14 Wedding trends to know now
From the latest designer gowns to the most instagrammable flowers, here are 14 wedding trends you need to know now...
1. Running away
“Since we photographed our first Scottish elopement on an unforgettably dark and misty day on the Isle of Skye, we’ve watched the popularity for this type of wedding skyrocket. More and more couples want to step away from the traditional wedding in favour of something more personal and intimate. Elopements are a great way for couples to escape and embark on a romantic adventure focusing on nothing but their relationship with one another and the beautiful scenery that surrounds them,” Dylan Kitchener, photographer, thekitcheners.co.uk
2. Floral installations
“Whether it’s full on floral or more of a wild foraged foliage look, installations are becoming really popular with couples who want to add wow factor to their venue. These designs can range from ceremony backdrops and wall arches to large arrangements which hang above tables, floral chandeliers, or hoops dressed with foliage. Dried flowers and pampas grasses work particularly well in these types of display, adding height and creating a real bohemian vibe.” Aoife McGregor, florist, feathergrassflorals.co.uk
3. The 'new bohemian'
“The ‘vintage’ boho look has been on-trend for brides over the last few seasons and this year, it’s moving forward with a chic updated version of the romantic style. Think vintage lace but appliqued onto a modern silhouette and soft colours layered over classic ivory. Without question, Alice Temperley does this the best - my newest collection of hair accessories was inspired by her use of colour. Take inspiration from great grandparents wedding photos and give them a contemporary, personalised twist. For example style a vintage-look gown with a statement floral crown made of gleaming pearls.” Rachel Scott, owner of Rachel Scott Bridal Couture, rachelscottcouture.co.uk
4. Marquise diamonds
“When it comes to engagement rings, solitaire diamonds have long been the most popular choice but, in 2019, the round brilliant cut will have some competition from more contemporary shapes such as the striking marquise cut.” Debbie McKernan, head of jewellery, hamiltonandinches.com
5. Boat neck bridesmaids
“Meghan Markle’s neckline of choice is set to be huge for 2019. It’s flattering, easy to wear and looks beautiful for a classic bridesmaid look. Paired with simple jewellery and a loosely pinned up-do, we think friends and family of brides-to-be will be breathing a sigh of relief that it’s a look they’ll actually want to wear. If you’re struggling to find dresses that suit all of your bridal party, remember you can always pair a boat neck top with a skirt too.” Fern Godfrey, Editor, rockmywedding.co.uk
6. The undone 'do'
“When it comes to wedding hair, it’s not about anything formal or fussy anymore. Our brides like a simple and casual style, soft, loose and messy, tousled rather than curled, with a romantic, powdered finish rather than anything too polished. It’s all about achieving a look you could almost do yourself.” Julie McGuire, hair stylist, Beehive Hair, beehivesalon.co.uk
7. Multi-tasking cakes
“Tastes have moved away from a traditional fruit wedding cake to something lighter decorated with fresh fruit and flowers. Couples often opt for doubling up their wedding cake as dessert with a mix of flavours in a tiered cake or on a cake table. The cakes are fresh and full of flavour and it means guests actually end up eating them rather than admiring them. It also saves a bit of money as you don’t pay for an additional dessert course.” Hannah Graves, cakemaker, @creamed_edinburgh
8. Boys in blue
“Watches with blue faces have become more and more popular recently and are a really good way for the groom to make a subtle style statement on the big day. Many brides buy a special timepiece for the traditional groom’s gift and choosing a unique style like this IWC design also takes care of that age-old ‘something blue’ tradition.” Mark Wan, watch specialist, laingsuk.com
9. Family-style dining
“The main request we get is for a sharing element with the food, inspired by eating styles in other cultures like Turkish mezze and Indian thali, which offer lots of different dishes that balance into a delicious meal. It works so well for a big celebration as it looks beautiful on the table, offers something to suit every taste and creates a fun atmosphere for guests to mingle,” Polly Higginson, caterer, kitcheneast.com
10. 'Fresh out of a facial' skin
“This trend is all about glowing skin and minimal coverage, the kind of look that enhances a woman’s features rather than trying to cover them. It’s super achievable and all comes down to clever layering. Opt for illuminating moisturisers to add glow and hydration, then layer a little face oil on the highest point of your cheeks. Finally, use a tinted moisturiser all over then just pinpoint your coverage with full cover concealer in the areas you need it most.” Amy Conway, Bobbi Brown Senior Pro Artist, bobbibrown.co.uk
11. Latermoons
“We’ve seen couples breaking the habit of going on honeymoon right after the wedding. Instead, they’re booking the honeymoon a few months later because they want to get married in Spring or Summer then go to a long-haul destination like the Maldives, where the weather is better later in the year,” Joanne Dooey, Vice-president of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association, spa.org
12. Virtual wedding planning
“Lots of couples assume that having a wedding planner is still a privilege for the super-rich but it doesn’t have to be pricey. We’ve just launched a new online wedding planning service, offering bespoke styling for just £200. All couples have to do is email us details on their venue, vision and budget and we can create a bespoke moodboard and online shopping list featuring everything they need to style their day.” Alison Lovett, wedding planner and stylist, unionweddings.co.uk
13. In the navy
“Navy has been a real hit with grooms recently and is sure to be one of our top sellers this wedding season. Classic, smart and sophisticated; it also complements any colour scheme and is a flattering choice for all members of the wedding party,” Declyn Cooper, buyer, slaters.co.uk
14. Venues fit for royalty
Make like Meghan and Harry with the grandest of wedding settings. Here’s three close to the historic capital sure to impress...
PRESTONFIELD HOUSE
You’ll find this exclusive five-star hotel in Newington within 20 acres of lush lawns and camera-ready gardens. It has 23 opulent rooms and suites and caters for everything from a private wedding for two in its candlelit Salon Privée to large family weddings for 120 to 360 guests in the Stables Ballroom. prestonfield.com
MELVILLE CASTLE
Dating back to 1786, Melville Castle is a lovingly restored castellated mansion just 20 minutes from the city centre. The historic hotel has 33 bedrooms and can accommodate a ceremony of up to 100 guests in The Ballroom. Larger ceremonies have the option of the pavilion marquee. melvillecastle.com
BARNBOUGLE CASTLE
This unique castle overlooking the Firth of Forth opens its doors in spring 2019 but pre-bookings are available now. Sitting within the Dalmeny Estate, with private beaches and landscaped grounds, the exclusive hire venue has two large event spaces catering for up to 120 guests. Groups of up to 350 have the option of marquees in the garden. roseberyvenues.co.uk