This morning I read an article about wedding trends. It talks about how Kate Middleton’s wedding to Prince William now has brides-to-be all over the world asking for royal weddings. According to the article, “The trends have shifted from modern to traditional. Softer, elegant details are being featured in many weddings. Exquisite fabric and couture elements will be witnessed at many of this year’s weddings.” All of this is presumably a direct result of the impending royal nuptials.

Last month everyone was talking about Pantone’s color of the year for 2011. Honeysuckle is “A brave new color, for a brave new world.” It’s a bright, deep Barbie pink. A gorgeous color, to be sure, though whether this color displayed in everything from drapes to purses will “lift our spirits” remains to be seen. What is clear is that it will likely move from runways to bridal shops and influence wedding planning for months to come.

I don’t see anything wrong with any of this, of course, unless your style ISN’T “soft and elegant” and your color isn’t honeysuckle. I hear so many wedding planners and vendors tell brides that they want to help them create their dream, to express who they really are. (I’ve said similar things, myself.) But if you’re modeling Kate Middleton’s dress or hairstyle or colors, whose dream is it? Are you expressing yourself, or copying someone else? Does it matter?

2011 might be The Year of Honeysuckle, but your wedding day is The Day of You. It’s yours to express who you are, to wear what you like and surround yourself with the style and colors that make you comfortable and happy. Maybe that will be bright pink, but if you prefer turquoise, go for it! (You’ll only be a year behind fashion, anyway.) If your soft and elegant style is “so Kate,” so be it. Your dress may even look exactly like Kate’s. But what if it doesn’t? Follow or buck the trends, but do it as YOU please and your choices really are an expression of you. After all, the day is yours: own it!

What do you think? Do you follow the trends or ignore them?