DGE 2016 Wedding Trend Predictions

I like to think of myself as current when it comes to trends; whether it be fashion, social media, the latest workout craze, you name it; I never want to seem dated. So with the new year upon us and the 2016 wedding season just around the corner, I think it's time to lay out what's chic and on trend for this year!

#TRENDING :: Bolder Brides!

It's the bride's big day, and 2016 is bringing in a whole bunch of brides who want to do anything but blend in! We see bold wedding dresses being BIG this year!  I'm also in love with the open back dress concept.

Capes
Who said the veil HAS to go on the head? I'm LOVING that capes/body veils are becoming popular. Not only are they fashion forward and modern, but how elegant do they make these brides look?

Dress: Berta Publication: Wedding Inspirasi // Dress: Badgley Mischka Publication: Cosmopolitan

Open Back
I just adore the femininity that an open back dress concept gives. It's delicate and graceful and a way to show some skin without coming off overly sexy. 

Dress: Katie May Publication: Brit + Co // Dress: Lela Rose Publication: Tulle & Chantilly

Daring Necklines
Now, for a bride who's a bit bolder, they may want to draw attention to their front. Slightly more risque and not for everyone, but there are plenty of ways to utilize a deep V and still look sexy, modern, and classy. I especially love how sleeves with a deep neckline look. So sophisticated!

Dress: Julie Vino Publication: Belle the Magazine // Dress: Reem Acra Publication: Fashionista

Feathers
Maybe it's how good Natalie Portman made feathers look in Black Swan, but this trend is steadily growing. I love how it adds a playful, elegant feel. Feather accents can make even the simplest wedding dresses stand out.

Dress: Marchesa Publication: Vogue // Dress: Lela Rose Publication: Fashionista

#TRENDING :: Mismatched Bridesmaids

 We're seeing a lot of unique and nontraditional bridesmaid dresses for this upcoming season.

Floral Prints
Whether the floral prints are watercolor (personally, my FAVE) or a deep pattern, I love how brides are stepping outside the solid-color box and getting playful with prints! Just look how gorgeous these bridesmaids look?!

Publication: Praise Wedding // Photography © Jose Villa 

Ombre
Ombre has been in for a while, and brides are utilizing this to give a unique feel to each bridesmaid. Whether pastels or vibrant colors, letting them wear a different shade of the same color creates dimension and differentiation. No two bridesmaids are the same, so why should their dresses be, amirite, ladies?!

Publication: Brit + Co

Separates
It was a joke in 27 Dresses how Katherine Heigl's character could shorten her bridesmaid dresses and wear them again...tongue in cheek since she was made to wear unusually hideous bridesmaid dresses. However this concept of re-wearing a bridesmaid "dress" is TOTALLY doable with the idea of using separates! Short or long skirts and a top can create a beautiful dress-looking outfit that can be reworn later on, making it a little easier on the girl's minds when they dish out the dough for the big day!

Photography © Sarah Kate // Publication: Style Me Pretty

#TRENDING :: Rustic Chic!

While this may not be new, we don't see the rustic trend dying out anytime soon. Woodland themes are still big, but opulent, elegant touches are being added to the decor to give it a more chic feel. For example the use of these GORGEOUS chandeliers for lighting in an outdoor venue gives a more luxurious touch to a rustic setting.

Publication: The Knot // Photography © Studio 1250

#TRENDING :: Laser Cut and Wood Signage

Used as signs to point guests in the right direction, as table place cards, menus, or decor, these popular signage add to the woodsy vibe couples are loving! They're also a little easier on the wallet, since wood signage is trendy in general and you can find them in any local decor or craft store!

Photography © Monika Photography // Event Design :: Double G Events

Publication: Glamour Magazine // Photography © Scott Clark Photo

#TRENDING :: Romantic Lighting

I have a bit of a lighting obsession, so this move towards romantic lighting turns me into a heart eyed emoji. Gone are the days of only using colored up-lighting, popular for many years. No one wants to look purple in all of their wedding photos and romantic lighting is much more Instagram-friendly! Lighting is being integrated into decor now more than ever, even to use up vertical space, with walls of lights, string lighting and tree lighting.

Photography © LandinoPhoto Studio // Event Design :: Double G Events

Publication: Huffington Post

Publication: Bridal Guide

#TRENDING :: Clean Eating

Couples are wanting to share their healthy lifestyles with their family and friends, and the best way to do this? Food! We've seen a major jump in requests for organic, farm fresh and grass-fed catering. People are also paying more attention to the dietary needs of others, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meal options becoming increasingly popular. No more beef, poultry, fish only options in 2016!

Publication: Glamour Magazine // Photography © Ashley Kelemen

#TRENDING :: Let Them Eat...Pastries?

Cakes are out and dessert bars are in! Wedding cake alternatives are becoming big among couples. With options like cupcake towers, waffle sundaes, s'mores, cake pops and cookie shots (I could go on and on) how can you restrict yourself simply to cake?! My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

Publication: Brides // Photography © Katie Jackson Photography

 #TRENDING :: Freshly Picked

Instead of overly designed and styled flowers, couples are opting for a more organic, straight-out-of-the-garden look. Choosing flowers that are in-season, lots of greenery for texture, and choosing lush, low table arrangements (hey, there are people on the other side of the table!) is very en vogue.

Publication: Mod Wedding // Photography © Eric Foley Photgraphers

#TRENDING :: Pops of Color

This season will be all about COLOR! We will be seeing lots of use of monochromatic and tone on tone variations. Throwing in vibrant, bright pops of color give a modern, exciting feel. Also expect to see brides utilizing the gorgeous Pantone colors of the year, Rose Quartz and Serenity, whether in their bridesmaid dresses, flowers, or decor. I particularly love the rustic tablescape below that utilizes both colors very cohesively with the serenity tablecloth and the rose quartz flowers among a lot of greenery for texture!
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 Photography © LandinoPhoto (left) // Publication: Belle the Magazine // Photography © WedBook (right)

Publication: Bridal Guide // Photography © Brandon Kidd Photography

Needless to say, I'm a little excited about 2016's weddings. I think it's shaping up to be a beautiful, love-filled season!

What else do you think will be big for this year's wedding scene? Comment below to let us know!

Cheers!