After a busy year of hosting weddings, Hand Picked Hotels have compiled some of the key wedding trends for 2017 and what they predict will be hot as it looks forward to the New Year.
As the engagement season closes and the wedding planning phase begins, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the curve, and check out what new and creative trends are emerging to help shape the look and feel of your special day.
When it comes to drink, Prosecco is still a popular option for wedding receptions together with cocktails, and having locally produced craft beer and wine is on the rise as well. Gin is the spirits industry’s latest muse and there are many ways to include this drink into your celebrations besides the classic G&T, including wedding favours, a gin bar or even in your décor.
Not everybody is opting for a full three-course wedding breakfast now with some preferring a number of canapés instead, sharing platters or afternoon tea to make it into a more social experience. As the sit-down dinner is replaced with interactive, multi-course options, food trucks and pizza vans are another huge trend making its way into the wedding scene. Why not set up set up stations that feature your favourite foods, or work with us to develop a custom menu that is special to you as a couple. The UK is starting to recognise the importance of seasonal and local food, and this ethos is very much part of our DNA at Hand Picked Hotels and influences every dish on our menus.
When it comes to venue dressing, couples are looking for a natural look – think (long, rectangular) table settings featuring wood and stone with lanterns and mismatched candles. As bunting and chair covers go out, expect to see dramatic hanging décor achieved by suspending flowers or fairly lights or Edison bulbs from the ceiling. Pantone named ‘Greenery’ as the Colour of the Year so we think the trend for foliage will carry on way into 2018. Neutrals and pastels have paved the way for a total return to colour too, with bold shades and bright colour pairings on the rise.
Themes that have been around and still making themselves known are rustic, vintage and romantic – which go hand-in-hand with outdoor venues (which we can offer), and there has also been a movement towards whimsical and high drama. Couples are still opting for a personal, intimate feel for their wedding, inviting fewer guests and putting more of their money towards the décor, menu, music and entertainment. Wedding guru David Tutera believes the ceremony and after party should be at a single venue, and with 20 stunning country house hotels to choose from, that is entirely possible at a Hand Picked wedding venue.
For some brides the gown is the most important part of the wedding and some things like lace and tulle will always have a place in bridal wear, however, other trends come and go. For 2018, new romantic is in (off the shoulder, plunging necklines, ruffles and bows) together with 3D details, sheer fabrics, open backs and front split. Detachable trains and overskirts are coming in for 2018 too, perfect for brides who want to have a separate day and evening look without having to buy two dresses. Navy blue and millennial pink are the colours of 2018, and we expect couples to use it for their invitations and décor, as well as across accessories and bridesmaid dresses. We also expect to see a ray of blush colours, metallic hues and floral patterns coming in.
When it comes to props, do not rule them out for your big day. There are many ways to make your reception more interactive beyond the usual photo booths, portrait studios and lawn games – why not get a choir to perform your favourite song, transform a space with image mapping, or hire fire-eaters or jugglers to entertain guests.
If you are planning a wedding in 2018 then we hope our top wedding trends will inspire you when it comes to adding a personal touch to your celebrations. We understand that every couple’s budget is different but there are infinite ways to put your own spin on this year’s hottest ideas, and we can work with them, and you, to help execute a dream wedding that also stands the test of time.
