The 2017 Wedding Trend Report
The style of your wedding is completely up to you – it’s personal and should reflect the two of you, together. This is the whole basis for our wedding venue directory – individual style. But for this reason, the word ‘trend’ has become a bit of a controversial word to use in the wedding industry for fear it will promote a wedding that’s not honest to your style or your loves.
Whilst I completely understand this and don’t promote the cookie-cutter big day, if like me, you love to gaze at the new emerging interior trends, the latest colours and shapes hitting the high-street and have a wish list of current coveted pieces as long as your arm, then a trends feature is most probably for you.
So…. It’s back. Our BIG annual Wedding Trend Report in collaboration with our resident Wedding Planner Katrina Otter Weddings. In 2016 we coveted everything from the still bang-on-trend spring greens, oversized blooms and marble to bolder patterns, prints, palms and how can we forget… parrots!
We always love putting these features together for you guys and this year promises to be just as inspirational (minus the parrot!).
Katrina:
It’s that time of year again when the temperatures plummet, the topic of conversation turns to glitterball trophies, Mrs. Claus and Buster (well it certainly does in the Otter household!) and wedding planning takes a healthy and probably much needed break in favour of our festive preparations and celebrations.
It’s also that time of year when the wedding industry starts to look to the year ahead and Emma and I join forces for the annual Coco & Kat collaborative Wedding Trend Report!
As mentioned in our 2014, 2015 and 2016 reports, whether you follow, believe or are even bothered by them or not (and that’s perfectly fine if you’re not!), trends happen all the same. There’s also no science as to which trend predictions will and won’t make the cut so instead, our report is merely an amalgamation of emerging trends from beautiful real weddings, inspirational styled shoots and the influential world of fashion, design, architecture and interiors.
Our aim is to guide you through the trends that we think and hope we’ll start to see in greater frequency in 2017 as well as providing you with a little bit of pre-Christmas aspirational and pinspirational pretty!
Shall we begin…?
STRONG STATEMENT GREENS
Wedding flower trends come and go but the trend for fresh-from-the-garden, lush and relaxed, deconstructed, locally-grown, seasonal, wild and foraged is well and truly here to stay!
And top of that “I’m here to stay” trend is greenery and foliage.
For 2017 this trend is going to be just as popular but with a slightly more daring and punchier edge through the incorporation of stronger statement greens (both flowers and foliage) thrown into the mix.
From fashion forward sage and olive green to Pantone’s 2017 fashion colour trends of Kale (PANTONE 18-0107 – a lush and fertile natural green that provides the perfect complementary background to a more vibrant wedding colour palette) and Greenery (PANTONE 15-0343 – a refreshingly bold yellow-green that speaks to our need to explore, experiment and reinvent).
Credits
Image 1 by Amanda Alessi for Yeah Weddings via Hello May | Image 2 by Rebecca Goddard Photography at Wimbourne House via Coco Wedding Venues | Image 3 by Nail & Twine Photography via Hello May | Image 4 by Plenty to Declare Photography at Millbridge Court via 100 Layer Cake | Image 5 by Alissa Saylor Photography via Chic Vintage Brides | Image 6 by Therese Winberg Photography via Rock My Wedding.
GOURMET GRAZING STATIONS
Foodie trend alert!
The moment I set eyes on the delicious grazing stations created by caterer extraordinaire Kalm Kitchen for the charmingly picturesque The George in Rye I knew that this was a trend that I wanted to incorporate into as many of my 2017 weddings as possible… I also REALLY wanted a doughnut as well!
These five interactive stations (Champagne & Oyster Bar, Doughnut Deli, Bubbly Bar, Charcuterie Stall & the Patisserie Parlour) are a sure set trend for 2017 because a) who doesn’t love the idea of an interactive food or drinks station..? b) all five stations are relatively easy to re-create and replicate at your own wedding c) the concept can be extended to incorporate any food or drink that takes your fancy and d) incorporating a station into your overall design is guaranteed to add a creative show stopping centrepiece and a talking point for your guests.
Bravo Kalm Kitchen and The George in Rye, BRAVO!
credits
Images by WOOKIE Photography at The George in Rye | Food Styling by Kalm Kitchen.
MINIMALIST LUXE
If you haven’t the foggiest what I even mean by this, then in a nutshell minimalist luxe is all about stripping things back with simple styling, without scrimping on luxury or the overall style and vibe. It’s the perfect blend of high end, luxurious pieces perfectly combined with on-trend, budget attainable styling in order to create the ultimate cool, timeless and effortless vibe.
credits
Image 1 by Cecelina Photography at Almonry Barn via Coco Wedding Venues | Image 2 via Charlotte Simpson Bridal | Image 3 by Cecelina Photography at Almonry Barn via Coco Wedding Venues | Image 4 by Ashley Sawtelle via Magnolia Rouge | Image 5 by Jose Villa via Once Wed | Image 6 by Bai & Elle Photography at West Reservoir Centre via Coco Wedding Venues.
INTIMATE ELOPEMENTS
Whether it’s due to the ever-growing pressure for the perfect wedding, a family drama or the financial burden, frustration and stress of planning a wedding, elopements are continuing to grow in popularity and are finally being recognised, encouraged and embraced by the wedding industry.
With more and more suppliers now providing services dedicated purely to elopements, whether that’s a photographer offering a tailored service to cover the shorter number of hours required, or a venue that positively encourages a more intimate affair with bespoke elopement packages (you can find a fabulous and growing selection of such venues right here on Coco), we’ll continue to see this trend grow and flourish into 2017 and beyond.
credits
Image 1 by Madeline Harper via Mountainside Bride | Image 2 by Melanie Duerkopp Photography | Image 3 by Adam Gibbard Photography at BoHo Cornwall via Coco Wedding Venues | Image 4 by Kristina Adams Photography via Green Wedding Shoes | Image 5 by The Curries at Roulette Retreat via Coco Wedding Venues | Image 6 by Clarence Chan via Intimate Weddings.
SHADES OF NUDE
Our colour trend prediction for 2017, shades of nude, encompasses everything from pale beiges to soft flesh-tone hues to pale, earthy neutrals.
Whether you’re embracing an all nude look, or incorporating it within a wider colour scheme (PANTONE 17-1462 Flame would look insanely good with nude!) shades of nude are clean, fresh, feminine, refined and quite luxurious and are therefore the perfect colour palette for both understated elegance and boho chic.
For me personally, this colour scheme has a certain grown-up quality and the best news is that it can work with and enhance pretty much any venue, setting or existing colour palette.
credits
Image 1 by Sara Norrehed Photography via Style Me Pretty | Image 2 by Meghan Mehan Photography via Wedding Sparrow | Image 3 by Greg Finck via Wedding Sparrow | Image 4 by Jen Wojcik Photography via Something Turquoise | Image 5 by Heather Payne Photography via Wedding Sparrow | Image 6 by Rebecca Goddard Photography at Iscoyd Park via Coco Wedding Venues.
COMMISSIONED ILLUSTRATIONS
Move over monograms, commissioned illustrations are here and ready to take on your personalisation crown!
Ok, don’t get me wrong – I still LOVE working with my couples to incorporate a monogram into their designs but this trend is nothing new and it’s about time something gives it a run for its money!
When you commission a bespoke illustration, you’ll have a stylish, timeless and unique way to personalise your day. Whether it’s an illustration of the two of you, a custom crest, a pretty picture of your venue, or whatever takes your fancy – the possibilities are endless.
Your illustration can of course be used across your stationery suite and depending on the complexity, incorporated into other elements of the overall design of your day.
I’m currently obsessed with the beautiful illustrations Emily & Jo is creating for two of my 2017 weddings so I’m of course happy that I’ll be ticking this trend off my wish list for next year! I know Emma has a little crush on de Winton Paper Co. (follow them on Instagram for their live illustration stories!) and the wildly talented Blanka Beignet for cool couple portraits.
credits
Image 1 by Ryan Ray Photography via Style Me Pretty | Image 2 by Gyan Gurung Photography, Stationery by The Wells Makery via Love My Dress | Image 3 via de Winton Paper Co. | Image 4 by Eddie Judd Photography via Coco Wedding Venues | Image 5 by Lawson Photography, Stationery by Beautiful Ink via Rock My Wedding | Image 6 by Holly Booth, Stationery by Paperknots.
WEDDING DRESS TRENDS
If you’ve missed out on the cold-shoulder or off-the-shoulder bardot neckline this season, then quite frankly where have you been…? The influence of the High Street is strong and will continue as 2017 sets to be a big year for our fave fashion brands dipping their toes into the bridal market. A welcome relief to either the fashion conscious, relaxed bride or those on a budget.
But for us, we still lust after the bespoke designers – from the effortless Jesus Peiro to the cool kids Houghton. So with plunging necklines and statement sleeves on our hot list, here’s a round-up of some of our favourite and lust worthy wedding dress trends…
- Uneven hemlines and tiered skirts
- Fluttering and billowing statement sleeves
- Off-the-shoulder
- Deep plunging v-necks
- Micro florals
- Languid and loose
- Embroidered Jackets of the denim, leather and silk variety! Check out Otaduy.
- Sheer illusions
- Capes
- Boho lace
And whilst we’re on the subject of attire, accessories are BIG news for 2017 – from statement cuffs and jewel adorned necklaces to bold oversized earrings and hair pieces.
credits
Image 1 courtesy of Houghton via Miss Bush | Image 2 courtesy of Houghton via Miss Bush | Image 3 courtesy of Glory Days Bridal| Image 4 courtesy of Katya Katya Shehurina | Image 5 courtesy of Jesus Peiro via Miss Bush | Image 6 courtesy of Whistles.com | Image 7 by On Love And Photography, Dress by Self Portrait via Rock My Wedding | Image 8 by Helen Russel Photography at Healey Barn, Dress by Bex Brides via Rock My Wedding.
EMBRACING BRITISH
For too long now the UK wedding industry has looked further afield for ideas and inspiration, coveting the real weddings and styled shoots from the likes of the US, Australia, New Zealand and Europe to the detriment and underminement of our own talent, unique style and service offerings.
Well you know what, enough is enough!
Isn’t it about time that we accept what we have to offer because there’s no point coveting something that just isn’t realistic – whether it’s those images that I’m sure we all have on our Pinterest boards of outdoor dining on a mountain, to tablescapes styled with specialty linens and luxurious tableware that just aren’t available to hire in the UK.
So, this trend is more of a plea to encourage, embrace and celebrate British and our own distinct style and design aesthetics.
Let’s celebrate Debretts and our customs and traditions, incorporate British seasonal flowers and foliage into our designs, embrace the finest local and seasonal ingredients and just be realistic about what is and isn’t achievable within the UK!
credits
Image 1 by www.weddingsbynicolaandglen.com at Lords of the Manor | Image 2 courtesy of Axnoller | Image 3 by www.weddingsbynicolaandglen.com at Lords of the Manor | Image 4 by Lucky Malone at Pennard House via Coco Wedding Venues | Image 5 by Lucky Malone, Flowers by Jay Archer Floral Design | Image 6 by Kate Nielen Photography at Wickham House | Image 6 by Rebecca Goddard Photography at River Cottage | Image 7 courtesy of The Pearl Tent Co.
Poly(methyl methacrylate)… aka acrylic and perspex!
There’s a fair bit of industry buzz currently surrounding acrylic (my social media feeds are awash with acrylic inspiration thanks to Wedding and Event Styling supremo Inspire Hire) which means that it’s only right that this transparent thermoplastic features amongst our trend watch for 2017.
We all love the Louis Ghost Chairs, but acrylic is making it’s way to bespoke signs, floating floral arrangements, edible treats displayed on perspex plinths to unique invitations – there are plenty of ways to incorporate this trend into your wedding.
Penny from The Little Lending Company nailed the trend with her pretty perspex hanging bespoke signs featured at The Most Unusual Wedding Fair at Godwick Great Barn, whilst Cleartouch by Cutture has taken this trend to the next level with their perspex offerings including clear invitations, table numbers, seating plans, menus and name blocks in silver mirror, gold mirror, clear or frosted Perspex! In fact, we love the creativity of Cutture so much they made this gold table number for us (last picture) at River Cottage and our neon perspex signs for our Tropics in the City shoot last year.
credits
Image 1 by Jack & Ginger Studios | Image 2 by Sarah Kate Photographer via Style Me Pretty | Image 3 by Sarah Kate Photographer via Style Me Pretty | Image 4 by Rebecca Goddard Photography at Wimbourne House via Coco Wedding Venues | Image 5 by Ellie Gillard Photography at Godwick Great Barn, Styling by The Little Lending Co. | Image 6 by Rebecca Goddard Photography at River Cottage via Coco Wedding Venues.
THE AFTER PARTY!
And just to round off 2017 we’re going to end things with a party – an after party to be precise!
As a Wedding Planner, I’m increasingly being asked by my couples to research and find venues that have the option and flexibility for a post wedding after party. Thankfully their wishes are being answered with the ever-growing number of venues now catering to the post wedding party, whether that’s an option for a late license, underground / basement bars and nightclubs or retirement lounges, libraries and bars open late for house guests. There’s even the Ash Barton Estate where they have a strict NO curfew rule!
In 2017 my couples will be celebrating until the early hours, whilst I’ll be embracing my caffeine addiction!
Credits
Image 1 courtesy of Axnoller | Image 2 courtesy of Aynhoe Park | Image 3 by Igor Demba at forest weddings | Image 4 by Peach & Jo Photography at Godwick Great Barn | Image 5 by Jade Osborne Photography at Garthmyl Hall via Coco Wedding Venues | Image 6 by Miki Studios at RSA | Image 7 by Rebecca Goddard Photography at River Cottage.
Lots of love…