My favourite wedding trends for 2017

With my own wedding in the planning process for this year, poring over beautiful imagery and trends on Pinterest is all the more exciting! So, I’m multi-tasking on this post, it’s both work research ;) and wedding planning as I bring you my favourite trends for 2017.

Greenery

Starting with the Pantone colour of the year - Greenery, we’re going to see lots of lush leafy details such as gorgeous garlands and foliage style centrepieces. Green is nature’s neutral and the perfect accent to an opulent setting. 

Industrial

I absolutely adore the industrial look, and the homeware elements of copper and marble have now made their way into weddings. This would work really well in a cool and edgy city venue with brick or concrete walls. Organic greenery and succulents are your friend here too!

Watercolour

Anyone who has seen my stationery designs knows how much I love incorporating watercolours - they are whimsical and romantic, and are a wonderful way to add dreamy pops of colour. View samples here.

Boho

If going the traditional wedding route simply isn’t for you, and you are more drawn to a natural boho vibe, there is so much beautiful inspiration out there on how to style your day while staying true to you. I am personally so drawn to the freedom and adventure the boho aesthetic evokes.

Woodland

Granted our unpredictable Irish weather could make a woodland wedding a little tricky, but with ample planning, this perfectly suits the outdoorsy couple who are planning a more intimate wedding or elopement. I can’t think of anything more romantic than exchanging your vows in a stunning forest setting. 

If you are planning a wedding incorporating any of the above aesthetics, they are on my bucket list to photograph, so make sure to get in touch for a really great deal!

I will certainly be incorporating some of these elements for my own nuptials this year!

Images via Pinterest

Choosing the right venue for you

Choosing your wedding venue will be one of the most difficult decisions to make. Here’s some advice to consider for your photos when scouting.

Firstly, think about the kind of wedding you want and the venue options that will suit your vision. If you’re on Pinterest pinning outdoor ceremonies in beautiful California light, but thinking you’ll have a December wedding in a hotel in Ireland, it’s not going to look the same!

Think about the decor and colours. If you want a blush and pastel spring/summer wedding, choosing a venue with deep warmer colours like reds, will clash with all your carefully chosen details. 

Next, how many guests are you having? For weddings with more than 150 guests, consider a hotel or marquee; for weddings smaller than 100, a private venue or restaurant could work best.

There are pros and cons to a hotel venue. While you will have the benefits of using a venue that has the nitty gritty worked out to a tee and on-site accommodation, if you’re hoping to be more adventurous and creative, hotels can be restrictive and bland in terms of menu and decor. 

Private venues, on the other hand are often beautiful locations with true character and personality, and will usually provide a more interesting backdrop for your photos.

When you visit your venue, think about your photos. Outside, are there gorgeous gardens, or interesting spots? Inside, think about the light. Is it bright, with lots of windows and natural light? Putting lots of effort and money into personal details, you want to be sure your photographer can capture these well.

It’s good to have a contingency plan for bad weather, so ensure that there’s nice spaces, with light inside the venue that will work for photos in case of bad weather. If you’re considering having the ceremony outdoors, speak to the venue about the options in case of rain.

Finally, check the exclusivity of the venue. You want to ensure your wedding will be the only one there that day, and that you’ll be able to have an intimate private celebration, without strangers taking sneaky peaks of your wedding!

Ideally, choose somewhere with neutral decor and the flexibility to personalise it as much as you want. You’ll know if it’s right for you, as soon as you see it! Happy planning!

Top 3 tips for the morning of your wedding

To make the morning of your wedding run as smoothly and relaxed as possible, it’s a good idea to have all these things planned in advance.

1. Preparing the details

Naturally, you’re going to want a gorgeous shot of your dress hanging before you step into it. The first thing I recommend is having a nice wooden hanger for it - it looks so much better than a plastic one. Secondly, make sure your tags are removed and those little stringy bits at the side! Finally, drape it from the nicest wardrobe in the house or the room you’re getting ready in, ready to be captured in all its glory! Make sure all your details - shoes, jewellery, rings, anything sentimental you’ll be wearing, are all together ready to be shot by your photographer.

2. Getting ready

To get the best shots, ideally the room you get ready in should be the biggest and brightest in your home. Once you’re in your dress, and ready to be zipped/laced up, stand next to a large window with lots of natural light streaming through. Ensure that the room is clean and tidy and free from clutter. You may want to call on your family to help you prep the room the day before.

3. Allow extra time for everything

Start with extra time from the very beginning of the day. I recommend getting into your dress an hour before you intend to leave for the ceremony. This part often takes a little longer than people expect, especially if your dress is more complicated. You want to take your time with this part - and to ensure you get nice shots - your mum buttoning your dress, your bridesmaids helping put on your jewellery and shoes. These are moments you want to relish, and the last thing you want is to be flustered if there’s a wardrobe malfunction. Allowing this extra time ensures there’s plenty time for great relaxed bridal portraits, on your own and with your bridal party and family.

Happy planning!