2018 brides are choosing purple, velvet as something new, wedding experts say
We are at the heart of the royal wedding madness. And while we voyeuristically observe Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s every move before they get married on May 19 in Britain, we’re also interested in the fabulous Dallas weddings taking place in 2018.
Rustic weddings teeming with burlap and mason jars were de rigueur for some time now. But, according to a recent article from WeddingWire, a nationwide online marketplace for engaged couples and party planners, 2018 will bring a pendulum shift towards more formal affairs with rich textures and colors.
Also coming to a wedding near you: non-traditional menu items, lots of greenery, and texture-interesting table landscapes. We consulted with Dallas wedding experts on what other trends brides will say ‘yes’ to in 2018.
“Guests respond well to luxurious textures – think velvet and lace,” says Elisabeth Landry, event planner and owner of Addison-based Silver Lining Events + Co. “Give it to them where they spend most of the evening: the dinner table.”
When it comes to flowers, greenery accented with classic ivory and blush is always on trend. For a subtle update to this classic look, Landry suggests incorporating fresh fruit, dark pink hues, and pops of purple.
Kristin Butler, event planner and owner of Dallas-based Fabulous Fête, agrees, predicting purple, Pantone’s Color of the Year (which they, cleverly call, “ultra violet”) as the hue. of the day, even replacing traditional ink colors on invitations.
Among the biggest changes to wedding decor? Stay away from towering floral arrangements and towards low bouquets that encourage conversation across the table.
“Keep your texture play strong with nice little arrangements and lots of candles,” says Landry. “It will never go out of style.”
It seems that hashtags, however, are going out of fashion. And with them: photo booths and signature drinks. In their place, couples opt for ice cream sandwich stations, cotton candy carts, and, to wash it all down, liquor bars – for example, whiskey and rosé bars.
Creative food stations are appearing more frequently across the board, according to planners.
“The trend is definitely catching on in Dallas,” says Landry. “Chat with your chef or caterer about dining stations and presentations you’ve never seen before. Your friends and family will appreciate the thought you put on the menu. “
And whatever you do, don’t forget the midnight snack. “Your friends will love you even more after a late-night taco or churro breakfast,” says Landry.
Custom dance floors, guest gift lounges, and personalized welcome boxes (at the @thewelcomebox) complete the 2018 wedding reception must-haves.
As for the actual exchange of vows, more and more couples are opting for a private ceremony immediately after their first look.
“It’s an intimate moment to express what you’re feeling right now, just the two of you,” Landry says. “During your full ceremony, you can re-read the vows, personalized for all to hear. Customers who did this say it was the most memorable part of their wedding day. so special.”