FOLIAGE FRENZY
"It's foliage all the way! The trend for foliage heavy weddings is continuing into 2017," says Elle Winsor-Grime of Inspire Hire (inspire-hire.co.uk). "Many brides are opting for a simple white and green scheme with lots of foliage, but some are skipping the flowers altogether and focusing on the foliage."
Andy Gaines
Keith Riley
GO WITH THE FLOW
"Florals are going to be flowing in 2017," predicts Elle. "Think relaxed, loose bouquets, floral garlands tumbling from the edges of tables, and entrance areas and ceremony structures covered in wild cascading flowers and foliage. As for the bouquets, big will be best!"
Keith Riley
KEEP IT GREEN
"Following on from the craze for all things botanical, we think wedding inspired topiary will be big in 2017," says Carmen Croxall of The Prop Factory (propfactory.co.uk). "We've noticed couples having it commissioned for their weddings, so it won't take long for people to start hiring it. We have the whole alphabet in topiary at The Prop Factory!"
TRUE ROMANCE
"We're predicting a movement towards a luxe and romantic European look," says Bridget Scott of Blue Fizz Events (bluefizzevents.co.uk). "Think candlelight, chandeliers, dark wood chairs and soft golds with pale pink blooms, ornate votives and sparkle, evoking a warm, rich feel with a light palette - perfect for a country estate or traditional marquee. Tulle layered dresses and velvet jackets work well with this look."
Thomas Frost
CHIC IMPACT
"Many of my couples are using their budget carefully and considering ways to create a real wow factor with a few key feature areas or installations, possibly then scaling back on other areas," says Elle. "Think about choosing simple table decor but wow-worthy hanging floral chandeliers or floating table centrepieces. Go for simple lanterns to line your aisle but large floral ceremony backdrops and entrance arches. Cake tables, escort card displays and entrances are other areas to make a statement."
Freckle Photography
LUXE IT UP
"We'll see more urban, industrial spaces being married with dynamic lighting installations, sequined table coverings, Ghost chairs, designer dresses and formal attire," says Bridget. "Schemes of white on white, greys and rich floral arrangements will steal the show."
McKenzie Brown
CRAZY FOR COLOUR
"Colours are going to be key in bridal fashion in 2017, and coloured table linens are also going to be popular in reception styling," says Elle. "In 2016 we used lots of elegant grey table linen. I anticipate using more caramel and hazelnut hues for 2017 tablescapes. Dusky blues and dark petrol blues will also be a popular choice."
Mike Gerrard
Liberty Pearl
HOT SEATS
"We think his and hers seating areas with classic vintage furniture could be the next big thing for chill-out areas," predicts Carmen. "Think Chesterfields, rustic trunks and industrial lighting for him and elegant Rococo sofas, shabby furniture and statement floral urns for her."
DELICIOUS D�COR
"Food and drink can be teamed to enhance your guests' experience: how about welcome drinks of margaritas paired with taco canapes for your guests to nibble on arrival at your reception? Or maybe a beautiful crostini and olive station with Aperol Spritz cocktails?" suggests Elle. "Use these food pairings to create focal areas to decorate your reception."
Andy Gaines
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
"Boho, whimsical and festival vibes will continue to be popular, " says Bridget. "From street food, firepits and flower crowns or handmade headdresses to live bands and acoustic music, it's all about echoing the laidback-chic lifestyle. Think outdoor ceremonies and feasting tables, barefoot brides and mismatched suits, lace tablecloths and succulents as centrepieces or even giant balloons - and embrace bold colours."
Venetia Norrington
Maxi Photography
IN THE CLEAR
"Acrylic signage will replace the current trends for blackboards," says Elle. "Elegant and contemporary acrylic can be used in many ways throughout your decorative scheme from stationery to place names, table centrepieces and even furniture."
Andy Gaines
RUSTIC REVAMPED
"Rustic weddings will grow in popularity in 2017, but the styling will become more elegant, refined, romantic and whimsical - that means less jam jar, more cut glass vases, less rustic wooden tables more hand-dyed silk or cotton runners," says Elle. "Rustic remains strong but with a cleaner, crisper vibe, featuring crisp linens, printed table runners with pastel geometrics and grey-green foliage scattered with tea lights," agrees Bridget. "Use wooden log slices, informal flower arrangements with mosses and twigs alongside wild daisies and roses."
Green Antlers
PASTEL PRETTY
"The pastels trend has been around for sometime but it works so well," says Carmen. "We think it will grow in 2017, extending to vintage tables and chairs in pastel colours, as well as plates, cups, glassware and all the things you may never have thought to colour theme."
GLAM METAL
"Metallic trends will continue to be a super-stylish choice in 2017," predicts Elle. "Although copper and gold will still be popular, I think pewter and brass will replace brighter tones. Metals with patina will also be popular."
A Thing Like That
VA-VA VINTAGE
"Vintage is no longer all about teacups and bunting; vintage is an era, an echo, a memory of times gone by," says Bridget. "It can be '60s retro with bold reds, sharp navy mod suits and vinyl DJs to bring an energy to the dancing or '30s glamour, art deco sleek lines, monochrome palettes and mirrors. It can be inspired by your venue and with unique vintage dresses and props to set the scene it can be as individual as you are."
Clare Kinchin
COLOUR CODE
Wedding stylist Elle Winsor-Grime picks out Pantone's trending colour combos for a so-chic celebration
Pantone are the people-in-the-know when it comes to colour. Each year they predict which colours will be on-trend for interiors, fashion and other industries for whom colour is a key factor and we often see these colours influence wedding palettes as they filter into everyday life.
When choosing a colour scheme, think about using at least four-five colours and try to use tones and shades of your chosen colours to achieve a coherent scheme for your celebrations. I anticipate the following combinations of Pantone colours will influence wedding palettes.
For classic, understated elegance, a muted palette of warm caramels and dusky pinks could include Pantone Hazelnut and Pale Dogwood. These neutral tones would provide a beautiful backdrop to pastel florals or simple all-white floral schemes.
For foliage heavy schemes brimming with botanical inspiration, we will see greens in Pantone colours Kale and Greenery and all the tones between the two. Consider using your palette from start to finish when designing your day - how about some fabulous botanical illustrated stationery and green envelopes?
With its dusty blue and grey hues, Niagara Blue will suit various styles of celebration, from a French inspired rustic wedding to a moody and romantic coastal bash. Consider introducing the blue grey tones in details such as stationery and table runners. This almost denim blue is a more grown-up version of 2016 Pantone colour of the year, Serenity.
Lapiz Blue is currently featuring heavily in interiors. These darker dramatic and brighter blues look fabulous when accented with brass or copper detailing and can be used for truly theatrical decor schemes.
At the vibrant end of the Pantone spectrum, the brighter tones of pink, yellow and aqua will suit boho or industrial venues; go for Pink Yarrow, Island Paradise or Primrose Yellow for a chic, modern look. Perhaps pick up on ikat patterns or a tropical vibe to really set off these colours!
Copyright Wed magazine 2016
