Hands up who is getting married this year? If 2016 is the year you will finally say I do, the odds are your planning is well under way and your excitement is beginning to kick in. But with the six month countdown firmly underway for summer brides, there are still lots of ways you can embrace this year’s hottest trends…
Pop-up Stations
It started with the humble candy cart. Nowadays, add a station to your day and it’s instantly cool. Foodies will have tonnes of fun with this – think every comfort food possible! A pizza bar, pancake station, gourmet popcorn cart, cocoa counter – match according to your season. Just about anything seems to go with this trend! Selfie stations and confetti counters are set to be high on everyone’s wishlist too.
The Bridal Party Shake Up
Traditions are great, especially on such a momentous occasion surrounded by your loved ones. But what about your best friend since primary school who just happens to be a guy? Introducing the groomsmaid and bridesman. Break away from the norm by shaking up your bridal party – after all it’s your day!
Alternative Hen Parties
Planning a hen bash can be an absolute nightmare. Large groups, multiple personalities and alcohol are not a good mixture. Plus, neon pink feather boas are so ten years ago! Low-key bachelorette parties are becoming increasingly popular. Be assertive and let your main ladies know exactly what you want.
A fun yet relaxed alternative for brides-to-be, their mum and sisters is a workshop. WeddingDates and Oh Me, Oh My DIY! have teamed up for their first DIY Wedding Workshop at the beautiful Flemings Restaurant in Cork City on February 21st. It will be a fabulous day full of demos, nibbles, cocktails, learning how to work on a budget and put your own stamp on your special day. For more details and to buy tickets go to www.ohmeohmydiy.com
His & Hers Cocktails
Signature couple’s cocktails will be pretty much mandatory for your wedding menu. Choose something flirty and fun to match your personalities. Pimp your Prosecco with a self-service cocktail station or ask your venue to organise quirky bourbon or gin beverages.
Romantic & Whimsical
Let there be pink! Soft shades of blush and rose quartz will be the colour of choice for many 2016 brides. Pretty floral prints and flowing off-the-shoulder bridesmaid dresses were prominent fixtures on the catwalks late last year.
Unique Wedding Venues
Out-of-the-ordinary venues that provide a spectacular backdrop for wedding photos are all the rage. Add industrial warehouses, intimate country houses and properties with outdoor facilities to your hunting hit-list. A unique space is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Daring Brides
Alas, it’s time to bid farewell to the Kate Middleton lookalike gowns. Long sleeves, moderate necklines and traditional elegance are slowly but surely taking a backseat. Bold, daring pieces are set to reign in 2016. Plunging necklines, dip-hem wedding dresses and colourful numbers will be the call of the day. Perfect for that extra wow factor.
Metallic
If you haven’t hopped on the rose gold train yet, then prepare to buy an express ticket. Flecks of copper will be popping up throughout the year. From geometric wedding décor to glitzy stationery and jewellery, this is one colour that isn’t going away anytime soon.
Just Picked Flowers
Prim and proper posies are a thing of the past. It’s all about fresh floral arrangements with lots of foliage – and the wilder the better. Bringing the outside in will continue to be a huge trend for both enchanting romantic and bohemian wedding themes alike. Brace yourselves, because we will be seeing hanging flowers and cascading bouquets everywhere. These waterfall style beauties scream au natural and can be bulked out with herbs, leaves or bright petals.
Fun & Fabulous Wedding Cakes
Get creative when it comes to your wedding cake – it doesn’t have to be a run-of-the-mill sponge. This year is all about experimenting with flavour and colours. Colour drip cakes are devilishly tempting while donut and macaroon towers will replace Ireland’s cupcake fad.
Image Credits: Confetti Bar via Ruffled; Confetti push-pops – Brika; Candy floss cocktail – Lauren Conrad; Groomsmaid – Feather & Stone Photography; DIY Wedding Workshop – Naomi Kamat Photography; Purple cocktails – Alyssa Turner Photography; Bourbon cocktail – Getty Images; Floral print bridesmaid dresses – Plum Pretty Sugar; Bride – Hayley Paige; Daring bride & metallics – Erica Velasco Photography; Bride and bouquet – Lucinda May Photography; Pink cascading bouquet – Diana McGregor; Flower print cake via Deer Pearl Flowers.
