At the start of every new year, magazines and websites always release new forecasts for wedding trends. Whenever we’re asked for our thoughts on trends, we’re quick to respond that it’s more important to us for brides and grooms to make decisions based on what speaks to them rather than what’s popular. That advice has caused our couples to incorporate donuts instead of cake, circus acts and themes in lieu of a timeline filled with dancing, and personalized details featuring their pets. Their decisions all vary because their passions are equally as different, but there is still a common theme: the wedding always represents them every time.
When we took a peek at this year’s trends, we were thrilled to see there are far more details included this year that stretch beyond the always popular colors and styles. Instead, sustainability, headbands, pets, and videography are all expected to grow in popularity. These are all ideas our couples have already adopted. With that in mind, we’re highlighting 10 trends and ideas we think will continue to grow as couples make the best choices for their days in 2020 and beyond. Take a peek!

1. Sustainability:
As we all look for new ways to lessen our impact on the environment, it’s not a surprise to hear couples are regarding sustainable solutions highly while planning their weddings. One of the easiest and best ways to minimize waste is through reusing flowers. Choosing to repurpose ceremony flowers during the reception works well, and we always find new ways to style bouquets. At the end of your wedding, consider donating your flowers to Forget Me Knot. For a nominal fee, the team will arrive at the end of your reception to pick up all of the arrangements you wish to donate, repurpose all of the flowers, and deliver the new arrangements to hospitals and senior communities throughout the greater Philadelphia area.

2. Headbands:
Wearing a wedding veil will forever be a classic and traditional choice, but if you’re wanting to incorporate a non-traditional style, look to headbands. A pearl headband would be perfect for a more classic soiree, while a patterned or beaded headband would blend in wonderfully at a modern celebration. One of our brides wore a headband recently, and she looked so chic! We cannot wait to see more of this style in 2020 and beyond.

3. Family & Friend Focus:
For most of our couples, their wedding weekend transforms into a destination event for guests traveling in from out of town. As a result, wedding welcome bags are a treat to receive in their room upon checking in. Further, there’s always a desire to make sure to connect with every guest during the reception. In both cases, we’ve noticed couples are turning to notes! Adding a personalized note to welcome guests in a bag or having one awaiting guests at their seats in addition to or lieu of favors is one of the best ways to make everyone feel appreciated.

4. Pantone’s Color of the Year:
At the end of 2019, Pantone announced the new Color of the Year for 2020: Classic Blue. The shade is closely related to navy, and it can easily transform from a classic shade for a traditional wedding to a color perfect for an outdoor garden celebration or an event hosted in a modern art museum. The options are endless, and we’re welcoming Classic Blue this year, especially if it’s paired with metallic shades.

5. Couple’s Jackets:
Chick Invitations in Old City is one of the best local sources for cool wedding wear in Philadelphia. A few of our couples have already incorporated custom jackets into their wedding day attire, and this trend is expected to continue throughout the year. Jackets are a fun choice because they add a unique edge to dresses or even suits, and they can also be worn leading up to and beyond your wedding day (think: engagement parties, showers, and honeymoon).

6. Micro & Surprise Weddings:
The guest counts for the weddings we plan continue to vary, but we have been hearing more and more about micro and surprise weddings! Philadelphia is home to some of the best restaurants that would be wonderful for smaller wedding parties, and there are also plenty of boutique hotels that can only welcome smaller wedding groups. And, we cannot wait to plan our first surprise wedding! We love the idea of guests expecting to attend a birthday or engagement party only to learn they’re actually about to witness a couple reciting their vows upon arrival.

7. Pets:
Almost every member of the Styled Bride team is a pet owner, and we all can confirm we love animals! Our couples feel the same way. From naming cocktails after their pets to posing for photos, incorporating their cat into their first look to filling stationery with their dog, our couples are always finding new ways to include their pets in their wedding. We adore this trend, and we hope it’s always prevalent!

8. Bold Color Palettes:
In addition to the introduction of Classic Blue, we’re also seeing a slight departure from wedding color palettes filled with neutrals. Instead, bright color palettes are being embraced more and more. And, you will be able to see our take on color at Love is in the Air at The Horticulture Center!

9. LED:
We rarely style a wedding without candles, but not every venue in Philadelphia and beyond welcomes open flame. While we have yet to embrace the futuristic feel of LED, we have been so thrilled to uncover plenty of LED candles that look like the real deal! Additionally, LED candles also relate back to sustainability because florists can use them for more than one event. We don’t think LED is as much a trend as it is a new way of life at weddings.

10. Videography:
More and more of our couples are heeding our advice to work with a videographer. Wedding videos capture the movement of your celebration, and they also include the voices of those you love the most. To us, they are priceless. Couples are expected to feel the same way in 2020 and beyond, and we think that’s excellent! It will mean we will be able to share even more wedding videos on Facebook.
How are you embracing your personal style on your wedding day? Which of the 2020 trends is a must-do for you?