Though many brides will still choose a more traditional ‘feel’ for their wedding, it can be fun and memorable to incorporate some of this decade’s new trends into the celebration. The National Herald searched through the top wedding trends for 2020 to compile the following list of ideas you might want to use for your big day. Happy Planning!

Overall Trends/Themes:

• Sustainability: Eco-friendly and sustainable weddings are growing in popularity as young couples become more and more environmentally conscious. Couples are looking for different ways to reduce the environmental and ethical impact of their wedding. Vendors are taking notice of this trend and are offering to use recycled or biodegradable paper for invitations/place cards; are buying local produce from organic farms; and are making various other efforts to leave minimal or no waste.
• Charitable Giving: Although not a new trend, couples are still opting for making charitable donations instead of giving wedding favors to their guests. What is gaining traction though, is couples asking for a donation on their gift list alongside a traditional registry. According to Style Caster, the number of Zola couples who have registered for charity donations since 2016 has increased by 5 times.

The Bride:

• Veils: According to Bazaar magazine, one of the most traditional wedding accessories, the veil, is getting a ‘revamp’ in 2020. Thanks to brides like Hailey Bieber, Megan Markle and Priyanka Chopra, brides are taking their veils to the next level with loads of extra length, embellishments – like pearls, crystals or lace, as well as other personal touches like incorporating meaningful messages or lyrics onto them. Brides are also seeing the value of creating an heirloom piece in their veil to pass down to future generations or to display in their homes as a type of ‘art’ to remind the couple of their special day.
• Barrettes & Combs: While the veil isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, brides are opting for barrettes and combs as their bridal hair pieces of choice – as opposed to the traditional tiara.
• Dresses: Two-in-one dresses are becoming a ‘thing.’ With brides wanting to show off their personality and style, many are opting for dresses that are ‘convertible’: think ball gowns with removable skirts that hide pants or a more tapered or short look underneath.

Wedding Decor:

• Bold Colors: 2020 is bringing about statement hues that do away with the standard white and green, all blush, or neutral weddings.
• Lights: Many planners are using different types of lighting at wedding receptions as more and more of their clients are opting for unconventional venues that don’t necessarily have their own lighting. Arguably less expensive than traditional floral elements, lights can change the feeling of a space. Expect to see more LED and string lights, chandeliers and hanging lanterns – and don’t forget about candlelight – which will forever be ‘on trend’ for those seeking that extra romantic feel.
• Tables: “Round tables are so passe!” It will be all about the banquet tables, winding tables, or multiple tables pushed together to create a unique design in 2020. Opting for non-traditional table configurations is a great (and budget-friendly!) way to differentiate your wedding.

Libations:

• Drinks: With health on everyone’s mind (as well as helping/avoiding a hangover), don’t forget about incorporating some delicious mocktails to your drink menu. Couples are also creating signature cocktails for their guests and naming them something special – for example: their pet’s name, where they met, where they went to school, etc.
• Specialty Bar: Treat your guests to your favorite spirit in droves. Many couples are choosing specialty bars that show off how much they know about their favorite wines or liquors. For example, a tequila bar could feature a blanco, anejo, reposado and mezcal – all from different brands – that your guests could enjoy on the rocks, in shots, or mixed into the perfect margarita. A bubbly bar could be featured on bar carts rolling through cocktail hour showcasing brut, rose, blanc de blancs and demi-sec options.
• Self-Serve Bar: Couples are choosing to create self-service bars, beer taps and 70s style cocktail bars at their weddings. They are looking to get their guests in on the action and have them take part in some of the fun. A self-service bar can create that kind of moment, giving guests something to do during the various wedding events. Think of a Bloody Mary bar at the post-wedding brunch with a slew of specialty garnishes allowing guests to create their perfect cocktail. Bonus: you’ll need one less bartender to pull it off. Talk about an ‘Instar-worthy’ moment.

Entertainment:

• Consider hiring magicians, aerialists, harpists, sketch artists, tarot card readers, and other performance artists to increase the fun guests have at your wedding. Many party planners have said that this type of immersive entertainment experiences will excite the guests and serve as ambiance factors.