9 Wedding Trends the Experts Are Loving for 2019

With the arrival of a new year and a shiny engagement announcement popping up on your Insta feed every day, it can only mean one thing: new wedding trends are on the horizon. To help you get ahead of the game, Lauren Kay, deputy editor at The Knot, gives us the scoop on all the wedding details that 2019 will bring. Read on for all the trends (sculptural cakes, moody hues, and more) that you’ll be seeing at weddings this year.

1. Invitations Unboxed: Memorable and delightful invitations are setting the stage in 2019. “You’ll see couples using their invites to make a bold statement about their upcoming celebration by sending everything from uniquely crafted box correspondence to custom video messages and even leather envelopes,” says Kay. And while over-the-top invitations can quickly add up, couples are playing it smart and saving some moolah by using tools like digital RSVPs on their personal websites. (Photo via The de Jaureguis / Invites by Emily Foran)

2. Olfactory Experiences: The new way to brand your wedding can’t be seen; it must be smelled. “Custom blends of perfumes and essential oils are being crafted especially for the occasion: They’re spritzed on invites, pumped through the venue, and even gifted in candle form as a party favor,” says Kay. (Photo via Candlefish)

3. Moody Hues and Metallic Details: If you’re into v. saturated hues in a moody palette (think: squid ink, midnight blue, emerald, and rich burgundies), then this year-round trend is for you. “Dark tones will offer a rich look, add depth, and pair perfectly with natural textures,” she says. But don’t fret if you’re into shiny details too, because your beloved metallics aren’t going anywhere. Instead, metallics are being upgraded with iridescent detailing on glassware, geometric cutouts, and even bridesmaids’ accessories. It’s all in the details. (Photo via Mint Photography)

4. Private Vows Before the Ceremony: Are you and your S.O. more into an intimate vow exchange? This coming year, you’ll see more couples privately declaring their love before the start of the ceremony to just their partner. “If you’re into this idea, you can even head to the altar to recite standard or more traditional vows in front of your guests (to make things feel more official),” suggests Kay.

5. Creative Takes on Unifying Ceremonies: While candle-lighting and sand-mixing remain a popular and beloved tradition at the wedding ceremony, you’ll also see fresh twists on this mainstay. “Pay homage to your cultural heritage and mix up a family recipe of guacamole or combine teas or wines as your symbolic (and tasty) unity,” she says. “For merging families who want to involve children in their ceremony, you can consider a unity work of art like a puzzle or painting, which can hang in your home and remind you daily of this special moment.”

6. Eats With a Twist: Think of this edible trend as the ultimate high-low mix: root beer floats in Champagne flutes, or mac-and-cheese spoons topped with fresh lobster,” says Kay. The pairing (and presentation) possibilities are endless and totally Insta-worthy. And watch out, donuts — there’s a new sweet in town. “Cinnamon rolls will start taking center stage as a favorite dessert option too,” she claims. (Photo via Autumn Nicole Photography)

7. Jewelry With a Life of Its Own: All hail the new flower crown that is *real* blooming jewelry. Kay says blooming bib necklaces, succulent cuffs, and elegant orchid drop earrings are among the top jewelry trends for 2019. “You’ll see lots of florals as jewelry to supplement your traditional bouquets, all while making an exceptional style statement.” (Photo via Sarah Anne Ward)

8. Masterpiece Cakes: “You’ll see couples hiring pro cake bakers to create unexpected shapes and varying sized tiers,” says Kay. So much so, that it’ll be hard to tell if they’re wedding cakes or art installations. And yes, these stunning designs will include rich colors and textures for added effect. (Photo via Johnny Miller)

9. Smoke Bombs: Sparklers will need to make way for the new kid in town: smoke bombs. These party props leave a cloud of dreamy pigment in their wake, eliciting otherworldly photos and oohs and ahhs from guests. “Match the smoke to your wedding hues, or opt for a standout rainbow backdrop,” suggests Kay. The only caveat? “This wow-moment is best captured during daylight hours, so consider exiting your ceremony or entering your cocktail hour with one of these props,” she recommends. (Photo via Jessica Hunt Photography)

What wedding trends are you noticing this season? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photos via The Knot)

Former Disney Channel star Dylan Sprouse and model Barbara Palvin are certainly living the sweet life after tying the knot in Palvin's native Hungary. The couple, who have been together for nearly five years, have always been pretty low-key — except for the occasional and undeniably adorable Instagram post (and a stunning wedding!). We are simply ~obsessed~ with this celebrity couple, especially after they pulled out all the stops for their couple's Halloween costume. Keep scrolling to see some of their best moments :').

See Dylan Sprouse & Barbara Palvin's Halloween Couple's Costume!

For Halloween Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin stunned as the Phantom and Christine from Phantom of the Opera. Dylan wore a mask and a black cape, while Barbara wore a beautiful white dress. While the costume is obviously a nod to the musical, it also totally reminds us of their day as bride and groom.

"In Sleep He Sang to Me," Barbara said in a post, quoting the musical's titular number. "@dylansprouse my forever Phantom."

Who did Dylan Sprouse marry?

www.instagram.com

On the couple's wedding day (July 15, 2023), Barbara wore a Vivienne Westwood wedding gown to celebrate her Hungarian nuptials, bringing together their nearest and dearest for an intimate(-ish) celebration. Barbara and Dylan tied the knot on her parent's property, which conveniently doubles as an event venue, with plans to host an larger wedding in California in the fall.

"This past weekend was supposed to be an intimate event, but we ended up having 115 guests in the end because there are a lot of people we care about, and we wanted them all to be there," Barbara told Vogue.

When did Dylan Sprouse and Barbara Palvin get engaged?

www.instagram.com

Barbara Palvin on Instagram: "♥️"

After months of speculation surrounding the couple's engagement, Dylan and Barbara confirmed their engagement in conversation with Sprouse's twin brother, actor Cole Sprouse, for V Magazine in June, sharing that they got engaged last September.

"We didn't necessarily feel the need to be fully transparent with the public about that aspect of our engagement," Dylan said. "What we wanted to do with Stephen [Gan, V editor-in-chief] and the V team is make something that was kind of tongue-in-cheek about the nature of private versus public. We're playing with the idea of perception."

Barbara noted that the lovebirds wanted to announce the news "on our time," adding, "When some people leaked the information that we got engaged, our PR team was like, 'Hey, so you guys should do maybe a post about it or talk to this magazine or talk to that magazine…' That really annoyed me because I knew we were building this story up. So, I'm very happy that we ended up doing it our way."

When did Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse start dating?

Sean Zanni / Stringer / Getty Images Entertainment

See Dylan Sprouse & Barbara Palvin's Dreamy Halloween Costume: "My Forever"

According to People, the couple met back in 2017 after a party when the Suite Life On Deck star slid into the model’s DMs (and as they say, the rest is history). The duo made their relationship Instagram official back in 2018 with Barbara’s sweet birthday tribute for Dylan’s 26th birthday.

Let’s be real here for a second though, we all knew they were endgame the minute Dylan went above and beyond to support Barbara at the Victoria Secret Fashion Show that same year (remember this viral video?). Three days after the fashion show, the Hungarian model told Vogue Australia that she hadn’t had a boyfriend in six years, but had now found “the perfect guy” in Dylan (we aren’t crying, you are).

How old are Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse?

Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images

Barbara Palvin was born on October 8, 1993, making her 31 years old. Dylan Sprouse was born on August 4, 1992, meaning he's 32 years old. So there's only a one-year age gap between them!

Stay up to date with all of Brit + Co's favorite celebrity relationships. Let us know your thoughts on Twitter!

This post has been updated.

This edible crescent-roll cornucopia is our way of making a normal cheese boardmore festive — and definitely more fun — during the holiday season. Our go-to this time of year is a massive cheese plate that can stand alone and be the main attraction, or the starter for a larger meal. Press on for the surprisingly easy steps to braid a breaded cornucopia.

Chris Andre

Materials + Tools:

  • 1 roll of tin foil
  • 2 packages of crescent rolls
  • 1 egg (for egg wash before cornucopia goes into the oven), optional

Chris Andre

Instructions:

Start by sculpting tin foil into the shape of a cornucopia (it looks like a cone with an upturned tail). Pro tip: Lightly pack tin foil so it's easier to remove later from your baked cornucopia. Crescent rolls should be buttery enough that this shouldn't be difficult.

Chris Andre

Your tin foil mold should look a little something like this.

Chris Andre

Pop open the crescent rolls and cut the triangles into strips. Pinch together the ends of strips to make strips longer.

Chris Andre

Braid crescent roll strips. You can make these as fancy as you want. Not a braiding pro? Skip this step and leave those strips alone.

Chris Andre

Wrap tin foil cornucopia with braids/strips. Make sure you cover all the tin foil. Leave a little wiggle room at the opening of the cornucopia, so that when you’re done baking you can pull some of that tin foil out.

Chris Andre

Use any extra dough to cover the bottom of your cornucopia. Pinch the sides and anchor those braids/strips in.

Chris Andre

Brush on egg wash before placing your cornucopia in the oven. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Take out of oven and cover spots of cornucopia that are already golden brown with extra tin foil. Bake for another 20 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chris Andre

Let it cool down until it’s easy to handle. Remove tin foil.

Chris Andre

Place cornucopia in corner of your cheese plate. Arrange cheese on your serving tray.

Chris Andre

Add crackers — we like to have two or three options.

Chris Andre

Don’t forget to fill up your cornucopia. It's called "the horn of plenty" for a reason. Fill with fresh fruit like grapes, apples, and pears.

Chris Andre

Add nuts like walnuts and pistachios to fill in any empty spaces. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary and sage to finish it off.

Chris Andre

Voilà! Invite over your friends, open a bottle of wine, and dig in!

Chris Andre

A cornucopia cheese board will become your new favorite holiday tradition.

Show us your crescent-roll cornucopias on Instagram and check out our baking classes (and our Easy Thanksgiving Desserts piece) for more holiday food inspo!

DIY Production and Styling: Paris Fried

Paris Fried: Paris loves any excuse to celebrate and throw a themed party. She loves experimenting in the kitchen and has a terrible sweet tooth. When she's not crafting in her studio, she's at the farmers' market buying seasonal produce or at her favorite local theater watching double features.

This post has been updated.

Ask literally any Swiftie and we'll say Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce are meant to be. Whether they're spending time together in Las Vegas, on a Bahamas vacation, or Travis is talking about the singer on his New Heights podcast, it's clear that they're in L-O-V-E. Well, apparently they're more in love than ever because according to ET (a publication that's accurately released news about the ultra-private singer before), Taylor & Travis could be saying "I do" before long.

Are Travis Kelce and Taylor engaged?

YouTube/Taylor Swift/UMG

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce haven't announced an engagement yet, but it looks like all our teen drama tropes about athletes and artists were true. According to an ET source, "Taylor and Travis are doing amazing, and their loved ones see an engagement coming sooner than later. They make a great match and there's no question about that."

However, that doesn't mean their family is clued into a potential engagement. “Nobody knows that,” Donna tells Page Six at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards. “We will see what happens. You never know.”

This is one wedding I'll need ALL the details about if and when it should happen. Will Travis propose to "Love Story"? Will Taylor's cats be the ring bearers? (This would actually be so incredible and I would love to see it).

One thing I'm thinking about more than any other is Taylor Swift's wedding color palette. "The Alchemy" singer is such an intentional and detail-oriented person that I know she'll think about every little aspect of the day, including which colors to include in the ceremony and the reception. I would LOVE for the colors to feature gold because of how she sings about love being "golden like daylight." That would be such a beautiful, full circle moment!

On June 1, during the Big Slick Celebrity Weekend's onstage comedy sketch, actor Jason Sudeikis asked Travis Kelce about the potential engagement. "Hey Travis, real talk, OK, just the guys here," Jason says. "When are you going to make an honest woman out of her?"

"Guys," Travis responds, "you're really pushing it." TBH, if I had millions of people talking or asking about my relationship, I'd respond the exact same way!

Does Taylor Swift have an engagement ring?

@everything.norway Taylor Swift is engaged? 😳💍😂🤡@Taylor Nation @Taylor Swift #taylorswift#TheErasTour#theerastourwarsaw#taylorswiftwarsaw#swiftie#warsawpoland#theerastourwarsaw#theerastourwarsawn3♬ original sound - everything.norway

After Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concert in Warsaw on August 3, fans are wondering if an announcement is coming soon. In a viral video during the Lover set, Taylor tells the crowd she's in a "fantastic mood tonight" and then visibly plays with a ring on her ring finger.

Naturally, TikTok's gone wild! "Went that night to the concert and IMMEDIATELY called that out," one user comments, while another says, "I think they have been since the Lake Como photos!...Their engagement announcement is beating my excitement for even Rep TV."

What do Taylor Swift's friends think about her relationship?

Taylor Swift/Instagram

Not only did the ET source talk about Taylor and Travis, but also their friendship with Gigi Hadid & Bradley Cooper! Doubles dates are always a good idea IMO and it's fun to see these A-listers living it up with their friends, too.

"Taylor, Travis, Gigi, and Bradley have a blast when they get together," the source continues. "They appreciate that they can all be themselves around each other and enjoy double dating and spending time with each other." Feeling inspired? Check out 16 Perfect Date Night Ideas, According To Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type!

Read up on the cutest Taylor Swift Disney Movie Posters Inspired By Her Songs for more Swiftie news!

Lead image via Rob Carr/Getty Images

This post has been updated.

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our best 2024 gift guides, shopping advice, and all things holiday!

The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

  • Peppermint Mocha
  • Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
  • Caramel Brûlée Latte
  • Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
  • Chestnut Praline Latte
  • Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
  • Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more food news!

This post has been updated.