Key Predicted Wedding Trends for 2014
With 2013 drawing to a close and the holiday season nearly upon us, planning next year’s wedding can seem like a monumental task. Wedding trends change often, although classic and traditional nuptials are always in vogue, 2013 saw some unusual and exciting new twists on the staples such as cake, the bride’s gown, decorations and even vehicles. For those who want a fashionable, stylish wedding, it can be a challenge to keep up with all the latest trends, never mind all those other things you need to think about such as seating arrangements and which bridesmaid takes precedence as matron-of-honor. To help you with your wedding planning, here’s a round-up of all the key predictions for wedding trends in the New Year, drawn from some prominent experts in the wedding, fashion and events industry. Now all you need to do is try and choose between them…
Black Tie Returns
With the recent popularity of period dramas, The Great Gatsby taking the cinematic world by storm and department stores showing these influences in their latest advertising campaigns, those in the know predict a return to a more formal style for weddings in 2014, with a good helping of luxury thrown in. The black tie returns for the men, with the classic sumptuous ivory gown complete with train and veil for the bride, as seen on the catwalk by such designers as Carolina Hererra and traditional bouquets of lilies or similar. Tall table centerpieces and natural lighting complete with candles add to the traditional yet romantic feel. For those who want an injection of vintage the nineteen twenties and thirties Art Deco style looks to be popular, and little flourishes and a few period pieces will fit in exactly with the more formal, black tie feel. In keeping with The Great Gatsby influence go for a traditional vehicle, for example a luxurious and classic wedding car such as a convertible Beaufort or a Studebaker. To keep things a little more modern but still beautifully classic go for a suave James Bond feel with a traditional British vehicle such as an Aston Martin or even a Rolls Royce Phantom to arrive in style and comfort.
Go Green – or Lavender
Going in the other direction, eco-friendly and more simple – often outdoors – weddings look to be a key trend for 2014 also, with recycled materials used where possible and environmentally friendly transport – think a horse drawn carriage or tandem bicycle rather than the sumptuous vehicles mentioned above. Wildflowers or lavender sprigs look set to be popular with this trend, both for bouquets and centerpieces and even bridal head gear, and indeed some of the colors predicted to be big for wedding and bridesmaid gowns in 2014 are pretty vintage shades of green, blue and lavender, with pretty, lace and beadwork inspired styles such as those seen at the Barcelona Bridal show, designed by Rosa Clara. This trend is likely, given the outdoorsy feel, to be more popular in the spring and summer seasons, and offers lots of options for those who want an environmentally friendly wedding and/or have a smaller budget.
Themes and Topics
Another trend predicted by wedding experts for the coming year is the rise of themes, inspired by particular passions or hobbies of the bride and groom. It has never been easier to have your wedding personalized, from writing your own vows to having personalized stickers on the bottoms of the guests shoes, and so many couples may opt to give their weddings an individual feel that reflects their personalities and tastes. Of course wedding themes are nothing new, particularly among celebrities, whether it be Pamela Anderson getting married in a white bikini for her Baywatch reminiscent nuptials or Kevin Costner’s Western style wedding, complete with mini-rodeo, but this is a trend that has become more accessible to the general public in recent years. Be prepared then for more individual weddings this year, whether they be inspired by a love of rock, abstract art or even Harry Potter. Dress designers have picked up on this trend for individual style, and as well as classic gowns and floaty vintage dresses the catwalks have seen feathers and fringes, crochet and rhinestones and a variety of hemlines. Particularly stunning and very individual is the new ice-blue color for wedding gowns, introduced to the catwalk by Victorio and Lucchino. Whatever your preferences, 2014 could see you spoiled for choice.
Thank you to Melissa Hopkinson for writing today’s blog!