Wedding Trends 2019

Styling experts Nikki of Knots & Kisses, Elle of The Artful Event Company and Carys of The Prop Factory share their favourite looks for a brilliantly memorable - and bang on-trend - big day...

 BOHO LUXE

Bohemian and festival looks are taking a more glamorous and darker turn, so don't put away those peacock chairs just yet! Think about using the boho look in a more dramatic, luxe way, with darker colour palettes and more luxurious finishes. Mix with on-trend ikat prints and stunning florals.

Nikki, Knots & Kisses

Photography Clare Kinchin / Flowers Joanna Game / Styling Knots & Kisses / Rattan chargers Keeping It Vintage

RETURN TO RUSTIC

I've noticed some 2019 weddings are taking a simple, traditional and rustic route. Venues in and around Devon have charm and character, which couples are embracing as the main decor feature, and choosing selected props and furniture to complement the already beautiful buildings. I recently styled a 'Lavender and Sage' shoot in Upton Barn & Walled Garden's Cider Barn because of its rustic charm. The white cob walls and barn roof required only simple and elegant styling with a gentle colour palette.

Carys, The Prop Factory

So Belle Photography

BOLD AND BRIGHT

Weddings are becoming increasingly personal and focused on fun. Themes and colour palettes can go wild, and couples aren't scared of adding a pop of colour or more to their special day! Festivals will carry on their popular trend into 2019 with even bigger and bolder colours plus more DIY elements, such as this year's pom-pom craze! We created a 'bright festival' styled shoot in the summer, which is a perfect example of this.

Carys, The Prop Factory

Jennifer Jane Photography

KEEP IT NATURAL

The increasing use of more natural fabrics and finishes for weddings is going to get even bigger and better in 2019. Layering natural linens, wools, sheepskins and using beautiful wooden finishes will give your wedding real impact and depth.

Nikki, Knots & Kisses

Photography Clare Kinchin / Styling, stationery & backdrops Knots & Kisses / Flowers Brompton Buds

SWEET SOMETHINGS

Dessert buffets can offer so much variety at a wedding - from lolly bars and popcorn machines to ice cream tricycles and doughnut walls! Our recently designed doughnut wall is rustic and elegant rather than novelty, bringing a very sophisticated look to our recent chocolate-inspired shoot.

Carys, The Prop Factory

Daze of Glory Photography

AUTUMN ALL YEAR

Autumn is a beautiful time of year for the countryside, so why not bring that colour scheme into your wedding day... whatever the season! Burnt orange, deep navy, mustard and gold are going to be popular colours for spring and summer weddings, with even pumpkins making an appearance sprayed in alternative colours, like those we featured in our wild flower styled shoot at Ash Barton Estate.

Carys, The Prop Factory

Jennifer Jane Photography

FABULOUS FABRIC

Create amazing focal points for your ceremony or photo booth area with statement fabric prints on frames or hung from doorways or beams. They can even be used as welcome signs or table plans.

Nikki, Knots & Kisses

Photography Emma Barrow / Fabric frame and styling Knots & Kisses / Flowers Holly Bee Flowers

VIVA VICTORIANA

Victorian-style botanical and animal illustrations will be a top trend for 2019, especially seen in wedding stationery and creative seating plans. We already have a collection of unique Victorian and animal-inspired props.

Carys, The Prop Factory

Catherine Spiller Photography / Watercolour Woodshed stationery

PLEASE BE SEATED

Think outside the box when it comes to your table plan or seating chart, if you're having one. Don't limit yourself to a simple board on an easel. Hanging table plans are a fantastic idea and create a more dramatic impact on the entrance to your wedding breakfast.

Nikki, Knots & Kisses

Photography Maxi Photography / Table plan and styling Knots & Kisses

EASTERN PROMISE
I see floral arrangements moving towards the more architectural, minimalist style of Ikebana: the ancient art of Japanese floral arranging. This style is very different to a traditional wedding flower arrangement - it's often far simpler and far more structural using just a few leaves and stems. They make perfect contemporary wedding designs, whether it's for a sleek city wedding or a modern take on a marquee affair.

Elle, The Artful Event Company

DRIED FLOWERS AND GRASSES

The trend for foliage heavy weddings and floral installations will continue, but I think we will also see more use of grasses, dried foliage and flowers. These are great for creating volume and interest; grasses such as pampas have been popular for a couple of years, but I believe this will extend into other grasses and dried flowers, often with arrangements being made from a single type of branch, stem or grass.

Elle, The Artful Event Company

Photography Hannah Straughan / Floristry Firenza Floral Design

GOURMET GRAZING

This year's big wedding food trend is the grazing station: fabulous feasts served with drama and style to create a real focal point at your reception. Grazing stations are far more than just a buffet, they are all about the styling and look, as well as focusing on tasty fare. Use them as an element of your catering offering, or, for an informal affair, go the whole hog and cater your whole wedding with amazing grazing! A real wow factor grazing station can be a centre point for reception decor, and should be overgenerous - it's really a matter of 'go big or go home'. Get it right and your guests will be talking about it for years to come! Elle, The Artful Event Company

Photography, food & styling Grape & Fig

QUIET LUXURY

Trends will continue to move away from rustic and vintage towards more luxurious and refined styling. This doesn't have to be flamboyant and expensive, it's about prioritising quality over quantity - I like to call it quiet luxury. Think about the important things and do them well, and get rid of any unnecessary elements. I'm talking about really amazing quality linens, glassware and crockery; beautiful paper goods; food and drink that taste delicious rather than a 'pile it high' mentality; one great wedding band rather than lots of different forms of entertainment. Take time to think about the experience your guests will have and how to make it truly special.

Elle, The Artful Event Company