Gazing ahead into 2007, The Knot (www.theknot.com), a website and magazine devoted to everything nuptial, released its projections on what engaged couples will be including in some of their wedding plans this year.

An overview of the The Knot’s projections for the new year was offered by Carley Roney, editor in chief, whose advice column is a regular feature here at Weddings on post-gazette.com:

“Couples continue to seek out ways to make their weddings completely unforgettable. They’re crazy for signature colours, surprises at the reception like entertainers, after-parties, and wild cakes <\m> and they’re all about showing off their sense of style. And, we don’t see the destination wedding rage slowing down anytime soon.”

Ms. Roney encourages couples planning for 2007 to explore some of the following trends from the brand new digital trends gallery on theknot.com:

COLOUR<$>

Sayeth The Knot: “Brides have a major crush on orange this year. From creamy peaches and mod citrus hues to deep tangerines and burnt siennas, this bold colour is being paired with a range of colours to achieve a variety of moods. For a modern, retro appeal, it’s being teamed with chocolate browns, lime greens, and sky blues. For a preppier feel, it’s being tied with blushing pinks, lemony yellows, and sage greens. And, for a romantic aura, it’s being paired with deep jewel tones-red, aubergine, and gold. What better way to take your tangerine palette up a notch? With a great pattern. Think starbursts, swirls, and playful polka dots on everything from the invite to the bridesmaid dresses, wedding cake, and cocktail napkins.”

DRESS STYLE>

“The fit-and-flare trumpet gown continues to be the silhouette of the moment,” predicts The Knot. “Whether its lace, taffeta, or luxe silk satin, this sexy, feminine shape provides a runway-ready look for the bride who wants to make a fashion statement on her wedding day. We’re certain this slim shape is hot because of the kick of drama it adds to the altar-and the dance floor. Combined with a rise of dramatic fabrics and details — bling, flowers, sexy sleeves, and even black — designers are finding thousands of ways to put their own spin on this fresh silhouette.”

WEDDING VENU$>

As The Knot tells it, “Destination weddings continue to be the rage, and in 2007, it’s all about Italy. TomKat put Rome on the map for their fairy-tale wedding event at the Castle Odescalchi on Lake Bracciano. From the picturesque cliffs of Portofino to the streaming canals of Venice and the magnificent architecture of Florence, Italian cities have become destination wedding hot-spots — popular not only for the views and the delicious food, but the unmatched sightseeing opportunities for guests. Check out theknot.com/italywed for Italian resorts, planning tips and regional rules for tying the knot in the land of amore.”

INVITATIONS

“Personal wedding websites with URLs on invitations are now standard,” declares The Knot. “Wedding websites will continue to up the ante on sophistication (some will even rival the sites of Fortune 500 companies). Look for deluxe digital applications: daily blogs by brides, digital music, streaming video, online RSVP-and even live webcasts. To build your own, see new designs and features of online wedding webpage builders like WedORama.com or WeddingTracker.com.̶

THE PARTY

As The Knot sees it, “The cocktail hour has become one of the night’s major events <\m> and couples are skipping the not-seeing-each-other tradition to take pictures pre ceremony so they can be there to enjoy it. Design and foodwise, they’re taking this pre-reception party to extremes: awe-inspiring flowers (towering cylinder vases filled with orchids submerged in water); special entertainment (jazz bands, steel drum players, and mariachi bands); and an insane spread of munchies, from full-on raw bars to live sushi chefs and crepe stations.”

CAKES

“The wedding cake is a given. But the new guest at the dessert table is a massive dessert buffet-traditionally known as the Viennese table,” The Knot explains. “Guests are surprised by tables filled with delectable goodies rolling out onto the dance floor or taking up a whole reception room on their own. Popular items are chocolate buffet stations featuring all types of cocoa creations-mousses, truffles, chocolate fondue, and pot du chocolate; cheesecake sampling stations with all flavours from Key lime to snickerdoodle. And candy buffets overflowing with sweet surprises from gourmet pretzels to sweet and sour jelly beans.”

HONEYMOON

The Knot said “While Hawaii and the Caribbean remain on the honeymoon hot list, this year it’s all about adventure trips to the Seven Wonders of the World. Couples are seizing the opportunity to see the most exotic famous locales from the Taj Mahal to the Great Wall of China and the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. And more and more couples are looking for destinations that offer plenty of adventure: rafting in the Grand Canyon, hiking in Machu Picchu, and getting up close with nature on African safaris.”

More Notable Trends in The Knot’s crystal ball:

PRE-WEDDING PRESSURES: “The mini-moon — a quick getaway six months out from the wedding to take a break from the planning — is becoming more and more popular. Whether it’s a ski weekend in Vail or lounging by the beach in Southern California, couples are stealing away from the stress — and mandating a 48-hour freeze on wedding talk.

BACHELORETTE PARTIES:<$> “For a while, last blast trips to Vegas and Miami were solely for the guys. But now the gals are getting in on the getaway action, travelling with all of their close friends for a fun-filled pre-wedding weekend by the beach or on the town to learn something new, like surfing!”

GS:<$> “Like Christina Aguilera’s vintage-style diamond patterned setting, it’s no longer just about the solitaire with side stones. Pave diamonds have lent to more creativity, and we’re seeing a lot of one-of-a-kind designs on ring fingers. Vintage remains the rage, and white metals remain white hot.”

REGISTRIES: “From Japanese-inspired pottery to Asian motifs (cherry blossoms, Chinese characters, and more), sushi and tea sets, and even spa packages, couples are filling their wedding wish lists with gifts that evoke a relaxed mood in their homes (perhaps to escape the chaos of their busy lives-and stressful planning?)8221;

ECOLOGY:<$> “Eco-conscious couples are spending a lot of time and money planning weddings that reflect their environmentally friendly lifestyles. They’re using recycled paper and minimising the amount of paper used for invites, place cards, and programmes; creating centrepieces with pesticide-free flowers and potted plants (that can be planted in the yard, post wedding); and serving organic and vegetarian menus.” — From the Pittsburgh Post Gazette