By Jeff Kear, My Wedding Workbook & My Wedding Workbook Pro

First, the bad news (you’re always supposed to start with the bad news so that you can end with good news, right?). 2009 was a tough year all around, and it wasn’t any easier for engaged couples. We conducted a year-end survey of brides who use our online wedding software (of which there are more than 13,000) to find out their opinions on lots of wedding-related topics, and the economy is certainly on their minds. In fact, it’s so much on their minds that it’s affecting their wedding plans.

Of the brides who responded to our surveys, 62.3% said that the recession has influenced their wedding plans and impacted their wedding budget, and they are cutting back in many areas, especially on the honeymoon (58.4%), flowers and decor (57.9%), reception food and drink (54.5%), wedding day transportation (51.0%), and photography and videography (47.5%). So if you are finding yourself scaling back your plans, don’t worry, you’re not alone.

And even if you are scaling back on certain things, that doesn’t mean you have to settle for a wedding that isn’t what you envisioned. Many 2010 brides are making their own decorations, favors, invitations and more to personalize their wedding and save on money at the same time. We found that a large majority of brides – 73.6%, to be exact – are implementing handmade or homemade items into their weddings. Those items that are DIY favorites among brides are invitations (67.1%), reception table cards/place cards (65.8%), wedding favors (65.1%), reception centerpieces (62.5%), reception decorations (53.8%), save-the-date cards (51.2%) and floral arrangements (46.8%). Such handcrafted items give your wedding a warmth and personal flavor that you often just can’t get from store-bought items. And, in case you need a hand, you can even organize an activity at your bridesmaids’ luncheon or bridal shower around everyone creating such items.

Now the good news. There are more and more high-tech tools for engaged couples to help you plan your wedding, and most brides are taking advantage of them.  Engagement photos are hugely popular right now, and more brides are turning to eco-friendly, “green” and organic products and services. And the average wedding size is still between 100-150 guests … so the celebrations are still big and festive.

As for colors, many brides are going with a darker color as their main color. Of our respondents, 13.2% picked navy blue or deep blue as their main color, with another 9.7% opting for black, 8.3% deep red, 7.9% brown/chocolate, 7.9% dark green/hunter and purple/plum 6.9%. But they did choose lighter, vibrant colors like orange, yellow, peach or pink as their secondary or accent color. In 2010, weddings will continue along this trend as couples choose their favorite darker color as an anchor and accent it with fresh, fun colors.

Finally, it seems that weddings are getting slightly more casual. 66.9% of our respondents say that their weddings will feature semi-formal attire for their guests such as suits and cocktail dresses, and 17.6% are going the relaxed route with unbuttoned collars, slacks and skirts. With only 14.6% choosing formal attire like black ties and gowns, it looks like 2010 will be the year of the more casual and laid-back wedding, and that’s a good thing as we all take a deep breath and focus on the real joy of weddings as a celebration of love and commitment.

Happy planning in 2010 – Jeff

Jeff Kear is co-owner of My Wedding Workbook, the the next-generation online wedding planner with free planning tools for engaged couples, My Wedding Workbook Professional Edition, the online business and event management software for wedding consultants.

We’re very excited to announce here on OmniBride, the launch of a new digital shelter magazine called Nesting Newbies™ Magazine – For Those New to Nesting and Those Who are Obsessed with their Nests!

Check out the premier issue of Nesting Newbies Magazine, a quarterly magazine that aims to inspire readers, making them feel comfortable about home-keeping their way. The articles reinforce the magazine’s message that cooking, entertaining, and decorating can be easy, fun, and affordable.

In the Fall Premier Issue, Chef Lea McIntosh shares some of her original recipes for a Thanksgiving to Go, perfect dishes for a Thanksgiving potluck.

Kathy Goodman from Well Rehearsed has some wonderful ideas for a caramel apple dessert bar and delicious fall-tinis.

Kirsten McKay from Brick Monkey sets a harvest table that will easily transition into the holidays.

Barclay Butera took a moment from his busy schedule to offer advice to newbie homeowners.

Shelly Amoroso transformed a San Francisco basement garage into 5 distinct living spaces.

Chef Lea got a chance to share the back cover with her pooch, Bentley! Hmmmm…what do you think he loves more? The pumpkin pie or Chef Lea?

Each issue will include must-haves for your kitchen pantry and your home plus highlights of some of the staff’s favorite foodie, event, and design blogs. You’ll find the magazine at nestingnewbies.com.

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