... mmmmm....mac n' cheese12. Good quality, unobtrusive, documentary video - edited into a short format 'film' is really big here as we have a lot of great videographers.13. Stationary ensembles carrying a color or graphic from the Save The Date, through Invitations, directions, ceremony programs, placecards, menu cards and thank you notes.14. Grooms cakes are making their way north- we just have to get people to learn the customs or traditions which goes along with it - people have beautiful cakes and then don't know what to do with them.15. I'm seeing bolder colors and shapes in cakes.16. Cake toppers are back - not just monograms- but even older retro toppers17. I'm seeing fewer couples doing bouquet and garter toss (YAY!)18. Chocolate fountains seem to be here to stay.19. One twist on the "Candy Buffet- a la Martha" is to change the placecard table over to a popcorn buffet -I've done several by adding large bowls or wide glass cylinders around the grand arrangement and filling them with great fun popcorn flavors -I've used Dale & Thomas Popcorn - I usually do Kettle Corn (for the sweet and salty), their Peanut butter & White Chocolate Drizzlecorn, and either their Twice as Nice Chocolate Drizzlecorn or their Chocolate Chunk N' Carmel. I can't get people away from the table - they love it...same principle as the candy buffet - small scoops, treat bags let people help themselves.20. There's lots of talk about "Green Weddings" - some couples are willing to go the organic food, organic cake, and recycled paper route.So far I'm not seeing it go as far as some places in Europe where people are bicycling to their ceremonies, very few brides here will buy used gowns, and convincing them they will use less fuel/ electric by inviting fewer guests really isn't a big hit

Please feel free to contact The Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants for additional information on these and other wedding trends.