FLOWER TRENDS 2016

If you haven’t noticed, we are endeavoring to help you check off your wedding “to decide” list bit by bit. Today we are going to tell you about the hottest flower trends for 2016. You may see that some of the trends we have seen for tuxedos, gowns, dresses, and colors have flowed over into flowers. Makes sense, right? Including these trending elements throughout your wedding creates a sense of harmony and ties everything together. Flowers are a great way to showcase the style of your wedding. Not to mention that the bridal bouquet will be front and center for most of the wedding, so you want it to be stunning. All of the styles really bring the wow factor, but they won’t all work for every wedding, which is why we have compiled a list of the top 5 flower trends for this year to get you started.  

Feathers

Adding feathers to your bouquet can add a glamorous feel to the arrangement while either adding colors or balancing with a neutral. To add that pop of color try a peacock feather. The luminescent way it catches the light be sure to add that little extra something. Maybe you already have an array of colorful flowers but still need that last bit to push it over the edge, try a pheasant feather. The soft browns and blacks will compliment the colors perfectly.

Berries and Herbs

Want to add a just-picked natural feel to your arrangement, why not try some colorful berries or fragrant herbs. The berries will not only add a different texture to your bouquet but can give you shades of colors you wouldn’t easily find in flowers. The herbs not only smell wonderful, but they truly add whimsy and character to your bouquet. This trend is perfect for the effortlessly beautiful look, which incidentally isn’t always effortless.  

Foliage

Going for the earthy or woodsy feel for your wedding, adding large greenery and foliage is the way to go. Nothing says earthy and elegant like beautiful greenery matched with a few gorgeous well placed blooms. This is also a great way to stretch your flower budget and get a bigger bouquet for your buck without sacrificing style.

Clashing Colors

Does this sound familiar? Going bold and colorful definitely seems to be the defining trend of 2016. Carry this trend over into your flower arrangements for a real wow factor. They bouquets will stand out and give your wedding the vibrancy and energy you are looking for.

Cascading

Do you want your bouquet to be a statement piece, but bold colors aren’t your style, then the cascading bouquet is for you. This elegant but bold approach is so versatile it can be used with so many style weddings. Are you leaning towards a natural, outdoor feel, then use a bouquet with trailing foliage. Want a more modern approach, then try a bouquet with large flowers that waterfall down before you, simple, elegant, and awe-inspiring.

Flowers are such an easy way to really add to your wedding décor without going overboard. Your bouquets, boutonnieres, and table arrangements do so much work for so little cost and effort. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the flower options that are available, so we hope that this list has helped you find the style you want so you can more easily narrow down your options. Happy flower hunting!

WEDDING COLORS 2016

If you have seen any of our previous wedding blogs (if you haven’t, I would highly recommend them) for 2016 then you should know that bold colors are very trendy this year. Or as Mugatu would say “They are so hot right now”. But if you are complementing colors challenged like some you may not be able to choose the best colors to go along with your bold color of choice. No worries, it happens to the best of us, which is exactly why we wanted to share some of the best bold color palettes trending for 2016.

Purple and Green

Don’t scroll past just yet! Believe it or not it is one of the biggest growing color trends for weddings, and when done right it is absolutely stunning. I know the thought of purple and green may not scream elegant wedding to you, but let us show you some of the best ways to pull it off.

Deep purples and greens complemented by an almost gold tone give a very earthy and elegant feel.

Coral and Gold

This combination really jumps out at you, but not in a bad way. The bright coral alongside the shimmering gold create a bold and opulent look for your wedding. Gilded invitations, coral dresses with shimmering gold shoes, there are so many ways this color combination can work.

Blue and Green

Blues and greens have always gone well together, but you don’t have to be planning an ocean inspired wedding to use these colors. Matching the right tones of blue and green with an accenting neutral really make the colors pop.

Yellow with shades of pink and green

There isn’t a happier color on earth than yellow. And your wedding day is supposed to be one of the happiest days of your life, right? So putting the two together just makes sense. But you will want to throw in a few softer shades to help tone down the yellow and not let it take over. Soft pinks greens, and a stabilizing neutral color do this beautifully.

Pink and Green

Not big on yellow? That’s ok! Just stick to the pink and green. You can go soft for a romantic feel, but this year is all about the bold color. So don’t be afraid to go all in. You could even throw in a few other of your favorite bold colors, but I would recommend choosing a neutral to try and help bring them all together.

Of course these aren’t all of the color schemes you can choose from, they aren’t even all of the trendy ones, but you may have noticed a theme. Mix and match different shades and hues of your favorite colors and balance them with a neutral of your choice. There are several website that will help you create a color palette of your own! (Paletton.com is a good place to start) So set aside some time to sit down and play around with colors.

BRIDESMAIDS TRENDS 2016

You have picked out the tux and the wedding gown, now you have to decide on bridesmaids dresses. This can be even trickier than finding a wedding gown. Sure, you don’t have as many options, but there are still a ton and you have to find a dress that will be flattering to several people. Plus you have to consider choosing a flattering shade for everyone’s different skin tones. That is not an easy task. Not to mention the pressure to not choose a dress for your bridesmaids will secretly hate (remember “27 Dresses”) So once again we have compiled a list of the hottest trends to help you get started.

Mismatched Dresses

You may have seen mismatched bridesmaids dresses before now. These became more and more popular with the rise of the boho or laid back weddings. Now more people are seeing the light and using mismatched dresses. A few ways to do this would be to pick one color and let the girls pick their dress style. That would ensure each girl has a dress that is flattering to her figure, but your wedding coordination stays intact. You could also let the girls pick a shade of one color, allowing them to find one that works best for their skin tone while remaining in harmony. Overall, mismatching your dresses can look very elegant and make your bridesmaids very happy. Which sounds like a win- win to me.

Separates

Similar to the cropped top trend in bridal gowns, more brides are putting their bridesmaids in separates. This look can be very modern and chic or very casual depending on you style it. You could take a bolder approach with a small crop top, especially if you love the look but not for the bridal gown. Or you can mix it up with lace and cotton or tulle for a softer, more romantic feel. This trend also gives you the option to mix and match colors without mismatching your dresses.

Flutter Sleeves

Flutter sleeves are a great way to add sleeves to your bridesmaids dress without truly adding sleeves. These sleeves are typically sheer and add depth to the dress. Depending on which style you choose, your flutter sleeve can look vintage-chic or Greek goddess ethereal. It is a great way to give your girl’s dress a little extra something without it being too much.

Tiered Skirt

In the same family as the flutter sleeve you have the tiered skirt. A tiered skirt can that extra something to a dress without completely overpowering the design and adding bulk. They are soft and elegant but still bold. Definitely not traditional, which is perfect for the non-traditional bride.

Sheer Fabrics

If you saw the previous two trends, then you may have some idea by now that sheer fabrics are very trendy right now. Adding an illusion neckline or an overlay of sheer fabric to a dress really takes it to the next level. Adding sheer sleeves, necklines, and skirts can allow you to stay trendy and classy. If you are going for a more modest feel, sheer elements can give you the modesty without losing fashion points.

These trends do not have to stand alone. In fact, several of these trends will complement each other. Feel free to mismatch your bridesmaids with different separates of sheer fabric. The possibilities are vast! (I won’t say endless because then how will you ever decide) So, go forth! Choose your bridesmaids dresses with confidence now that you no longer have to stress about choosing one dress style in one color. Unless that’s what you want, in which case you have several excellent options ahead of you!

Mr. Burch not only does tuxedos, but we also cater to your bridesmaids dress needs! Go check out our Trussville location to see the trendy styles we have for you!

WEDDING TRENDS 2016

Themes, and flowers, and color schemes, oh my! Wedding season is here and unless you hired a wedding planner, which we recommend to help your wedding experience be the best it could be, your to-do list is getting longer! Picking a dress, choosing a tux, deciding on flowers, debating over location, all of these things need to be done just to start the wedding process.  Never fear! We have the hottest wedding trends of 2016 to help get you started.

Bold Colors

If you remember in our last few wedding posts we have mentioned that bold colors are making appearances in several surprising areas, like tuxedos. So it is no surprise that bold colors are trending this year. A bolder color palette really pops and makes a statement.  From flowers, to bridesmaids dresses, or even the dress, don’t be afraid to go bold!

Brunch Weddings

Mid day weddings have been a popular option in the past, especially for spring and fall weddings. But in the summer mid-day is the hottest part of the day and you and your guests will be miserable. Enter the brunch wedding! A wedding in the late morning hours will help you and your guests beat the heat and still give you those gorgeous daytime photos. Plus, you have the added bonus of serving brunch food at your reception. Can you imagine the possibilities?

Woodland/Adventure Themes

It is no secret that a lot of couples have been opting for outdoor weddings. Especially with rustic and boho trends taking off and those aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

But some couples have been taking outdoor weddings to the extreme, a new trend called adventure weddings. These couples decide to hold the ceremony on a boat, under water, at the top of a mountain, in a plane, anywhere that represents doing some extreme activity they love.

Locally sourced catering, florist, etc.

 This is one of our favorite trends of the year. You know Mr. Burch is a huge advocate for shopping local, and we are so glad there are couples out there that really take it seriously.

This new wedding trend is all about using locally sourced food and flowers, and using locally made items in their ceremony. A small business wedding if you will. This kind of dedication to supporting your local economy is exactly what will help it flourish!

Natural decoration elements (cement, cork, wood etc)

Following the outdoor trend, more and more couples are using natural elements for décor in their wedding.  You have probably seen weddings use tree stumps or slabs made out of a tree trunk, maybe even moss, but now more elements are being used. Throwing in some stone, cork, or even cement elements add to the earthy feel of the wedding and give it depth.

Now that we have given you some ideas to get started, go forth and plan! And remember DIY may be all the rage right now, but the last thing you want is to be missing elements of your wedding because you were trying to do them all yourself. Not to mention the added stress DIY adds to the entire bridal party. Shop local and let the professionals handle it so all you have to do is show up!

2014 BIGGEST WEDDING TRENDS

So far, 2014 has been a big wedding year and we're not done yet.  Let's take a look at some of the hot wedding trends this year and what you can expect for the rest of 2014.

Back In Black

Formal black tie affairs never go out of style.  But this year couples are opting for all the dapper extras.  You'll see white gloves and bow ties whether they're celebrating in a ballroom or backyard.  There is a tuxedo for every occasion.

Remember:  Your guests need guidance for the dress code.  You should provide attendees with examples of fashion do's and don'ts on your wedding website.

Once Bitten

Your guests won't have to worry about balancing a signature cocktail and appetizer plate if you serve delicious selections that can be eaten with one hand. 

Remember:  Work with your caterer to customize your menu and create small, playful options.

Photo by B&A Warehouse

Make it Personal

Personal touches are what make your wedding unique and showcase your personality.  Whether it's the monogram on the dance floor or guest's names on the tables, those additional details make a big difference.

Remember:  You don't need a big budget to make a big impression.  A chalkboard display with your dating history or a pictorial timeline are great and inexpensive personal additions.

Image from 2 Hearts Weddings Blog

Let The Flowers Flow

You can't have a wedding without flowers and bouquets are having a big moment in 2014.  Let your floral designer breath new life into your displays with more fluid, asymmetrical arrangements.

Remember:  Balance is important.  If the bridal bouquet is overflowing, you might keep your bridesmaid's flowers in a tighter bunch.

WHAT HAS SOCIAL MEDIA DONE TO THE WEDDING INDUSTRY?

From Youtube, Pinterest, Lover.ly, to Instagram and Facebook -– social media has dramatically changed how brides explore and discover ideas for wedding planning. In addition, brides are connecting with communities of similar women to share their experiences. It is ever more critical for wedding vendors and businesses that are active in the wedding industry to understand this trend and become engaged in communicating with these women on popular social networks and communities.

Brides are glued to their tablets or other mobile devices scrolling through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds. Gone are the days of brides carrying a heavy wedding magazine with lots of post-it notes plastered throughout the pages, which was the norm not too long ago. Social media and interactions within the wedding community have become very visual based. For comic relief, brides can type ‘wedding meme’ into Google Images for instant laughs. In addition, Pinterest has rocked the wedding industry. Florists and wedding planners get direct links to their brides' wedding Pinterest boards. Much of the creativity and vision that the wedding planner once had seems to have shifted onto the Pinterest boards of brides-to-be.

Social media is also a great way to include family members and friends scattered around the world in your wedding plans. Brides are often using Skype and other online formats with family friends to help with selecting a wedding dress. Couples can create specific hashtags for their wedding photos captured by friends to share during and after the wedding day. Beautiful moments are captured and rapidly spread across social networks. Don’t be surprised to see brides creating “social media rules” for their weddings. Brides and grooms may want to be the first to post any pictures of their wedding onto social networks.

As much as social media has enhanced the wedding planning process and made it much more easy to explore and discover brands, venues, makeup artists, hair stylists, and wedding dress designers, it has also put more pressure on brides, mothers of brides, and mothers of grooms to demand perfection on the wedding day. There are now over 20 reality TV wedding shows focusing on how wedding planners create elaborate weddings and how brides are determined to find the perfect wedding dress.

Like all tools, social media in wedding planning should be used in moderation. It's a great way to connect scattered friends and family and include so many in the planning process. Brides should just keep their perspectives in check and hold realistic expectations when it comes to working with their vendors. Pinterest boards are a great jumping off place to set ideas in motion and when accompanied by an experiences team of local vendors, brides will have a great time seeing their plans come to fruition.

SUMMER 2014 WEDDING COLOR TRENDS

When choosing a color palette for your wedding, there are several parameters to keep in mind. The colors will set the mood for the entire event. For example, if you choose soft muted colors, you will convey elegance and sophistication, whereas bold bright hues will suggest a lighter, more fun mood for your event.


Summer 2014 color trends offer something for everyone. Blue seems to be the super color of the year. Navy blue especially is being paired with everything from traditional white to bolds like canary yellow and lime green. Other than blue, the major color trends for summer weddings are bright and fun or soft and serene.

If your venue is more casual and light, the bright and fun colors may be a great way to create the kind of atmosphere you're after. Teals, Fuchsias, Yellows and Oranges can be used in fabrics and florals to enhance the special day you have planned.

If your venue is more traditional and you have elegance in mind, then soft and serene may be the way to go. This palette uses creams and grays as a backdrop for mint greens and light pinks and peaches. Table linens and florals done in these soft tones will create a classic refined look that you'll cherish in photos for yours to come.

Whether you're bold and bright or soft and serene, 2014 has color trends to compliment your plans for a perfect day. Happy Planning