I’m kind of bored of boutonnieres. I mean, I get it. Give the boys something to make them feel special and stand out a little in the sea of suits. But most boutonnieres are just a flower (usually a rose) and maybe (if you’re feeling wild!) a little sprig of baby’s breath. Booooring.

Why hasn’t the DIY trend or the attention to personalizing one’s wedding jumped on boutonnieres yet? There’s so much potential for fun or even sentimental touches. And let’s face it, the guys’ looks are usually pretty straightforward. Why not give your groom a little room to let his personality shine?

From more traditional dried flowers and feathers to whimsical and quirky pieces, there are so many more options than your run-of-the-mill rose.

1 Surroundings // 2 Pixel and Hank // 3 Fritts Rosenow // 4 The Kookie Kutter // 5 Flora Organica Designs
6 Pomp and Plumage // 7 A Simple Start // 8 The Sunflower Stand // 9 Surroundings

Isn't that better than the usual suspects? Even the most traditional pieces shown here have a little twist on what we usually see. The key is, tailor it to you and your hubby. Don't just go with a rose because that's what everyone says a boutonniere should be.

It's your wedding. It can be whatever you want it to be!

Jennifer Garry is a writer (with a sparkly new blog!) who lives in Westchester, NY with her husband and two daughters. When she's not up to her ears in kiddie crafts and spit up, she's plotting her next move (children's book? event planning? jewelry empire?). Her obsessions include tea, chocolate, sarcasm and her daughters' giggles—any of which can be used to coax her from whatever project she's currently engrossed in.

A new year is a new beginning, right? A fresh, clean slate to work off of. It always makes me so reflective, which is probably why I’ve been thinking a lot about bridal trends this afternoon (really deep, I know).

I love trying to guess what the new year’s hottest trends in bridal fashion will be. Will girls lean towards big fairytale gowns or something more sleek and sexy? Will hemlines and necklines move? Will we head into any new and exciting territory in the world of weddings? These are all terribly pressing questions and I must get to the bottom of them.

Here are my picks on what will be 2012’s three hottest trends:

Color

Vera Wang is sort of synonymous with wedding gowns. She is Queen when it comes to trendsetting (remember Chelsea Clinton’s gorgeous, frothy organza gown? I’ve seen an awful lot that look just like it since then!), so if her NY Bridal Fashion Week collection had anything to tell us, it’s that color is about to reign supreme in the wedding world.

While most brides might not be prepared to don some of the all-black ensembles in her collection, I predict that more and more ladies will stray away from white and ivory. And why not? There are so many soft and subtle shades that would be perfect for a wedding. My favorites are blush, pale blue and light grays.

Restrained enough to keep most traditionalists happy, these shades still inject enough color to turn heads and make everyone remember your look (and girl, I know you want that).

Vera Wang // Ann Taylor

Lace

Kate Middleton has brought lace back (and possibly sleeves!) in a big way. While her dress choice was more conservative than a lot of people hoped, it was timeless. I think that a lot of girls are going to jump on to the lace train in the coming year.

I couldn’t be happier. Lace is so classic and feminine and in a world full of Real Housewives and Snooki’s, we could use a little more of that!

If you’re concerned lace will be too formal and ladylike, go wild somewhere else. Wear statement jewelry or bright, in-your-face shoes. There are plenty of creative ways to make lace a little less demure.

Jim Hjelm // Rosa Clara

Illusion Necklines

I love illusion necklines. Love. They are a perfect way to give girls that oh-so-popular strapless gown look while adding a little extra oomph.

And don’t think cheesy figure skater costume. I’m not talking about sheer-ish “nude“ fabric that’s two or three shades darker than your actual skin color. You ladies are much more fashionable than that. I’m talking about light and airy chiffon and tulle or the most subtle lace. Sometimes it’s beaded and sparkly. Sometimes it’s more simple. Either way, it’s gorgeous.

Another plus? It’s sexy while providing plenty of coverage—which means there will be no need to tug at the top of your gown all night.

Alvina Valenta // BHLDN

What do you think? Do you agree with my picks? Can you see youself in any of them?

Jennifer Garry is a writer (with a sparkly new blog!) who lives in Westchester, NY with her husband and two daughters. When she's not up to her ears in kiddie crafts and spit up, she's plotting her next move (children's book? event planning? jewelry empire?). Her obsessions include tea, chocolate, sarcasm and her daughters' giggles—any of which can be used to coax her from whatever project she's currently engrossed in.