Tip of the Day #85: Top Wedding Trends for 2016 – What’s In and What’s Out

Tip of the Day #85: Top Wedding Trends for 2016 – What’s In and What’s Out Another year, another trend {or two} has come and gone! 2015 was a fun year for planning filled with bold bridal trends like crop top wedding dresses and wedding hashtags galore. Brides were seeing green with centerpieces of succulents and mismatched bridesmaid dresses reigned supreme.

We predict many of 2015’s trends are here to stay but there are a few fun new trends we expect to see in the upcoming year!

FOOD & DRINK Family style dining will forever be en vogue and we expect to see gueridon service become popular where servers customize meals right at the table.

Photo via WeddingWire

Appetizers will take on a simpler approach with edible vessels and true bite size portions so that guests aren’t left with an armful of empty plastic spoons and an oversized mouthful of crab cake.

Photo via Hungry Happenings

Local and cultural flavors will remain a popular option for couples to share their favorite flavors with guests.

Photo via Bridesmaids Uncorked

CAKE Naked cakes are still a popular dessert option but we think 2016 will be the last year for this style to be the top pick for desserts.

Photo via Good Housekeeping UK

We also expect to see traditional styled cakes with funky and unexpected flavor profiles.

Photo via Blogher

FASHION

Similar to 2015, many brides will opt for blush, off-white and beige dresses in 2016.

Jim Hjelm gown via brides.com

Capes and dresses with sleeves will continue to be a welcome addition to bridal fashion thanks to inspiration from Kate Middleton and a return to traditional elegance.  We are happy to see the sheer lace bodice trend move along!

Deep V-neck dresses also reigned supreme on the fall bridal runway.

J Mendel gown via brides.com

Sheer skirts emulating an ethereal boho vibe will be popular in the upcoming year.

Hayley Paige Gown via brides.com

We love wedding robes for bridesmaid gifts.  They are also the perfect outfit for brides to go from getting ready to puttin' on the gown. Our friends at Posy Robes have the most gorgeous, flattering rayon robes in beautiful prints that look incredible in getting ready photos.

Photos via Posy Robes

DESIGN & DÉCOR Pinterest and celebrity copy-cat weddings are out. Brides are now choosing to do weddings their own way with celebrations that feature their passions, hobbies, hometowns and personal style.

Photo via Brit

Brides are approaching wedding planning with the goal of achieving an overall “vibe” rather than a traditional “theme.”

Photo via 100 Layer Cake

Brides are also taking a nod from interior design and incorporating interesting fabrics and lighting options to create a cozy and unique wedding setting.

Photo via Grey Likes Weddings

Unbuttoned elegance and mismatched décor elements have become popular as brides place focus on the guest experience rather than just matching flowers to linens and chairs.

Rose gold is still a popular option for design and décor elements.

Photo via Ruffled Blog

We are fans of the Pantone colors of the year, Rose Quartz and Serenity, but hope to see them separately – the combination screams baby nursery.

HAIR & MAKEUP

Effortless chic is the name of the game. Floral crowns had their time in the sun and brides are now opting for loose braids, bohemian buns and polished low buns.

Photo via Belle the Magazine

We also love the look of Gatsby inspired beaded headpieces to add a touch of glam.

Etsy shop Lottie Da Designs

BACHELORETTE PARTIES

We are so in love with the idea of glamping and alcohol-free bachelorette parties to keep your best babes looking and feeling fit.

Our dear friends at Healthy Hens out of Melbourne, Australia plan bachelorette party retreats that include beach accommodations, group yoga, pilates and meditation sessions, surf lessons, custom beauty treatments and healthy meals and juices for a blissful weekend away. Sign. Us. Up!

INVITATIONS & PRINTED GOODS Invitation details like patterned inner envelope liners will be a popular option for invitations. Modern, funky calligraphy and antique stamps will continue to be a strong trend.

Photo via Cheree Berry

Brides in 2016 will also incorporate additional elements in invitation suites including maps, weekend itineraries and personal anecdotes or logos.

Wedding itinerary via Etsy Shop SuitePaper

FLOWERS

Flower market fresh is the name of the game! Brides are opting for free-form, hand-tied asymmetrical arrangements of seasonal blooms – a combination of different colors and textures to make the perfectly unperfect bouquet.

Ombre flowers will be a popular option for monochromatic centerpieces in varying shades.

Photo via Sitting in a Tree

We also recently spotted wearable blooms.  Seems like a tough trend to pull off for the whole night but it is a beautiful idea for photos!

Photo via Botanical Brouhaha

ENTERTAINMENT Photo booths will remain a popular entertainment option for the upcoming year.  Our friends at PhotoMeUp Photobooths have the photobooth game down pat with a booth that fits 6, fun props, changeable backdrops and customizable photo strips.  No need to fuss with a selfie stick.  Say cheese!

Traditional board games and backyard activities are also a fun option for outdoor celebrations to keep guests both young and old entertained.

MUSIC

We’re expecting to hear a lot of 60’s and 70’s rock mixed with modern day pop – a perfect combination of tunes to get both the younger and older guests out on the dance floor.

LIGHTING

This year we expect to see lots of pendant lights with bare Edison lightbulbs, chandeliers and candelabras.

Photo via Hey Wedding Lady

FAVORS

There is a stronger emphasis on welcome baskets than favors as many couples are opting for destination weddings.  Local libations and snacks will always remain a popular option for gifts.

Photo via Elizabeth Ann Designs

RECEPTION VENUES

Barns are still a popular option but you won’t be seeing nearly as many mason jars as years past.

Photo of Bonnet Island Estate via Sarah Tew Photography

PLANNING PROCESS

Brides today suffer from information overload. Modern brides are savvy, smart shoppers, quite capable of researching their wedding details but are painfully short on free time. We are seeing many more couples coming to us seeking help with both planning coordination and design recommendations so that they can truly kick back and enjoy their special day.

TECHNOLOGY Drones have quickly become a popular option for aerial wedding photography.

Instagram reigns supreme and the wedding social media app of choice. Wedding hashtags are the ultimate necessirty to track candid photos from an engagement thru to the very end of the wedding reception and beyond.

Photo via Peaches and Mint

What are your thoughts?  Love the list?  Hate it?  Weigh in on YOUR predictions for 2016 weddings and what you hope to see in the coming year!