We’ve all seen the photographs. Gowns that look like meringues with masses of satin, ruffles, and lace. Big hair paired with blue eye-shadow and frosted pink lipstick. Some of us are still traumatised by the bridesmaid dresses we were forced to wear! Could this be why couples today are so afraid of embracing wedding trends?
Much is said and written about ‘timeless style’. It’s what we’re supposed to aspire to and becoming a slave to fashion and trends is what’s standing in our way.
But the idea something can be so good or beautiful it cannot be affected by changes in society or fashion seems like an incredibly tough standard to live up to. Especially on your wedding day when decisions and choices are already weighted with great significance.
What’s Hot and What’s Not
80s weddings and the influence of Princess Di aside, one of the reasons trends get such a bad name is because they’re easy prey for clickbait style content. We’re so used to being told ‘what’s hot and what’s not’, it seems safer to avoid trends altogether.
But what if you fall head over heels in love with a particular style or detail that happens to be trendy right now? I love Wedding Planner Katrina Otter’s take on this subject…
‘How dare anyone tell you that anything you’ve chosen to include in your wedding is ‘so over’. No one knows why you’ve chosen the things that you have, and to suggest something is boring, old hat or not interesting is plain rude… No one has the right to judge your plans… we all, happily, have our own tastes, our own ideas and our own list of priorities. Those things are your choice. Always your choice. Not the choice of someone else.’ – Katrina Otter for Love My Dress
You Have Nothing to Fear
Truth is, I love trends. I find them deeply inspiring. Obviously, things pop up that aren’t to my taste, but the wedding industry is full of incredibly creative people doing new and exciting things all the time. A trend has to start somewhere, and I think it’s fascinating to watch themes, ideas, and details grow in popularity, gain momentum, and eventually make their way into the mainstream.
It’s important to remember your guests aren’t immersed in the world of weddings. Even if something you’re drawn to is all over Pinterest and wedding blogs, it’s unlikely they’ll have seen it before. To them, it’ll be new and different – a memorable part of a very special day.
Embracing Wedding Trends in Your Own Way
Trends don’t matter, it’s what you do with them that counts! As a Wedding Stylist, my biggest passion is helping couples put their own spin on a popular look. When you incorporate details or design elements that reflect your personality, when your wedding tells a story through its styling or overall look, the fact it’s trendy becomes irrelevant.
So how do you go about embracing wedding trends in your own way? First, I’d suggest looking beyond the world of weddings and discovering trends from elsewhere. What’s big in interiors? What’s happening on the Paris catwalks? Seek out diverse inspiration and translate what you find into something that’ll work at your wedding.
When you do find yourself drawn to a particular look, detail, or style, ask yourself why? Why do you want to include it? Does it have personal significance? Does it resonate with you both as a couple? Trends need to make sense within the wider context of your wedding day, so make sure they’re also good fit for the overall feel you’re hoping to achieve.
Finally, the most important question to ask is: do you love it? If the answer is yes, who cares what anyone else thinks?
If you’d like to chat about embracing wedding trends, or ask a specific question about my wedding design and styling services, please get in touch.
Photo Credits:
Jungle Luxe and Coastal Shoot – Maxi Photography @maxiphotographydevon
Modern Neutrals and Dartmoor Coachella – Clare Kinchin Photography @clarekinchinphotography