Tip of the Day #86: Top Wedding Trends for 2017 – What’s In and What’s Out
Guys, seriously…where does the time go?! I just blinked and 2016 has already come and gone. This past year was filled with some pretty wild global news and has been dubbed the “worst year ever” year by countless media outposts. But you know what? Social and political news aside, we had the most amazing year celebrating the nuptials of 11 wonderful couples. In 2016 we saw lots of greenery and natural candlelight incorporated into décor, enjoyed designing custom favors that represented the unique personalities of our clients and planned wedding content and timelines that focused on the overall guest experience.
So then, what’s the big theme we anticipate seeing in 2017? Anything goes. Many brides are ditching the traditional white wedding with perfectly constructed blooms and customizing their weddings based on the couple’s shared interests and hobbies. Throw tradition to the wind and host your wedding as you see fit!
FOOD & DRINK
In 2017, it’s all about the seamless incorporation of specialty dietary items and fresh ingredients for nutrient conscious guests. Americans today are much more apt to pay a premium for healthy, fresh ingredients and weddings are no exception. Say buh-bye to hockey puck dried out filets and crusty mashed potatoes and hello to fresh ingredients and clean eating.
Source: My Baking Addiction
We also love the idea of clever food and beverage pairings plated in a playful way. Margaritas and one-bite tacos are a no brainer!
Source: Peter Callahan
One trend we wouldn’t mind seeing disappear is overly cutesy names for cocktails like the “Berry Happy Together Sangria.” Stick to the classics with seasonal ingredients and the traditional names of the bride and groom’s favorite libations. We just can’t picture guests ordering a “Peachy Smeachy Bellini”at a bar without a permanent eye roll from the bartender.
CAKE
We’ve seen an increase in brides and grooms choosing an array of small cakes instead of the traditional three-tier wedding cake. Various flavors and styles of desserts will appeal to the taste preferences of all guests.
Source: Brit.co
We also love the idea of cake toppers that represent a couple’s hobbies or heritage that can be repurposed as home decor after the wedding.
Source: Tallita Lisboa
FASHION
Boho dresses were huge in 2016. For 2017 we’re anticipating classic, timeless dresses with clean and modern lines. Dresses that show a little shoulder and décolleté will also be a big hit.
Source: Dipped in Lace
We also expect to see an increase in dresses featuring delicate floral appliques in place of 2016’s popular flower crowns.
Source: E! Online
We’re happy to see the see-thru lace bodice lingerie meets gown trend drop off. If you can’t imagine showing your wedding gown photos to your future grandchildren you should probably consider Plan B for your wedding day look!
DESIGN & DÉCOR
Greenery was named the 2017 Pantone Color of the Year so it’s no surprise that we expect to see greenery incorporated into wedding design. We’ve had a lot of requests for moss and non-floral decor elements for weddings. Architecture and home design magazines have become a huge inspiration for unique event design.
Source: Hi Miss Puff
Vertical space is often overlooked as an opportunity for event styling. In 2017 we anticipate seeing event design goin’ on up with clever lighting and styling!
Source: Design Sponge
Most clients today are more focused on the overall wedding day feeling than a specific scene or look. Millennials are big on experiential events and weddings are no exception. Brides and grooms today want to give their guests all the feels!
Source: BizBash
We also expect to see a lot of geodes and rocks used in event decor, invitations and escort cards. Rock on!
Source: JetFete
At the end of the day the most important trend {we hope it becomes a rule of thumb!} that seems to have stuck is designing wedding decor that makes sense for the venue. A rustic farm table does not make sense visually in a raw city space so brides are starting to scale back the Pinterest purge and create tasteful, timeless events. Save the bales of hay for weddings on the farm!
HAIR & MAKEUP
Wedding make-up is focused on creating a fresh faced look that enhances a bride’s natural beauty. We’ve also seen some requests for groom touch-ups using under-eye concealer, dry shampoo and matte powder to give the gents a polished look.
Source: Prive Beauty Group
We’re all about extensions for wedding hair. Regardless of the current length of your hair, extensions help to add body and texture which helps hold wedding day styles late into the night. Just be sure to enlist a pro to blend the strands to make the extensions look natural!
Source: DKW Styling
BACHELORETTE PARTIES
We’re so happy the trend of chill bachelorette parties has continued. Book a day of trapeze lessons, a day at the spa or a relaxing Sunday morning “Pancakes and Pajamas” fete. Because…who doesn’t love breakfast and pjs?!
Source: Style Me Pretty
INVITATIONS & PRINTED GOODS
Invitations are going 3-D! Unexpected and memorable designs reflective of a client’s personality and hobbies are the name of the game.
Source: WedMeGood
We also expect to see a lot of watercolor elements including envelopes, liners, invitations, menus and escort cards.
Source: Glamour & Grace
FLOWERS
Fussy is out, natural and manageable bouquets are in.
Source: The Knot
We also expect to see bold, bright flowers and interesting color combinations.
Source: ModWedding
ENTERTAINMENT
Traditional photo booths are out and custom artistic backdrops are in.
Source: Viva La Rosa
Many brides and grooms are opting for a “First Look” so that they can have a few words in private before sharing their ceremony with guests. It also helps to ease nerves for pre-wedding jitters.
Source: Green Wedding Shoes
We’re also loving regional appropriate entertainment. One of our wedding friends hosted a post-wedding pirate ship party the day after their destination wedding in lieu of a
traditional brunch. You’re never too old for a rope swing or walking the plank!
Source: Black Pearl Party Cruises
MUSIC
We’ve seen a trend in using pop music from artists like Jason Mraz and Bastille played on a harp or violin for ceremony music. It’s a fresh, unexpected way to set the tone for the wedding when incorporating traditional instruments with modern music.
We will forever love the idea of channeling local vibes into cocktail hour music. Steel drums work for tropical weddings and a folk music trio featuring a twangy banjo is a great option for Southern weddings.
Source: Brides of Oklahoma
LIGHTING
String lights, fairy lights and Edison bulbs will reign supreme in 2017. We also expect to see a lot of window curtain lights.
Source: Refinery29
FAVORS
Edible favors will always be on trend. Taking a nod from the food truck trend we love a sweet and savory late night packaged snack to go like a sweet ice cold Coca-Cola paired with salty fries.
Source: A Dash of Details
RECEPTION VENUES
Zika friendly wedding destinations have become a staple in the early stages of the planning process. Womp womp. Better to be safe than sorry!
Source: Borrowed & Blue
We’re also seeing a lot of off-season weddings {November – April} as well as shorter engagements in 2017. When you know you’ve found your match – you know!
Source: Junebug Weddings
Whether the trend stays or not we absolutely love the tipi and summer camp wedding vibe. We met Kristin of Indah Events at a bachelorette party of all places and fell in love with her Charleston-based tipi company. How. Stinkin’. Cool.
Source: Indah Events
PLANNING PROCESS
Brides are continuing to take design design inspiration from Pinterest but scaling back the black hole of DIY projects. We’ve also seen a steady increase in grooms participating in the planning process. Bravo, gents!
Source: Fox Blossom
TECHNOLOGY
Snapchat Geo Filters are the next big thing in wedding technology. We love creating custom filters for all of our clients and checking the {sometimes questionable} geo tags over the 24 hours following their wedding. Party on!
Source: Snap My Wedding
What are your thoughts? Love the list? Hate it? Weigh in on YOUR predictions for 2017 weddings and what you hope to see in the coming year!
WedInsider 