Dawn Edwards’ 2016 Wedding Trends

 

Wedding Cakes: A new trend I’m seeing in cakes is something we call “wedding fakes,” which are dishes considered more savory than sweet. For example, cheesecakes, bread pudding, that sort of thing. A lot more people have taken that direction because it’s a little more cost efficient. More people are gravitating toward centerpiece dishes like quiche that aren’t sweet or cupcakes that form a small cake. The cutting of the cake is more of a photo opp when it comes to weddings these days. Eating is a different story, and a lot of people aren’t as willing to eat their money now. 

 

Video & Photography: One of the big things to pop up recently is “shareable highlights,” as part of these new instant gratification packages in which the videographer shoots the wedding, while the photographer captures the important parts and gets them out as soon as possible for people who might not have been able to attend the wedding. It’s a good way to include people that weren’t able to come.

 

Dresses: For brides and bridesmaids, monochromatic is big now. Cream-colored, light colors, metallics and pastels are all seeing a resurgence. At a recent wedding I helped with at the Maddox Foundation, all of the bridesmaids wore a sort of metallic color. It’s really different and not exactly something people are used to down South, but it’s become really popular now. Blush-colored dresses are also big, along with crop-top dresses. I’m not sure how long the latter will stick around, but it’s become a popular look at the moment. Feather finishes and layers of lace always make for a good look, as well. And there’s always the generational dress, remade and repaired from a grandmother or mother’s old dress. Bridal suits with lace finishes offer a conservative option that I’ve been seeing a lot of, too, and not just for older brides. 

 

Décor: The current big thing, as many Southerners already know, is mason jars and burlap. People have started to paint the jars to be a little different, but it’s still a very rustic look. However, I think we’re slowly headed back toward formal weddings. Right now, most everybody wants to be married outside, but I think that mindset will change back to the traditional church wedding in the next three years.

 

Invitations: Calligraphy is still a big deal, but monograms and photos are now a big part of any invitation. 

 

Drinks: Signature drinks for weddings are huge right now and a fun way to add a personal touch to the proceedings. Usually it’s one of the few things the bride and groom can agree on!

 

Food: The “free-from” feast has become a thing in the past few years. Gluten-free, paleo diet food, things like that. It’s not quite fried chicken tenders, but many clients have been leaning toward a healthier wedding reception. 

 

Florals: I’m not seeing as much formal florals as I did in the past, but more of what you’d call “roadage,” or bouquets of freeform, roadside flowers. They’re not quite as staunchy and perfect as what you’ve seen traditionally. It’s more of a “pick the flowers off the road” look and is very easy to do with Eucalyptus and sunflowers. 

 

Colors & Patterns: Florals are big, as well as lots of “tone-on-tone” such as an off-white with white behind it. As I said before, monochromatic is coming in. You’re seeing less bright reds and hot pinks and more subdued colors like peach.