Wedding trends come and go and we're no dedicated followers of fads around here, but your wedding is about expressing your personality and style - and wedding trends are a big part of that. Whether your style is classic or cool, trends tie in with all kinds of weddings. From the style and the food, to the decor and the music, trends even affect how modern couples choose to be wed. So to help you find ideas to make your big day your own, we've rounded up an extensive list of the biggest wedding trends right now. Some have lasted the test of time, others are brand spanking new, and a few are pretty niche, but chances are, there's one or two you'll be excited to fold into your party plans!
The 60 Biggest Wedding Trends Right Now
1. Wedding Signage
Both stylish and super useful, wedding signage has been an enduring feature over recent years as a way to direct or instruct guests, or add a personal touch to a wedding. While chalkboards were popular for a long time, fabric, acrylic, salvaged wood, felt letter boards and light boxes have become more trendy. Check out our guide to handy one-liners for wedding signage.
2. Doughnut Walls
A trend we are 100% on board with, peg boards adorned with doughnuts will always go down a treat with your guests. Read our guide to the doughnut wall trend here.
3. Polaroid Table Plans
Polaroids in general have been popping up at lot in weddings over recent years, from DIY photo booths to alternative guest books. We love this one as a thoughtful touch to make your guests feel welcome and break the ice at each table.
4. Succulents
As plants that thrive on neglect, succulents are a clever choice for wedding decor. Varied and versatile, these fleshy plants are often paired with terrariums for centrepieces, are used to adorn cakes, feature in bouquets and buttonholes, and can also be a sustainable wedding favour. Get our guide to the trend here.
5. Perspex
Perspex or acrylic has been used as a stylish detail in weddings for a couple of years now, but it's still a look that's slick and modern. Of course, perspex signage is an obvious choice, but we've seen acrylic stationery, escort cards and table plans too. Get our perspex trend guide here.
6. Greenery Wedding Decor
We do love foliage around here! From greenery garland table runners to foliage arches, greenery is having a moment right now. Even when paired with blooms, leaves like eucalyptus, palms and ferns are holding their own. Stylish, affordable and sustainable, greenery is not a trend that will date fast. For inspiration see greenery decor and our guide to tropical foliage.
7. DIY Ceremonies
As more and more couples opt for secular ceremonies, they're getting creative and making them their own with the help of friends and family. See our step-by-step guide to writing your own ceremony.
8. Alpacas
Pets at weddings have always been 'a thing', but over recent years alpacas have become a regular feature in our real weddings, popping up in photos, and once, as a ring bearer! They're tame, they love attention, they're adorable, and let's be honest, they look great in a flower crown.
9. Hanging Flowers
If you want to make a big impact with your wedding flowers, hanging florals are the way to do it. Of course, you need the right florist to pull this one off, but the finished result is luxurious, romantic and so gorgeous! Get more inspiration for this hanging flowers here.
10. Calligraphy
Bespoke invitations, beautiful place cards, elegant signage and even wedding cakes - some wedding trends are enduring and we're so glad calligraphy has had a renaissance in weddings.
11. Cool Headpieces
From ornate veils to bright flower crowns, brides have always had a license to rock a statement headpiece. These days, the trend is for something a little more avant-garde, think bold headbands, regal crowns, and creative millinery. Look to brides like for Úna and Emma inspiration, and see some of our favourite hair accessory designers here and our favourite bridal headpiece designers here.
12. Unplugged Weddings
As couples focus more on their ceremonies and eschew the overuse of phones and social media, more and more are requesting their guests hit airplane mode and be present with an unplugged wedding. Here's how to do it.
13. Naked and Semi-Naked Wedding Cakes
Banish buttercream and show sugar paste the door - as part of an overall move towards informal celebrations, wedding cakes have had a make-under and rustic bakes, minus the icing, are all the rage. Get more ideas for naked wedding cakes and crumb coat bakes.
14. Silent Discos
Guaranteeing a good time for your guests (without making a racket), headphone dance parties have been on the rise for weddings. Get our tips for hosting your own silent disco wedding.
15. Glitter Bars
We vowed to make glitter stations a wedding trend, and it seems to be catching on! It's a fun ice-breaker that brings some festival vibes to a wedding - just be warned, this sparkly stuff really sticks around! Get our guide to making a DIY glitter bar here.
16. Pampas Grass
Soft, romantic and super cool, pampas grass has gone from a floral alternative at boho weddings to a must-have element at the most stylish celebrations. While we're particularly partial to the pink version, the classic variety gives us eclectic seventies vibes. Get more pampas grass ideas here.
17. Mix and Match Bridesmaids
One of the most enduring bridesmaid dress trends in recent years, mix and match bridesmaids dresses allow all your girls to wear something they love and are comfortable in, while making your wedding party look chic and modern. A win-win if you ask us. Here's our guide to assembling the look.
18. Food Trucks
Tacos, pizza, burgers or chips - food trucks have become big news in general culinary circles, so it was only a matter of time before couples started recruiting them for weddings too. They're perfect for late night eats, but also a fun choice for the main event. Get our guide to wedding food trucks, and find our favourite wedding caterers here.
19. Cool Cover-ups
Satin shawls and fur stoles might still be chic, but modern brides are looking for something a little cooler when it comes to their wedding cover-up. Between leather jackets, personalised denim, faux fur coats, kimonos and capes - we've even seen Aran jumpers! - the rules are going out the window.
20. Dried Flowers
While we'll never loose our love for full, fresh blooms, there is something so dreamy about dried flowers. More and more florists are playing around with this trend, so watch this space!
21. Dessert Tables
Why have one cake when you can have a whole table of them? Rather than the classic three tiers, lots of couples are opting for a single tiered cake surrounded by a selection of sweet treats. These work as a great informal dessert course and are a handy way to cater to different tastes and dietary requirements. You can try organising your own family bake-off, but the easiest way to try the trend is to get in touch with one of our recommended bakers.
22. Pimp Your Prosecco Bars
Mix up your drinks reception allow your guests to create bellini, mimosas, or strawberry and elderflower fizz! This is a fun and affordable alternative to serving cocktails - here's our guide to planning your own.
23. Sparkler Send-offs
Looking for a finishing photo-op to close out your wedding album? A sparkler send-off shot always looks dreamy! While gathering outside with sparklers at your wedding is lots of fun, do be warned that, unless you get lucky, nailing the perfect shot can be tricky and time consuming.
24. Marble Cakes
If you want to add a little modern style to your wedding without going garish, a marble wedding cake is a chic way to do it. We've seen lots of couples opt for one marble tier on a white iced cake, while metallic flecks are a popular pairing with this trend too.
24. Crowd-sourced Playlists
Want to make sure all of your guests' musical tastes are reflected on the dance floor? Simply gather up song requests with your RSVPs and pass them on to your DJ! This is an easy way to get your guests hyped for the party before it even begins.
25. Neon Signs
Who doesn't want to see their name in lights? Trends in interior design often rub off on weddings, and one such idea is neon lights. Available to rent for the day or buy as a keepsake, they look great on the dancefloor, for a reception focal point or as a ceremony backdrop. Get our round-up of all things neon here.
26. Grooms in Separates
While suits will never go out of fashion, stylish grooms are experimenting with their looks and playing around with separates, mixing texture and colour. A striped trouser here, a velvet blazer there... this look can also be an affordable way to get a bespoke look for your big day.
27. Grazing Tables
Are you a gourmand at heart? Then you'll love the idea of a grazing table or grazing boards at your wedding. Charcuterie, cheese, nuts and chutneys... we're hungry at the mere thought of it! Not sure what to include? Here's a list we prepared earlier!
28. Copper Piping
From frames for signage to DIY centrepieces, who knew such chic wedding decor could be found on the plumbing aisle of B&Q? Copper piping is another interior-inspired wedding trend that's been around for a while and shows no signs of going away.
29. Coffee Trucks
Coffee lovers will adore this one - a service like Cocobrew, with their vintage VW, will park up and deliver caffeinated delights straight to your wedding! Think hot coffees after the ceremony outside your local church, an espresso martini reception in the grounds of your venue, or flat whites for all your guests the morning after the night before. This is a fun touch that your guests will thank you for!
30. Restaurant Weddings
For couples who love the idea of a great meal with a select group of friends, a restaurant wedding is the perfect fit. Get our list of the best places for a restaurant wedding in Ireland here.
31. Alternative Musicians
Whether they plumb for a ukulele trio, mariachi band, gospel choir or a marching brass troupe, we love that couples are livening things up and exploring different options for their ceremony and drinks reception music. You'll find lots of inspiration in our lists of recommended musicians and bands.
32. Foliage Bouquets
All-foliage bouquets have taken a bit longer to catch on than greenery wedding decor, but if you're looking for an alternative, yet natural look, you can't go wrong with a lush bouquet of willow eucalyptus. Not convinced? Check out our gallery of gorgeous foliage bouquets.
33. Fruit Decor
This trend is a clever wedding stylists' trick that makes for an enticing and decadent table. Adorning your centrepieces, your wedding cake, or even each place setting with figs, grapes, plums and pomegranates creates a luxurious look that doesn't cost a fortune. Fruit pairs beautifully with flowers and candles, too.
34. Bridesmaids in White
A stylish and modern choice, lots of brides are opting to match their leading ladies with white bridesmaids dresses. This is a chic option that allows you to play around with the texture and style of the dresses, without them looking too busy.
35. Floral Moon Gates
'What's a floral moon gate?' you ask. Well, we've got a whole rundown on them here! For now, let's just say, they're a gorgeous ceremony backdrop option for cool couples.
36. Technology in Weddings
Attending a Zoom hen party, sending e-vites, live streaming your day for guests who can't make it - technology has played a pivotal role in weddings during the pandemic and it's here to stay! From wedding websites to scheduling apps, there are lots of ways that tech can make planning a wedding easier, and, now that we've got the hang of live streaming, it remains a great choice for including elderly relatives, friends who live abroad, friends with young babies, and anyone else who can't be there in person.
37. Jumpsuits
Is there anything cooler than a bride in a jumpsuit? Most bridal designers include at least one jumpsuit in their collections, and it's a wedding trend that's starting to be reflected off the catwalks too, on both brides and bridesmaids. They're cool, comfy, and often coming with pockets, and we want to see more of them, please! Here's some of our favourite bridal jumpsuits.
38. Tropicana
Essentials for this one include palm leaves, pineapples, bright flowers and more plastic flamingos than you can shake a (limbo) stick at! Oh and cocktails, lots of cocktails! This mood board should get the ideas flowing.
39. Long Tables
While round tables were a mainstay in weddings for decades, long tables are where it's currently at. They won't work in every space but if they do, they're a simple way to encourage mingling. Check out our guide to hiring tables for your wedding here.
40. Cheese Cakes
This trend is all about forgoing the buttercream and sponge wedding cake and opting for tiers upon tiers of brie, Wensleydale, Gouda and cheddar. This is perhaps the wedding trend we're most delighted about here at One Fab Day HQ! Find out how to get your own wedding cheese cake here.
41. Macramé
If you want to give your wedding a bohemian, '70s feel, macramé will likely be your go-to. This cool crochet technique is used for ceremony backdrops, hanging flowers and table runners - see our trend guide for how to work macramé into your day.
42. Photo Booths
While photo booth props are slowing disappearing from weddings, the booths themselves are going nowhere, as lots of couples love the idea of capturing fun candids of their guests long after the professional photographer has gone home. Want to make your own DIY photo booth? Here's how it's done.
43. Rice Krispie Cakes
This is a fun trend we started spotting in our real weddings recently - read all about how to add some snap, crackle and pop to your day here.
44. Grooms in Colour
Navy, grey and black will always be smart, but we've got a serious soft spot for those bold grooms who rock salmon, powder blue, or emerald green. You're going to a party after all!
45. Mixed Gender Wedding Parties
This is a trend that we're excited to say is firmly on the rise. You might call them men of honour, best ladies or groomsmaids, but whatever their title, it makes sense to have your favourite people by your side on the big day. We've got some gorgeous ideas for styling your mixed-gender wedding party right here.
46. Gold Cutlery
While gold cutlery can still be tricky - and expensive - to source (here are some of our favourite rental companies), it instantly elevates any tablescape. Who knew forks and spoons could make such a huge impact!?
47. First Looks
Couples opt to do a first look for lots of reasons, to banish pre-ceremony nerves, to get some of the formal photographs out of the way before the celebrations kick off, or simply to have a quiet moment together before the madness of the day begins. They make for some totes emosh photos too!
48. Festoon Lights
Also known as bistro lights or string lights, festoon lights have replaced fairy lights as the romantic lighting of choice for weddings. Indoors or out, they add instant atmosphere to any setting. Here's where to find them.
49. Save the Dates
Save The Dates might seem superfluous to some, but if your friends have a busy season of weddings ahead, are booking holidays or if they need to travel to your wedding, then the traditional six or eight weeks notice simply isn't enough to lock in your date. Plus, over the past 18 months, they provided a handy template for updating your guests on changing dates due to Covid-19. Get lots of ideas for sending your own save the dates here.
50. Ghost Chairs
Chiavari chairs have been the popular choice for weddings in recent years, but for the most stylish weddings or the most modern spaces, ghost chairs - clear, acrylic or polycarbonate chairs - are an increasingly chic option that make a subtle statement.
51. Geometric Details
This trend has been around for a while, but is always evolving. From linear stationery to octagonal table numbers, and structural centrepieces, geometric styling is a great way to give your wedding a modern, non-traditional feel.
52. Hoop Bouquets
Something of a micro trend, hoop bouquets make an unusual alternative to the traditional bunch of blooms - check out our guide to this emerging floral trend.
53. Tapered Candles
For a long time tapered candles were seen as a bit too hazardous for an event as rowdy as a wedding, but as weddings become more intimate, and couples are eager to create style and atmosphere, they're making a comeback. And while we'll always have a place on our tables for tea lights or pillars, there's so denying that these tall candles are incredibly romantic!
54. Protea
Part of the trend for oversized bouquets, protea, a big and bold bloom from South Africa, has been popping up more and more in European weddings. Coming in colours from vivid pink to off-white, they're a versatile and interesting addition to any bouquet.
55. Colourful Glassware
Lots of couples are getting creative with their tablescaping, and bringing in some colourful glassware is an eclectic way to add interest to your tables without creating an overly fussy or formal look.
56. Wedding Tattoos
A fun - and still quite niche - trend, temporary tattoo stations are a fun detail to have at your wedding. You can buy wedding-themed tattoo sets or get your own personalised tatts made! You'll find some of our favourite places to find them here.
57. Less Linens
We're all for ditching fuss and formality and one easy way to do it is by scrapping the heavy table cloths and saying farewell to OTT chair covers. Of course you need the right tables to pull this look off, but a pared-back, simple style is so effortlessly elegant, don't you think?
6. Colourful Palettes
Bold colour palettes are gaining popularity fast, providing a vibrant alternative to the more traditional blush and ivory palette. Fresh pops of colour, creative palettes, colour-clashing, print mixing, and statement hues are all on the menu, and we are loving the warmth and playfulness these kind of aesthetic details create!
59. Herb Pots
If you're creating centrepieces on a budget, herb pots are a great idea. Not only do they look good, but they smell glorious, and they're a sustainable option too, as your guests can take them home as favours! See how to style your herbs with our guide to the trend.
60. Bubbles Instead of Confetti
We're finishing up with a fun one! Bubbles as a confetti alternative not only look great in the photos - and create a real sense of whimsy - but they last longer than the flash of a confetti toss so your photographer will be able to get some great shots without any set-up. Bonus: The bubbles are often a more environmentally-friendly choice!
Still looking for inspiration? Don't forget to catch up with our latest style and decor posts.
