The age of over-the-top, celebrity-inspired weddings has finally made way for more personal, down-to-earth affairs. From dresses to cakes, the most prominent trend this year is the customization in every decision a couple makes. The year 2014 is all about being natural with vintage detailing, while letting a couple's personality shine through.

Rings

Grooms seem to be right on point with these trends. Peter Indorf, owner of Peter Indorf Jewelers in Madison and New Haven has recognized changes in engagement ring selection. He says that he has seen “a lot more customization of rings.” Indorf has been witnessing the incorporation of interesting materials into the engagement rings and says he has noticed “an upkick in natural color diamonds.” Indorf says that he has also seen “a lot of resurgence in antique styles.” The staff at Harstan's Jewelers in Guilford also noticed similar trends, noting that “white gold still stands as the metal of choice.” Both jewelers quoted halo rings as being extremely trendy.

Brides aren't the only ones who follow trends. Grooms-to-be are also interested in making selections in non-traditional colors. Indorf says grooms are selecting titanium wedding bands over traditional gold bands. Wedding bands no longer need to match and bands now are being selected to match the taste of the wearer. Grooms are also allowing their personality to shine through by selecting interesting patterns and colors for their bowties and socks.

Dresses

Wedding dresses often reflect trends rippling throughout the wedding industry, and this year's popular styles are no different. “2014 is chock full of effortless and romantic glamour,” says Chelsea McNamara, owner of Everthine Bridal Boutique in Madison. The same trend of using non-traditional colors with engagement rings is also happening with wedding dresses this year. McNamara says, “Blush gowns are still prominent this year with celebrities like Kaley Cuoco and Jessica Biel opting for a pink wedding dress. Soft shades of pink mixed with gold and silver metals have a very Cinderella feeling to them. A soft pink wedding dress lets a bride feel fashion-forward without being too risky.”

Beth Chapman, owner of The White Dress by the shore in Clinton, mirrors these observations. Chapman says that, in addition to blushes being a very popular color, she has seen darker neutrals being used more frequently, often with ivory lace overlays. Chapman notes that lace dresses continue to be her most popular sellers; however, she is seeing a large increase in long-sleeved dresses, regardless of what season the wedding is being held.

Hair

Complementing the vintage and effortless wedding dress styles, hair salons are receiving more requests for less structured hair. Nicole Flagge at Madison Avenue Salon in Madison says, “A lot of girls are asking for more natural looks.” Christine DeCaprio, owner of Salon Fusion in Branford, says that she has been getting a lot of requests for “loose, tousled messy looks.” She has found that most brides are seeking lots of texture, be it through braids, chignons, or undone up-dos.

Food

Even the food being selected for weddings has deviated from the usual. Brides are following the personalization trend by putting a new spin on the traditional wedding cake. Pentonito's Pastry Shop in East Haven has been in the wedding business for more than 60 years and has provided more than 20,000 wedding cakes. Owner Mark Pentonito says that themed cakes matching a couple's wedding motif are becoming trendier. He has also noticed recently that he is receiving more requests for stenciling on the cake. This is a trend that is just beginning and may very well continue into 2015.

Hope Looney, owner of J Cakes in North Branford, has recently received a lot more requests for more earthy and natural cakes. She's even been asked to hold the frosting on some cakes, which provides a more casual look. This more homestyle feel to the cakes is even carried out in the flavors chosen by the couple. Looney says she has recently filled a lot of orders for funfetti cakes. These requests are right on point with the overall theme of 2014, according to Looney, who adds, “On the other side we've done a lot of vintage cakes.” To create a vintage feel, Looney incorporates a lot of lace and pearls when decorating. She even recently received the request to create a chandelier cake that could hang from a chandelier hook or stand. Looney says, “There are no rules anymore and anything goes.” She notes that cakes no longer need to be pristine and white.

A return to natural looks with personalized details give guests a sense of being part of something unique and special. More important, the more relaxed trends of 2014 allow the couple and guests to focus on what is truly important—family and love.