Bridal Hair and Makeup look by SM Hair + Makeup, photo by JoybyJo, gown by Modehaus Bridal, earrings by Britta Lynn Kauppila Metalsmith
Beauty and Cosmetics
A bridal look that is always IN is a soft makeup palate of warm blush tones and lighter, smoky eye shadow. For the daring bride, we love a glam red or wine-colored lip and darker toned (but still neutral) eye shadow. The traditional up-do hairstyle is coming back IN, but in a much softer, loose, and romantic fashion. What is on its way OUT is long hair worn all down.
Bridal Gowns
Illusion fabrics are setting the pace for what is IN. Illusion sleeves, shoulders, and backs continue to evolve with plunging necklines and sides—they are very much IN fashion. Long flowing capes, veils, and tiaras are IN (thanks to the royal wedding). Sparkly and glitzy gowns are OUT, and IN are the more simply stated or embroidered bodices and skirts.
Bridesmaids
Long gowns with light, flowing chiffon are IN while completely miss-matched bridesmaid looks are OUT.
Men’s Attire
Formality is coming back IN style for men with a more tapered and slimmer fit tuxedo. Blue suits remain IN style but skinny knit ties are on the way OUT along with colored vests.
Catering and Desserts
Family style serving is back IN style as well as smaller courses. Action stations are IN. Late night pizza is OUT and early morning breakfast foods are IN. Simple cakes are IN and are all the rage thanks again in part to the royal wedding. Cupcakes, donuts, s’mores, and overall dessert buffets are still IN for an added feature or late night snack, but as a standalone replacement for a cake cutting, they are OUT.
Flowers
Bridal bouquets are a bit larger now with a loose and freshly-picked garden style that’s very much IN. Tight, round, structured bouquets and centerpieces are OUT.
Invitations
Color, foiled, laser cut, creative designs in thick card stock, and interesting materials such as wood, metal etc. are IN along with calligraphy-addressed envelopes. The use of printer labels for addressing envelopes and return addresses for RSVP’s is OUT. Having gift registry information on the invitation is OUT.
Transportation
Stretch limousines seem to be OUT, but if you want to rent one, make sure it’s a sleek and sophisticated black limousine. Larger limo busses to transport the wedding party are IN and specialty sedans are IN again to take the newly married couple away at the end of the night.
Photography and Videography
Video story telling in a cinematic format is extremely romantic and IN. Drone technology is IN and has brought videography for weddings to a higher level of filmmaking. Allowing the photographer to tag along on your wedding gown shopping is IN.
Venues
Barns are still IN as couples want the rustic, romantic style. On the heels of the barn are industrial venues with that IN vintage-modern combination. Destination weddings are IN. Country Club and hotel ballrooms are back IN with dramatic lighting to change or upgrade the style to a more contemporary club vibe.
Loose, romantic bouquets for the bridal party. Florals by Joy Unspeakable Flowers, photo by Kirsten Barbara Photography
Specialty Transportation for the newly weds at the end of the night. Photo by Anna Grinets Photography