Happy New Year! I hope all your New Year’s resolutions have been made, and you have set out the goals you want to achieve for the year ahead – I know I have, and top of my list is to blog more frequently and consistently and create more wonderful Make & Do projects to inspire you. 2015 was definitely the year of the floral crowns, lace dresses, naked wedding cakes and lace ribbon-wrapped jars. Here’s my top 6wedding trends for 2016, I hope you are inspired!
1. Sequins & Metallics
Sequin table cloths were starting to make an appearance last year, and this sequin and metallic trend is set to only get stronger with Rose Gold and Copper being the shades set to trend in 2016. There are many ways to incorporate sequins and metallics into your wedding, such as a sequin table cloth, invitations and table plans in elaborate calligraphy, accent jewellery for the bride and/or bridesmaids and shoes {never forget the shoes!}.
Image by Jose Villa via Style Me Pretty
2. Calligraphy
Calligraphy is seeing something of a revival lately and is a beautiful touch to wedding stationary, invitations, table plans and even cake toppers. Calligraphy can be an expensive, but elegant touch and done in Rose Gold or Copper colours as mentioned above, will have you bang on trend! Calligraphy is a great skill to have, so why not take up some classes and give your wedding an extra handmade, personal touch. Some of my favourite calligraphers are Gemma Milly and Floralovely, who both regularly run workshops.
Sign by Sandpiper & Co. Image by Lauren Fair Photography via Green Wedding Shoes
3. Two-Piece Wedding Dresses
Some bridal designers are beginning to push the boundaries and combine traditional fabrics of wedding dresses {such as lace, tulle & silk} with the style and cut of high fashion, resulting in some amazing two piece dresses perfect for the Boho-Chic bride, and especially wonderful for Summertime or Beach Weddings. It also means that your dress {or top and skirt} can be worn again and again, making your money go further. These two-piece dresses also lend themselves perfectly to a more relaxed, laid back style of wedding. Australian and New Zealand bridal designers lead the front here {in my opinion} so check out Grace Loves Lace and Rue de Seine as good starting points. We’ve all seen the lace crop-top and tulle skirt combo, but I love this one from Karen Willis Holmes’ Wild Hearts Collection which is uber-chic and modern.
Image from Karen Willis Holme
4. Organic Floral Bouquets
I don’t think roses or peonies are going to be going out of bridal-bouquet-fashion anytime soon, but in 2016 it’s going to be more about the foliage than the flowers. 2016 is all about organic floral bouquets, which look much more natural and organically “gathered” together, with a variety of blooms scattered throughout. Coming out on top, will be one of my personal favourites, the silver dollar eucalyptus – which smells as beautiful as it looks. You can read more about bouquets in one of my posts from late last year here or see my Pinterest board here.
Bouquet by Everly Alaine Florals Image by Danielle M. Sabol Photography via Wedding Sparrow
5. Garlands
In perfect harmony with the trend of Organic Floral Bouquets mentioned above, Garlands are set to make a big bang in 2016 and become the ultimate showstopper. Garlands can be used in many ways; as a curtain tie back, to frame or drape the seating plan, hung on the back of the bride & groom chairs and they are perfect for the head table and traditional banquet style long tables. Now is the perfect time to go out and buy Christmas garlands in the January sales, which act as a great base to then add fresh foliage and flowers into for your big day, should you wish to save some money and make your own garland. Laurel leaves are a popular choice for garlands, used for centuries in wedding ceremonies to represent eternity due to their leaves never wilting, thus keeping their beautiful green foliage looking fresh. Eucalyptus is another fab choice here, but lavender and heather garlands are also beautiful. Garlands don’t have to be just for Autumn and Winter weddings, but with the right blooms, fruits and colours, they can be tailored to suit a wedding at any time of the year. You can see my board of Table Garlands on my Pinterest here.
Garland by Tamara Menges Designs Image by Sarah McKenzie Photography via Wedding Chicks
6. Smaller, More Intimate Ceremonies
As we are now {thankfully!} the other side of the recession, we are much more money conscious and don’t like to part with our hard-earned cash as easily as we used to. The days of frivolous spending on weddings are over, we like to search out bargains and as a result, couples are becoming more inventive when it comes to how, where and who they are surrounded by as they make their vows. 2016 is going to see a rise in small and intimate ceremonies, celebrated in a more conservative style with close friends, family and loved ones, rather than the lavish ceremonies we have grown accustomed to and expect nowadays.
Image by Kate Ignatowski Photography via MOD Wedding
Well, there it is, my top 6 wedding trends for 2016; I hope I have inspired and encouraged you to push the boundaries and dare to be a little different, a little edgy. I have really enjoyed putting together this post for you and look forward to the year ahead to see how these trends are interpreted by couples around the globe.
Gabriella x
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