1 Social media savvy
From hashtags and Snapchat filters to high-tech photo booths and selfie stations, your wedding isn’t complete without a proper social media presence. Creating a wedding hashtag is free, but experiencing your wedding through the eyes of your guests is priceless. Snapchat Geofilters allow couples and their guests to personalize photos and videos with a unique design to remember the special day. Photo booths have been transformed with touch screens and Wi-Fi, so guests can immediately upload photos to social media. Or, create your own “selfie-station” with a pretty backdrop. No matter how you utilize social media, “it’s a cool way for the couple to see what photos their friends and family have taken on the wedding day,” photographer Darrin Hackney said.
2. Big day beauty
Bridal hair and makeup trends come and go, but you can’t go wrong with a pearlescent polished look that highlights your natural beauty. This dreamy appearance matches any wedding theme and complements a variety of skin tones and features. For your makeup, try “soft pearlized eyes, illuminated fresh face and enhanced lips with a pink pout,” said Sheona Sleiman, owner of Backstage Makeup Studio. Using a pearly highlighter stick gives your face a glowy, not shiny, appearance. Complete the youthful, polished look by wearing your hair “down, messy Bohemian style with flowers,” said Elysia Rizo, owner of Femme Fierce. For an additional element of glamour, integrate pearls or crystals into the florals. This boho-meets-glam appearance pairs perfectly with a laid-back dress or adds an edge to a classic gown.
3. Modern makeover
Forget about the rustic wedding theme. “Contemporary and industrial wedding vibes are going to set the tone for some fabulous celebrations! Out with the ‘old,’ in with the ‘new’ modern designs,” said Ashley Moore, owner of Events & Design by Ashley. By choosing an industrial venue, little decor is needed because the space speaks for itself. The distressed brick walls can easily be dressed up with twinkling string lights. To continue the modern vibe, swap a traditional guestbook for an oversized metallic letter for loved ones to sign. Metallics have been on-trend for several wedding seasons, but now brides are leaning toward the softer side with copper, bronze, pewter or rose gold. “This new year brings softer, brushed metallics popping from bright white and color accents,” Moore said.
4. Dreamy dresses
From blush tones and 3D details to sheer elements and spectacular trains, brides are making bold choices when it comes to wedding dresses. “Soft tones of blushy-gold covered in detailed organic lace is popular right now for the wedding dress itself, and is more flattering on skin tones, too!” said Jillian Forsberg, sales manager of Dress Gallery. And the more detail on the dress, the better — “Lace can’t be simple anymore. It must have layers of color and texture to really give the bride’s dress a unique feel,” Forsberg said. Dresses with sheer elements, such as a covered illusion back, are popular right now. Or, opt for a low-back design complimented by a long lace train.
5. Gorgeous greenery
Weddings are going green — literally. Greenery can adorn wedding cakes, archways, aisles, table settings, signage, bouquets, hair pieces and invitations. These luscious arrangements with leaves, branches, vines and palms are replacing or supplementing florals to create a simplistic vibe. A combination of greenery can be integrated into ceremony backdrops or canopies as an alternative to the traditional arch adorned with flowers. “Brides are opting for an earthy connection, whether it is in their bouquets, table centerpieces or ceremony décor,” said Kianga Kelley, wedding venue coordinator at Botanica. “Our gardens are perfect for the budget-savvy brides searching for this inspiration.” For bouquets, “Trending right now is the wild grassy look with lots of assorted greenery that hangs down,” said Cheryl Dixon of Stems Floral. Wildflowers can add a splash of color to the arrangement.
6. Daring drinks
Get creative with your bar choices! Couples are putting more focus on this aspect of the wedding. “The bar used to be an afterthought and one of the last decisions to make, but a bar, if done properly, can be a main focal point and a great attraction to an event and wedding,” said Crystal McDonald, owner of Xclusive Event Services. One popular trend is to create a speakeasy feel by using fun garnishes, infused alcohols and homemade syrups. Or, put a twist on classic spirits. For example, instead of a simple margarita, serve a Watermelon & Basil margarita. “There are a lot of fun twists you can add to your favorite classic cocktail, and we will be seeing a lot more ‘non-traditional’ drinks,” McDonald said. Another trend is to feature drinks from local breweries and wineries. “You can create an entire bar with everything local,” she said.
7. Bold bling
Jewelry trends change from year to year, but diamonds are forever — which can make selecting the perfect ring a daunting task. If you want something timeless, but also glamorous, look at vintage-inspired designs. These rings have art deco flair and an heirloom quality. “Art deco is once again finding a place in women’s hearts and onto their ring fingers,” said Sally Auchterlonie of Randy Cooper’s Fine Jewelry. Custom rings are also increasingly popular for those who want something completely unique that reflects a woman’s personality. “Having a ring that no one else can buy out of a case is truly something special,” Auchterlonie said. Once you’ve found the perfect ring, it’s time to think about the wedding band. Brides are now choosing to stack multiple bands. “The more bands alongside your engagement ring, the better”.
Credits: please note the above is an extrct from Sourced : splurgemag.com
