Wedding Trends You Need to Know Before You Start Planning

The Fall 2015 bridal fashion show runways featured dresses in sheer fabrics with beautiful embellishments, illusion necklines, and even colored gowns (think blush or mint!). And expect to see brides in more than just one dress: “In 2014, celebrities like Solange Knowles and Amal Alamuddin paved the way for brides by rocking up to three different wedding day outfits,” says Kellee Khalil, founder and CEO of Lover.ly. That variety could mean, “we’ll see more brides wearing pantsuits, crop tops, and dresses with unique cutout details,” she says.

Who says you can’t have a “best woman” or a “bridesman?” “We’re seeing more brides including males in their bridal party and grooms adding a few ladies to their group as well,” says Khalil. Whether your bridal party includes both sexes or not, many brides are offering their attendants more flexibility with attire. Rather than have each woman in the exact same style, bridesmaids are selecting their own dresses to match a swatch of fabric picked by the bride, says celebrity wedding planner Mindy Weiss. “Mixing long and short dresses is also very popular right now,” she says. No matter the style, expect to see a lot of blush, cobalt, and marsala (the Pantone color of the year) gowns, says Khalil. As for the men? Navy suits, hand-tied bow ties, and fabric floral boutonnieres are all on trend for 2015, says Weiss.

Photo courtesy of Stacey Hedman.

“So many couples want to skip the cake,” says Weiss. But for those tied to the idea of having one, Khalil anticipates a shift back to the traditional, tiered fondant cake this year—complete with elaborate or personalized cake toppers. And don’t be surprised if your slice isn’t chocolate or vanilla: “From a funfetti-inspired flavor to a Bourbon-infused cake, most bakers are happy to customize wedding cakes to make sure they are unique and reflective of each couple’s tastes,” says Tracy Taylor Ward, a wedding planner in New York City.

Photo courtesy of Stacey Hedman.

Tasting menus are big this year, says Silvia Pizzetti, owner of Crave.it, a bakery, café, and catering company in New York City. “Brides and grooms wanting their guests to enjoy delicious foods in a great variety like to offer carefully prepared, small plate menu items using locally sourced ingredients,” she says. As for late night snacks, “there’s definitely a food truck craze that started a few years ago and is still very much alive,” says Ward. “From savory trucks that provide pizza, tacos, and Thai food, to sweet trucks that provide ice cream, crepes, waffles, and candy, there seems to be a truck to meet any and all requirements.”

Photo courtesy of Stacey Hedman.

“Monochromatic weddings, most popularly in white, are holding steady for 2015,” says Ward. “Regardless of the season, the all white wedding is forever popular due to its chic and timeless style.” As for décor, “shabby chic still reigns,” says Khalil. Look for vintage china and handmade signs or details.

Photo courtesy of Stacey Hedman.

Out with the structured and in with the whimsical, overflowing bouquets. Expect to see arrangements full of lush flowers, like peonies, hydrangeas, dahlias, and garden roses paired with greenery, like lemon leaf, eucalyptus, and dusty miller, says Khalil. “Another trend that seems to be emerging is the use of more specialized blooms for wedding flowers,” says Ward. Species like parrot and honeymoon tulips or catelya and lady slipper orchids are “incredibly beautiful and help create a very sophisticated aesthetic,” she says.

Photo courtesy of Stacey Hedman.

For the invitation suite, expect to see more custom designs. “Think creative details like a custom illustration of the couple, a watercolor painting of their venue, or a design that tells the story of how they met,” says Khalil. To tie everything together, many couples will wrap the stationery suite with ribbon or lace, add luxurious envelope liners, and use modern calligraphy to address envelopes, she adds.

Photo courtesy of Stacey Hedman.