Wedding Venue Trends 2016

Written by Emma Hla

So wedding venues are my jam.

I think we’ve safely established this point, so it’s lovely when I’m asked to contribute to various reports and articles on this much loved subject.

I recently collaborated with the Academy of Wedding & Event Planning on their annual International Wedding Trend Report; a pack that’s brimming with trend predictions, inspiration and advice from some of the best people in the industry.

Kylie, Director of AWEP, says “We are seeing a clear focus for weddings in 2016 and that is one of oppulence. However, our couples are more educated now than ever before and know exactly what they want. There is a definite break from tradition as couple’s look to put their own stamp on things with a really edgy component to the decor. Metallic accents are everywhere with combinations such as rose gold and gun metal being a firm favourite…”

It’s a great read and, if you work in the industry or are a Bride-to-be wanting to soak up all of the above, I wholeheartedly recommend downloading the full 136 page report! You can register for your free copy here. But, as a little teaser I thought I’d share my offering on what I think is hot in the wedding venue world…

Wedding Venue Trends 2016

Coco:

Our couples are style conscious and really know what they’re looking for in their wedding venue – visiting on average 4 locations before they find ‘the one’, Brides & Grooms take this first step very seriously!

A relaxed affair with family & friends is still the top priority for wedding days so couples are wanting to find a venue they feel at home in – warm, welcoming and super friendly. One of our most popular wedding venues is Dewsall Court, the epitome of the home-from-home venue.

The weekend wedding and destination weddings are continuing to reign – but think closer to home! Scotland & Ireland are having a super romantic moment. Think taking over grand castles and offering a luxurious hideaway for guests to rustic barns where wild parties can be thrown over 2 – 3 days.

With the botanical and tropical trends hot for 2016, I think we’ll see the garden wedding bloom. As well as secret walled gardens, think orangeries and glasshouses. I adore the industrial ‘60s vibes of the Barbican Centre and the grandeur of Syon Park.

Individuality is really key to couples; Brides & Grooms are steering further away from the ‘package’ wedding wanting to create their own day. We’re seeing couples choosing venues with a wealth of character such as Elmore Court. We love their bold, eclectic style mixed with a contemporary eco chic. We also LOVE Wimbourne House in East London, a blend of industrial and vintage, imagine a blank canvas with vintage props as far as the eye can see!

Couples want originality and for their guests to be wowed, so if you’re a new venue for 2016 then you’ll be hot property! We’re currently loving new additions Launcells Barton in Cornwall, The West Mill in Derbyshire and Wickham House in Berkshire. We’ve also got our eye on Acklam Hall in Yorkshire.

For 2016 I predict the elopement will be a serious option for couples. The trend for micro nuptials with maximum style is here and the expert in this area is Ever After in Devon. They’ve put together everything a couple might need for a luxury micro wedding including the venue, the bouquet, the photographer, the champagne and canapés and the wedding breakfast prepared by a private chef, plus overnight accommodation in their 18th Century honeymoon cottage!

Utterly magical and if I could do it all again!

Lots of love…

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