One thing that rocks about being a wedding photographer in Columbia, SC is that I get to watch trends come in and out of style. Just a few years ago, no one would ever have thought about using mason jars and burlap in their wedding, and then it was suddenly everywhere. While the mason jar and burlap phase may have run its course now, new trends are quickly taking root. Pantone, the company known for its color matching system and “Color of the Year” predictions, makes a killing off of guessing which trends will be most desirable in a coming season. In this post, I want to address some wedding traditions I see coming up for 2016 and 2017, and which traditions I haven’t seen in the past few years which I wish would come back in style!

Something Old

Let’s begin with “Something Old”. Just a few years ago, back when I got married and in the years prior to that (let’s just assume I’m speaking of the early 2000’s and 1990’s, here, so I don’t have to show my age) it was customary to have a soloist at every wedding. How do I know? Well, I was the soloist at many of these weddings. In my About page, I speak of my history in vocal performance, and I always loved being invited to sing Ave Maria, The Lord’s Prayer, Pie Jesu, or Bist du Bei Mir (Be Thou With Them) at a wedding. However,  in the years I’ve been photographing weddings, I’ve noticed that many couples no longer choose to feature a musical interlude or cantor as part of the ceremony. I miss this feature of a wedding. As a wedding photographer, I love the hushed moments of a ceremony where the couple is blessed by the beautiful, clear, voice of a soprano or tenor serenading them with traditional blessings. I hope to see this traditional aspect of wedding ceremonies come back!

Something New

As for “Something New”, there are some really great wedding elements that I’ve seen, that I hope become more popular in 2016 and 2017 weddings. In no particular order, here are some of my favorite wedding elements that I can’t wait to photograph in upcoming weddings!
Metallics — Copper and rose gold are on the rise in every aspect of a wedding, from the foil on a save the date, to the icing on a wedding cake. These warm, shiny aspects can be anything from ethereal and woodsy, to Industrial Chic, to even Steampunk or Victorian. You can’t go wrong! One color to avoid in 2016 and 2017, however, is anything silver. When deciding on the metallics for your wedding, think mid-century modern, antebellum, or Gatsby-esque.

Greenery — last winter, I saw weddings with bouquets consisting entirely of greenery, and it was AH-MAZING. Eucalyptus, magnolia, mint and basil, gardenia foliage, and echeveria succulents are all perfect picks for your wedding decor, and it helps that they also work double time to freshen the air in your venue!

Naked Cakes — There are many trends coming up in wedding cakes this year, including metallic frosting similar to this one:

But one of my favorite trends that I’m dying to see (and taste!) is the naked cake trend. What better way to take a natural design all the way to the cake, and show off the flavors inside each delicious layer?! Keep an eye out for my upcoming styled shoot and collaboration with The Southern Gourmet, because we have an amazing naked cake in the works for this shoot!

Another trend that I’m loving, which The Southern Gourmet does very well, are custom edibles for your bridal shower, bachelorette party, or to send home as favors from your wedding. Just take a look at these gorgeous custom delectables!

Of course, as is always the case: DO YOU. If it’s your style, if it tells a story, if it’s handed down from generations past, or if it just represents you and your soon-to-be spouse, then go for it! The best trend in weddings right now is to make it all. about. YOU. What better way is there to celebrate?!