Shine OnFrom Downton to Gatsby, the top wedding trends in 2014 are all about glamour
Attention, all you newly engaged lovebirds! Once you’ve awoken from your starry-eyed stupor and stopped staring at your diamond nine hours a day, it’s time to actually put some plans in action to ensure your wedding is just as spectacular as your relationship.
And with the new year comes all new exciting trends to make your own on your special day – from flowers to food, there’s no shortage of trendy ideas to inspire you!
Yahoo Canada Shine reached out to Kailey-Michelle Veenstra, owner of British Columbia-based wedding and event planning company Kailey Michelle Events, to see what’s on the horizon for weddings in 2014.
No selfies, please
Don’t be afraid to ask your guests to stash their phones during the ceremony and reception. Cell phones detract from the intimacy of the celebration, so to regain the privacy and give the professional photographer priority, no-phone requests will be common in 2014.
“A big shift we’re seeing is couples’ desires to have an intimate and unplugged wedding, free of social media and cell phones,” Veenstra says. “They’re surrounded by those that matter most to them -- as opposed to their day being an exposé of who’s who’s -- and are present and in the moment to absorb every sensation of the experience.”
Sayonara, chicken cordon bleu
Gone are the days of chicken cordon bleu and cobb salads – couples are getting more intimate with their dinner offerings, opting for foods that represent their shared or varied heritage, or that even tell a story of their relationship.
“There’s been a rise in demand on the west coast for local, organic fare that caters to the dietary preferences of couples and guests,” says Veenstra.
“Many are opting for edible favors that are dainty and sophisticated, largely personalized and carry a story. For example, a couple might go for exquisitely packaged macarons from their favorite local bakery that they visit each Sunday for brunch.”
Downton, with an edge
Not surprisingly, pop culture is having a major influence on how couples celebrate their big day, with Downton Abbey and The Great Gatsby being major players. Expect to see the formality of Downton (think white gloves and silver trays) paired with the glitz and glamour of the Gatsby mansion – though Veenstra says couples will find ways to put their own stamp on the trend, by adding rustic and nature-inspired accents.
“2014 will be the year of romance, ushered in by the formality of glamorous eras gone by,” says Veenstra. “Posh, rustic and natural settings will make their way to take centre stage, with glamorous and sophisticated accents secondary, weaving the ambiance together and sharing a story.”
Soft but bold
Soft, romantic themes are taking centre stage for 2014, with everything from blush-coloured bridal gowns to lace-accented invitations and décor -- but brides will be supplementing their décor with bold patterns and colours for a vibrant pop of colour.
Flower power
While couples have been leaning toward simpler floral arrangements in the past few years, expect that to end in 2014! European-inspired and extremely feminine lush bouquets accompanied by formal vases and garlands are the next big thing in wedding trends.
“For 2014, flowers are back with vengeance! You’ll be sure to see florals extending through all facets of wedding design, including garlands, which will take centre stage from doorways to arches and ceiling installations,” she says.
Road trip!
The rising cost of housing is leaving many couples without the extra cash to fund a post-wedding trip to the Bahamas, and Veenstra says she’s seeing more and more couples opt for the road-trip honeymoon as a way of cutting costs in order to save up for a home.
“Many couples are choosing to skip the lavish jet-setting in favour of short getaways,” she says. “For us in Vancouver, that could be a weekend in Okanogan wine country or a week-long drive down the Oregon coast.”
