THE TREND REPORT

Here’s our round-up of the latest trends to help you design a day that’s as uniquely ‘wow’ as it is ‘now’

words Hannah May

When it comes to wedding trends, the trick is to take something you like and make it your own. Rather than copying the latest looks outright, infuse a sense of individual character by selecting a few focal trends from the moment to reflect the time in which you’re marrying, but do it in a personalised way to ensure it’s timelessly ‘you’.

Tree planting parties

Weddings are getting greener. From zero-carbon events to barefoot parties in swoon-worthy outdoor spaces, couples are choosing to pay homage to and nurture Mother Nature in an ever-increasing number of ways. Tree planting provides the perfect gesture to symbolise a new start and give back to the earth, encouraging you and your guests to mindfully take stock in the simple and grounding act of rewilding benevolence. It could be featured as part of your ceremony, as an alternative gift list idea by requesting donations toward a tree planting project, or as a pre or post-wedding party at a location of your choice, be it your own garden or a local park as you gather loved ones for a gorgeously green day together followed by an al fresco feast.

Local and bespoke menus

Supporting local businesses is fast becoming the trend du jour. It’s not just Covid-19 and the global climate crises that have shifted our perspective, but old-fashioned good sense, too. Sourcing locally means more and better quality for your buck, minus the air miles, which is especially true when it comes to food production. Home-grown food usually tastes better, is fresher, more nutrient-filled and less spoilt by the transportation process. What’s more, by designing a menu with your caterer to reflect your venue, season and palate, you’re guaranteed a bespoke wedding breakfast that will be raved about long after the last morsel has been devoured.

Claire’s Sweet Temptations Freeformimages Photography Porsham Cakes Poshcakes Claire’s Sweet Temptations Courage & Dash

Porsham Cakes Peboryon

Stargazey Wedding Decor Hire

Scarlett Entertainment Scarlett Entertainment Claire’s Sweet Temptations

Mini cakes

The move toward miniature is about making everything feel extra special and considered, and this year’s penchant for single-serve personal-sized bakes is an extension of the spoilsome trend. Pick from a tower of iced cakes or cupcakes (perhaps doughnuts, profiteroles or brownies) or proffer mini cakes as dessert or packaged up as individual favours in their own beautiful box as an evening or take-home treat; you can even post these to guests unable to attend. For extra style points, opt for a design featuring handcrafted sugar paste flowers, gold accents, ombré effect, and alcoholic flavours such as prosecco and piña colada.

Stargazey Wedding Decor Hire Stargazey Wedding Decor Hire

An ambient experience

Plunge your guests’ senses into sheer delight or state of abandon with an immersive atmosphere. Think fairy light or floral caves and curtains, art installations, and roaming and interactive entertainment. This could take the form of a caricature artist, ceilidh dancing, magician, stand-up comedy, circus show, glitter bar, garden games and rides, casino, karaoke, sharing platters, s’mores or live cooking – for the ultimate in surround sound, sight, taste, scent and touch. Stimulate each and all of these for a pleasure-filled party that’s impossible to forget.

Flowers by Anya YetiPhotography

Emma Hewlett Floral Design Maxi Photography

Dried flowers

Dried flowers are all the rage for a reason. Not only do they bring a natural and rustic vibe that’s particularly fitting for a festival or countrythemed wedding of any season, they also lend a wonderfully wild edge to your décor. One of the joys of dried flowers is their versatility, allowing you to incorporate a variety of tones and textures into your space, with the extra bonus of their longevity, since they also tend to last longer than fresh blooms. From floral crowns, buttonholes and bouquets to suspended arrangements, arches and centrepieces, a mixture of grasses, petals, seedpods and foliage can be combined to create a modern low-maintenance look. Picture palms, dried herbs, pampas grass, ferns, lavender, star flowers, cotton balls and poppy seed heads for floristry of the most achingly beautiful and on-trend variety.

Willowby by Watters ASOS

Pretty pastels

There’s a particular buzzword that continues to linger on the lips of wedding world: pastels. And it’s not confined to the décor, since dresses and groomswear are also sporting the muted shades. The most popular ‘tints’ of the moment range from dusty pinks and mint green to powder blues and pale peaches. Splice with a bright for a colour scheme that packs an especially contemporary colour punch (see p.77 for our guide on navigating your way through colour palettes for your wedding!).

Styling Knots & Kisses Clare Kinchin Photography ASOS