Here at Bickley Mill, we've been busy beavering away through Pinterest boards, Instagram glam, bridal guides and some of the best bride blogs to bring you what we think will be the hottest Devon wedding trends for 2017 onwards.
Even for our beloved brides not trekking down the aisle in the foreseeable future, there are some timely trends that will set hearts aflutter!
1. Rustic Chic (theme)
With nearly every bride familiar with the concept of a barn wedding, and most brides-to-be re-pinning those rustically romantic shots, it’s no surprise to hear that the homespun hitch is here to stay.
Think big wooden barn beams, raffia ribbon adorned chairs, sepia photo shoots, bird cage bouquets and yours will be the wedding no one forgets!
Add those extra special finishing touches by keeping things personal with homemade treats, handmade wreaths and handwritten sheets. Have a look at our gallery for inspiration!
2. First Looks (photos)
Whilst it may not be tradition to take a sneak peak at each other before that all important aisle moment, we discovered that first-look photos sure are becoming popular!
With ever-inventive ways being dreamt up, it’s possible to personalise your first-looks photo to keep up the tradition of the bride to see the groom without him seeing her, yet still capture that timelessly magic moment on film! Cute!
(Photography by Abby Jiu Photography, When He Found Her, When He Found Her, Nancy Ray Photography)
3. Ditch the After Party (venue)
All is not as it seems! Before you wonder if we’ve lost our marble cake, don’t panic! Wedding guru David Tutera truly believes guests should stay put - bringing the “after party” to the party - and with a great venue like Bickley Mill, that is possible. As the wedding is the main event, why risk it losing any momentum with an inconvenient venue change.
Instead, keep the energy flowing, the party popping and the bride & groom boogieing by opening up a new area within the same venue and maybe even lay on a dessert or cheese station!
For added fun, think ice cream, barbeques and macaroon stations in the summer, s’mores and marshmallows pop-ups in the winter! At Bickley Mill we also offer fabulous hog roasts, that are well received at any time of year!
4. Pretty Paper (stationery)
Paper is picking up in popularity! Easily available, affordable and potentially eco-friendly, paper can be easily customised to be incorporated in anything from your wedding bouquet and table plan to big day decor and backdrops.
More and more we are seeing pretty paper bouquets, rustic raffia ties, customised cards and chic confetti, all fashioned from paper and card. A timeless trend that is sure to continue and one that always fits with an honest, rustic wedding!
Don’t just take our word for it - check out all these pins!
5. Colour Me Pretty (dress)
Showing off designs for next season, we’ve been treated to a somewhat sexier than usual Bridal Fashion Week this year. Plunging necklines, bare shoulders, ornate embellishments and bold colours will all have their prime time moments over 2017 / 2018.
Inherently romantic, the off the shoulder dress is tipped to be complemented with 3D details by designers. Oversized floral ornamentation, stick-on butterflies and paper petals are all likely to be featured. For the bolder bride, bright colours (whilst off-tradition) are becoming more popular and add a memorable focal point to any theme.
For the groomed groom, leading the way in colour themes are moody plum and burgundy along with the ever faithful pastel and neutrals holding fast to ensure that touch of romance.
All in all, next season's designer dress trends are perfectly romantic enough to complement that timeless Rustic Chic theme.
6. Enchantment (theme)
Perhaps the most popular theme in all your Pinterest boards is the enchanted wedding. Maybe we should call it Pure Amore, as this beautiful trend never fails to melt hearts!
Candle lit ceremonies, petal laden paths, homemade bouquets, jam jar stars, lantern taverns, feather confetti and Macramé backdrops all make for an unforgettable heart melting movement.
Expect to be enchanted forevermore as we welcome this theme in for the long term trend. Customisable, affordable, adaptable to suit most venues, and totally personal too (everyone can get involved in pre-wedding creativity!), Enchantment is pure amore and captures the very essence of what your wedding is all about. Love.
Have a look at some of our favourite Enchanted Wedding pins.
7. Savour the Seasonal (food)
Our lust for ever imaginative ways to present and personalise the wedding feast has led to a boom in 'creation stations' - we’re not just talking about ice cream or popcorn stands anymore... This trend has quickly evolved into Prosecco Vans, Gourmet Coffee Stands, Street Food Stations and even Oyster Bars!
Food stations aside, the UK is having a moment of seasonal and honest food recognition. Shoppers have become savvy in selecting their supplies - we’re much more aware of the sources of our foods, including the season, locality and sustainability. This has filtered down to determine our menu choices on the big day, and as such, we’ve become a real farm-to-fork nation.
Seasonal, honest, hearty food - done simply, but well, appears to be the trend that is caught in a moment and shows every sign of being content there! This ethos is very much part of our 'DNA' at Bickley Mill, and influences every dish featured on our seasonal menus.
8. Insta 'Save the Dates' (invitations)
Smart technology has revolutionised the way we share news, and companies such as Polargram and Photobox have come up with the perfect way to announce your wedding in style. With the Instagram era truly upon us, the majority of brides-to-be and other halves have the all important app.
Now is the time to free your photos and make use of your couple selfies (or shots of your wedding inspiration, if you prefer!). Create a pick’n’mix of save the dates selfies for an affordable and effective alternative!
(Image from Harwell Photography)
Weddings at Bickley Mill
We'd love to talk to you about creating your unique, fabulous wedding at Bickley Mill. Why not download our wedding pack or call 01803 873201 to talk to our wedding co-ordinators today?