Some brides and grooms are currently planning their perfect 2020 weddings, while others are making last-minute adjustments to plans for a wedding that’s just a few months away. Whether your nuptials are next year, in a few weeks or not till 2021, it’s fun to keep an eye on the trends highlighted on wedding websites across the country that are having a moment — or are about to.
From flowers to favors, here are some of the biggest wedding trends forecasted for the upcoming seasons.
EXPERIENTIAL FAVORS: Couples have been getting their wishes granted via experiential wedding registries, and that trend is boomeranging back to guests in the form of experiential wedding favors. Rather than a sachet of Jordan almonds or a decorated photo frame, brides and grooms are organizing outings for their wedding guests as an add-on to the big day. Think sunset booze cruises, guided nature walks, cocktail mixology classes or just a gourmet ice cream truck setting up shop outside the venue or hotel, to treat guests to a sweet surprise.
FLOWERS: Upcoming weddings are all about the drama, and that includes bold flower arrangements — whether on tables and walls or held in hand. Nontraditional plants and blooms are also hot, including ornamental grasses and dried flowers as a décor element, artfully arranged food as part of table decorations, and feathery ferns lining the aisle. White or neutral bridal bouquets continue to be popular, while some brides are opting to go with a single striking bloom in a clutch of greenery. Now that’s a show-stopper.
COLORS: Color themes are always a very personal choice, but hues are trending darker and more vivid than in years past. Rust is having a moment, and that includes copper accents on tables as well. Pantone’s predictions for spring and summer 2020 suggests a sea theme, “from inky blues and bio-luminous neons, to summer browns and seaweed greens.” Plan accordingly!
CEREMONIES: As wedding ceremonies start to get shorter, couples are incorporating new elements and setups to enhance the experience. Ceremonies in the round are gaining popularity, as they feel more intimate and give everyone a great view of the happy couple. Thanks to the internet, friends now often serve as officiants rather than clergy, and couples are starting to mix up another traditional role by giving flower girl duties to treasured older women in their lives. Watching a couple of proud grandmothers walking down the aisle dropping petals will make the whole crowd smile.
DÉCOR: We know this isn’t prom, but well-styled colorful balloons are, ahem, popping up to bring a bit of fun to more traditionally understated wedding décor. Speaking of understated, the first of two wildly popular décor trends is the minimalist look: small flowers, simple place settings (metallic charger plates have a nice sheen that dresses up the table just a tad), deep green garlands draped across tables, letter boards and light boxes for wedding signage, and transparent ceremony programs. On the other end of that spectrum is "maximalism": dramatic flower arrangements, extravagant centerpieces, crystal chandeliers and lots of lush fabrics.
BEAUTY: In an age of Facetune and photo filters, the bride who showcases her natural beauty is a true stunner, and more wedding couples are opting to go easy on the glam when it comes to hair, makeup and nails. Look for messy buns, minimalist makeup, fresh faces and clear or opaque nails. Tiaras are being replaced by headbands, both of the simple boho style and the bold, bejeweled variety. And flowers, barrettes and even floppy hats were seen on the 2019 runways of Bridal Fashion Week in April, so it looks like brides have plenty of options for creating a signature, trendy look on top.
