The 2018 wedding season has officially begun, and with it are new trends that will soon be all over Instagram and Pinterest. Whether you dream of tying the knot in a winter wonderland or heading abroad for a fabulous destination wedding, incorporating these trends into your nuptials will make your big day the talk of the town for years to come.
1. A Return to Elegance
What’s old is new, and in 2018, traditionally elegant weddings are making a comeback in a big way. While many recent wedding trends have focused on a softer, more bohemian look, top event planners have stated that formal dresses and classic tuxedos are experiencing a renaissance.
With the upcoming nuptials of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry in May, this year’s brides are sure to find plenty of inspiration from none other than the masters of classical weddings themselves, the British royal family.
2. Capturing Local Flavor
Although talented planners can make any venue resemble another place, more and more brides want a wedding that captures the true essence of their locale.
Whether you’re spicing up your wedding in an exotic location or staying close to home, consider how to highlight the best details and features of your chosen venue. This will help you create a truly memorable and authentic experience for your guests.
3. Thinking Small
Smaller weddings are another trend gaining popularity in 2018. From smaller bridal parties to smaller guest lists, many brides are doing away with huge wedding receptions and focusing on making their special day a more intimate affair. Sharing your big day with the people who matter the most in your life will create a cozy atmosphere filled with love and affection.
4. Silver and Blue
While rose gold has dominated the scene until now, dark blues and silver are quickly taking over as the hottest newest wedding color palettes. Consider incorporating navy or midnight blue when choosing your wedding colors to add a touch of elegance to your big day.
Whether you choose dark blue bridesmaid dresses with silver accents or midnight blue invitations embossed with silver calligraphy, these colors are both trendy and timeless.
5. Texture and Contrast
2018 brides are interested in creating visually captivating and memorable experiences for their guests through careful attention to the smallest details – from the textures of their gowns to the hues of their wedding decor.
To do this, many brides and top wedding planners are looking to haute couture for inspiration, taking cues from fashion runways around the world. This includes using unique textures and splashes of color to add contrast to both their decor and wedding ensembles.
If you prefer to keep your gown traditional, dressing up your reception tables with velvet or textured linens is an easy way to mix things up.
6. Dramatic Florals
In terms of popularity, moody florals in deep, bold colors are overtaking the soft, romantic pastels and flower crowns of the past. In 2018, floral arrangements are going to be all about the drama, with rich, saturated tones taking center stage.
Many brides are looking to incorporate robust colors such as burgundy, magenta, and blue in their bouquets. Some are even pairing these strongly colored petals with their jewelry to create a truly unique look.
With Ultra Violet as the official Pantone Color for 2018, you can also expect an increased emphasis on purple in wedding bouquets this year, from lilac and lavender to eggplant and wine.
7. Indoor Weddings
While outdoor weddings remain popular, indoor weddings are making a comeback. In particular, “Blank slate” locations such as industrial spaces have recently begun trending. They allow for a great deal of flexibility and truly enable you to make the space your own.
Indoor venues also eliminate the need to worry about inclement weather, which means you don’t have to make backup plans if it’s raining outside – a big plus when picking a venue.
8. Into the Woods
Even though rustic outdoor weddings are no longer in vogue like they were in the early 2000’s, the woodsy theme is still in demand. Rather than barn venues with a casual, bohemian vibe, 2018 brides are bringing the outdoors inside. The past six months have seen an increase in intricately hand carved, wooden decor accents, as well as an emphasis on greenery rather than heavy florals.
Potted plants as aisle decorations, foliage-only tablescapes, and hanging hoops at your reception are all easy ways to blend this trend into your wedding.
For brides with a flair for the dramatic, elaborate floral pieces hanging from the ceiling are another gorgeous and trendy way to make a statement on your big day.
9. Minimalism and Geometry
As wedding trends continue to move away from the relaxed boho style of the past few years and moved back towards indoor weddings, a new focus on architecture has emerged.
Thoughtful, curated structure is on the mind of many a 2018 bride, and with the rise of mid-century design, many are interested in clean, modern minimalism. Decor elements with geometric shapes, monochromatic table decorations, and translucent materials such as lucite are on the rise.
Incorporating this minimal aesthetic into your wedding is as simple as adorning your tables with small, metallic candle holders to add an elegant yet modern element to your decor.
Want something more elaborate? Pair the elegance of geometric design and the beauty of nature with a minimalistic backdrop accented with greenery.
Have you heard of any other 2018 wedding trends on the rise? We’d love to hear from you in the comments!
Also, if you’re looking for ideas on how you can incorporate these trends into your own wedding, you can find lots of great pictures and inspiration on our Facebook and Pinterest pages!