Wedding Trends for 2017
New Color, Dress Styles, Food & Drink Stations, and More
So you think you know what you want at your wedding — chalkboard signs, outdoor lounge areas underneath softly lit lanterns hanging from tree branches, mason jars, and cream lace … but wait. Have you heard about this year’s trends? While rustic, shabby-chic weddings are still popular, there’s a new color of the year, for example, a new look in wedding gowns, and innovative reception must-haves. Below are just a few of the fads making nuptial news in 2017.
The Color: According to Pantone, its 2017 Color of the Year is greenery, a yellow-green shade (think lime zest, freshly manicured lawns, and sunlight streaming through summer trees), considered nature’s neutral. The Knot, Style Me Pretty, and Bridal Guide agree with the color greenery for dresses, accessories, and color theme and greenery as in plants, bringing the outside in and putting it on tables and hanging it from walls and the ceiling, even creating the feeling of being in a forest.
The Dress: Martha Stewart Weddings and Real Simple are among many sites that say that brides will be wearing dresses that are off-the-shoulder; have 3D embellishments, lace appliques, and embroidery; and have a cape or capelets. Don’t change last year’s dream of metallic colors woven into your day, because according to most sources, that aesthetic will remain in fashion.
Food & Drink Stations: Still popular this year will be food and drink stations, but taken to a new level such as cheese and charcuterie boards and craft beer or bourbon-tasting drink stations. Couples can also share their palate and personalities with guests with creative snack stations, such as soft pretzels with dipping sauces like melted cheese or cinnamon and sugar; a french fry bar with chili, gourmet vinegars, and artisanal ketchups such as Sriracha honey ketchup; or even a trail mix bar with sweet and savory ingredients.
Booths: A staple at most weddings is the photo booth, but now there are slo-mo, animated-GIF, and flip-book booths that will create the same fun effects that you produce on your phone every day. A new take on still photography will be the use of drones overhead to capture both videos and aerial stills.
What’s New: The hippest wedding trend I found most fascinating in 2017 is image mapping. This projection technology allows you to transform a space (or your cake) with lighting and moving pictures. You can bring the ocean or mountains into your ceremony, and at the reception, you can project an actual forest on the walls, creating a magical vibe while saving money on décor and flowers.
As you plan your day, try not to incorporate every new fad you are excited about as you don’t want to overwhelm your guests in a Pinterest pandemonium. It’s perfectly fine if you had your heart set on small suitcases filled with succulents as centerpieces or honoring a relative’s wishes. Just remember what the day is really about.
