Before we wave goodbye to January, I want to take a moment to share some of the top wedding trends for 2017. Looking at what will be big for the coming wedding season always starts with reflecting on the gorgeous trends from the year before – many of which are still going strong, or have evolved into the ideas you’ll see here. And whilst 2016 may have been a year many of us would sooner forget, when it comes to the wedding industry it was a corker! We were completely wowed with some of the most beautiful wedding trends yet – the wedding world was awash with not one but two colours of the year, florals were foraged and organic, playful proportions (whether tall and elegant or short and sweet) dominated when it came to cakes, whilst sophisticated long sleeves continued to be bridal favourites, for the details and decor texture was king; and couples got creative when it came to food! So, what are going to be the top wedding trends of 2017?……

Velvet

Ooh how I love this first trend – it speaks to my vintage adoring heart! Because velvet might have once been the fabric of choice for goths and the 90s, but today its the fashion forward and modern-vintage loving couple who are using this luxurious fabric to accentuate their big day. Yes, this is definitely one for the boys as well as the girls! Think jackets, or bow ties if your man is unconvinced, boutonnieres and bouquets, ceremony and reception decor; this is a look that adds wow wherever you use it. But it is also a trend most suited to accents – so choose one or two areas to add hints of velvet, rather than create a wedding awash with it!

Boutonnieres ~ Vervain, Photography by Sarah Hannam via B-Loved on Aisle Society // Groom ~ Jen Huang via Grey Likes Weddings // Tablescape ~ Anastasia Bruykhanova via Burnetts Boards // Place Setting ~ Lauren Kinsey Fine Art Weddings via SMP // Aisle Decor ~ Andie Freeman Photography via Wedding Chicks // Groom ~ Leighanne Herr via Junebug Weddings // Sweetheart Table ~ Emily Millay Photography via Ruffled // Stationery ~ Elisa Bricker Photography via 100 Layer Cake

Marble

This elegant trend has been quietly taking over from its watercolor predecessor throughout 2016. It all started (as these trends so often do) with wedding cakes, and is only expected to get stronger throughout this year, infusing every aspect of a wedding – from the stationery and the ceremony, to the table decor and favours – with understated opulence.

Place Setting ~ CB2 // Wedding Cake ~ Melissa’s Fine Pastries, Photography by Catherine Guidry via Style Me Pretty // Escort Cards ~ Danielle Poff Photography via 100 Layer Cake // Wedding Invitation ~ Dream Day Invitations // Wedding Cake ~ Elise Cakes, Photography by  Mallory Dawn Photography via Style Me Pretty // Centerpiece ~ Carlie Statsky via Magnolia Rouge // Wedding Stationery ~ The Sundae Creative

Drizzle Wedding Cakes

In recent years we have seen the rise of the naked (and the semi-naked) cake, and this delicious development is a move on for that trend. For those couples who are not a fan of icing, or whose budget won’t stretch to an elaborately iced confection, drizzle is a fun alternative – adding texture, color and an extra bit of yumminess to any cake.

Drizzle Wedding Cakes from Top Left: 1 ~ Sweet Empire, Photography by Brown Paper Parcel via Chic Vintage Brides // 2 ~ Buttercup Bakery, Photography by Mustard Seed Photography via 100 Layer Cake // 3 ~ Sweet Appetite, Photography ~ Elisabeth Van Lent Photography via Ruffled // 4 ~ Meredith Carlson Photography via SMP // 5 ~ Dessert First, Photography ~ Pierre Curry via Chic Vintage Brides // 6 ~ Cordy’s Cakes // 7 ~ Cake It Up // 8 ~ Vanilla Bake Shop, Photography by Tina Chou Photography via Wedding Chicks

Mismatched Grooms

A trend that started for bridesmaids is increasingly a firm favourite for our groom and groomsmen as well! And why not? For all the same reasons this works so well for our ladies, it works for our men too! Whether you choose different shades of the same color for a smart and cohesive look, or different style suits in contrasting and complimenting shades, or mismatching accessories, or just choosing a style and colour palette and leaving the rest to them; it saves $s if groomsmen can wear suits they already own or are happy to pay for as they will wear them again, is so much easier when planning weddings long distance, and most importantly of all allows your guys individual style and personalities to shine through.

Mismatched Groomsmen from Top: 1 ~ Marion Heurteboust via Green Wedding Shoes // 2 ~ Unknown // 3 ~ Studio Suits, Photography by Connie Whitlock via Green Wedding Shoes // 4 ~ Country Road , Photography by Jimmy Raper Photography via Nouba // 5 ~ Shipra Panosian via Ruffled // 6 ~ ASOS, Photography by Victoria Carlson via Green Wedding Shoes

Greenery

It may have been big in 2016, but Greenery is only going to get bigger in 2017 – especially after Pantone named it their color of the year! A modern take on the greenery (fern) obsession of the 1920s, it is great for creating a lush look without costing the earth; and is the perfect trend for the vintage, eco-conscious, boho or budget-limited brides. So whether you opt for a flower free wedding or use lush foliage as an accent, whether you choose it for bouquets, ceremony decor, tablescapes, garlands or all of the above, 2017 is all about greenery.

Bouquet ~ Studio Mondine, Photography by Meghan Mehan Photography via Wedding Sparrow // Ceremony Decor ~ Flowerwild, Photography by Jose Villa Photography // Boutonnieres ~ Clayton Austin // Braid ~ Grace Lin, Photography by Ether & Smith via SMP// Stationery ~ Written Word Calligraphy, Photography by We Are Origami Photography via The Wedding Playbook // Place Setting ~ Florette Designs, Photography by Jose Villa Photography via SMP// Wedding Cake ~ Decadence Fine Cakes & Confections, Photography by Jose Villa Photography via SMP// Getaway Car ~ EOS Transportation, Photography by Jose Villa Photography via SMP

Lush Florals

In 2017 weddings are going one of two ways, and if you haven’t chosen greenery (and your budget can stretch to it), then it is all about the lush florals! This is really a continuation and evolution of last year’s foraged trend: florals will remain organic with a beautiful mix of seasonal blooms, and in complex palette of colours. Whether it’s your bouquet, centerpieces, aisle decor, wedding cake or even your hair, think flowers, flowers, flowers. And when you think you have enough, add a few more, because when it comes to this trend, more is more!

Bouquet ~ Bows And Arrows, Photography by Kayla Barker Fine Art Photography via Chic Vintage Brides // Reception ~ Saipua, Photography by Jose Villa // Marquee Entrance ~ Shannon Michele Photography via SMP // Centerpiece ~ Bella Bloom, Photogrpahy by Valentina Glidden via Wedding Chicks // Centerpiece ~ Amber Persia, Photogrpahy by Naomi Kenton via Rock My Wedding // Bouquet ~ Wedding Flowers By Julia Rose, Photography by Camilla Kirk Photography via The Wedding Playbook// Aisle Arch ~ Amaryllis, Inc., Photography by Abby Jiu Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs // Wedding Cake ~ Juniper Designs, Photography by Melissa Marshall via Junebug Weddings

Heavenly Bridesmaid Dresses

Brides fearing being outshine by their besties is a thing of the past!  Today’s bride prefers to shine all the brighter surrounded by a bevvy of beautiful bridesmaids. Whether you choose glittering sequins, embellished metallic hues, ethereal shades of tulle, pretty pastels or bold jewel tones, bridesmaid dresses are long and alluring, ensuring your ladies look almost as lovely as you!

Blush ~ Adrianna Papell, Photography by Graham Terhune Photography via SMP// Dusky Blue ~ Adrianna Papell, Photography by Caroline Tran via SMP // Grey/Silver ~ Marissa Lambert Photography via Wedding Chicks // Ivory ~ Christina Brosnan via SMP // Gold ~ Elyse Jennings Weddings // Powder Blue ~ Weddings Belles, Photography by Jacqueline Dallimore via Wedding Sparrow // Navy ~ Watters WToo, Photography by Justin Demutiis Photography via Glamour & Grace // Garnet ~ Jenny Yoo, Photography by Plum & Oak via Ruffled

Floral Prints

This is a trend that has been about for a while but is going nowhere for 2017! Popular with brides and bridesmaids alike for some seasons now, in 2017 we will continue to see floral prints, in soft watercolors, old world paintings, whimsical designs and bolder graphic prints, gracing all elements of a wedding. Perfect for a Spring or Summer celebration, I think it is super romantic!

CAKES: Top Left ~ Cake Ink // Top Right ~ Fresh Bakes, Photography by Jodi & Kurt Photography via SMP // Bottom Left ~ The Cake and the Giraffe, Photography by Camilla Anchisi Photography via Aisle Society // Bottom Right ~ Nadia & Co, Photography by Mango Studios via Ruffled // Black ~ Hey there, Cupcake! via The Cake Blog // STATIONERY: Black ~ Ever After Press, Photography by Greg Finck via Wedding Sparrow // Left ~ Rifle Paper Co., Photography ~ Natasja Kremers via SMP // Right ~ Fox & Birch, Photography by The Happy Bloom via Chic Vintage Brides // WEDDING DRESSES: Left ~ Elizabeth Filmore Photography by Twah Dougherty via 100 Layer Cake // Right ~ Anna Be, Photography by Connie Whitlock via Snippet & Ink // Main ~ Romona Keveza via Wedding Inspirasi // BRIDESMAIDS: Top Left ~ Pretty Plum Sugar // Top Right ~ Jessica Burke via SMP // Bottom Left ~ Chi Chi London, Photography by Christine Doneé Photography via SMP // Bottom Right ~ ASOS, Maison Meredith Photography via The Perfect Palette

Eco & Ethical Weddings

With an increasing awareness of waste, especially in the wedding industry, couples are looking to create a more considerate wedding. Whether its recycling, upcycling or freecycling; conflict free, fair trade, organic, or local; this movement is all about couples limiting the impact of one day on the environment, celebrating their love whilst remaining true to their values, and still celebrating with style!

 Bride ~ Celia Grace // ‘Recycle’ Wine Barrel ~ Lane Dittoe Photography via SMP // Aisle Arch ~ Kristyn Hogan via Southern Weddings // DIY Wedding Sign ~ Taylor Lord Photography via SMP // Upcycled Seating Chart ~ Christina Carroll Photography via Style Me Pretty // Soft Drinks Station ~ Anna Jaye Photography via Ruffled // DIY Sign ~ Chloe Luka Photography via Chic Vintage Brides // Farmers Market Food ~ Ten22 Studio via Bridal Guide

Double Exposed Photographs

With the resurgence of film photography, along with the beautiful fine art style of light-filled photographs, we have also seen incredible pieces of art created by double exposure. Now this technique is difficult to achieve and almost impossible to perfect (so is certainly something you should discuss with your photographer rather than expect – even if you book a film photographer) but when they work, they really are amazing!

Top Left ~ Taralynn Lawton via Chic Vintage Brides // Top Right ~ Feather and Stone via Elizabeth Anne Designs // Bottom Left ~ Brooke Courtney Photography via Lovely Bride // Bottom Right ~ Sam Arroyo

So there you have it! I don’t know about you, but when it comes to weddings at least, I think 2017 is going to be a fabulous year! What do you think, spotted a trend you would like to include in your big day? Why not pick a fave or two, and make them yours with a personal spin, because when all is said and done, weddings are a celebration of your love, and should be done YOUR way! So don’t let your big day be defined by tradition, trends or fashion fads.

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

Amy

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