For 25—count ‘em!—years, we’ve celebrated the most creative wedding ideas in food, flowers, decor, music and more. As a fresh year stretches before us, it’s out with the old and in with the new, so if you’re ringing in the New Year with sparkle on your finger, we’ll continue to keep you on top of the trends with our annual coast-to coast survey of what’s hot in weddings. It’s going to be a stellar year to get married!
Browse the hottest trends by category:
► Flowers
► Invitations
► Food Drink
► Wedding Cakes
► The Playlist
► Going Green and DIY
2013 is putting on the glitz! “It’s a move towards sophistication,” says Alyssa Brown of Alison Events in San Francisco, the planners behind Seth Rogen’s recent nuptials. “For example, we’re planning an outdoor event right now, but there’s crystal on the table, and gold silverware and chargers,” Alyssa explains. “And black tie is playing a huge role right now. It’s full-length gowns for everybody!”
Tara Guérard of Soirée in Charleston agrees. She looks for modern ways to interpret the classic feel, like cream suede table linens edged with pink welting. “The welting gives a tailored look and makes the table skirt flow out like a ballgown. And the suede just feels ultra luxurious.”
The palette that pairs with the new formal wedding? Neutral, neutral, neutral. “I see grey and taupe with pops of black,” says Alyssa. Tara predicts that layers of blush will be big.
Photo Credit: Jessie Leake Photography courtesy of Alison Events;
Flowers by Brown Paper Design
Candles always have a major presence at weddings, but this year, look for them in showstopping chandeliers. “I like to incorporate chandeliers into my wedding design, especially in tents,” says Ivy Robinson of Ivy Robinson Weddings and Events in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Photo Credit: Sara Kathleen
An eclectic approach is taking hold, too, combining natural, outdoorsy details with elegant elements. “I’m currently working on a party where we are using grey leather lounge furniture, tree stumps as coffee tables and antler chandeliers over the tables,” says Ivy.
2013 weddings may be ultra-elegant, but they won’t get too serious. A trend Alyssa sees going strong is the playful photo booth. “We’ll either bring in a booth or have the photographer set up a backdrop. One look we like is different patterned fabrics.”
Low-slung couches are still in the picture, but 2013 will see more inventive furniture. “For one wedding, we’re having swings in the lounge area to replace where a typical chair would go,” says Ivy.
The wild-card trend of the year? Camping, says Alyssa. It started with Matthew McConaughey’s star-studded wedding, and now brides are loving the idea of a grown-up summer camp—hence the new term, “glamping.” Imagine ultra-luxe safari-style tents with heat, electricity and high-end linens. If the idea of overnight guests doesn’t work for you, some brides are using the tents as part of the reception. “You can have a tent with books and bourbon,” suggests Alyssa. “Or a kids’ tent.”
