WEDDINGS
wedding trends
covered outdoor areas, The Rooftop Gardens is a wonderful space for wedding drinks, photographs and receptions. Gin is a drink gaining in popularity at weddings, as it is a fashionable spirit but also one that is the basis for cocktails. Consequently, it’s no surprise that having a gin bar at a wedding reception is trending. Personalising a wedding is important to brides and grooms with some also commissioning bespoke illustrations to enhance the décor and project their personalities on to the occasion. These could be an illustration of the couple, a crest, or a picture that has special meaning. The illustration can also be used as a theme or motif across stationery, invitations or name places or blend into the overall design of the day. Of course, the bride’s dress is still going to be the main focal point and, apparently, plunging necklines and statement sleeves are high on the list while other wedding dress trends include uneven hemlines and tiered skirts; fluttering sleeves; off-the-shoulder dresses; deep plunging V-necks; micro florals; capes and boho lace, with jewelled necklaces and over-sized earrings being the on-trend, must-have accessories. Louise Dace, who owns Fairytale Gowns in Stalham, said: “Brides are now stepping out of their comfort zone and opting for slightly muted tones: ivory/gold, ivory/blush, champagne…” Fabrics are also changing, too, as she explained: “Satin is making a huge comeback: this fabric allows for a fuller skirt with more structure. Lace will never die – fact! It’s always a winner and brides’ preferred choice.” As for dress necklines, Louise says that: “Anything goes… high necks, strapless, illusion necklines and tested styles, which compliment the figure, are all proven winners in the dress design stakes.” Fashions change for bridesmaid dresses, too, of course, as she adds: “We stock the Dressy dresses – they are utterly fabulous and can easily be worn again and again as a gorgeous, posh, maxi dress. These dresses are available in 86 different colour choices. Purples, blushes, muted greens, taupes and cameo seem to be brides’ preferred colours, as they go with many skin tones and are easily matched with accessories.” Louise has noticed all sorts of other trends when it comes to weddings, with food, favours, venues, entertainment and so on all changing according to the trends and fashions of the day. She says: “Chocolate fountains – love them or hate them – they still appear at
weddings. Hog roasts, fish and chip vans, ice cream parlours, cheese boards – you name it, they have it. Brides are opting for alternative ways on how to feed their guests.” Wedding favours are also altering – gone are the days when couples simply treated their guests to little muslin bags of pastel-coloured sugar almonds. Nowadays, they go for all kinds of different options, from charity donations, lottery tickets, sweets, home-made sloe gin, jam, preserves – you name it, they’ve thought of it! When it comes to music, discos are still a popular option, but contemporary couples often opt for something additional, too, such as a live band, magician, bouncy castle, casino tables – even releasing doves and, of course, treating their guests to fireworks. Quirky add-ons at modern weddings have even included baskets of blankets to keep guests comfortable when they want to carry on sitting outside after the sun has gone down, and wicker baskets full of socks for when guests’ feet ache and they want to take off their shoes and carry on dancing! Over the past few years, there has also been a trend for festival-style events, with lots of little outdoor stalls, or tents, making up one overall venue, so that guests can move around from one area to another – such as a music tent or ice cream area, for example – and have plenty to keep them occupied. Of course, children are often also invited to weddings, particularly the children of family members, and these days there are all kinds of ways of keeping them entertained, from traditional wooden Punch & Judy-type stands to magicians, inflatables, junior discos and so on. Today, the emphasis has moved from a wedding being mostly about the happy couple to creating an event that caters for everyone, and that keeps the guests entertained while the bride and groom are having their photographs taken, for example. To that end – and to ensure that the bridesmaids, groom and ushers also look the part – baskets of toiletries are often included in the restrooms, containing items such as hairspray, perfume, wet wipes, hand lotion, combs, aftershave, plasters and the like. When it comes to photos, photo booths are a fun diversion, where your guests can have their pictures taken and help build up a magical photo-diary of your special day. With flowers an integral part of the ceremony and the reception, fresh-from-the-garden, lush and locally-grown, seasonal, wild and foraged blooms have the widest appeal. Greenery and foliage are also popular choices. Colour trend predictions from some wedding experts for 2017 are the “shades of nude”, encompassing tones from pale beiges to soft, flesh-tone hues to pale, earthy neutrals. However, Claire Fowler, wedding and social events co-ordinator at Sprowston Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, said: “Rustic chic is still massively popular with hessian and pastel colours such as baby blues and muted pinks still coming through. “I am also seeing an increase in a Moroccan feel to the wedding with deep, rich colours such as emerald greens, ruby reds and royal blues. Lanterns filled with candles and a real warm feeling.” Whatever approach a bride and groom take to their wedding day, it has to be memorable and whether you follow these latest trends or simply create your own, remember that your wedding day should be as individual as you are.