According to About Weddings: When predicting 2010 Wedding Trends, it seems almost too obvious to talk about the economy's impact. But before you jump to conclusions about how drab and cheap weddings are becoming, know that money is certainly not the only influence on style, fashion, or tradition. In fact, couples are getting more creative and feel more freedom to make unique choices.

Here's what I think will be hot next year:

Backyard Weddings at Home

While getting married at home isn't necessarily cheaper, it feels more personal, allows you to have a more intimate affair, and doesn't feel ostentatious. The economy means not only that people want to spend less money, but also that they feel guilty when they do spend money. A backyard event not only helps to put your guests at ease, but also allows you to make more casual, less expensive choices elsewhere. For example, a barbeque picnic feels more appropriate at home than it would at a country club.

Homemade Wedding Favors

Though favors are an expense that's easy to eliminate, right now couples are especially grateful to guests who have incurred considerable expense to be a part of the celebration. The 2010 wedding trend is using homemade favors to express that thanks, and to send guests home with your love.

Birdcage Veils

These vintage-look veils combine a jeweled clip or feathered headpiece with netting that only covers the face. In the picture above, Drew Barrymore is wearing a birdcage veil to a recent movie premiere. Wearing one allows you to have some dramatic glamor and feel like a bride, but is a more fun look and less hassling than a long traditional veil.

Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses

For several years, brides have been selecting a bridesmaid dress designer and a fabric, then letting their bridesmaids choose the style that works best for their bodies. But the 2010 wedding trend takes idea further. Choose only a color, then let your bridesmaids find an off-the-rack dress of any designer that they like. Not only does this take some pressure off of you, but it also ensures that women are choosing a dress they like and they'll be likely to actually wear again. If you follow this trend, be sure to tell your bridesmaids how formal the dress should be – you don't want one bridesmaid wearing a casual sundress while another has on a beaded evening gown.

The End of the Standard Year-Long Engagement

Though a year is a good amount of time for an engagment(and thus that's what I use for my wedding planning checklist) it certainly isn't obligatory. Some couples will be planning quick elopements, while others will opt for longer engagements. There are advantages to both – a quick engagement means that you don't overwhelm yourself with trying to plan the perfect wedding, and often means that you spend less money on unnecessary things. A long engagement can help relieve the stress, spreading out the tasks and the expenses. You'll have time to save money, and hopefully be able to feel more secure about your jobs before you sign unbreakable contracts.

Strapless Wedding Dresses

If you're saying to yourself, "This isn't a new 2010 wedding trend!" you're right. Strapless dresses have been extremely popular for several years now. And though more brides are opting for sleeves, straps, and other ways of covering the shoulders, strapless is going to continue to be the dominant style for the near future.

Be Ready for a More Cozy Wedding in 2010

According to AC Associates Content:

If you have a wedding to plan that will take place in 2010, chances are you're wondering what the trends will be in color, ceremony, and receptions. It's oddly comforting to know that the economy has taken a toll on wedding trends, and will continue to do so next year with more simple  yet elegant wedding plans.

This means you can breathe a sigh of relief about a lack of funds, and are free to make more unique choices with your wedding and still stay with the times. Home weddings and/or receptions are and will continue to be hot. Having part or all of your wedding at home sets the stage for a more relaxed, and tighter knit wedding than a huge church ever could.

For your wedding, concentrate more on the lasting memories and on the relationship itself, rather than the stress of good hosting and grand showmanship. Remember the spirit of the day is about you and your soon-to-be spouse, so use lots of pictures and décor that have meaning for the two of you. Adding small touches and attention to detail will be much more important than having the right number of flowers.

Hire unknown freelancers for your wedding. A local photographers or cake designer will be more attentive to your desires and will work harder to make you happier than a large company. You get the benefit of totally customizable, professional-quality work AND the bonus of a cheaper price (most times.) Of course, ask for work samples or portfolios and work up a contract agreement with the person, as you would with any big company. You might just be pleasantly surprised when you choose to use local artists.

Favors will be hotter than ever in 2010, so don't skip out on them. These don't have to be expensive or require hours of bagging. Make them something more meaning full than a box of mints, too. Use something like thank you cards with personal pictures or tiny stuffed animals, trinkets, even magnets. Favors that will last more than a week will be appreciated for years.