Wedding Faves for 2016 | What’s Trending?

Kunbi O / Tuesday March 15, 2016

Aisle Perfect Trends and Tastings at the Loft at 600F Washington DC 13

TGI-Tuesday! I am relieved to finally be able to share our 2016 trends post with you. I apolgize for the crazy procrastination with this post but better late than never right? 2015 was epic for wedding trends and if you caught our What’s Trending for 2015 post, you’d know we were right on the money about last year’s trends. So now that 2016 is here, there are a few switch ups and some things that will stay the same. One thing I have noticed, is that a lot of couples are taking the less is more route and going for a more understated look at their wedding. However, those who do go BIG, have gone big indeed and will continue to do that this year. From garden florals to statement wedding gowns, there’s a lot to look forward to in 2016. Here are a few of our faves: { cover image by Terri Baskin Photography}

DESIGN

1. Hanging Decor

Hanging chandeliers and decor are one of our favorite trends for this year. Magical, romantic decor has made such a comeback and we are loving every second of it. Hanging greenery and chandeliers truly make guests feel as though they have been transported into a fairtytale, creating an amazing mood and ambiance for your reception. More please!

dreamy punta cana beach wedding- huracan cafe- asia pimentel36
Asia Pimentel Photography
hanging garden wedding decor
Celio’s Design, Aliana Events, Revelry Event Designers, Image by Taryn Grey Photography

2. Wild Florals:

Imperfection is the new #aisleperfect. Loose, untamed florals are in it to win it. More and more brides are choosing these wild bunches of bouquets as opposed to traditional floral arrangements. This is a direct evolution from last year’s bohemian trend and we have loved some of the whimsical bouquets we have seen so far. Keeping with the fairytale-esque theme of hanging greenery and chandeliers, this “going back to nature” theme is one we hope stays around.

lush floral bouquet
Weddings by Vatel Manila Bouquet , Photography by Erwin Leyros Photography.
loose wild florals by Designs by Oochay
Flowers by Designs by Oochay, Photography by Katie Vee Photography

3. Naked Cakes:

Let them…see the cake! The new naked cake trend allows for some serious floral accents and adds such a cool, rustic touch to the reception. We love the creativity this design allows for with extra flowers and cake toppers. And with sweet tables everywhere these days, who needs all that extra frosting?

naked wedding cake - 2016 trend
Ashley Cook Photography via Hey Wedding Lady
nadia hung photography - wedding cakes
Cake by Nicole , Nadia Hung Photography

COLOR

Rose Quartz and Serenity:

Pantone has spoken, Rose Quartz and Serenity are the colors of 2016 and be prepared to see it pop up everywhere. I think there are so many ways you can play with these colors, and they complement each other amazingly. Absolutely perfect for Spring and Summer weddings, I’m sure we’ll be seeing this gorgeous color combination a lot in the coming months.

rose quartz and serenity wedding inspiration
Photo credits: Earrings via Ritani – Shoes via Erika Gerdemark Photography – Bouquet via Stephanie. A Smith Photography – Bride and Bridesmaids: Emelie Petré Photography via Aisle Perfect – Invitations via Etsy – Blue Shoes via Anastasiya Belik Photography via Harper’s Bazaar – Blue Dress Alicia Swedenborg via LoveMyDress – Cake via Fae Cahill Cake Design

Jewel Tones:

Rich and vibrant jewel tones aren’t just for Fall wedding anymore ladies and gentlemen.  Nothing quite pops like deep emerald, warm burgundy and rich blue hues. These colors are also universally flattering, which will make your bridal party very happy. We also love how these beautiful colors are being incorporated into menswear, which gives so many new options to grooms and groomsmen. Jewel tones create a romantic color palette that we can’t wait to see more of.

Jewel-Toned-wedding-Inspiration-Board
Credits: Bouquet – Photo: Two Foxes, Bouquet: Gavita Flora via Green Wedding Shoes | Invitation – Kristara, Photo: Awake Weddings via Grey Likes Weddings | Groom – Youngrens via Style Me Pretty | Bridesmaids – Fox and Owl via Borrowed and Blue | Cake – Photo: Melissa Jill, Cake: Ruze Cake House via The Cake Blog | Heels – Grace Aston via Napa Valley Linens, Tablescape – Lauren Gabrielle via Green Wedding Shoes

 FASHION

Overskirt Wedding Dresses:

We are obsessed with this trend. Adding an extra overlay skirt to your wedding dress creates such an ethereal, romantic look. We loves how it creates an illusion that the bride is walking on air, so dreamy! Almost like a veil for your dress, no? How chic!

Razan Alazzouni
Razan Alazzouni
Berta Bridal 2016 Collection 46
Berta Bridal 2016 Collection

Long Sleeved Gowns:

Long sleeved gowns are here to stay. This beautiful trend, made wildly popular by the stunning Kate Middleton, brings such a classic elegance to the wedding look. From lace to sheer, you can’t go wrong with this royal look.

Amsale_long sleeved lace wedding gown
Amsale, Image by Amy Anaiz Photography

long sleeved weddomg dress

Groom Style and Reception Changes:

Last year we saw the rise of the Groom and his Groomsmen, so you can expect more of that in 2016. In fact, who says only the bride gets to change for the reception? This year we’ll be seeing a lot of Groom outfit changes. And with all of the options out there for guys these days, who can blame them for wanting to mix it up?

groom outfit change_george okoro weddings
George Okoro Weddings
green groomsmen
George Okoro Weddings

DETAIL

Calligraphy on everything:

 It is the year of beautiful handwriting my friends, so no more slacking 🙂 From Save-the-Dates to invitations to seat assignments and menu cards, we are seeing calligraphy on just about every wedding details that requires writing. And we’re not complaining! A beautifully written note or sign really ups the “wow” factor for your guests, so ready the ink pens, you’re going to see a lot of this in 2016.

custom wedding calligraphy program
Calligraphy Program by Belle Papiers
Calligraphy mirror
Calligraphy by Just Write Studios, Image by Terri Baskin

Curated Gift Boxes:

A planner’s dream come true, curated gift boxes are HUGE right now. Not only are they the most thoughtful gift ever, but they are so right for so many occasions. Asking your girls to be your bridesmaids? Give them their essentials in a gift box! Want to say thank you to everyone who made your big day come together? You guessed it – give them a curated gift box! There’s something so special about opening up one of these handmade beauties, and there are so many companies who will do all of the work for you to create the perfect combination.

welcome gift box by a signature welcome
A Signature Welcome
Curated gift basket
Salt and Pepper Co.

 Wedding Weekends:

wedding weekend itinerary
wedding weekend itinerary by Wanderlust Weddings

If you’re one of those ladies who has a birthday month, then this is right up your alley. Why should the biggest day of your life only be a day-long celebration? Keeping the party going, wedding weekends are getting more and more popular, especially for brides with destination weddings. We love the opportunity to create fun activities for your guests all weekend long, from golf outings to wine tastings to, of course, the ceremony and reception!

Reception After Parties:

after party sign by serenity now studios
Serenity Now Studios

Why stop after the last dance? Even though the reception venue may be closing down, many couples are choosing to keep the party going with reception after parties. I mean, who wants the best day of your life to actually end? While many couples choose to host the after party at the wedding hotel, others are going all out with an entirely second venue (sometimes in a bit more intimate setting) to keep the toasts and dancing going until the wee hours. Cheers to that!

wedding after party beer pong
Jake and Necia Photography via Green Wedding Shoes