The 20 Biggest Wedding Trends Of 2020
Get ready for some color!
There are some things about weddings that will always remain classic and traditional. Many happy couples like to maintain customary practices, such as the bride's fancy, white dress, the rings exchanged at their ceremony, or the dinner and dancing that follows. But each year, people are bucking the expected and embracing wedding trends that affect everything from the décor to the wardrobe to what the wedding guests are eating. Here's a look at what you can expect at the nuptials you attend this year.
Sustainability
It shouldn't be surprising that even weddings are becoming a little more eco-conscious. According to data from The Knot, sustainable weddings will be all the rage this year. Couples are going to commit to everything from zero waste weddings to up-cycling as much as possible, whether it's décor or florals. You can expect reusable utensils and drinkware, a lack of single-use plastics, and plenty of locally sourced food. And maybe even less invitations in the mail—couples are shifting to wedding websites more and more, and it's a paperless, wallet-friendly option.
Inclusive, Fun Food
Inclusivity is everywhere these days, including the menu at your next wedding. According to The Knot, couples are more focused on serving food that fits everyone's needs, whether that's a vegan or gluten-free diet, or something else. You can also expect to see more creative, fun, and innovative menu items as well, like unique appetizers and desserts that include way more than just cake.
Non-Traditional Wedding Dresses
According to Brides, non-traditional wedding dresses are really going to take over. Forget the classic princess-style, ball gown (though we're sure you'll still see a few of them!). Brides are opting for dresses that are more modern and fresh, featuring slim silhouettes, patterns and textures, and maybe even a color other than white. You may see shorter dresses, jumpsuits, or skirts and tops. It's an exciting time for wedding fashion!
Smaller, More Intimate Weddings
Both Brides and The Knot have declared that 2020 is the year when smaller, more intimate weddings will start to become the norm. According to The Knot, it's a trend called "micro weddings," which means invitation lists of 40 people or less. Parties will be more exclusive and personalized, it helps the couple save money, and it's generally just a little more special.
Self-Serve Drinks
Traditionally at weddings, bartenders are serving drinks at an open or cash bar... but that might be changing this year. According to The Knot, a more popular option is having guests serve themselves. Instead of bartenders, self-service drink stations are popping up, featuring pretty dispensers and things like margarita bars that allow guests to mix up their own concoction.
Custom Illustrations
For couples who are still opting to do paper invitations, it appears that the more personal it is, the better. Martha Stewart Weddings predicts that couples will be going the route of custom illustrations with their invitations (and maybe with décor, too) instead of choosing mass-produced invites online or hiring a calligrapher to write things out.
Interesting Lighting
Expect your next wedding to be lit... literally. The Knot predicts that interesting lighting is going to be a huge part of wedding décor and vibes in 2020. You can expect bold light fixtures with different colors, LED cocktail bar fronts, tube lighting, and hanging lights or basket lights.
Going A Little Extra With Decor
It's no longer acceptable to just pick out a pretty venue and get some flowers. In 2020, couples are going to be going a little extra with décor: think bold options that reflect their personalities. According to Wedding Wire, you can expect to see lots of fun signs, pictures, and embellishments.
Lots Of Color
Color is going to be everywhere this year at weddings, according to The Knot and multiple event planners who spoke to Brides. Lots of color will appear in little details like bridal accessories, bridal party ensembles, or even the groom's tux (black may not be the go-to option). Color will also pop up in that bold décor we were talking about.
Bold Florals
Florals were huge in 2019, and they're going to continue to make a strong statement at weddings in 2020. The Knot says that there will be lots of edible flowers in everything from ice cubes to salads, as well as pretty floral drinks and floral-themed decor.
Huge Veils
Remember those huge veils that Meghan Markle and Priyanka Chopra showed off at their weddings? Those were just the beginnings of a growing trend. According to Harper's Bazaar, long, dramatic veils are more popular than ever before.
More Live Entertainment
Here's something a little more unexpected: The Knot says that couples are getting more creative with amenity baskets. These little baskets usually hold toiletries and whatnot in lounges and restrooms, but it's becoming more popular to station magicians, make-your-own scent bars, and champagne stations there instead.
Gowns That Reflect Your Personality
Not only are wedding gowns going to be less traditional, they're also going to be more bold and personalized. The Knot pointed to trends like big statement sleeves, fun embellishments, bold ball gowns, and vibrant colors. There's also a trend of embroidered phrases on things like jackets and veils (think Hailey Beiber).
Speciality Liquor Bars
Another fun drink trend is speciality liquor bars. According to Harper's Bazaar, couples are opting for fun, themed liquor bars instead of just an open bar. They might have signature cocktails in one specific theme, or go all-in with a specialty whiskey bar or martini bar. It's just a more creative drinking option than glasses of champagne or a typical bar experience.
Balloon Walls
Donut walls are out, balloon walls are in. Martha Stewart Weddings claims that balloon walls are going to be the next big thing in wedding décor, with couples spending more money on balloon arches and photo-friendly walls than, say, the donut wall trend of 2019.
Bridal Hair Accessories
Yes, huge veils are going to be a trend, but so are hair accessories—so it appears it's all about the hairdo in 2020. The Knot says that barrettes and combs are having a big moment, as tiaras and flower crowns get less and less popular. Think rhinestones and little embellishments in updos or loose styles.
Non-Traditional Registries
In the past, couples have registered for items that they need for their future homes, like kitchen appliances. But now, as more and more couples live together and buy homes together before getting married, they don't need to register for those items. Instead, they're registering for things like honeymoon funds, gift cards, or experience gifts instead.
Personal Touches
Wedding Wire says to look out for more personalized details in wedding décor this year. Sure, decorations will be more bold and make a big statement, but they'll also reflect the couple, both their personality and their lives. You can expect lots of photos, fun and unique touches that speak to their interests, and more.
Creative Tablescapes
According to The Knot, couples are going to have fun with tablescapes in the year to come. Round tables everywhere are going to become less popular as couples opt for fun and creative options like farmhouse-style tables or even picnic tables, which are less traditional and more intimate.
Unplugged Honeymoons
You've heard of unplugged weddings, now get ready for... unplugged honeymoons. The Knot says that a lot of couples are choosing to go phone-free during their honeymoon to give themselves more time to completely focus on each other.
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