Wedding trends in 2012 are all about the personal touch, says expert

If we all followed the whims of the fashion world when it came to planning a wedding, brides would be forced to totter down the aisle in towering heel-less shoes with the page boys wrapped in waistcoats made of cellophane.

But according to one expert, some wedding trends are set to come to the fore in 2012 - and, much like brainstorming hen weekend ideas, it's all about the personal touches.

"2012 is going to be full of personalised, do-it-yourself touches, with crafty brides making many of the details themselves," says weddingideasmag.com's Rachel Morgan.

Whether it's a lavish fascinator or an exquisitely folded swan-shaped napkin, many brides are crafting their own wedding details in a bid to beat the recession.

And combining a craft session with hen weekends in Brighton or London is the perfect way to get creative with the glitter and glue while enjoying high tea - or a glass of champagne.

Expert-led workshops are available around the UK, teaching anything from hat-making to the perfect reception dance floor choreographed routine.

And the expert is brimming with ideas for that personalised reception, too.

"Photo booths are also brilliant for receptions - double up the pictures as favours or use them to personalise your thank-you cards," says Rachel.

If getting creative tends to leave you with palms full of Pritt Stick and acrylic paint all down your front, the wedding maven has identified some key trends to inspire your 2012 celebrations instead.

According to OK! Magazine, wedding trends are set to take a page out of the royal wedding book, with anything from launching your own wedding website to having a young bridal party being ideas cribbed off William and Kate by brides up and down the country.

And the expert agrees, saying: "The royal wedding trend for lace has now filtered down to designers and manufacturers, with many new designs for 2012 boasting lace sleeves and embellishments.

"Gypsophilia is going to be the wedding flower of choice for 2012 - cost effective and readily available, it provides a vintage look for brides on a budget. Vintage weddings are still big news," adds the expert.