5 Unexpected Wedding Decor Trends That Will Dominate 2019
Emily Bihl
Emily Bihl
Emily Bihl is a freelance writer and sometimes-songwriter currently undoing a lifetime of healthy eating in the great city of New Orleans. When she’s not writing, she can be found covered in clay at the ceramics studio or attempting an approximated downward dog. She likes her black labrador Selkie, unexpected anagrams, and cracking the sugar on creme brûlée with the back of a spoon.
Wedding trends change with the wind, but there are usually a few components you can pretty much count on from the moment you open that save-the-date card: pastels, metallics, dainty materials like lace and tulle. If you have a hard time distinguishing memories of one wedding from the next, get ready for a major shake-up. According to an expectation-defying trend report issued by The International Academy of Wedding and Event Planning, 2019 has some seriously non-traditional trends in store. From day-glo neon replacing the tired blushes and blues to not-so-demure materials (think: concrete) taking over the decor, we're pretty sure this year's weddings won't be like anything else we've seen. Click through to see the most pin-worthy trends.
Neon: Laura Pérez, founder and director of Crystal Events, predicts "colorful oranges and yellows" taking precedence in 2019, according to the report. Sandra Santoro, founder of Getting Married In Italy, concurs: "Pale pastels will be infused with life in 2019, as brighter colors pop to the forefront of wedding trends." But neon isn't just a color trend buzzword; it's also an in-demand style for signage. "Did someone say neon? Neon signs will make a comeback at weddings. Those cutesy wooden chalk-written signs have been a signage staple for years. But 2019 will usher back neon signs with an interesting element, like the couple's names or messages of love," says Sandra Serrant of the North American Academy of Wedding and Event Planning. We can see the Instagram pics now. (via Karina Papadopoulus)
Industrial Details: We don't blame you for having a hint of skepticism about this trend, but the industrial look is set to have a major moment in 2019. "Industrial style brings a new set of options to the table," says Santoro. Expect to see concrete blocks or other objects used in unexpected ways with metallics sprinkled in. "We expect brides to move toward an industrial look filled with metallics and hard lines paired with lush greenery and soft florals for balance," says Joan Wyndrum, co-founder of Blooms by the Box. (It's a look that Jes Gordon, owner and creative director of jesGORDON/properFUN has named "Romance Industrial," and we're totally falling for it, fast.) (via En Route Photography)
Velvet: According to Sandra Funk, owner and principal designer at House of Funk, texture is king, and velvet is "going to steal the show in terms of fabric for 2019." Wyndrum agrees and can picture a multitude of ways to style this surprisingly versatile material. "Not only does velvet make a fabulous statement, but its cozy and inviting texture is also perfect for a fall or winter wedding! You might see it draped over your chairs or even used as a table runner underneath lush greens and votive candles," she says. (via Hipster Wedding)
Crystals: We've seen the crystal craze happening in home decor and jewelry, but now it has infiltrated the wedding scene as well. "[Crystals are] known for cultivating positive energy and spreading good vibes, so it's no surprise that couples want to incorporate them into their weddings! Don't be surprised to see these stones spread across your table or clustered around floral centerpieces," says Wyndrum. #GoodVibesOnly, right? (via Nuria Cienfuegos)
Art Deco: "Art Deco is making a big comeback with the use of pinks, olive greens, and oxblood hues," says Diana Weinstein of Diana Weinstein Designs. This extends to the rental furniture couples are choosing too. "Feminine, curvy silhouettes in furniture have made a big splash, and I'm seeing them in everything from curved sofas to swivel chairs," she says. Geometric patterns — which are also in high demand — go hand-in-hand with this trend. "Tufted, jewel-toned furnishings mixed with black and white geometric patterns provide drama," says Gina Holz of Gina Holz Designs. "Velvet sofas, fringed accessories, gold accents, and tassels give a luxurious yet whimsical vibe to any space." We think this combination sounds like a luxe, indulgent dream. (via Judith Stoop)
Masculine Meets Feminine: This buzzy mix of styles has something for everyone. "You're going to see combinations of extreme masculine and feminine," says Holz. "Concrete walls and pink linen drapes. Curved and cozy seating covered in masculine fabrics. Playful, floral wallpaper mixed with dark paneling." We especially adore this trend combined with another incoming look, the industrial vibe. (via Nuria Cienfuegos)
The Brightest Brights: Move over, pastels. Sometimes bolder is better. Kylie Carson, CEO of the International Academy of Wedding and Event Planning, predicts seeing evocative shades like "mango mojito, poppy red, iris blue, [and] primrose yellow" popping up everywhere in 2019. "I think we will start to see some brighter colors making their way back, or at least 'pop' colors mixed with neutrals," says Emily Sullivan, owner of Emily Sullivan Events. (via Roberta Facchini)
Mismatched Dishes: This trend is actually two trends in one — one you can see, and one you can't. Brides motivated to seek a more eco-conscious approach are increasingly opting to source existing pieces to build their tablescapes, rather than contribute to the wedding industry's waste. "For an environmentally conscious design, use plenty of upcycled elements and mismatched antiques such as recycled paper stationery, repurposed glassware, and candlesticks, and of course, seasonal flowers and foliage," says Carlson of the mounting trend. (via Sotiris Tsakanikas)
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Emily Bihl
Emily Bihl is a freelance writer and sometimes-songwriter currently undoing a lifetime of healthy eating in the great city of New Orleans. When she’s not writing, she can be found covered in clay at the ceramics studio or attempting an approximated downward dog. She likes her black labrador Selkie, unexpected anagrams, and cracking the sugar on creme brûlée with the back of a spoon.