Tip of the Day #72: Top Wedding Trends for 2014 – What’s In and What’s Out

It's hard to believe how quickly a year has gone by!  2013 has been a challenging but exciting year and we would like to thank our loyal followers for your continued support.  24,000 unique site visitors from all over the world ain't half bad! Without further ado, enjoy our predictions for 2014 weddings!

FOOD & DRINK In: Locally grown fare and seasonal vegetables served in interesting new ways A focus on incorporating dishes from a bride and groom’s cultural heritage Edible utensils during cocktail hour  {no more awkward toothpick/napkin holding!} Artisanal cocktails & Tequila drinks

Peter Callahan Catering {Peter Callahan Catering}

Edible Spoon - Jonz Catering {Edible Spoon courtesy of Jonz Catering, photo by Wallflower Photography}

Out: Bite-size everything Emphasis on extreme comfort food Signature “Couple” drinks

CAKE In: Return to simplicity featuring traditional white cakes

Sugar Leaf Bakery {Featured on 417 Bride, cake by Sugar Leaf Bakery} Out: Cakes decorated in heavy fondant {cake should actually taste as beautiful as it looks!}

FASHION In: Dresses with intricate beading on the bodice Sheer "illusion" necklines Bridesmaids wearing mainstream designers

christos-illusion-dress-620kb100810 {Christos Bridal}

Pronovias {Pronovias}

Monique Lhuillier {Monique Lhuillier}

Out:
 Sheer corset bodice dresses

DESIGN & DECOR In: Art installations made with unique materials like fabric, flowers, or cut up paper serving as a photo backdrop Monochromatic design schemes featuring a cascading rainbow in the same shade

Paper Backdrop - Courtesy of 100 Layer Cake / Scott Townsley Photography {Featured on 100 Layer Cake, photo courtesy of Scott Townsley}

Wedding Flower Backdrop Courtesy of Blooms Paperie {Created by Blomes Paperie on Etsy, photo courtesy of Chris Bailey Photography} chalkboard-typography-decor-for-wedding-ceremony {Featured on Bridal Musings}

Out: Gatsby Gold Mason Jars Backyard BBQ/Camping Decor Celebrity Copy-Cat Parties Holding Oversized Balloons in Photos

COLORS In: Moss & Blush Slate Gray and White Monochromatic tone-on-tone colors Tone on Tone Blue Wedding {Featured on Wedding Paper Divas} Out: Bold primary colors

INVITATIONS AND PRINTED GOODS In: Envelopes featuring hand lettering and bold calligraphy with unique/vintage stamps Hand Lettering and Calligraphy Studio Asheville {Featured on Studio Wed}

Lettered Life Shop {Featured on Etsy shop Lettered Life Shop} Out: Formal invitations with traditional cream invitations and black text

FLOWERS In: Succulents Backyard Garden-style bouquets and centerpieces Wedding Succulents succulentwall-wedding-24 {Courtesy of The Bridal District}

Out: Orchids in tall cylindrical clear vases

ENTERTAINMENT In: Wedding after parties Ice-breaker games to engage guests

Martha Stewart Weddings {Martha Stewart Weddings} Out: Cheesy photo booth props

MUSIC In: A return to 90’s and early 2000’s dance music that brides and grooms grew up singing and dancing to in middle and high school Scratch Weddings {Scratch Weddings featured on Turn Loose the Art gets the party started for a fun, playful bride and groom} Out: Ten-piece bands that perform corny renditions of today’s pop hits

LIGHTING In: Video projection or "light mapping" technology which transforms blank walls into interesting designs or backdrops Light Projection {Featured on The Projection Studio} Out: Monograms projected on a dance floor or wall

FAVORS In: Regional-based goodies like beignets from Louisiana and peach cobbler from Georgia. Maple Sugar Candy {Featured on Martha Stewart, available at Pieces of Vermont}

Out: Boxed cupcakes

RECEPTION VENUES In: Restaurants & wineries for a “dinner party” reception vibe Brooklyn Winery {An intimate wedding toast at Brooklyn Winery} Out: Hotels with neutral reception rooms

TECHNOLOGY In: Go Pro Video Cameras replacing Disposable Cameras for guests to record their experiences at the wedding Pinterest and Etsy reigning supreme as the most prominently used resources for wedding inspiration Go Pro Out: Updating your Facebook status with a daily countdown until your wedding date {a wall calendar is just as efficient for a count down!}

PLANNING PROCESS In: Smart and savvy brides are sourcing vendors, comparison shopping and using sites like WeddingWire to compare vendors and plan for their big day Grooms playing a more prominent role in the planning process Groom Planning

Out: Although the bride’s mother and or grandmother typically want a say in the planning details, many brides are opting to plan their weddings without family guidance.

TRADITIONS In: “First Look” photos where brides and grooms see each other before they walk down the aisle

First Look - Courtesy of Femina Photo + Design {Featured on Bridal Guide, photo courtesy of Femina Photo + Design} Out: Relying on mom and dad for everything.  Many brides and grooms today are pitching in to help pay for their weddings.

What are your thoughts?  Love the list?  Hate it?  Weigh in on YOUR predictions for 2014 weddings and what you hope to see in the coming year!