Over the years we have been asked frequently to share our insight on radio and television; to wedding industry experts as well as couples planning their weddings. The most requested topic is always about the current and future wedding trends. Last week we had the opportunity to speak at an event for industry professionals hosted by Visit Saint Paul, the official convention and visitor’s bureau for Minnesota’s capital city of Saint Paul.
Only ten years ago wedding trends seemed to be merely developed on the east and west coast. Sometimes it could take almost five years for these trends to reach the Midwest. Spotting these trends was our calling before social media shortened the timeline and as The Wedding Guys we saw our mission: bring these trends quickly to the infamous flyover states. Now as we near closer to 2020 and the new year fast approaches, we have begun our predictions for the upcoming year.
Here are the top 10 trends we shared to catch everyone up on the latest trends:
#1 – Longer Engagements
We see a new trend with engagements happening earlier as younger couples in their junior and senior years of college are preparing to tie-the-knot shortly after graduation. Faced with student loan debt young graduates focus on paying down their debt and in doing so, many move back home. With trying to be somewhat debt-free by the time they marry we see more parents paying for half, if not more of the wedding. Now it is common to see engagements lasting twelve to eighteen months. This is similar to the 1980’s which is partially the reason for 250-500 guest count, as we see parents inviting more friends and business associates to their children’s weddings.
#2 & #3 Local Destinations + Wedding Weekends
Weddings over the years continue to be more than a one-day affair. In 2020 more weddings will be multiple days of gatherings as we see more in-state destination weddings in northern and southern Minnesota along with Western Wisconsin. From resorts for larger weddings, to yes, believe it or not even Glamping for something more adventurous.
#4 Rustic Venues
Today more than ever we see some trends stay longer than others while couples have more options available for their celebration venue. Barns continue to be the hot trend, with their outdoor appeal and more relaxed environment. Industrial space today, whether an old warehouse or historical factory, continue to offer a very urban appeal offering a juxtaposition between a rustic, yet elegant, soiree. There is a resurgence of vineyards for all of today’s wine coinsurers again with the vineyard lending a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony and the barrel room for the fabulous dinner, action stations and wine tastings.
#5 Alternative Seating
With these venues we are also seeing mixed ceremony settings like theater in the round and receptions with round tables of 4, 6, 8 or 10 and long tables of 8 or 10.
#6 Fashion Design & #7 Price-Points
Each year we are fortunate to attend New York City Bridal Fashion Week in April and October enabling us to see from the new collections for the upcoming season. Classics such as satin strapless ball gowns will never go away, but today there are many silhouettes with sleeves and deep plunging necklines and backs. Mermaid designs with illusion fabrics continue to be trend forward. Predictions for 2020 will be smaller poof sleeves and not with heavy fabric but with tulle allowing for a very romantic look. Adornments are strategically placed with painstaking hand beaded embroidery and long trains and long veils will complete the look. The average price points for most gowns will range from $800 to $3,000.
#8 Organic Floral
A carry over from this past year will be more organic floral with less structure; looking as if it were just picked out of the garden and anything with texture like Pampas Grass and wheat will be the go-to. Mixtures of props such as books or items representing the couple’s esthetic accent the floral, to give it depth and dimension on reception tables while large bridal bouquets are reminiscent of the 1930’s.
#9& #10 – Sips + Bites
We couldn’t make wedding trend predictions without covering the flavorful culinary bites and beverage sips. Ethnic cuisine flavors and spices are now allowing guests to experience something they may not try on their own. Whether it be a small bite during the cocktail reception or a amuse-bouche at the start of the meal, these flavors will offer a glimpse of a chef’s style for the dinner. Signature drinks have started to fall to the wayside and in its place prominently center stage are local craft spirits and brews.