I am not usually one to follow the latest fashion fads and whims, but it has been hard not to be completely smitten with the trends that flavoured weddings throughout 2015! We saw one of my all time favourite colours Marsala set the wedding world alight with its rich red tones; grooms embraced their inner style maven and ditched the traditional wedding attire for something altogether more them; couples looked further afield to create unforgettable wedding celebrations; floral dresses proved popular, with bridesmaids and brides alike, whilst illusion necklines and long sleeves continued to be bridal favourites; and the crown made a comeback! So, what are going to be the top wedding trends of 2016?……

Greenery

Wherever you’re getting married in 2016 it is all about creating an oasis! Whether that’s by finding a magical woodland dell, or bringing the outside in it means lots of greenery (perfect for adding texture and shape, as well as a super cost effective way to make florals look abundant!) So wherever you think flowers, think greenery: the aisle, the reception tables, the bouquet and even the cake!, and when you think there’s enough….add a bit more – because when it comes to this trend, more is more!

Tablescape ~ Jacque Lynn Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs // Bouquet ~ Greenhouse Picker Sisters, Photography by Live View Studios via Chic Vintage Brides // Wedding Cake ~ Green Lily Bakery, Photography by Nicole Berrett via Magnolia Rouge // Centrepiece ~ Jessica Sloane, Photography by Erich McVey via Magnolia Rouge // Aisle Arch ~ Gotham Florist & Designs By Ahn, Photography by Alicia Swedenborg via SMP// Bouquet ~ Soil & Stem, Photography by Tenth & Grace via Magnolia Rouge // Centrepiece ~ Wild Green Yonder, Photography by Sarah Bradshaw via ADORN// Wedding Cake ~ The Frosted Affair Photography by Melanie Gabrielle Photography via Burnetts Boards

Foraged

Don’t panic, this doesn’t mean you will be picking your flowers at the roadside and arranging them on the way to your venue! It means bouquets and floral designs will be lush with that lovely just picked look; and we’ll continue to see the introduction of berries, feathers, greenery and grasses creating a beautifully organic look. Rather than focusing on one hero bloom as we have seen in recent years with peonies, dahlias, ranunculus and Proteas last year; we will be seeing a mixture of seasonal flowers. And we’ll see bouquets created in varying shades of one colour or a complex palette of colours,  adding to the beautiful texture and foraged feel.

BOUQUETS: Top Left ~ Inessa Nichols, Photography by Gregory Ross via Chic Vintage Brides // Top Right ~ Intertwine, Photography by SayBre Photography via Wedding Sparrow // Bottom Left ~ Wild Green Yonder, Photography by Reverie Supply via Elizabeth Anne Designs // Bottom Right ~ BRRCH Floral, Photography by Caroline Frost Photography via Green Wedding Shoes // CENTREPIECES: Top Left ~ Sarah Winward, Photography by Leo Patrone via Snippet & Ink // Top Right ~ Mademoiselle Rose // Bottom Left ~ Bristol Lane, Photography by  Jen Dillender via Grey Likes Weddings // Bottom Right ~ Mallory Joyce Photography by Joey Kennedy via Chic Vintage Brides

Texture

Whether we’re talking florals, stationery, wedding dresses or even tablescapes, texture is king is 2016! And it’s all about layering them to add opulence and comfort. So think lace table runners and icing, ornate cutlery and serve ware, linens atop wooden tables, and velvet and silk finishing touches….. and best of all, this is a trend that can be adapted to suit any style, location, theme and budget!

For wedding dresses think lace, floral appliques, fringing and feathers…..

CAKES: Left ~ Coco Paloma, Photography by Mint Photography via SMP// Right ~ Sweet Heather Anne, Photography by Blaine Siesser via SMP// TABLE RUNNERS: Left ~ Caroline Frost via SMP // Right ~ Live View Studios via Chic Vintage Brides // PLACE SETTINGS: Left ~ Caroline Tran via via Chic Vintage Brides // Right ~ Vasia Weddings & Artiese Studios via Magnolia Rouge // CUTLERY: Left ~ Mason & Megan via 100 Layer Cake // Right ~ Irena K Photography via Magnolia Rouge // WEDDING DRESSES: Top ~ Ivy & Aster // Middle ~ Karen Willis Holmes // Bottom ~ Jenny Packham

Destination Weddings

I am not talking your package holiday to some hot and beachy resort! This trend in 2016 is all about making a week long event of your celebration somewhere fabulous – think a Chateau in France, nestled in the hills of Tuscany, a grand castle in the Scottish Highlands, or even some chic city celebration…..

Dordogne Chateau ~ Chateau Cazenac, Photography by Wookie Photography via Chic Vintage Brides // Tuscany ~ Fattoria di Cinciano, Photography by Nadia Meli via Chic Vintage Brides Castle ~ Castle Leslie, Photography by KT Merry // Paris ~ KT Merry via SMP

Pastels

We’ve seen some bold key colours over the last few years – it all started with Emerald, before Radiant Orchid took over in 2014 and then last year was deep and rich Marsala. Well Pantone’s picks for 2016 says a lot about the direction colour is taking for the next 12 months – and it seems it’s all about the pretty! We’re talking soft shades of pink, and blue.

Ribbon ~ Dandelion & Grey  photography by Gregory Ross via Green Wedding Shoes // Bride & Bridesmaids ~ Bryce Covey Photography via SMP // Wedding Cake ~ Honey Moon Sweets photography by Rachel Solomon Photography via Wedding Chicks // Aisle Arch ~Clary Pfeiffer Photography via Wedding Chicks // Centrepiece ~ Mindy Rice photography by Michele Beckwith

Groom ~ Julie Cate Photography via SMP // Wedding Stationery ~ PEONY Art Decoration Studio photography by Anastasiya Belik via Burnetts Boards // Door ~ J.Bird Photography via Ruffled // Bride & Bridesmaids ~ Clayton Austin via Green Wedding Shoes // Wedding Cake ~Mel Cakes photography by Sandra Marusic

For more direction on colours for 2016, pop and take a peek at Pantone’s picks for Spring 2016 here and here.

Unplugged

Social Media in 2016 will be a lot like Marmite when it comes to weddings – you either love it or hate it! But with a continuing focus on creating a fun and relaxing celebration for your nearest and dearest, more and more brides & grooms will be politely requesting friend and family turn their phones – and cameras – off! (or even better leave them at home)

Top Left ~ Sarah Kathleen Photography & Photography by Jay C. Winters via Intimate Weddings // Top Right ~ Pinkerton Photography via Ruffled // Bottom Left ~ Charming Endeavours // Bottom Right ~ Annamarie Akins via Southern Weddings // Mobiles, iPads & Cameras ~ Tulle & Grace

Fun Food

The big trend for wedding food this year will continue to be personalisation. Which means rather than the traditional 3 course wedding breakfast, basically anything goes! So, depending on the wedding and style of the couple, think an afternoon tea, childhood favourites, fun finger food, bite size delights, and for some, a continued move towards organic and healthy alternatives.

Olive Oil & Bread Bar ~ Ken Kienow via SMP // Churro Bar ~ Julie Harmsen via Coco Kelley // Popcorn Trolley ~ Nathan Abplanalp Photography via SMP // Smores Bar ~ Elisa B Photography via The Sweetest Occasion

Tall Tiers

In recent years we have seen the rise of the naked cake, and they will still be the wedding cake of choice in 2016 for the DIY or rustic bride. However, I also see a move back towards icing (all be it more cream cheese and butter icing, than the traditional sugar icing) and couples giving their cake a hint of elegance with a play on proportion! And tall doesn’t mean lots of tiers (although that looks lovely too, especially in varying heights), rather this trend is about making each tier count with some elegant height…..

Top Left ~ Yummy Cupcakes & Cakes, Photography by Leah Kua via Magnolia Rouge // Top Right ~ Melissa’s Fine Pastries, Photography by Marissa Lambert Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs // Bottom Left ~ Earth & Sugar, Photography by Melanie Gabrielle Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs // Bottom Right ~ Sweet Lydia’s of San Diego, Photography by Whiskers and Willow Photography via Wedding Sparrow

Victoriana

Be it in the form of high necklines and dramatic lace yokes (on bridal and bridesmaid dresses alike), updos, wedding cakes or bouquets, it seems Victorian is the new Art Deco. And it’s all thanks to the release of the new Alice in Wonderland film and talks of a Downton Abbey prequel!

Or if you want to go all out Victorian Gothic, how about….. aren’t they s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g??WEDDING DRESSES: Top Left ~ Claire Pettibone // Top Right ~ Theia // Bottom Left ~ Catherine Deane // Bottom Right ~ Lela Rose// DECOR: Left ~ Tigerlily Weddings // Right ~ Rebecca Shepherd Floral Design, Photography by Alexandra Meseke via SMP // UPDOS: Left ~ Jordan Hughes Byers, Photography by Tec Petaja via Once Wed // Right ~ Capella // BOUQUETS: Magdalen Hill, Photography by Natalie McNally via Chic Vintage Brides // Left ~ Tinge Floral, Photography by Orange Photographie via Vale & Vine // Right ~Emblem Floral Design, Photography by Luna de Mare  via SMP // WEDDING CAKES: Left ~ Nevie-Pie Cakes, Photography by Brighton Photo via Swooned // Right ~ // Gothic ~ Sweetlake Cakes

Wow…. I think 2016 is going to be a great year! What do you think, have a favourite trend from the above? Actually, the trend I love most I haven’t listed! It has been going strong for a couple of years now, and in fact only getting stronger. It is that of creating a celebration of your love – doing it YOUR way! That means your day not being defined by tradition, trends or fashion fads, but it being about….well, you. Your relationship, the people YOU love to spend time with; the spaces, colours, food and music you LOVE! When it comes to planning your wedding in 2016 (and beyond), there really are NO rules. So don’t let anyone try to tell you what you must do, or can’t do; just tell them there is no such thing as must or can’t at your wedding, only love!

Amy

x

Oh and if you’re wondering where all the fashion trends are, well I have a whole other post for them! (coming soon)

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