2015 has come to an end – which means it’s time to start sussing out what the next season might bring. Wedding trends are blooming ubiquitously and we are absolutely thrilled to see so many invigorating ideas. SA Weddings has been keeping a close eye on emerging fashions in the bridal scene, and ready to give you a comprehensive overlook on the forecast for 2016.
When you start planning your dream day, one of the first elements to pick is your colour palette. PANTONE has just released its Colour of the Year 2016 and for the first time in history, it is the combination of two! Rose Quartz and Serenity! Yes, the pastels are making a comeback and the wedding industry is beaming. The blend of these sensual shades will bring a calm and tranquil ambiance on your big day. Along with the colour(s) of the year, PANTONE also released a range of happy and sunny colour combos for Spring including Peach Echo, Butternut, Fiesta and Green Flash.
If you like a bit of bling, this will make your heart sing. The magic of metallics are expected to be seen all over the wedding scene. Add a splash of chic shimmer to anything from your invitations to your candy station or be bold with a touch of glamorous rose gold.
Next year we expect more dietary restriction request than ever before. Carb-free, fat-free, gluten-free, meat-free or diary-free, we can be sure of a few fussy encounters when compiling wedding menus. In come the Free – From – Feasts. Restaurants, caterers and venues are becoming more open to tailor-making menus that suit the bridal couples' special needs… From fully raw three course meals to buffets that make Tim Nokes drool!
Food trucks are also predicted to roll in at nuptial celebrations as they offer a quirky form of catering. It also offers guests variety and the option to feast when they wish to. From ice cream tricycles to Indian kiosks, the wedding food industry has one for you.
Finally brides can forget about the traditional wedding cake – savoury statements are stealing the spotlight in 2016! Pork pies, quiches and tiered tarts are favourable for the coming season.
We live in a technological world where our lives, events and memories are dependent on the battery life of our smart phones and sharing picture-perfect Instagram posts. Make sure your guests capture your big day and make it a part of their social media world by providing them with the essentials: Wifi passwords, Instagram stations, selfie sticks and power bars. These courtesies will not only entertain guests, but guarantee fantastic memories - and ensuring your guests have enough battery life to call an Uber when the celebrations come to an end.
This coming year we will see more and more brides bringing the wild inside! The untamed outdoors is definitely a trend to keep an eye on in 2016. Think unstructured floral centrepieces, cascading botanical installations and ivy leaf photo walls. Not only is it much more accessible and affordable than your imported bridal beauties, but it will effortlessly create a chic bohemian effect for the free spirited bride at heart.
Another major trend to hit the 2016 wedding scene is magical minerals. Whether you believe in the spiritual wellbeing these semi-precious stones may bring, or purely love them for their natural splendour, start foraging them from your local markets and holistic stores. Geodes, crystals, minerals and rocks make for phenomenal wedding decorations - from escort cards and centrepieces to cake toppers and favours.
Even though we will always love the traditional, crisp white wedding gown, colour is making an even bigger and bolder statement in 2016. In complete contrast, you can expect brides striding down the aisle in glamorous gothic gowns. That's right, black is back and our brides are surprisingly embracing these dark, dramatic dresses. For the not so goth, there are also fabulous floral frocks and soft pastel shades. Blossomed bridal gowns are a huge hit for Spring 2016 and we expect our more contemporary South African brides to flourish in these pretty hues.
