Keep one step ahead of the trends as we reveal the hottest wedding themes and colours for 2014 celebrations! If you’re looking for decor and detail inspiration, start here…
We talked to some experts who are well placed to see emerging trends and comment on what’s been hot in 2013. First off, the UK Academy of Wedding and Event Planning.
“Of course everyone wants to know what the next big colours are going to be. One of them is always dictated by Pantone, the colour authority, and for 2014 they’ve chosen a colour called Radiant Orchid so you can expect to see lots of variation on pinks and purples. This colour has a fantastic vibrancy about it that works well in any season.“
We say take a look at the Pantone wedding colour planner from Dessy which we think is really inspirational.
“Another colour that is going to get bigger as the year goes on is black. With the new Disney film Maleficent set for release next year and, of course, Vera Wang featuring black leather gloves on the runway, black is set to take centre stage in bridal, too. We predict there will be a touch of sensual darkness to weddings in 2014.”
“Moving on to wedding themes a real mixed bag is coming through, from geometric and artsy featuring 1980s pop art, to dramatic and old world opulence. Rustic woodland and festival themes look set to see a real surge in popularity, too.”
His and hers cocktails
“As for decor we see succulents of all varieties leading the way in floral design and metallics continuing to reign supreme as the accent of choice.
“Two emerging trends for the UK are marbleising and mixology. Marbleising has a similar look and feel to watercolour and is a great decor option for the more eclectic bride. It looks fantastic on cakes, vases and stationery.”
“Mixology is the creation of signature cocktails that reflect the personalities of the people they are made for. It is perfect for weddings and many couples will opt for two signature cocktails – his and hers.”
Through the letterbox
Stationery gives one of the first indications of the style of your day, so who better to talk to than a stationer like Love Invited?
“In 2013 brides went mad for our Vintage Rose and Vintage Chic collections. In 2014 we’re being asked more and more about personalisation and bespoke wedding stationery; it’s a great way to stamp your personality on your wedding day.”
“We’re also seeing a wider range of colours being used, not just traditional whites and pastels and a resurgence in textures from unusual papers, fabrics and finishes.”
Vintage is evolving
Rachel Charmbury who runs Ambience Events Styling says that traditional vintage themes that we’ve seen of late are evolving into more rustic affairs.
“2013 saw a developing trend of brides wanting a more rustic theme for their day; we had lots of requests for our hessian sashes and table runners. Vintage remained on trend with lace and pastel remaining popular but we are starting to see vintage evolving to have a more 1940’s war time feel with bookings for this theme being taken by our venue stylists for 2014.”
“Our hot product prediction for 2014 is ice centrepieces, which are stunning, and a real talking point for your wedding guests. They are magical and can be personalised with items that mean something to the bride and groom.”
Alex Boucher runs The Great British Wedding. She’s been noticing a lot of personalisation and says the trend is set to continue through 2014.
“2013 saw a lot of monogramming – I’m loving these bride and groom decals for the dance floor – so elegant. As for receptions, this year was all about fun and informality; circus and rustic themes were popular – with quirky props like moustaches. Food – cupcakes and cake pops, relaxed breakfasts such as hog roasts/finger type foods.”
“2014 is set to be the year of elegance, and will see the return to glamour – vintage will still be a very big part but now it will err towards the embellished; with crystals, feathers and Art Deco-inspired design. Traditional, formal weddings seem to be making a comeback – classically styled with a proper breakfast and big, dramatic décor.”
Country style
“Rustic weddings have turned to more natural affairs, featuring marquees and open-air events with wild flowers, marquees, homemade favours and walking to the church,” adds Alex.
“I think colours will tend towards citrus – yellow in particular. Late in the year will bring soft blues and violets, with more dramatic purples. Sand/soft browns will also gain popularity.”
“Flowers will be bigger, bolder, brighter. Look out for large bouquets and large single centre pieces – often with props. Hand-painted wedding cakes are set to be big; food is turning back to more formal sit-down meals.”
Talking more about cakes
Sweetness Cakes says: “Ombre wedding cakes are a big trend coming in 2014. There are various ways of incorporating an ombre effect in wedding cakes – either by using ruffles or graduated colour tiers.”
“You can also have a naked cake where the sponge has been coloured to give you the ombre effect – the possibilities are endless.
“Floral wedding cakes are still going to be a popular choice for 2014. Sugar flowers are being used to provide pops of bold colours into cakes, as bright, bold colour themes seem to be a favourite for the upcoming year.”
So which theme should you choose?
Some real themes coming through here. Vintage is evolving – and for those who want something different, a rustic style is also going to be seen more and more. Festival styles will also be big as we enter the new year.
Formality seems to be making a comeback, with quirky wedding elements taking a back seat. Think sit-down meals and formal morning suits for the guys.
Wedding cakes are going to take centrestage more and more – we love the ombre look and look forward to seeing more handpainted and naked cakes (a great option if you’re on a budget).
Interesting that a few of the experts mentioned personalisation becoming more of a trend – we love the idea of personalising different details on the day, especially things for the children like party bags or activity packs.
Finally, we’re really looking forward to seeing the bright colour themes predicted and watching how our real brides work them into their colour palettes!
