6/26/2014

Wedding Series: 2014 Wedding Trends

Wow, how time flies! It has been almost 2 years since Brogan and I were married. Our anniversary is coming up soon! I had intentions of starting a wedding series on this blog back in May... but that didn't go quite as planned. Now we are halfway through the summer. 

Time flies. 

I love looking at how trends change over time in fashion and in wedding styles. It's interesting to look at what was seen as the thing to do when your mom was married, versus when you were married, and so on. Even a lot of the big trends have changed from just two years ago when I was planning my wedding. 

Here are 8 Wedding Trends that are big this summer. If you are currently planning your wedding, you may just want to indulge in one of these ideas! Or if you're like me and you love wedding season, you can live vicariously through the next 8 pictures!

1. Succulent Party Favors 


This is such a cute idea. I love party favors that are cute, personalized, and useful for guests after the event. If you're on a small budget like I was, then you may not be doing favors at your wedding. Incorporate this trend by displaying succulents as decorations. They would be adorable as centerpieces for a garden/woodsy themed wedding. 

2. Unique Color Themes 


I feel like many weddings incorporate the same set of colors... pinks, peaches, reds, pastels, yellows, etc. Those are great colors, but it's fun to see bright and unique colors at weddings too. Cobalt is a big trend this season and I can't say I have a problem with it. How fun would it be to wear those cobalt heels and earrings with a flowing white gown on your big day? And I'm sure the man you're marrying wouldn't mind having a more masculine color in the plans. 

3. Brunch Style Wedding


Why didn't I think of this for my wedding? I adore this idea, it's so clever. Evening dinner receptions are so average and expected. How fun would it be to be married in the morning and have a simple brunch reception following the ceremony? This is a great theme to follow, especially if you are going for a simpler wedding. 

4. Vintage Vases and Wildflowers


This is such a good idea and it is so easy to do. We actually had a similar set-up on our food table at our reception. I loved the look of the old, vintage bottles tied together with twine, and filled with wildflowers. It has a very whimsical and simple feel to it, but it is still beautiful and fancy. This is also a great idea when you're on a budget because it is such a low-cost centerpiece idea!

5. Easy & Simple Appetizers 


I mean really though, if something will make your wedding easier and more simple, it's usually a big fat YES. Am I right!? I love this idea for salad on a stick- it's a finger food, it's simple to make, and it is visually appealing. That's everything you'd want for your reception, though I would ditch the school bus sign. 

6. Naked Cakes


Let's be honest, I freaked out a little when I saw these pictures... the adorableness-level of this idea is beyond measure. Naked cakes are not frosted traditionally, but just have frosting in-between the layers. With white buttercream on the inside and fresh fruit on the outside... this would be both a delicious and charming touch at a wedding. It would also go along great with the brunch them mentioned above. 

7. Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses


This has actually been a wedding trend for a few years now, but I don't see it going anywhere. I love the idea of bridesmaids wearing different styles of dresses in corresponding wedding colors. It makes pictures pop and it is just so much fun. It makes sense too, since women have so many different body types. My bridesmaids and I did the same thing. Don't mind the fact that I don't even look like the bride I was two years ago...


Seriously, who is that? ...be on the lookout for a post all about bridesmaid dresses, coming soon. 

8. Rose Gold Wedding Bands


This is something that is really big right now and I have to admit, I love seeing different tones of metal together. The silver engagement ring with the rose gold band looks stunning. This makes me wish I had one because I love rose gold. When my husband and I were engaged, we decided I didn't need a wedding band. I just didn't really desire one and I really loved the look of a skinny-banded engagement ring by itself. However, somewhere in between now and my 5th anniversary, a rose gold band wouldn't be such a bad present, now would it? (hint hint, husband)

What trends are you loving for weddings this year? 

Be sure to stay tuned for more wedding series posts throughout the rest of the summer! 

Follow along on instagram @afternoonstyle for updates on new posts.