We’re pretty excited to see where the year takes us, Cakies. Color is back in a big way and who doesn’t want to see a bright, bold palette done oh so right? From that different-but-coordinated bridesmaid look to unexpected palettes, this is the year for the color-loving couple. But as you might expect—while some trends are more + more over-the-top, others settle in with the opposite approach: micro weddings are totally in, and off-the-grid elopements are here to stay.
Our first (and possibly favorite) trend? Statement wedding dresses…
OK, we’ve known that brides needn’t always wear white for some time now, but more of them are choosing an evening gown over a bridal style than ever before. Brides like photog Cavin, who rocked a floral Marchesa gown for her San Diego wedding, have inspired 2020 couples to take more risks when it comes to wedding fashion. If that means customizing a bridal gown with embellishments or choosing a RTW from an iconic designer, this is your one chance to go ALL out.
Heather of Amorology tells us, We love that brides are stepping away from traditional dresses and are going for something more colorful and bold with their gowns! Whether they are playing with color or going for something more fashion-forward, brides are looking for a gown that is truly a statement on its own. (Photos by Tenth & Grace.)
Branded Weddings
From Bash Please: Branded wedding design will continue to be a trend that proliferates through weddings—starting with the aesthetics and colors used on the wedding website, through to the paper products. The interpretation of that design can take shape creatively through the day-of elements. Embroidered napkins, custom impressions on ceramics, embossed tags, textiles for lounge vignettes, etc. (Photo by Paige Jones.)
Investing in a talented stationery designer like Swell Press won’t just get you a pretty paper suite–it’s basically a jumping off point for every aspect of your day. Everything from florals to the bridal party can be inspired by this element!
Micro Weddings
(Photo by Cedar & Pines)
When does an elopement become a micro wedding? It’s no surprise that the rise in elopements (thanks, Instagram!) has led to couples becoming more comfortable saying “no” to a big wedding if they simply don’t want it. These stripped-down weddings ensure that the couple gets everything they want, whether that’s an off-the-grid adventure or an expertly styled event that they wouldn’t otherwise afford. (See the rest of this wedding by Lovisa Photo in our post!)
Choose-Your-Own Bridesmaids Dresses
(Side note: stay tuned for more from this colorful Love By Lynzie Events + Design wedding captured by Erin Leydon.)
As you probably saw in this stylish Spain wedding, brides are becoming more comfortable inviting their bridesmaids to get creative with their wedding looks. We have to imagine this is pretty tough to pull off, but when it works, it REALLY works. It’s like the mismatched trend’s next step.
Unexpected color palettes paired with natural elements
(Design by Bash Please, photo by Norman & Blake)
Sure, crafty brides have always loved color, but this year it’s getting a more sophisticated upgrade. Couples are enlisting talented designers like Bash Please and Natalie Gill of Native Poppy to help them bring color into their day, whether in paper elements or other decor. Mixing these fun hues with natural elements allows you to refine the look.
Over-the-top Flowers (again!)
Floral installations have been a major trend for a few years now, usually in terms of big bouquets and massive ceremony arches. Now, couples are opting for less decor and more flowers to fill their reception spaces, like this colorful installation by Winston & Main. (Photo by Julie Shuford)
Jill of Layered Vintage says, We might be biased, because we live for installations, but a trend we see for 2020 and the foreseeable future is definitely: Floral Installations. We are getting brides that want to put the bulk of their budget into a show-stopping install—those that hover over the reception or take people’s breath away when they walk in to find their seats for the ceremony.
This was a tent install we did recently. The dinner was family style so we couldn’t go big on the tables and the bride felt that the tent felt so vast and white. I’ve gotten so many inquiries just about this one install!
If you can, it’s fun to adorn existing foliage at your venue, too! We mentioned that here.
Jill also says, Dyed and painted flowers are on fire right now! Going outside the box with painted flowers has been something fun and unexpected. (Rentals by Witty Rentals, Styling by Farra of Hostess Haven)
Amorology also says, People are trading in the traditional bar for a fun bubbles and brew truck. Rather than keeping all of your drinks at the bar, couples are opting for bar trucks/carts that are more interactive and a fun design piece for the big day! (Photos by Lucy Munoz)(Looking for another great option when it comes to entertaining guests? Try this.)
Champagne towers
Guests love a good champagne tower and they sure make for some epic photos. Aren’t these shots by Ivy Road Photography too cute? All for the resurfacing of this one, too!