8 for ’18 – 2018 Wedding Trends

Whee!!! We are in the middle of engagement season, and I’m seeing lots of lovely, shiny rings out there. It’s so exciting! In light of all of the fun, I wanted to go ahead and share my top 8 2018 wedding trends that I really love right now.

Etsy affiliate links are used in this post, and a purchase made helps keep our blog going. 

8 2018 Wedding Trends | Hill City Bride Virginia Blog

Before I start, I want to preface by saying – you do you. No matter the year, the trends or what anyone else says, be sure you and your sweetie are happy and in love with the elements of your day.

Ok, now on to our 2018 wedding trends!

ONE – Color

When Pantone named Ultra Violet as the 2018 Color of the Year, my heart sang. I semi predicted the color because I was slowly falling in love with all things purple. You’ll be seeing a lot of this hue this year, whether it’s in bridesmaid dresses, florals, invitations or even an engagement ring. Lovely!

Aviation Themed Engagement Session as seen on Hill City Bride Virginia Wedding Blog E-session

Also, Navy Blue is the new neutral. Think of it for suits, dresses and even tablecloths. It’s timeless and a bit softer than black.

Navy and Pink Richmond Wedding as seen on Hill City Bride by Allison Maxwell Photography 21

photos above by Ryann Winn Photography and Allison Maxwell Photography

 TWO – Statement Florals

When considering your flowers, they highly impact your day. Darker color palettes are coming into play, so think in rich hues that blend well together or are monochromatic in nature.

Historic Virginia Plantation Wedding as seen on Hill City Bride Blog by Rebekah Emily Photography - flowers, bouquets, bridesmaids

Hanging floral installations are high impact (no pun intended!) and add so much to a space. They offer color, interest, scent and can also make a large space feel more intimate.Hanging Floral Installation Chandelier from Green Wedding Shoes | Hill City Bride Wedding Blog

Locally grown flowers are a big hit, especially because you can choose in-season flowers, which tend to be more economical. Think beyond the stem to blooms that grow on trees and bushes (even dogwood, Virginia’s state flower comes into play this year!).

Smitten with Kittens Getting Ready Photo Shoot as seen on Hill City Bride Wedding Blog

photos by Rebekah Emily Photography (florals by Sassy Snap Dragon Florals), Lauren Gabrielle Photography via Green Wedding Shoes, and K Jugar Photography (with florals by The Arrangement Company)

THREE – Double Duty Elements

When it comes to picking decor and accessories, one of the 2018 wedding trends I’m seeing is the use of double duty elements. If you are purchasing something specific for your wedding, think about its use past the big day. A guest book alternative is always nice as mine has been put away for 23 years! This wooden initial below serves both as a monogram for your new home and as a memento from your day. Lovely! You can find this monogram via Etsy seller Coach House Woodworks here.

Etsy Find on Hill City Bride Virginia Wedding Blog - Guest Book Alternative

Instead of using a “welcome to our wedding day” sign, why not just change it up a bit with this reusable wedding day signage? It doesn’t limit itself to use only on the wedding day, and it would look beautiful in your new home! This sign is available here on Etsy from seller Chicago Factory Gifts.

Etsy Find on Hill City Bride Virginia Wedding Blog - Signage

I adore it when a place card doubles as a wedding favor! Each of your guests would be delighted to see their name engraved in wood in a take-home keepsake. So pretty! These are available via Etsy seller, Pirouette Paper Shop here.

Etsy Find on Hill City Bride Virginia Wedding Blog

FOUR – Crafting Smaller Events

Is your guest list overwhelming? Does the thought of having all 12 of your best friends in your wedding make you shy away? Well, enter the trend of “it’s ok to do it small” – what a relief! From truly curated guest lists to having just a few bridesmaids, more intimate weddings are taking center stage. Also,  a really new trend is the wedding after party. This may seem a bit daunting, but imagine heading off to an evening of fun with a select few after you exit your wedding? Sounds fun!

A Pink and Aqua Roanoke Virginia Wedding as seen on Hill City Bride Blog and Magazine - bridesmaids

photo by Chelsea Anderson Photography

FIVE – Destination Weddings

We are halfway through our 2018 wedding trends and are going to bounce off of the idea of a smaller event.

Would you believe that I know someone who plans weddings for a living that decided to whisk everyone away for a small, intimate coastal event? And guess what – it’s perfectly ok to do that! Planning a getaway with a few family and close friends in a memorable location is a trend that is taking off like a storm. Finances can be invested in travel and experiences. What a fun idea!

Unique California Venues in San Mateo County | Hill City Bride Virginia Wedding Blog - Costanoa Lodge by Jerry Yoon Photography

California Winery Wedding as seen on Hill City Bride Virginia Wedding Blog - San Mateo County Silicon Valley - Thomas Fogarty

photos by Jerry Yoon Photographers and Janae Shields Photography of locations I visited while with the SMCCVB (Costanoa Lodge and Thomas Fogarty Winery)

SIX – Create an Experience

Yes, a destination wedding will definitely be an experience all attendees will remember, but for those who are getting married close to home, you can still craft an experiential event. The central focus of this wedding trend is to keep in mind how your guests will feel. Play lawn games, rent kayaks by the water, have a pizza buffet. Make it fun and an event to remember.

Wedding Reception Pizza Station by Abi Q Photography via Style Me Pretty | Hill City Bride Virginia Wedding Blog

photos by Abi Q Photography via Style Me Pretty

SEVEN – Balloon Installations

Ok, we ALL love balloons, and they just add an element of fun. Whether you are 3 or 93, they just add joy to an event. There are ways to add fun balloon installations without making it look like a birthday party. They add color and a happy vibe… and weddings are happy!

Balloon Installation with Photography by Katja Scherle Festtagsfotografien for Oh So Pretty

photos via Lieschen Heiratet

EIGHT – Be Extra (but not too extra)

If you love something, take it in a new direction or go the extra mile. But curate what you are putting additional effort into so that your event isn’t overdone. A quirky dessert table is a fun way to have a different take on a cake.

Cake Table Dessert Station via Oriental Trading | Hill City Bride Virginia Wedding Blog

Ditch the white candles and use color to add in a bit of flair to your space. What a subtle, impactful way to make a positive, fun change in something oh so simple.

Boho Styled Shoot with Candles by Beeswax Candle Company and Photography by Ashley Eiban | Hill City Bride Wedding Blog

Also, textured table linens are a way to add in a special touch. Notice the light lace below, but really there are endless color and pattern options!

Sophisticated Richmond Wedding in Virginia as seen on Hill City Bride by Melissa Desjardins Photography Geometric Planter Succulent Decor

photos by Heather Renee Photography (via Oriental Trading), Ashley Eiban Photography and Melissa Desjardins Photography

Whew! There are certainly a lot of 2018 wedding trends for you to consider, but don’t feel that you have to do them all. Or do them all. Or do none! After all, remember, this is truly YOUR wedding. Happy planning!!

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