CW Networking Event ‘Trends’ – Michael Richards, Your London Wedding Magazine

Tonight’s first trend is….

Wedding Food

Drip cakes, +437%

Drip cakes are the new naked cakes (icing lovers rejoice!)

The design incorporates one main colour, on-trend pale shades, and then a contrasting a bright-toned icing is drizzled on top, running down the sides to create this eye-catching finish to the cake. It’s most common on a multi-layer, single tier design, though you could go multi-tier for a real showstopper!

Brunch weddings, +35%

Daytime weddings with brunch-themed menus are on the rise. As a nation, we apparently love breakfast at any time of day; gone is the five-course sit-down option which has been replaced by the all-day breakfast, or continental favourites such as pastries and preserves.

Part of this increasing ‘brunch trend’ is the addition of sweet items, I personally love the up-and-coming doughnut wall

(google it, trust me you won’t be disappointed with what you see!).

Personalized drink stations, +50%

A great interactive addition to any reception is a DIY drink station. Enabling guests to personalise their beverage choices – gin and tonic, coffee and syrups, mocktails and cocktails – this theme works whatever your tipple!

For presentation; opt for vintage jars with taps, mini milk bottles or even frozen Pimms in ice-lolly moulds for something different!

A more detailed cocktail hour, +60%

Couples are ditching traditional post-ceremony drinks & canapes and giving guests a fun and tasty alternative: Creative food and drink pairings such as small hamburgers with shots of beer or cider or oysters with sparkling wine are on the rise! For a summer refresher, a cosmopolitan jelly shot paired with an elderflower flavoured sorbet would make you nuptials so on-trend!

Taco Party, +132%

We could blame it on the rise of the taco emoji last year, or just that brides- and grooms-to-be have realised that Tacos stations, mobile pizza bars and all-things-grilled cheese from food trucks create a fun, tasty and budget-friendly food option – you can serve up street food from all corners of the globe at your London wedding! It doesn’t get hotter and fresher than this big trend.


Wedding Style & Fashion

Wedding tattoos, +116%

Because tattoos + marriage = forever. Couples are getting inked with their wedding dates, wedding bands and floral bouquets to mark their love and the occasion.

Off the shoulder wedding dresses, +158%

Having been big in mainstream fashion the trend has made its way into bridal style.  Expect to be seeing a lot of these at upcoming weddings.

Statement earrings, +67%

Brides are making a statement when it comes to accessories, particularly earrings. Don’t think Pat Butcher from EastEnders as that would-be way off the mark.

Big can be beautiful. Think custom designed pieces with precious stones finishing off the look.

Printed bridesmaid dresses, +50%

Printed, and often mismatched bridesmaid’s dresses are continuing in popularity. Whether it’s a sassy and bold, or a classic colour in varying styles, the bride’s best gals are expressing their personalities in their bridesmaid-style choices.

Blue suits for grooms, +90%

Men are having fun with colour, as grooms are passing on traditional black or grey suits for a more fun, brighter blue hue with a colour-pop of floral prints.

The continuing rise of the tailor-made suit means that big day looks (and budgets) aren’t just reserved for the bride’s dress.

Wedding Beauty

Just as important as the fashion and accessories are, big day looks wouldn’t be complete without hair and beauty being taken into account.

This year is all about pink eyeshadow and berry lips (I’m reliably informed) which was spotted at the most recent Bridal fashion week!

Lip masks, +388%

Speaking of lips…skincare routines are definitely a must. Thanks to Emma Stone’s Golden Globes beauty look, collagen lip masks are all the rage.

Perfect pouts are the order of the day!

Simple, polished updos, +83%

Goodbye fussy bridal updos. This year it’s all about simple, polished glamour. Updos are not only, a little bit more weather-proof, but they also highlight a glowing face, neckline and gorgeous back details on a bride’s chosen gown.

Wedding Decor 
Autumn weddings
, +280%

Brides & grooms have decided this is the season to get married and love to highlight the colours, the weather, the food – it makes a fab time of year to tie the knot.

Green. 

Pantone announced its colour of the year which is Greenery, THE colour in weddings this year, +300%

Brides are ditching pretty pastel floral details, for bold rustic looks with plenty of foliage!

 

Rose colour, +255%

Pink is having a moment in fashion and design, and it’s also making waves again into the wedding world too. This isn’t the pink of the past – it’s done in a cool new way, think rose gold and coral hues, or tropical pink teamed with a contrasting blue.

 

Keeping it intimate, +100%

Less is more – brides are choosing to go with fewer bridesmaids, or sometimes none at all! This decision ensures the focus is all about the couple.

Wedding Travel

Travelling far and wide has never been easier and honeymoons are no exception.

Romantic honeymoon destination: Santorini, Greece, +70%

Santorini, a picturesque Greek isle, is becoming a popular honeymoon destination for it’s obvious beauty. With a flight time of 4 hours from London couples can be sunning it up in next to no time as husband and wife!
Adventure honeymoon destination: New Zealand, +125%

New Zealand is full of stunning hikes and scenic views. It’s the perfect place for couples who seek outdoor adventure at every turn.
Mini moons, +122%

Couples are postponing honeymoons and taking shorter, local minimoons. They are some fantastic places to mini-moon. Coastline, Forests, Spas, Cities, Historical sites – the UK has it all.