Planning your wedding this year?

MANY wedding trends are set to be huge this year, which include fresh ideas for your ceremony and reception. This allows you to break away from the stereotypical wedding ideas of the past.

First, a growing trend is a small wedding. This is having about 60 guests versus the hundreds back in the day. It’s a noticeable shift that we all understand due to shrinking budgets.

Another big trend is bold colours, where brides are steering away from the traditional white dress and pastel shades.

Many are looking for daring and unforgettable colour schemes that capture their personalities.

Some colours that are trending are gold, silver, copper, rose gold, champagne and ochre.

Bouquets are also more petite, which allows us to see the dress without it being hidden by wild abundant flower arrangements.

Another big one is low key hair, keeping it simple.

Many of us would like to look gorgeous on our wedding day, but also want to feel comfortable, with less fixing to do throughout the celebration.

Sustainability is a big trend. Many couples want to reduce their footprint and impact on the environment by seeking venues and wedding planners to provide them with options on locally-sourced foods and sustainable décor.

Even the ceremonies have become shorter, with many couples cutting the nuptials to half an hour, on average.

Messages of love and special memories sewn on to the dress and veil is a trend that seems to be gaining momentum – thanks to Angelina Jolie when she married Brad Pitt.

While tradition dictates that partners get ready separately and only see each other at the ceremony, many modern couples are now getting ready together, helping to keep the nerves at bay.

So, embrace these modern, yet meaningful, wedding trends that make the day more about you as a couple.