2016 is only just started, but we’re already seeing some trends we know are going to come on strong this year. Take a look at our top 16 trends to look for in 2016!
- Gold, Gold, Gold.
FlairNecessities
It’s all about warm metallic shimmer and shine this year. Gold, copper, and rose-gold are all rising to the top of the bridal color chart—their warmth makes any wedding feel cozy and luxurious, and they pair well with almost any color the bride and groom could desire. It doesn’t stop at accessories, either—metals are also finding their way onto invitations and signage.
BitsofImperfection
- Won’t You Be My (Seating) Neighbor?
Round tables are a thing of the past. Many brides and grooms think that round table seating arrangements are too reminiscent of business conferences, and they want their wedding to be associated with something more fun! Some are turning to long, narrow tables, while others are using a collection of tables of different shapes and sizes. More rustic weddings are even using floor cushions in an outdoor pavilion around a low table!
- Dining In
Couples are returning to the “choose your meal” option, but with a twist—table service! Some couples are hiring caterers that go to each table with options (various salad toppings or different side combinations) to allow guests to hand-craft their dinners. Other brides and grooms are choosing to bring in local food trucks or to offer a set of menus to choose from before the big day.
- Pair Up!
The custom his-and-hers cocktail was the big trend in drinks for last year. This year, we’re looking at something new: cocktails accompanied by miniature tasty treats. Appetizers with your aperitifs, if you will. Some caterers say that they’ve been serving miniature tacos with tequila or beer, or apple tartlets with amaretto. Get creative!
- Do Me A Flavor
Couples are getting bolder and bolder with their cake flavors, and don’t expect that to end in the new year. Bakeries have reported an increase in experimental flavors, with brides requesting everything from salted caramel to lavender-apple to champagne. And that’s not all that’s on the horizon for cake in 2016…
- Naked and Proud
Wedding cakes this year will be sporting bold new flavors—and they’ll be letting it all hang out. Gone are the fondant cakes of years past; unfrosted, “naked” cakes are the new must-have cake of 2016. This look, which can be adapted for a formal or rustic wedding or anything in between, allows guests to avoid being overpowered by sugar. Instead, they can savor the flavor.
- Highlights!
As people want to share their wedding with everybody via social media, it’s become increasingly necessary for photographers and videographers to provide their material in a format that people will want to share. That’s why we’re predicting that 2016 will see the rise of the highlight reel—a special video of the best moments of the wedding that’s easily viewable on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
- #SheSaidYes
And going along with the sharing theme… We’ve seen plenty of hashtagged weddings in 2015, but in 2016 this trend is just going to grow bigger. It’s a great way for friends and loved ones to make a collection of photos that the bride and groom can look through after the wedding. And it keeps on going even after the wedding ends; couples can use their hashtag to tag photos on their anniversaries years later, or to mark big moments in their lives together.
- Out In Bloom
We’re seeing two upcoming trends that might seem a little at odds with each other at first. Trend number 1 is brides and florists using locally grown, seasonally appropriate flowers as their decorations and accents. (Floral centerpieces, by the way, are going out of style to be replaced with individualistic centerpieces.) Trend number 2 is…fake flowers! Once thought to be incredibly tacky, wedding planners are arguing now that if you use them in the right way, they can be a perfect never-fading memory of your special night.
- Set the Mood
Lighting is an aspect of the wedding that is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be! For 2016, we predict that lighting will be used to set the perfect atmosphere at weddings, whether from chandeliers and candelabras or from naked hanging Edison bulbs.
- In The Sky
And on the hanging note…the ceiling is where it’s at, according to designers. 2016 will see a rise in popularity for hanging flower pieces, hanging chandeliers, and hanging decoration. Expect to see everything from lush floral trellises winding across the ceiling to beautifully decorated chandeliers floating above the dance floor.
- Rose Red
You’ll be seeing red in a good way in 2016. Designers predict that the lush rosy metallics will be paired with dark reds and similar rich colors, lending an air of elegance. Highlights of white and paler hues as contrast will provide an airier feeling, preventing the red from being oppressive or too heavy.
- Less Is More
While we all know that couple who absolutely had to have a wedding with a guest list the size of a small country, 2016 is looking to be a little more intimate. More and more, brides and grooms are looking to provide the perfect experience for a small, important group of people, rather than an okay experience to a larger group.
- Flower Power
Romona Keveza Spring 2016
In bridal gown trends, the one that most caught our eyes on the runway was…floral embellishment. It doesn’t matter if it’s a ballgown, a mermaid, or a teacup—there are flowers. Lace, beading, rhinestones—you name it, the flowers are there. This is a beautiful motif and we’re excited to see some of these dresses on beautiful brides.
Left: Eugenia Couture; Middle, Right: Lazaro. All 2016.
- Passing Notes
ExquisiteSquid
Going along with the more intimate and small nature of 2016 weddings, we’re also seeing a rise in interest for personalized invitations. Out are the highly-produced and overly-ornate invites. Now we’re seeing an interest in more minimalist invitations with a small handwritten note from the bride or groom at the bottom. Hand-addressed envelopes are also becoming more popular.
ThxABunch
- Initially
More and more, brides and grooms are working to promote the idea of unity at their wedding—down to getting a custom monogram designed for their initials. Some couples incorporate this monogram throughout their weddings, from invitations to decorations to menus.
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