You’ve spent the first few days in January creating a better-than-ever you, right? Well, engaged couples and wedding pros alike are busy making this year’s nuptials better than ever, too.

Of course, some beloved trends have carried over (fear not, vintage brides), but we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by some new looks headed for the Milwaukee wedding scene. Local experts—from bakers and florists to DJs and clothiers—share the scoop on their highest hopes and most astute predictions for 2013 weddings.

Bridal Gowns & Bridesmaid Dresses
A continuing trend we are seeing is same color, but different styled bridesmaid dresses…Each bridesmaid can pick the perfect style for her body. This works so well for them, as they can pick something that they will actually wear again. Prints and patterns are also big in bridesmaid dresses! —Lisa Carrao, A Savvy Bride

Top 2013 trends include fabulous flowing gowns in chiffon and organza, and ruffles featured in both ball gowns and fitted-silhouette dresses. Vintage lace tops the designer lists with styles ranging from fully beaded lace dresses to smaller lace appliques and details. And short and sassy bridesmaids are back again this season! The jewel tones continue to dominate. —Beth Stone, Eva’s Bridal Center

Gowns in different hues of blush, pink and Champagne are gaining in popularity for brides and bridesmaids. Brides want more non-strapless options (one-shoulder dresses for maids), higher necklines and interesting backs. An array of affordable little white dresses in sophisticated, flirty and feminine styles—perfect for rehearsals, bachelorette parties and receptions—are also big. —Erin Thull, Miss Ruby Boutique

Cakes & Desserts
Big cakes are back, one flavor keeping it simple. Dessert tables are making a comeback, too! The top colors seem to be deep or royal purple with either a lime green or silver accent. —Debbi Crivello, Aggie’s Cakes and Pastries

Most couples are going with a modern-vintage look and classic flavors with the vanillas and chocolates, as well as one of our most requested flavors, Champagne cupcakes. —Ashley Weber, Miss Cupcake

Catering
Late-night food such as pizza, snacks and candy stations were very popular offerings in 2012, and we see this trend continuing for upcoming events. Food stations, dessert stations and small-plate dining are also menu components that will continue to be featured in the coming year. —Maria Bartolotta, Bartolotta Catering & Events at The Grain Exchange

A cheese course after dinner is always a fresh, yet classic, trend. It gives an international flair to the event. In addition, using local cheese artisans who increase sustainability will prove to be a lasting trend. —Louie Danegelis, Lee John’s Catering

Brides and grooms are offering multiple choices for entrees that guests can order right at the event. With the farm to table movement, we are taking advantage of the season’s offerings. The ultimate: Have several food trucks outside for guests as they leave. —Beth Shully, Shully’s Cuisine

Weddings are featuring eclectic food stations—foods that reflect the couple’s backgrounds, travels together or favorite foods. Brides and grooms are also accommodating allergies and dietary restrictions in menus. Homestyle and comfort foods complement vintage and shabby-chic décor. —Jim Zilli, Zilli Hospitality Group

Entertainment
A very popular trend has been hiring a band that provides DJ service on their breaks and, further, can offer uplighting and DJ-type lighting packages, such as lasers and Gobo projectors. Stimulating multiple senses is a very powerful tool for creating a memorable event! 
—Matt Anton, ACA Music & Entertainment

The hot trend is going to come from the clubs. Something more will happen with the dubstep sound and its crossover to mainstream. The folk movement keeps coming back as music brides and grooms want to hear for dinner. Mostly, though, in Wisconsin, people still love the classics. —Ed Buchner, Muzic in Motion

Events
Bling will be bigger than ever, in all its dazzling splendor. So will Roaring ’20s and Old World glamour with cinematic and literary references, as well as the striking combo of black and white. —Janice Rosenthal, Party Productions

In 2013 I think we will continue to see more custom wedding details and involvement from the grooms. I have seen men playing more of an active role in the planning details of their wedding, and I think that is only going to increase, as weddings have taken a very localized and customized approach…telling a story of who they are as a couple. —Samantha Dennis, Styled Accordingly

With eco-friendly, “green” weddings, lots of brides are looking for locally grown, fresh flowers. They are local, beautiful and natural! —Kristin Wroblewski, Timeless Events, LLC

Flowers & Décor
We foresee lush, compact arrangements to be a hot trend. These botanical-filled arrangements will focus on texture and interesting flowers, like fuzzy green dianthus or gray brunia. In 2013, vases for the reception will be as important as the flowers. Interesting vases will get your guests talking. —Melissa Maas, Bank of Memories & Flowers

We are seeing a massive trend of white flowers—white-on-white bouquets, centerpieces, ceremony décor—and it is being paired with dress colors from blush and nude to green to navy to black. —Emily Neubauer, Belle Fiori, Ltd.

Vintage touches continue to be everywhere in wedding décor for 2013, as seen in weathered items, crates, window panes, tables set with thrift store china and more. Fun textures are in for flowers, such as succulents, pincushion protea and orchids mixed with old-school throwbacks, like babies’ breath, football mums and peonies. Many brides are opting for flowers in corals and purples, yellows and oranges. —Jamie Beauchamp, Jaimer’s Floral

Hair & Makeup
When it comes to makeup, you will see lots of glitz and glam with sparkles, colored and traditional smoky eyes and bold lipstick. Some brides will opt for the complete opposite: a very natural and effortlessly chic look. Their makeup will be very fresh with perfect skin and natural, earthy colors focusing on the eyes. —Amanda Shallow, Naturally You

While we saw a lot of “casual elegance” last year, the big change is wearing the hair up. Undoing the design just a touch, whether it’s a formal ballerina bun, a chignon, a braid or even something vintage inspired, will keep the bride on trend. I think a bride can still look amazing and appropriate all while still feeling like herself and not overdone. —Lindsay “Dez” DesPlaines, Neroli Salon & Spa, East Side

Increasingly, we’re seeing brides who no longer want the perfectly coiffed up-do, but something more organic, raw and not as polished…Gone are the days of matronly and severe up-dos; now its unstructured side chignons, incorporated braids, finger waves or loose soft curls garnished with beautiful live orchids. —Elizabeth Walsh, WELL Salon + Spa

Menswear
New additions to our tuxedo rental program are trimmer fitting tuxedo coats, pants and shirts to provide a more contemporary look. —Tim Ryan, Harleys

The three-piece suit is back in a big way. I’m also seeing solid-colored suits with a pop of color showing up in neckwear and pocket squares. Bow ties are popular…If wearing a tuxedo, a textured shirt is a touch of class. —Therese Nelson, J.Hilburn

Photography
What we will see is people having fun. It might mean hiring a food truck or hot dog stand for late-night food, having the band play dance sets throughout the dinner, or getting the photo booth out of the box. —Linda Guminey, Boutique Photographer

Architecture will play a part in photographs. Brides and grooms want that one creative shot where they are tiny in a picture and the surroundings really come out. 
—Jeff Lazewski, Gravidee Photography

Unique venues are in! I am super excited about all of the places I get to shoot next year, from breweries to barns, museums to botanical gardens…Each venue has an individual feel and sets the tone for the rest of the wedding décor. I love that brides are stepping away from convention centers and saying hello to unique spaces. —Jenna Kutcher, Photographs by Jenna Leigh

Stationery
Lace adds a delicate touch to the wedding and can be incorporated throughout the entire event, from the invitations and the cake to the bride’s dress and the décor. There has also been a lot of interest in a bold chevron pattern. The Pantone color of the year, emerald green, is likely to be very popular, as are other bold and bright colors, but pastels and watercolors add a whimsical and lighthearted touch to any wedding. —Kate Strzok, Broadway Paper

The use of “classic” colors will become increasingly popular: light pink, navy, gray, white and beige. Couples have also loved using a thick, rich cardstock for their invitation suite, giving a sophisticated feel for not a large amount of money. Many have also gravitated toward using a shimmer paper, either in white or ivory. This New Year is going to be a great year for brides and vendors alike! —Lauren Olson, Paper Lily Designs

What trends are you looking forward to following? And which ones will you stay away from?