NEW YORK, Jan. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Knot, the
leading digital wedding brand and app, today released its annual
Wedding Trends Report of the top trends for 2018. From unexpected
entertainment to experiential dining, brides and grooms continue to
break the traditional rules in favor of creating weddings that are
a true reflection of themselves as a couple.
"Personalization has made its way into every aspect of weddings,
as couples proudly show their unique personalities and styles
throughout the food, entertainment, escort cards and florals," said
Kristen Maxwell Cooper, editor in
chief of The Knot. "Couples are also making a personal statement
with their registries. Long gone are the days of registering just
for the sake of tradition. Today's couples are asking for what they
truly want, be it a KitchenAid mixer for the baking-obsessed, a
couples massage for their honeymoon beach getaway, or IVF
treatments to help start a family."
The Knot 2018 Wedding Trends Report
Vibe Over Palette
Couples are letting the feel of their celebration dictate the
details. Instead of starting with colors, they're coining words
that express the kind of party they're throwing—like "rustic with a
bit of romantic and a touch of retro"—and using that to communicate
their vision to the local professionals that'll pull off their day.
Having trouble defining your style? The Knot Style Quiz walks
couples through a selection of inspirational wedding photos and
keeps track of their likes and dislikes. After analyzing the
couple's choices, The Knot defines their unique style and creates a
personalized Wedding Vision that can be shared directly with
vendors—that way, nothing gets lost in translation.
Statement Escort Card Displays
Weddings in 2018 will give way to the wow-worthy (think: totally
Instagrammable) escort card installation that incorporates the
couple's personalities. Create a flower wall and allow guests to
"pick" their seats and take home a gorgeous stem. Or set up a large
display of personalized thermoses for a woodsy-themed wedding. Love
tequila? Welcome guests with Himalayan sea salt shot glasses with
their names written in edible ink, filled with tequila and topped
with a lime.
Asking for Cash
The traditional retail registry isn't going anywhere, but more
and more couples are asking for cash in the form of experiences.
Thanks to The Knot Newlywed Fund, you can ask for exactly what you
want—from new camping gear or a down payment on a home, to a fund
for adopting a baby. Have a cause that's close to your heart?
Attach a charity to your retail registry and The Knot will donate
on your behalf each time a gift is purchased off your registry.
Balloons and Arches
Balloons make the perfect fun and festive flower alternative and
can easily transform a space. Pair colorful Mylar options with
basic latex balloons in varied sizes for a real "wow" factor. They
can be strung like garlands, suspended from the ceiling, or shaped
into a mural-like wall installation. The classic altar setup is
also getting a revamp, with round archways or an almost closed
circle to stand under and say your "I dos." The circle is a unique
spin on the expected and symbolizes eternity.
Foregoing the Favor
More and more couples are opting out of favors and prioritizing
the experience over a simple takeaway. They're treating guests to
extras like a specialty sip station, a lipstick touch-up bar, a
passed after-dinner treat, or even a fun late-night cover band.
Thoughtful welcome bags for destination weddings are still all the
rage and this year, couples are choosing to gift a series of small
presents parceled out over the course of their guests' stay.
Out-of-towners are welcomed with the essentials, followed by a
sweet treat at turndown and a parting gift for their travels
home.
Unexpected Entertainment
As more couples move away from providing favors and takeaways,
they're focused on creating the most memorable experience for
guests, with entertainment taking the main stage. Instead of hiring
one form of entertainment like a band or DJ, don't be surprised to
see a steady stream of entertainment throughout the night. From an
experiential theater performance and roaming sketch artists, to
tarot card readers, astrologists and magicians, couples are pulling
out all the stops to create an interactive, unforgettable night
that's personalized to their interests.
First Look Beyond Your Partner & Wedding Parties
Reimagined
The first look with your spouse-to-be is huge, but this year,
we'll also see couples do an official reveal with other VIPs in
their life. Moms, dads, bridesmaids, grandparents and more will
enjoy a first look with the photographer in tow to capture their
priceless reactions. The traditional wedding party is also getting
a twist. Couples are mixing up their wedding party with people of
the opposite sex standing on either side of the couple and honoring
certain relatives in special ways (like flower grandmas!).
Signature Eats & Experiential Dining
Signature cocktails have been a long-standing tradition at
weddings, so couples are switching it up and opting to claim their
food. Ask guests to choose from the "his" or "hers" entrée option,
or name passed hors d'oeuvres instead. When it comes to food,
presentation continues to trend, but this year, couples are taking
it one step further with "experienced" cuisine—like a hanging
installation of nibbles, open-fire cooking, or a chef plating
something in real time.
Passed Cake Bites, Hand-Painted Cakes & Inventive
Flavors
Let's face it, by the time the cake is cut, everyone is on the
dance floor. So bring the cake to them! Have your baker prepare
bite-size pieces to be passed while guests get down. Also trending?
Hand-painted confections. White wedding cakes have become a
canvas for personalization and hand-painting is a popular way to
add a bespoke touch. Not only is the design on the outside
important, but creating a flavorful bite like no other is totally
on trend. Step aside chocolate and vanilla, new flavors like
cookies and cream, Funfetti and exotic pairings (think: bourbon and
mocha), are taking center stage with fillings and
frostings.
Nontraditional Venues
As couples create a wedding uniquely their own, more are
stepping outside the traditional reception space and hosting their
weddings in unexpected places: boxing gyms, pop-up barns, historic
libraries and large homes with sprawling backyards. Met at a summer
camp? Host your wedding under the stars surrounded by nature. Love
music? Choose a concert hall and be rock stars for the day. Looking
for more inspiration? Check out the new book The Knot Yours
Truly. Chock-full of beautiful real wedding photos, fresh ideas
and tips, this book has everything you need to plan a unique
wedding that perfectly reflects your relationship.
Single Stem Bouquets & Baby's-Breath Revival
Single stem flowers are making a comeback. Opt for a sculptural
stem, like an oversize tropical leaf, a calla lily, or a big-headed
bloom like a peony or dinner-plate dahlia for maximum effect.
Baby's breath, that inexpensive stem of tiny white flowers, is
making a return, in big and small ways. It pairs perfectly with
on-trend greenery and works well for flower crowns and other small
hairpieces. Want to go big? Create "clouds" of baby's breath
suspended above your dinner tables for a dramatic effect.
It's All About the Sleeve
From caps and bells to barely there, sleeved silhouettes will be
big this year. Also hot for 2018 is the cape. Sheer capes, lace
capelets, hooded style and pearl-encrusted designs all made their
way down the runways. What's not to love about this removable trend
that's a more fashion-forward take on the classic veil? For men,
suit colors and textures are getting an upgrade. Black, navy and
gray suits will always be in style, but today's guys are opting for
more colorful alternatives (think: burgundy, dark green, even dusty
mauve).Textures (like casual tweeds and herringbone patterns) are
also playing a big role in groom and groomsmen's ensembles.
In 2018, The Knot is hosting The Wedding of the Year. To enter
for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid wedding like nothing
you've seen before, couples must take The Knot Style Quiz and send
their version, plus details about themselves, to
WeddingoftheYear@TheKnot.com by January 31,
2018. See full details and contest rules here.
About The Knot
The Knot is the nation's leading online wedding resource and
app offering an all-in-one planning experience—from finding
inspiration and local vendors to managing all guest experiences and
wedding registries. The trusted brand reaches a majority of engaged
couples in the US through the #1 wedding website TheKnot.com, its
mobile apps, The Knot national and local wedding magazines, and The
Knot book series. The Knot has inspired approximately 25 million
couples to plan a wedding that's uniquely them. The Knot is the
flagship brand of XO Group Inc. (NYSE: XOXO), which helps
people navigate and enjoy life's biggest moments—from getting
married to moving in together and having a baby. Please visit The
Knot online at TheKnot.com and follow on social media:
Facebook.com/TheKnot and @TheKnot on Twitter, Pinterest and
Instagram.
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SOURCE The Knot