It's not only the divas of haute couture that set and change trends on a seasonal basis but the wedding planners too. With the ominous threat of global warming expected to scupper all our plans, the overwhelming trend this year is 'Go Green'.

Brides are choosing organic materials and fibres for their gowns but they are also opting for soft flowing materials that cling seductively to the body. Ruffled hems, satin sashes and sparkling crystal, glass or beads as a glittering embellishment to the end product are also very much en vogue.

White out, colours all the rage

Instead of the traditional white dress, brides are also leaning towards more colour with champagne, ivory, pink and platinum the order of the day. This opens up all sorts of exciting possibilities as far as the rest of the decor goes. With dedicated wedding stockists offering a wide array of linen for hire, including napkins and table cloths, there is virtually every hue and colour under the sun up for grabs to enhance the overall colour palette of the big day.

Hand tied posies replace the formality of the corsage

Even the traditional wedding blooms are no longer the imperious and formal arrangements of the days of yore. Hand-tied posies with wide satin ribbons have effectively replaced the decorum of the traditional corsage and wild, organic flowers are now the preferred choice of the bride and her groom. The rose seems to have endured, however, primarily because of its traditionally silent message of love, but other favoured varieties include simple peonies, Inca lilies, hydrangeas and tulips.

The centrepieces of the bridal table are also shifting more to au natural. A seasoned winner is to hire glassware in the shape of an enormous vase and then fill it with natural pretties such as sea shells, beach pebbles, crystals, beads or even fresh and dried berries or other fruit.

Food on the move encourages guests to mingle

The wedding fare has also had its fair share of tweaks and transformations with the eco-friendly theme top of any chef's agenda. Instead of formal sit-down banquets, the inclination is toward uncomplicated, less formal offerings. A good idea is to hire the relevant catering equipment and set up a number of individual food stations for guest to gather around or to simply have a wide selection of 'bowl food' to pass around amongst the guests.

This not only cuts down on the amount of crockery, cutlery, china and glassware that needs to be hired but also gently nudges guests to mingle and interact.

Outsized couches for intimate moments with family and friends

Another recent development is the inclusion of big, comfortable couches, ottomans and cushions in the wedding environment. They not only make the most relaxed photo shoot opportunities but allow for more intimate moments between the bridal couple and their friends and family. So if you're looking for comfort on your wedding day, make for the furniture rental experts.

Longer, personalised celebrations

Personalised venues and much longer celebrations seem to be the flavour of the year. So if you are off to a wedding anytime soon, best you be setting a couple of days aside for the pre-wedding boat trips, breakfasts and the occasional cricket match.

woodstock chimes green bean casserole