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Trend ReportVideo

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Table of contents 4 - Researching Trends 6 - Colour Trends 8 - Fashion Trends 10 - Interior Design Trends 12 - Pop Culture Trends 14 - Key Trends

24 - Colour Combinations 30 - Themes 36 - Venues and Locations 42 - Styling and Decor 50 - Floral Design 56 - Linen & Accessories

62 - Stationery 70 - Catering 82 - Beverages 86 - Cakes 94 - Entertainment 100 - Photography

106 - Transport 110 - LGBT 118 - Destination Weddings128 - Contributors133 - Styled Shoot Teams136 - Publishers

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Researching TrendsIdentifying a trend is a continuous effort of compiling

observations. It requires a lot of curiosity and interest in a wide array of subjects including art and design,

fashion, pop culture, as well as food, colour and travel to name but a few.

Whilst gathering facts, at the root of it is also a personal intuit ion and an eye for what's next, that can't be taught

or necessarily explained.

With trends that are very present on the Internet, in magazines, often stemming from the streets or the

catwalks, it 's easy to see they might have a 1 to 2 year cycle. Some trends however, are perennial and so

embedded in our common language that they never fully go away, for example f if t ies fashion or military

inspired clothing.

It is important to have a very good knowledge of what was designed 10 years, 40 years or over 100 years ago.

Every trend has its roots somewhere in history. So whilst you're looking forward, you're also taking into

account past references. For this report we researched fashion history books, blogs, interior design and more, and it 's very interesting to see the commonalit ies with what's being designed today. You realise it 's one big creative loop that is constantly growing and updating

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2016 will bring together natural elements, stunning metals, and clean tones.

Think weathered wood meets smooth cement, spirited bohemian meets organised architect. Imagine gathering fresh vegetables and herbs from the garden to scatter on a reclaimed wood table. Getting dirt under your f ingernails and rinsing your hands in the farmhouse sink. Sipping sweet sangria out of steel goblets.

We?ll see colours go back to the basics with hues derived from natural elements, which will complement and contrast more industrial looks.

Expect to see soft winter colours - dusty roses, deep purples, and frosty greys continue to be an important statement for simple, modern styling.

it's all about colour...

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Colour Trends2016

Dip your toes in an ocean of teals, aquas and emerald, from bright to moody, blue-greens will continue to trend at the top into 2016.

This cool palette ref lects the power of the ocean and soft, cleansing feel of water itself . We?ll see a beautiful muted plum that pairs well with this group ? a deep accent in a relaxing palette.

We see a blur and mixing of holidays, traditions and cultures that is changing our understanding of ?seasonal? colour rules. Colour associated with seasons and holidays are widely being accepted for everyday use. Colours inspired by autumnal hues like crunchy leaves and f lowers, as well as gold will shine brightly in 2016.

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- Metal l ics - Metallic is having a major moment. Seen in ref lective leathers, lamé and crinkled silks, it makes a high-impact piece out of even the simplest styles.

- Sparkles - Sequins and other shiny materials have never looked so good.

- Lat in - Right in step with the season?s many womanly wiles were the f lamenco-tinged tiers and ruff les.

- Tie Dye - Tie dye?s new side is simple, sophisticated, and all grown up.

- Fine Lines - Horizontal or vertical, thick or thin, many-hued or monochromatic, stripes are going to be huge. You?ll be hard-pressed to top them in terms of sheer graphic appeal, too.

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Fashion Trends2016

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Among the many inspired changes in interior design some are very distinctive ? f irst the strong vital, even playful colours make a huge come back, second the emphasis on environment and nature in unusual spaces. But the innovations go far beyond. In the richness of the accessories, in the functionality and minimalist use of space arrangement and none the less in the nobility and glamour of the materials used ? just a few hints ? copper, brass and marble.

First and foremost, focus on creating depths of texture that represent all things cosy and comfortable. Playful yet sophisticated, favourites are faux fur, suede and brushed velvet mixed together to create relaxing silhouettes.

The multiple usages of the glamorous copper and brass, their plasticity, and friendly characteristic make a rich f ield for art exploitation.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything in 2016. Think re-purposing, reinventing, reusing and recycling. The key learning is to f ind new uses for old things and reinvest in pieces you can use in your designs for years to come. Inject more greenery into your design to carry on the ethos.

2016I nterior Trends

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With a new adaptation of the sequel to Alice In Wonderland (Through the Looking Glass) on it?s way in May we?re going to see a lot of

Alice-inspired bridal showers.

2016P op Culture

Trends

Bond Movies which inspire luxury elements in men's and ladies wear, jewellery, hairstyles and accessories. Men's suits, shoes, shirts, pocket squares? .absolutely everything about the perfectly groomed sexy elegant dangerous and mysterious man.

Period dramas or biographies such as the forthcoming movies I?m crazy about Tif fany?s and Knights of the Round Table, both inspire f iner detail elements, such as hairstyles & headpieces, dress lines, sleeves, necklines and luxurious fabrics .

The Force Awakens is inspiring everything. Geek chic couples have been waiting years for the movie and will

f ind ways to incorporate it into their big day! Then there is Crimson Peak, a stunning gothic romance movie boasting a rich colour palette

just made for dramatic wedding decor.

The release of Moana will also see a surge in destination weddings to Hawaii.

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The Top 5PERSONALISATION

OLD HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR

ECLECTIC DECOR

ABUNDANT FLORALS

A FOCUS ON FOOD

K eyTrends

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2016 wil l del iver dreams. Consumers are spending and weddings will il lustrate the upswing.  Gowns are f lowing in homage to grand tradition and romance.  Lace adorns everything from gowns to decor, highlighted with sparkle and luscious pastel f lorals. Lighting will play a meaningful role in the transformation of ballrooms or tents into dreamy wonderlands.  The cake will translate either l iterally (say cheese-cake, for example) served with fancy fruit (a-la European style), or become the centre of attention on a lavish sweet table spread.  Big bands will open the festivit ies with djs taking over into the wee hours.  Worldwide wedding and honeymoon destination getaways increase in popularity to Europe (see @wwwedaways) as couples pool their resources and invest in a travel experience that will set the tone of their l ives.

- Star of TLC's Brides of Beverly Hills

Renée Strauss

Our top 5 t rends going into 2016 are high f loral installations, personalised and bespoke table linen, luxury textures and hand died fabrics, mixed metallic and design led lighting. Our 2016 hot three colour predictions are Serenity - Iced Coffee - Green Flash ( I love the green f lash as much as I love the emerald green interiors trend)

- Pamella Dunn Events

P amella D unn

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The key t rends I see standing out in weddings for 2016:

- Alternative seating ? Standard banquet and chiavri chairs will phase out and weddings and events will see ghost chairs and other alternative seating options take over.

- Less f lower crowns, more green foliage? in the hair, in bouquets and used as décor.

- Garden/Outdoor/Nature ? I see lots of green, nature inspired weddings in 2016, even if that means bringing the outdoors inside.

- I have a feeling that Minerals are going to feature heavily in 2016 weddings, big chunks of quartz used as display pieces and unpolished semi-precious stones, Pyrite on tables, etc? This will even translate through to stationery and cakes with marble/ stone like effects.

- Regardless of the venue, indoor or outdoor, more couples are priorit ising the use of l ighting during their weddings. Pea and string lights, unconventional lanterns, lamp centrepieces as alternatives to f lorals, Baroque or crystal chandeliers, geometric shapes and hanging centrepieces adorned with f lowers, will all be big in 2016.

- Bride ClubMe

Rhiannon D ownie-H urst

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K aren CinnamonI think that grooms are becoming more and more involved in every aspect of the wedding planning. Over the last few years, grooms have been really impressing us all by adopting great style, but now many of them are getting super involved with wedding planning too - it?s wonderful!

I?m a big fan of more intimate guest l ists (by which I mean smaller numbers) over large, grand celebrations, and I think we are going to see a lot more of that

- Smashing The Glass

M s P olka D otHigh fashion, beaut iful ly craf ted wedding gowns that have unexpected details or tones. Gorgeous f loral arrangements that focus heavily on greenery elements like olive branches and herbs. Arrangements with plenty of texture and varieties of blooms. Unique food ideas. Food trucks, food stations and interactive food displays that showcase sentimental to the couple foods or their favourite delicacies. Intimate, gorgeously styled sit down dinners than wedding receptions with plenty of guests. Unique wedding venues. Think caves, rainforests, ramshackle houses in the country and rooftops in the city.

- Polka Dot Bride

Sara B urnettMy f ive key t rend predict ions for weddings in 2016 are: Intimate, personalised, foodie-focused with industrial settings, with jewel-toned colour palettes. It should be a gorgeous year!

- Burnett's Boards

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M arley M ajcher

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M arley M ajcherFor me the key t rends for weddings in 2016 are as fol lows:

- Unusual Rentals - Gone are the days where the only seating choices involved 60" rounds with an unfortunate poly-blend cloth number. Not only will we see dining combinations in terms of high and low tables and more and more lounge furniture, the furniture itself is getting a lot more interesting.

- Personal isat ion - this has continued in the wedding trend world and will keep heading in this direction as couples strike out to mark their special days as being uniquely their own. This trend will show up in everything from more monogrammed everything like dance f loors, menus or just super special food that was a part of the courtship.

- Electronic Invitat ions - NOT totally thril led with this as I am a paper JUNKIE, but the world continues to take the deep dive into tech and weddings are not immune. Some companies like Paperless Post are rocking it in terms of collaborations with design stars like Kelly Wearstler and Oscar de la Renta.

- More Pets - The pet business has exploded and that will only continue to bleed more and more into weddings in 2016, underlining the personalisation trend of couples doing what they want. Who knows, maybe we'll see roosters heading down the aisle in the very near future!

- Social Media Dramas - Ah, the joys of social media. Look for more and more restrictions on phones, Tweeting, posting and tagging. Or the complete opposite. Couples either seem to want to hijack anything with a battery or hashtag the entire process from courtship to completion. The whole scene is one of extremes. 

- The Party Goddess

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Celebrity W edding Trends- Doing It On the DL - It 's no secret that most celebrit ies have a love

hate relationship with the press. On one hand, the paparazzi has made more than one career sky rocket, but on the other, not everything should be for mass public consumption. Just how we saw Jennifer Aniston totally blow everyone out of the water with her sneaky plan, Mary-Kate Olsen pulled off the same thing with very few details even being available after the fact.

- Buh Bye Ma Bel l - While the rest of us straddle between hash tagging every aspect of an event and a modicum of privacy, I will be f lat out knocked off my britches if there is even one celeb wedding in 2016 that allows cell phones anywhere near an aisle or toast.

- Int imacy Rules - Along the lines of secrecy at all costs comes with smaller more thought out guests lists. Let's face it, the more peeps, the more leaks. Celebs love privacy and this is one sure f ire way to ensure more of it.

- Cool Colour Combos - Celebrit ies are very tied to the fashion industry and to think that some of the more interesting colour combos from the catwalk won't be incorporated, at least subtlety, into their famous nuptials is pretty naive. Last year's Apricot and Dove Grey will be replaced with a slightly stronger Papaya and Navy.

- Interest ing Neckl ines - With all kinds of Victorian popping up on the Spring runways, I think we can expect fun and fab necklines (which make for great photographs since so many are of the neck up only) and some super feminine ruff les to further intensify the trend.

?Marley Majcher from The Party Goddess

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The Top 5MIXED METALLICS

JEWEL TONES

OMBRE PALETTES

MONOCHROMATIC

PINK & PURPLE HUES

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ColourCombinations

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We are happily working with a lot of ombre colour palettes in the next year; using one colour such as Navy Blue and working within every tone of that colour from the lightest to darkest shade within that colour family.  We are seeing colour combinations made up of a light tone such as light pink accented with a dark Burgundy, or a light Lavender then accented with a deep violet. Monochromatic installations are stil l very popular .

BLING and Metallics!! mixed metallics are some of our favorites; using rose gold along with gun metal and even cut glass has been the perfect accent for all of our upcoming designs

- jesGORDON/properFUN!

J es Gordon

Colin CowieJewel Tone, Metallics and Black and White.

- Colin Cowie Weddings

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No matter how ?white? the wedding, l itt le ?pops? or accents of colour can really help to bring the occasion to life. A dash of green, for example, is a particularly good complement to shades of white, and other more muted pastel palettes can also be used to enliven the underlying colour scheme without providing too stark a contrast. 2016 will see a rise in the use of metallic hues ? think rose or yellow gold, or a rich copper ? which will add a dash of rich opulence to proceedings.

- By Bruce Russell

Colin Cowie

B ruce Russell

I gal SapirWe're seeing metallics as a top choice for both candles and candle containers. While the bolder couples are selecting gold, silver, or copper-coloured candles, we also see others going for votive cups, candelabras, and other candle holders in shades of our favourite precious metals..

- 100Candles.com

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Sara B urnettJewel Tones: One of the top colour schemes for 2016 is going to be jewel tones and jewel tones for every style of wedding from rustic to glam.

Weddings are getting more and more intimate as well and deeper, richer palettes help create that sense of closeness. Anything with Grey: Grey is going to be popular in 2016, whether it?s Pantone?s Lilac Gray or more of a slate colour, it?s going to be big with more and more industrial, urban styles coming into play. Grey is a fabulous balancer and can really pair well with anything!

Blue colour palettes are going to come back in style. They got pushed aside with all the Marsala last year, but with jewel tones and greys, a blue won?t go wrong either. Plus, there are THREE blues in Pantone?s Spring 2016 color report, so something blue it is!

- Burnett's Boards

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K athy A postolidisWedding trends in relation to colour schemes dif fer from retail fashion trends, they tend to be more stable and predictable. Given that weddings are planned at t imes 18 months to 12 months in the lead up this makes sense as Brides do not abandon their colour scheme as the trends happen to change in the lead up to their big day. With this in mind, looking at our clients and their wishes for 2016/17 this is what we see the emerging: trends

Florals: Whites and Greens ? classical / Peach tones, cream, white and soft pinks ? soft pastels / Burnt orange, deep reds and maroons, maple leaves ? winter tones

Table décor: Natural l inen tones (ecru) with accents of white / Gold and Rose Gold accents in candleholders, table numbers and trims on stationery stil l very popular / Silver is stil l not in play for 2016/2017, however f ine platinum trims overlaid on gold is emerging / Mirrored furniture elements stil l very popular

- Nightingales

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Themes

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ThemesThe Top 5

EUROPEAN LUXE

FESTIVAL

BACK TO NATURE

FAIRYTALE

WHIMSICAL

As part of the trend report for this year we have put together a styled shoot focusing on one of the top predicted themes for weddings in the forthcoming season. The images you will see throughout the report are loosely based on the festival style wedding with three popular music festivals used as the inspiration, Burning Man, Coachella and f inally EDC for our evening look. We had a fantastic team working with us who helped to bring this vision to life who will be credited at the end of this report.

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Farm-to-table isn?t just the biggest trend in restaurants right now but it?s also the hottest thing in weddings. Nowadays, brides aren?t just asking for organic greens- they are asking for the exact farm that their greens came from.  Caterers are working with local farms to create the best menu and experience for the new-age bride.

- Colin Cowie Weddings

Colin Cowie

We are seeing a re-rising trend in the sparkle or what we use to call "bling." Glitz l ike gems, crystals, glitter, and sequence are always on our brides request l ist. They seem to be seeking a whimsical feel to their design's as well. Complete full and richness to design is in. Meaning less is no longer more. "More is More" Budget's are coming back with a bang and the brides want a complete rich and full look to their designs versus twigs, branches, and half f il led mason jars. 

- Brit Bertino

B rit B ertino

K evin D ennisGeometrics are certainly in - there's something about angular shapes that bring modern art to mind and what a way to design a wedding! Metallics are another fun theme we've been seeing - from copper to gold, precious metals are certainly a favorite on the wedding scene. As for overall themes, the top two we're seeing are Vintage Glam and Geek Chic - each of these are ways for couples to really allow their personalit ies to shine and we're loving the unique details we're seeing!

- Fantasy Sound Event Services

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J es GordonWe are seeing that the Farm to Table food movement has brought a lot of elegant and black tie affairs back to farm settings and tent weddings seem to be making a big come back on vineyards and beach fronts. I also feel that the castle wedding is coming into play; the romantic gothic candlelight feel with limestone surroundings and long dining tables will never go out of style.

- jesGORDON/properFUN!

Ibiza, city l iving and home weddings. European uber lux resort elements are definitely in play. Clean lines, symmetry, with an unstructured bold feature as punctuation. Artistic elements such as the use of artworks and sculptures as feature elements

- Nightingales

K athy A spostolidis

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For me, weddings are far more about ?the experience? than themes per se. Whether it?s conjuring up 18th century European elegancy with a classic grand ballroom approach or opting for a more eccentric, English Country House affair, for me the real success stories are those couples ? and their planner ? who come up with immersive concepts that engage all the senses. These are the weddings that the newlyweds and their assembled friends and family will remember for years to come.

Another element to the day that I?m starting to see become a huge area of focus for couples during the planning process is the food and drink. I?m delighted to say that generally speaking, gone are the days of the one-size-f its-all fayre and we are instead looking at really creatively curated menus that ref lect the wider look and feel of the celebrations, or details such as offering guests the ultimate ?take-away? in the form of a midnight feast to-go at the end of the night.

When it comes to drinks too, we are starting to ring the changes ? of course champagne is a pretty permanent f ixture but now more and more signature cocktails are being designed, demonstrating real mixology mastery and craftsmanship, offering guests a fun alternative to f izz.

When I?m talking to couples, one of the points I always try to communicate is that weddings are actually about far more than just the bride and groom. I?m therefore thril led to see a greater emphasis now being placed on the more holistic guest experience ? something that I think will evolve further to become one of the most exciting new trends for 2016/2017, because of its boundless possibil it ies. Watch this space

- By Bruce Russell

B ruce Russell

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Venues &

Locations

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A relaxed affair with family & friends is stil l the top priority for wedding days so couples are wanting to f ind a venue they feel at home in ? warm, welcoming and super friendly.

The weekend and destination weddings are continuing to reign! Scotland & Ireland are having a super romantic moment. Think taking over grand castles and offering a luxurious hideaway for guests to rustic barns where wild parties can be thrown over 2-3 days.

With the botanical and tropical trend hot for 2016, I think we?ll see the garden wedding bloom. As well as secret walled gardens, think about orangeries and glasshouses.

Individuality is really key to couples; Brides & Grooms are steering further away from the ?package? wedding wanting to create their own day. We?re seeing couples choosing venues with a wealth of character and a bold, eclectic style mixed with contemporary Eco chic.

Our couples are style conscious and know what they?re looking for in their wedding venue ? visit ing on average 4 locations before they f ind ?the one?, Brides & Grooms take this f irst step seriously!

Couples want originality and for their guests to be wowed, so if you?re a new venue for 2016 then you?ll be hot property!

For 2016 I predict the elopement will be a serious option for couples. The trend for micro nuptials with maximum style is here and the expert in this area in the UK is Ever After in Devon.

They?ve put together everything a couple might need for a luxury micro wedding including the venue, the bouquet, the photographer, the champagne and canapés.

The wedding breakfast is prepared by a private chef, overnight with accommodation in their 18th Century honeymoon cottage! Utterly magical and if I could I would do it all again.

- Coco Wedding Venues

Emma H la

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The most popular venues styles are private farms, Rural working sheds, Industrial spaces,

Intimate spaces and blank canvases for marquees and teepees.

- WedShed

A my Lucas

Couples are increasingly looking for wedding venues that ref lect their l ifestyle,

loves and what they?re all about.

Often it?s hard to f ind this connection in classic function centres, so people are hunting for more

unique spaces that they can put their own stamp on. Venues that offer the f lexibil ity to create a big day that

says 'this is us' are f lourishing.The blank-canvas venues are the absolute must-haves. With the

rise of the DIY bride and endless inspiration provided by wedding blogs and Pinterest, couples aren't afraid to dig in and transform a

space into an environment that's uniquely personal to them.

Farm sheds, warehouses, barns, open paddocks and any spaces that allow themselves to be personalised and transformed are consistently popular with couples

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J ay A shtonFor some couples, a wedding is more about the celebration of marriage and an opportunity to gather friends and loved ones. If festivals are for you, then why not express that on your big day?

Tipi structures are becoming icons at festivals; the open sides allow for a seamless transition between the structure space and outdoor ?arena' where there?s generally plenty happening - outdoor music stages, food vans, games.....guests can be forgiven for thinking they have just spent the weekend at Glastonbury!

Options for venues that host outdoor weddings vary from a private back garden or open farmer?s f ield with breath-taking views, to a rugby club or the grounds of a stately home.

- Totally Tipi

A manda M onaghanOver the years, our tents have graced manicured lawns, roll ing hil ls, picturesque valleys and wide-open vistas. We?ve noted an increased interest from clients and wedding planners requesting raised, open or clear side walls, with the main aim being to bring the outside in and vice versa ? working with the surrounding landscape and even incorporating trees into the tents.

With this in mind we have created a number of bespoke f ixtures for our tents that can be decorated to bring the outside in, including hanging frames and f loral crowns that are suitable for both Teepees and Sperry tents. Structurally, we?re continuing to embrace the trend for the outdoors by creating large terraces and outdoor chill out areas with f ire pits and masses of festoon lights to link the surrounding areas of our tents to the inside.

The key trend we are seeing is ?Authenticity?. Many couples are seeking an authentic experience for their wedding day, with natural surroundings, honest food, textural materials and simple details. We describe this look as rustic-luxe. Brides shouldn?t be fooled; it takes a lot of effort (and sometimes budget!) to make a wedding look effortless, and the detailing and execution has to be perfect.

- PapaKåta

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Styling&

D ecor

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Some of the top 2016 designs we're seeing aren't exactly new. Lots of candlelight, LED fairy lights, Edison bulbs - but when a trend is truly captivating, can it really go out of style?

Couples these days are all about pulling inspiration from what they're seeing and then turning it into something entirely their own. We're seeing lots of earthy, greenery inspired weddings coming our way and we can't wait to see them!

Hanging décor will never go out of fashion! We continue to work with couples that are planning to hang lanterns around their wedding space. But if in the past those lanterns would be f il led with candles ? in recent years there has been a shif t towards battery candles, which allows couples to reduce the risk of f ire, and to comply with local f ire department codes.

Other popular l ighting favourites are chandeliers, hanging lights, and fairy lights. Hanging décor adds dynamism to an area and you can't argue that sparkling lights in the air aren't magical!

- 100Candles.comI gal Sapir

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As we look to 2016 and beyond the change in the style and design our clients are looking for is seeing a definite shif t away from the rustic and traditional vintage, moving towards the contemporary urban chic and old Hollywood glamour. Oversized f loral installations are somewhere near the top of most of our bride and grooms ?must haves?. The bigger the better with an abundant and lavish design, we adore the huge palms and lush greenery.

From f lowing foliage with trail ing f lorals, loose just picked looks complimenting whimsical styling, it?s a natural feel in harmony with the sleek bohemian gowns that are emerging from the bridal designers.

Sumptuous fabrics and textures are the perfect companion for the luxury personalised details. We adore the bespoke silk ribbons, hand dyed to coordinate with the clients colour palette, and the monogramed napkins to add style to the place settings. Crisp white with soothing hues of blue, apricot, pink and grey continue into the new season with a slightly more muted edge than the traditional pastels we have been

seeing. Table linen plays an increasingly important role in bespoke designs, with colour and fabrics transforming the overall mood and style.

We continue to be excited by the eye catching geometrics and mixed metallics, integral to the overall design clients are incorporating in to their stationery suite, tablescape, styling and staging.

And there is welcome return of a much loved old favourite as we are seeing an increase in 1920?s art deco inf luences. Understated, elegant and glamorous it is a beautiful and timeless inf luence and one of our absolute favourites.

Copper, brass, and pewter vases, urns, lanterns and accessories are bold and on trend. Contrasting lines along the aisle, sophisticated centrepieces or dramatic l ighting add cutting edge style to urban chic venues.

Whilst 2015 saw signs of Edison lighting in wedding designs, 2016 will be it?s year. Its fun and chic and a key trend for the year.

- Pamella Dunn Events

P amella D unn

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Its no longer as much about vintage (pre-1940's collected antiques) rustic or whimsical (think oversized balloons, signage, dream catchers, tassels and bunting), as things seem to be trending more towards luxe layering and restrained sophistication.

Hanging decor will always have a home in events as event design is about a 360 degree experience. However, we will start to see more risks taken and statements made that supersede chandeliers and elaborate suspended f lorals, replacing these with suspended art-installation, inspired decor and unique f ixtures.

In 2015, we saw a lot of weddings inspired by carnival themes, but now it seems we we are back on the trend towards sophistication, restraint and luxe util ising inspired decor and f lorals more as the accent element as opposed to the main statement. We will additionally continue to see a trend towards weddings hosted in unique spaces.

Antlers are stil l having a moment as are the incorporation of l ive trees in room decor. The use of bold colour pops will start to play more of a role in design trend this year replacing muted pastels seen in elements spanning woven washed wood chairs to linens and lounges.

Lighting will always be a priority as it is so important to the landscape of the event design. That being said, just as chandeliers were commonly replaced by Edison bulbs last year, we will begin to see the use of more unique residentially inspired f ixtures and natural l ighting as opposed to highly saturated, non-residentially styled ambient room lighting with LED's highlighting spaces in bold colours like red, blue, pink and purple.

- Kristin Banta Events

K ristin B anta

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We notice that Brides are drawn to sprawling design meaning that they aren?t just designing for round dining tables, but more for very long dining environments where the decor can kind of ramble on for days. Also the bride is wanting eclectic decor meaning that they are happy using modern elements, as long as its mixed with something unique but traditional, l ike mixing chinois with a contemporary wine glass, so there is a traditional yet edgy component to their overall decor.

Also something very important is that we are f inding ourselves designing through the f ive senses and not just visually...all elements need to harmonise within the wedding to make it a memorable and unique experience.

Hanging decor is more popular than ever. When the number of guests start to become an issue we always suggest to design ?up? and make the ceiling a focal point allowing the f low of the room to be freed up for the guests. With the importance of food these days we are often f inding ourselves designing above the table in order to make room for sharing plates and wine tasting.

Organic elements are a must these days meaning the room can be completely high tech and sleek, but we then need to add in a huge organic element such as a f loral wall or massive chandelier but made out of ferns rather than glass or metal, so an organic focal point seems crucial. Lighting is everything at a wedding but oddly enough when its done right its not really noticeable to the average eye.

The f ine art of l ighting a wedding is a humble one that is truly noticed when they are turned off ha! Lighting should be used to make the environment a better version of itself and not overpower the experience. Lighting can also pose a challenge to wedding photography so again, the art of highlighting a room is serious business!!!

- jesGORDON / properFUN!

J es Gordon

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Floral D esign

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D esign

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Sarah RichardsonFloral designs this year will be abundant whether the style is rustic or elegant they will be full and with gorgeous masses of blooms and beautiful textures. Looking to use more seasonal f lowers the arrangements will ref lect the world around them but each celebration will be glamorous, opulent and lavish. People will look to use more bold textures en masse such as roses, orchids and hydrangea to add glamour and opulence. Rich textures will be in abundance too with f lorists using seasonal f lowers such as peonies, ranunculus and dahlia to bring a truly beautiful romantic feel and using lots of stunning foliages to add another dimension.

The f loral crown trend has continued with brides becoming more adventurous and choosing to wear f lowers in their own hair rather than just bridesmaids or f lower girls. Floral crowns will either be delicate and dainty using gypsophilia or wax f lowers or with seasonal blooms as the ultimate personal accessory. Brides can ref lect the seasonal bringing in twigs and tiny berries and pine cones for a winter wedding or will use summery blooms to ref lect the wedding theme. Floral crowns can be completely bespoke and so are a great way to add personality to the brides outf it.

Flower walls are a fabulous focus for any ceremony or top table backdrop. We have seen a growth in couples wanting to create f loral focal areas in their venues with hanging f loral decor including threaded f lowers, f loral chandeliers and massed f lowers in photo frames. Floral displays seem to be more wild and natural looking as if they have grown up the aisle or wall or cascaded down a f ireplace.

2016 weddings are much more opulent with grander centrepieces and f lorals being a real focus. Whether they are used to create focal areas in a marquee or bring the outdoors in to a venue, f lowers are going to be everywhere.

Bridal bouquets are larger and more loose with more focus on texture and opulent details such as trail ing ribbon. Buttonholes are either super elegant with simple detailing or mismatched, bringing a whole range of f lorals in to the detailing of the day.

Flowers are going to be used to line aisles to bring summer meadows indoors. Ceremony backdrops, bars and f ireplaces with will be dressed with large looser natural designs too. Wedding breakfast tables are going to be full of long and low arrangements with gorgeous textures or on round tables massed designs with lots of candles will the focus. Place settings dressed with litt le f loral details to give a really opulent full feel will continue to be popular. 2016 is about real celebration and joy, with abundant f lorals to enhance this. Brides want their love of f lorals to be shown with marquees and venues showing an abundance of f lowers, plants and trees.

- Leafy Couture

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Elizabeth M arsh

The Pantone colours for 2016 will be very fresh, with bright Spring-like hues from peach through to see-breeze blues, pastel yellows and fuchsias etc. The image that immediately comes to mind is of a beautiful mix of garden roses, fully opened, fragrant and vibrant with fresh Spring colours. This will work well with the rose gold that is prevailing in upmarket jewellery (see Will iamson and son?s latest collection of diamond and rose gold necklaces), containers and vases where copper is really holding its own against brass and silver stil l.

Creative designs will come into their own this year and we are certainly excited at the prospect of coming up with some new innovations to wow our clients guests and give them the opportunity to step into their new roles as newlyweds. Craftmanship is also a key element this year, the Far and Middle East are both very excited by the prospect of working with highly skil led Brit ish designers generally and this does not stop at f loral design.

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Styles are definitely more abundant than they were and people who do have a budget are learning to focus it on key pieces rather than trying to spread themselves too thinly and end up with inane designs that no one really notices.

Perhaps this is where the DIY wedding and the professional can join forces for the benefit of both, as brides head off to IKEA for cheap candles to f il l out the areas where they can?t afford f lowers, leaving the f loral designer to create a talking point and photographic centrepiece to remind their friends and family of the single most important day of their l ives.

Flower walls will be popular for a while - perhaps not amongst the trend leaders, but it can take years for a fashion to f ilter through to the population at large. However, innovation is def initely on the agenda from now on.

I think brides want to stand out as individuals more than ever before. The result is a much more adventurous market place

with creativity being more important than other considerations. For this reason plants will stil l be used in wedding bouquets, corsages, button holes and especially the succulent plants which are sculptural, dif ferent, long-lasting and easy to work with.

I also believe that people are f inally waking up to the fact that the DIY wedding bouquet has had its moment and that in fact, a professional will create something that expresses your individuality more succinctly than you can. However, in terms of the f lower wall concept - we are increasingly creating f loral installations for our clients who might well invest just in one amazing piece than compromise for the sake of having f lowers everywhere. So whilst f lower walls are no longer the thing of the moment, our f lower fountains, over-sized garlands, magical gardens etc are definitely catching on.

- Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design

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Linen &

A ccessories

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Y oungsong M artinRustic Chic is out and Refined Elegance is in! In 2016, I predict that you?ll be seeing more of the old world opulence with elaborate f lorals and abundant tablescape décor elements vs the rustic outdoor simple look. Much of the inf luence will be pulled from all around the world; from magnif icent tapestries and ornate architecture of Paris and European Art to the lavishness of traditional Mediterranean style.

Romantic elegance, Tulle, Lace and Sequins are the most popular styles!

Tulle whether on the chair cover or table linen will be very popular this year. It is even being seen on wedding dresses and other décor in the events industry. Lace is also a popular fabric that many brides love for its soft and romantic gesture. And f inally, sequins linens are popular fabrics that will be here to stay!

For a more modern and contemporary feel, using large print with some sort of sheen will work perfectly. Damask Prints will also be making its comeback so you?ll see a lot of brides wanting a more formal and regal elegance to their tablescapes.

One of the most impressive and statement driving accessories for table linens are chair cover treatments. A lot of people do so much on the tables but do nothing with the chairs that surround the table and all its beauty. Why not use the chairs as accents to your tablescape? Remember, there are 100 chairs in a room vs 10 tables so the impact is so much greater and more powerful! Also, as a designer, I always want to keep the look fresh and exciting and I know that anyone who designs in the wedding industry will want to do the same.

Pantone Colours will always have an inf luence on brides and designer when planning their event but I don?t necessarily feel it will always dictate the theme.

In our industry, events are very theme and style specif ic so if someone is doing a 50th anniversary, a modern contemporary wedding or a retro style theme party, they may not look at the new pantone colours for inspiration. Our design team has been creating numerous collections that include soft champagnes and pastel colour fabrics that are perfect for a romantic and opulent décor setting.

- Wildflower Linen

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Y oungsong M artin

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D ahlia W exlerWe are seeing a demand for upscale overlays, such as our Monaco and Heirloom Hydrangea, as well as laces of all varieties. Therefore, our 2016 collections include many new overlay options to tantalise our clients. The most popular basic linen choices are silk-like fabrics, such as our Shantung, Dupionique and Iridescence, and natural looking fabrics, such as our Amalf i. Finally, sequins and all that sparkle are stil l very much in demand.

For wedding receptions, brides are looking for traditional patterns such as damasks and intricate laces. However, for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and morning after brunches, patterns of all types are in demand, including Spanish themed, Moroccan, f loral designs, stripes and geometrics.

The demand for Chiavari Chair backs as décor is re-emerging. One dif ference between chair backs of the past and the ones currently in demand, is that the newer designs just cover the chair back (don't go to the f loor) and are made with cleaner lines. Gone is the demand for over-the-top f luffy chair backs.

We continue to see demand for neutrals and soft tones, such as blush, champagne, ivory and metallics. One trend that is clearly emerging is a shif t in metallic from silver to gold. We believe 2016 will be heavily inf luenced by gold. While the Pantone colour can predict emerging trends for the home and fashion, they don't dictate what brides want. So we have to look to Pantone Colour(s) for an overall trend. And, this year, the three wedding colours selected are all soft tones. So, we expect soft neutrals to dominate the wedding industry this year.

- LUXE Linen

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B ann A l-J elawi

In 2016 the focus on sequin linens will remain but we?ll start to see the emergence of high end textured linens with a luxurious handle. Think subtle ruff les in delicate chif fon or natural l inen pieces in strong pastel shades of the season. Glamorous lace with ballerina tulle skirt ing or highlighted with silver threading will be the update to the ever romantic garden party look.

The popular patterns for 2016 will be Chevron, Aztec, ikat; all bold geometric patterns, but either bright and loud or minimal by using muted colour ways with metallic l ines.

At Gilded Linens we are excited to be showcasing our range of luxury napkin holders which offer rich metallics in geometric frames and also cut glass holders in simple but elegant shapes. We are also thril led to have our signature range of faux silk napkins in muted metallic shades. Accessories are a new area for us but one for which there is much demand, especially as the standard catering options can be so plain.

As always linens should be bold but should never dominate the overall table design. Texture is key and metallics are always popular but I think that the fabulous Pantone Rose Quartz shade will be extremely for 2016

- Gilded Linens

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Stationery

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Ceci J ohnsonCeci New York is a company for, and about, the endless desire to set yourself apart and be unique in all you do so in my opinion there are many must-haves items. Think everything from welcome bags, luggage tags, lounge pillows, fabric draping, step & repeats, personalised favours and more! My team and I go beyond paper and love to create a beautifully, branded experience. Of course, we always begin with the core essentials and those must-have items as our base to set the tone - the main invitation, reply set, mailing envelope, information and event cards, dinner menus, thank you sets, place cards and ceremony programs.

Luxurious mixed metals are a big trend right now, although in my opinion such a glamorous look is here to stay. Think gold, silver, pewter, rose gold, copper mixed with shimmery ivories or even black for a super sleek colour palette. Plenty of pink is also in style and my team and I love working with all shades from muted nudes to sweet blushes and rosy tones.

I love the mix of f loral and foil stamping (metallic, shiny printing). I've recently created a few commissioned f loral watercolours and the addition of foil stamping as an accent results in this wonderful juxtaposition of soft and intense. I always look to the fashion runways for cutting edge inspiration... It 's l ike paring a beautiful, soft silk dress with bold jewels and accessories - it works and is a fun balance.

There are truly no limits to what we can create for you: from il lustration and watercolour to hand lettering and exclusive, intricate patterns. What will always be popular and what I love to create are intricate, detailed patterns inspired by the home your share with your loved one, your travels, grandiose architecture and just the world around us. Be confident in knowing that when you commission Ceci New York you are working with the original couture designer, a trendsetter, and the true expert. We love to share our passions through one-of-kind, fashionable and innovative products and services. This is our mark on the world -

- Ceci New York

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Suzi W atersInvitations and RSVP cards continue to be popular. We?re also seeing a lot of guest accommodation and extra information cards - couples want their guests to be as informed as possible

The big colours and colour combinations we predict will be Navy and Ocean blue, silver grey, and classic black and white.

Wedding stationery in 2016 will be simple and modern in style. Elegantly designed pieces without fuss.

Floral is making a comeback and we are starting to see polka dots in an array of colours. Typographic invitations continue to be popular as well.

- Alannah Rose

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Stephanie CrossSave the Dates have become increasingly popular in the UK for 2016 weddings with more brides than ever ordering. Choosing your Save the Dates is a great starting point for choosing a wedding theme or look. This can then also be carried on through the invites and on the day stationery such as menu cards and table plan etc.

Ivy Ellen?s brides have been searching for blue wedding invitations over 5 times more than pink towards the end of 2015. While colours such as classic ivory and white not even appearing in the top 10. This move towards strong, bold colours identif ies to us that blue and black are going to be hot wedding colour trends for 2016 with more daring looks and creative wedding stationery.

The top most searched for term by our brides is currently ?vintage? wedding invitations. However ?vintage? has become a much broader description when it comes to your wedding look. For example classic black and white invites with a gold foil ing can look just as vintage as a romantic f loral design. Custom foil ing, especially in gold, has also started to become a big trend with more brides than ever requesting custom foil ing of their init ials or logos etc .

Ivy Ellen have seen a recurring trend in searches for ?hearts? wedding stationery. Fun and playful heart patterns with popping colours such as hot pinks and purples. However, one of our most popular patterned designs continues to be Paisley ? this traditional pattern has taken on a whole new look using bright yellows and oranges, ever popular for Asian weddings.

- Ivy Ellen Stationery

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Continuity in the wedding stationery is key and more and more couples are opting for their stationers to provide all the paper products, from the reply cards to table numbers. But many couples are opting for virtual Save the Dates and focusing on the invitation and on-the-day pieces. I predict a big push in show-stopping maps, from hand-il lustrated to very useful yet simple visual directions. There will be much more focus and value placed on-the-day pieces including gorgeous menus and keepsake order of service/programs.

Overall, couples are emphasising the desire for all the stationery pieces to come together as a perfectly curated package.

Predicting colour trends by year is always dif f icult because colours can be so evocative and personal. As a general shif t, we?re moving on from soft pastel hues in the previous years into rich, deep tones as well bold colours such as red. Black or grey on white is always popular for those opting for a more traditional or minimalist feel.

I have seen an increasing desire to move back to traditional design, whilst also keeping up the wow factor. You see this with classic designs moving from simple custom monograms to elaborate bespoke crests. Adding more depth to the design is the addition of hot foil to the ever-popular letterpress printing as couples are wanting the beautiful print with classy touches of shine that the metallic hot foils bring.

The rise of Boho has permeated not only styling but stationery and bridal gowns. We?ll see this in more elegant ways moving past burlap and twine to more ref ined designs, playing with material l ike leather and specialist papers.

Floral patterns are stil l very popular, but this is seeing a slow move from the soft, watercolour patterns we?ve seen for the past few years to those with much deeper colours or more definite shape. Though, these stil l may be done with a hand-painted look. We?ll also see a rise in patterns inf luenced by art and architecture such as Greek and Moroccan tiles and Indian textile prints. I also foresee a lot of these patterns being introduced to the wedding stationery suite in envelope liners, bringing that l itt le bit of texture and pattern to the more traditionally-designed invitation.

- Phylecia Sutherland

P hylecia Sutherland

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Catering

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10 catering t rends for 2016

1.Foraging: Searching in the forest, woods, mountains, f ield or gardens(for urbanites) for delicious exotic ingredients such as mushrooms, roots, f lowers and herbs to incorporate into your menus. Even picking fragrant blooms like jasmine or lemon leaves can be considered foraging. Add something that is not store-bought to your plate and you have a recipe for success.

2.Edible Dust : f lavoured, coloured dehydrated beetroot, pumpkin, lemon or asparagus dust can be drizzled as a complementary visual accent on your plate.

3.Edible Sprays: Fragranced aromatic mists such as ginger, pear or vanilla to spritz into the air whilst serving a plated course- this enhances the f lavour and overall sensory experience of the food, and people will love the drama of it all.

4.Theatre of food: incorporate unusual elements like fancily dressed hostesses, champagne girls hanging from a chandelier serving bubbly, a python draped around her body or a sexy violinist in a bubble, or a f loral swing in a tree- make sure that there?s at least one unique point of interest at every event that can be talked about at length.

5.Furnace to Fork: charcoal f ire-roasted meats, chicken and f ish from the furnace served straight to the table- f ire is always a talking point and the f lavour is deeply enhanced by natural coals.

6.Low carb, High Protein: healthy meals are becoming very trendy at events with more and more people requesting salmon, quinoa, salads and light chicken menus.

7.Himalayan rock slabs: usually used as individual plates in restaurants, we are using them to serve sizzling skewers at events-they?re incredibly impressive both because of the salty taste they exude on the food, as well as the drama of the live gril l ing that the guests witness at the party.

8.Late night snacks: more and more people are enjoying a late night snack such as fries with gourmet sauces, petit sliders, mini pizzas and noodle boxes to f il l the gap after a night of hard partying.

9.Food and drink pairings: recently we are pairing craft beers, chilled champagnes and bespoke liquors with complementary mini meals to really enhance the culinary offering at parties- gone are the days of simple drinks at events, these days we try much harder to impress with f laming cocktails and sexy snacks to match on the same tray.

10.Mult i-cul tural menus: people wish to honour dif ferent heritages, impress their guests and also offer a greater selection of food with a thoughtful chef-created blending of dif ferent cultures and their traditional dishes

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Vicky CreaseSouth Africa has a very prolif ic emerging luxury market and a great climate and because of this it has become the party capital and wedding destination of choice.

Our colorful cultures in what is referred to as the ?Rainbow Nation? has given birth to exotic cuisines and street food which is served at many informal gatherings, weddings and corporate events. They vary from Indian curries and rotis, to Cape Malaysian f ish, Balkan burgers and Thai stir fries, to French and Mediterranean cuisine.

Not only is street food incredibly popular across all cultures as it?s simple, delicious and accessible, we are currently creating a stir with our late night snacks by way of gorgeous live food trucks- they prepare f il l ing meals on site for party revelers to smell and enjoy late into the

night- def initely a trend for 2016 .

Two things have happened with wedding catering over the last few years: brides have chosen to either go very extreme in their approach to either formal or casual dining

For those that choose a formal style, we have created an uber chic f ine dining 6 course plated menu to really bring the theatre and drama of a by-gone elegant era into play-the key is a detailed, polished dining experience with butlers, wine pairings, amuse bouche, palate cleansers, cheese boards and silver service.

- Vicky Crease Catering and Events

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M eryl Snow

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M eryl SnowThe focus continues to shif t away from elaborate and ornate wedding cakes. Several of our couples are using a small cake for a photo op as opposed to something that will feed all of their guests. The most prevalent trend is the downsizing of desserts into individual portion sizes, presented in fun and unique serving vessels. Mini mason jars, as an example, are being used to serve seasonal pies, parfaits, and puddings. This allows for a wide variety of desserts to be offered and can be easily added to a display, passed as a butlered dessert to guests who are up and moving around, or arranged on platters and placed on guest tables for a ?family-style? dessert option.

Another is adding an interactive element to dessert, which is almost a requirement. Guests expect more, and rightfully so. After you?ve impressed and delighted them with fun hors d?oeuvres and great entrees, why not end on a high note? Mixing ice cream, on marble slabs, to guest specif ications and in their presence, building mini sundaes for them, serving cookies off a warm griddle? any interaction you add elevates the item being served.

Formal seated meals will continue in 2016 but with a twist. The couple stil l prefers to gather their guests in a formal setting to have the traditional announcements & toasts but are only serving one course so the dancing can begin. The focus prior to the entree is the glorif ied anticipated cocktail party. In addition to the passed bites and a few pick up items added would be chef bars where mini composed plates are prepared in front of the quests. Performance carts will roam the event in preparing composed plates.

Late night bites will continue in 2016 however, you may not see a food truck. Couples want to keep their guests on the dance f loor instead of scurrying outside. Chef carts will surround the dance f loor with easy pick-up food, Macadamia & Dried Cherry Popcorn, Fish'n Chips, Basil infused milk shakes with warm chocolate chip cookies off the griddle or the classic S'more with a twist

- Meryl Snow & Feastivities

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Street foods have been a trend here over the past few years and that has started to die out with tastes leaning towards more complex and higher end foods. Late night snacks continue to be an integral part of the reception with a focus on more elegant types of appetizers like those that are served during the cocktail hour. Items such as Paprika Beef Short Rib Tarro Cones, Truff led Mac & Cheese Cupcakes, California Bluefin Poke have replaced sliders and french fries.

The days of formal dining are certainly not over, in fact most of our couples are asking for elegant dining whether it be a plated service or family style service. For family style service most opt for a plated f irst course, followed by plated entrees served with family style side dishes. This style works very smoothly and provides guest interaction and stil l keeps things elegant.

P auline P arry

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1. Hospital i ty ? guests want to experience the event with seamless, attentive service where they are treated wonderfully and every need has been taken care of from the moment they arrive, are served to when they depart.

2. Cocktail Cul ture ? signature cocktails are here to stay and the ingredients at the bar are more thought out than ever before. Simply providing sodas, juices and mixers are the staple but the fresh pressed juices, herbs, garnishes, f lavored sugars and salts are now part of the conversation to detail all of the bar offerings.

3. Easy to Eat ? foods that are one bite which can be eaten quickly with less fuss are popular with millennials.

4. Ingredients ? everyone's a "foodie" and more knowledgeable about ingredients, f lavors and sourcing then ever before. Keeping your menus hip, fresh and creatively presented is the new norm.

5. Smoked Paprika, Za'atar and Dukkah spices are f inding their way into our recipes. We use them as a dusting for potatoes, enhancement for mac & cheese, topping for fresh tomatoes and just about anywhere we want to freshen up the f lavor prof ile.

6. Vegetables ? hybrids, heirlooms and special smaller grown versions are becoming more of the star of the plate. The vegetarian entrée is more prevalent and is presented as a complete menu on

it 's own, not just a mix of what is the other served vegetables and starches. Instead of a protein, starch and vegetable on a plated meal, combine numerous vegetables such as celeriac puree and nest of asparagus, t iny green beans and charred tomatoes

7. Sourcing ? where does our meat and dairy come from? We are using gmo and antibiotic free meats, cage free vegetarian fed eggs, etc. and our customers expect this and even though it has a higher cost, that is slowing down the trend of being mindful of what we are consuming.

8. Dietary Adjustments ? creating menus that are inherently gluten free and or vegan that all guests will enjoy. Polenta cakes with wild mushrooms makes a great entrée, golden caulif lower mash a delicious side.

9. Fish ? f ish is our most popular entrée dish and the focus of what is seasonal, local and sustainable is what drives our selections. We feature an array of presentations, suggest a f ish to suit that preparation but then make our f inal selection on the day prior to the event. This allows our f ish monger to give us the best produce and our guests can taste the dif ference.

10. Al l about donuts and cookies ? served in fanciful ways with pretty decorations, metallic elements with gorgeous displays, we've put our spin on this treats and they are our most popular sweet treats.

- Good Gracious!

10 catering t rends for 2016

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Although I couldn't pinpoint the top 10, I can say that through experience the most are :

1. Cl ient part icipat ion ? especially on the main course, with designated servers on each table.

2. Sharing menus ? very popular this year, and pushing into next, we as a wedding caterer are offering alternative versions of our most popular sharing boards menus for next year.

3. Cl ients booking their favourite restaurant to cater for them ? we have come across this quite a bit this year, and although it may be more of a challenge for the restaurant to ?outside cater?, it is proving more popular.

4. Wood-f ired!! Anything cooked in a wood-f ired oven is def initely getting everyone?s attention at the moment. From bread to Pizza. Lucky for us we invested in one this year.

5. As above, the st reet food t rend st i l l has yet to peak, and will carry on through 2016 into 2017 before it see?s its full potential from the masses of small companies now offering it. It is here to stay, with its constant regeneration, it will always stay interesting.

?6. Home produced? Taking the locally sourced thing to the highest degree, we have had f irst hand experience of brides growing their own veg & potatoes for their special day. Supplying them to us prior to the day, to be included in the wedding ?breakfast?.

7. Comfort food, is stil l high on everybody?s list, whether its included in the canapes, main meal or evening food. It could be that mini toad in the holes and f ish & chips are served at 1pm with the welcome drinks, or 1am as the ?midnight snack?.

8. ?One for the boys & one for the girls? be it his & hers cocktails, cordials or craft beers as welcome drinks, or even a dish specif ically for the male guests and one for the ladies, we?ve seen it a couple of t imes this year, and predict it will be more popular in 2016.

- Eat Me Drink Me

Tony W atson

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Emma RiddellSo what are we predicting we will see on the wedding menu in 2016?

1)Rust ic / Less Formal Dining ? Yes people are stil l opting for a sit down meal, but we have seen sharing platters and family style dining go in place of individual starters, mains and desserts.

2) Food Vans ? Whether it be throughout the reception or in place of a formal wedding breakfast, perhaps even used for the late night snacks, food vans are increasing in popularity.

3) Organic, Fresh and Art isan ? Couples and caterers alike are opting for locally sourced, fresh and seasonal ingredients. Raw, Vegan and foraged food is also starting to creep into the wedding catering world. Watch this space!

4) Comfort Food and Big Kids ? Pizza, Burgers, Hot Dogs and Fish & Chips. These are incredibly popular and rightly so! The presentation however is key, maybe monogramed wrappers or boxes.

5) Brunch ? Weddings aren?t just for the afternoon now. Lunches and Dinners are stil l the most popular t ime to sit down; however we have started to notice there are some early morning weddings. Brunch is a big thing, especially in the wider foodie world. Mimosa?s, Bloody Mary?s, Eggs Benedict or Royale, Avocado, Bacon? breakfast foods are so popular and who says they can?t be for a wedding!

6) Drinks Stat ions ? Be it DIY ones or staffed. A Lemonade bar is super popular currently, and particularly with the children, as are prosecco bars, infused waters and cocktails.

7) Get t ing Involved ? Similar to the drinks stations, DIY food stations are popping up and requested more frequently. Look out for Interactive food stations ? chef?s preparing food in front of your eyes!

8) Street and Ethnic Food ? This seems to be everywhere currently. With pop ups and restaurants taking this and running with it, it really is the most popular trend and it is f iltering down to the wedding world. Ceviche and Burrito wraps seem to be the most popular choices.

9) Truf f les ? The ingredient of the moment. Truff le risotto, truff le burgers, truff le chips, truff le mac n? cheese ? ok I?m hungry now. Not to everyone?s taste, but if you want to impress, then this is how.

10) Late Night Snacks ? It?s a great way to end the night and satisfy any remaining hunger cravings. Handed out on trays, or on a buffet or even food stations, food such as mini hot dogs, or burgers, hog roast, sushi or even a sundae bar or sweet cart are the way forward.

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As wedding caterers and planners, we have certainly seen an increase in the popularity of less formal dining such as buffets, bowl food and food stations. Increasingly so are the DIY food stations, where people create their own food ? think a Burrito stand, where guests can add in their own f il l ings and toppings. Taking inf luences from the wider foodie cultures, street food has had a big impact on wedding catering and this is ref lected in guest choices. Family style dining is also incredibly popular, with table carvery?s and picnic style hamper starters waiting for guests.

This being said, there are stil l some couples that l ike to stick to tradition and formality, where a three (or more ? I love the ones with a pre-dessert/ sorbet or cheese course!) course meal is served at the table. It will never go out of style and certainly f its some more grand venues well and the style of service they may offer.

Why not t ry both? There are also some that l ike to combine the styles. You could have a starter and main served at the table and then have a dessert station or even dessert room (epic I know and I kind of want one of these permanently in my house!) to f inish the meal where guests can relax a litt le more and informal dining takes over. It leads nicely into the evening reception, where you want guests to feel a litt le more relaxed, ready to dance the night away? and then probably indulge in a litt le more food with late evening snacks!

- Goose & Berry

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Mixology is on the up, and has definitely not peaked. More often we are coming across bar companies who have diversif ied, or specialised in this particular art. Having worked with, seen around and heard of lots of Mixologists coming into the scene over the past 2 years, it is def initely proving more popular.

My predictions for 2016 and beyond regarding drinks is that clients already are, and will do so more is the use of microbreweries, whether it be just supplying their most popular locally brewed ale, or creating an ale specif ically for a wedding, and naming it personally for the couple or family. We came across this more and more in 2015, when clients asked us to contact local microbreweries on their behalf , and us to serve it.

Craft beers are definitely becoming more popular, with the inf lux of Americas f inest, competing with some greats from Britain, we found couples including them in welcome drinks as well as having a selection chill ing on each table.

Particularly on welcome drinks, we noticed this year that more and more were requesting cocktails of some description rather than the regular Pimms & Prosecco to serve to their guests after the service. I think people are definitely being more daring, and demanding in their choices, and why not.

- Eat Me Drink Me

Tony W atson

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With the proliferation of social media, the awareness of quality drinks is rising and drinks are becoming as important as dining experiences. People are also enjoying being able to scout out and appreciate rare products that give the impression of exclusivity, which is causing niche products to become more popular. Additionally, both the classic and contemporary cocktail industry is becoming important to not just world cit ies like London and New York, but becoming important part of l ifestyle in smaller cit ies across the globe. In 2016 the trend is going to grow even further and the foreseeable future. Quality of produce is becoming ever more important, things like sustainability becoming more important.

Looking at international trends and the moods of trend setting cit ies such as London and New York, we can see signif icant growth in historic spirits such as Armagnac?s, Vermouths, aged rums such as Rhum Agricole and Bourbon whisky?s. The gin renaissance is stil l going strong and is expected to do so more in 2016, with the use of an array of botanicals from across the globe.

The generation now contemplating marriage will have a strong awareness of microbreweries, whether it?s beers or ciders. Also boutique, personalised cocktails are becoming ever more important to help put a personal touch to a wedding day. Using dif ferent types of spirits to represent seasons, themes, ethnic cultures, and memorable vocations in both of their l ives. The whole pop up culture offers people the chance to really f ind something that suits their particular tastes and interests. Drinks can be paired with food to help offer more customised drinks. The ways the trends are going are that people are now drinking less but better quality, and one of the fastest growing sectors is non-alcoholic drinks, so there is room for creating beautiful and interesting soft tails.

- Drinks Fusion

J ohan Svensson

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LACE

NAKED CAKES

METALLICS

TALL TIERS

RUFFLES

The Top 5

Cakes

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P eggy P orschenDessert tables have already been very popular over the past two years, but we see a trend towards long tables or bars of mixed cakes and confections. It is not just about the theme and look, but also about the experience and offering your guests a choice of dif ferent options. A dessert table makes always a great talking point.

We are selling more and more naked cakes. This may be due to budget as they cost a lot less than iced cakes. But also, customers really appreciate the natural rustic look and they look great with fresh f lowers. We are just about to make a naked cake for a winter wedding decorated with iced gingerbread snowflakes.

Metallics are stil l very popular, but also darker and warmer shades such a charcoal grey and warm champagne colours. The dif f iculty as a cake designer is to f ind beautiful metallics, such as gold and silver that are completely edible. Unfortunately most are now classed as non-toxic and cannot be eaten, so the design options are very limited.

People are always looking for something a litt le dif ferent and because Macaroons are so pretty, delicious and versatile they are stil l a very popular choice too.

- Peggy Porschen Cakes

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P eggy P orschen

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Ron B en-I sraelBrides are moving away from loading a candy bar with childhood-favourite treats and are discovering more sophisticated delicacies. Macarons are a ref ined French tradition, but their f lavors and colours can be adapted to a contemporary palate. They are also gluten-free, which is a growing market and in high-demand by brides affected by gluten sensitivity.

I actually think that dessert tables are taking attention away from the specialised wedding cake. People often feel guilty about loading up on sweets, but always always indulge in a piece of the wedding cake.

We love metallic on cakes, and they are here to stay. Some ref inements are the new interest in Rose Gold, and combining both Silver and Gold in the same design.

We are looking forward to combining the two new Pantone colours of 2016 - Rose Quartz & Serentity (blush pink and light blue). There is a great interest, again, in super tall cakes. Clients often ask us to make extra cake so we can achieve a towering creation. Texture is very important to the current designs, and our clients are bringing a lot of design elements to inspire us - papers, fabrics, and interesting surfaces. Novel ways to arrange sugar f lowers on wedding cakes - our favourite for the next season are sugar f lowers crowns. Marbleised frosting is coming back, from subtle combination of pastels to bold streaks of colours.

- Ron Ben-Israel Cakes

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Elizabeth SolaruMacarons have been the It Girls of the dessert world for the last couple of years. Many keen bakers have been giving them a go and this has even led to the rise in the sale of macaron baking kits. Their attraction is due to their size, range of colours, f lavours and f il l ings. The popularity of the macaron shows no sign of waning but we are now seeing other miniature edibles such as eclairs and meringues becoming the next big thing.

The dessert table is stil l going to be popular in 2016. Styles can range from the simple and elegant to vibrant and opulent. It is a great way to display gorgeous edible treats ranging from macaroons, mini cakes, cupcakes, cake pops, meringues, cookies, mousses and marshmallows, thereby giving guests a sugar high to end a very special day.

The naked cake can be very appropriate in rustic settings. However, it seems as if the love affair with such cakes is on the wane. Naked cakes have now evolved to include hints of coloured buttercream or coloured ganache coverings with a hint of cake showing through.

From gold to silver and bronze detailing, metallic wedding cakes have been all the rage for the past few years. On cakes, these metallic colours can be achieved by using edible gold, silver, pewter, copper leaf ing and they can also be painted on. Considered to be the height of opulence, metallic cakes are a perfect way to showcase the centrepiece of any wedding reception!

- Elizabeth Cake Emporium

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Entertainment

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For 2016 we?re seeing a clear steering away from requests for traditional

entertainment, with couples thinking outside of the box and asking for unique alternatives. We

are getting more and more requests for ?Bride and Groom Reveals?, interesting ways for the couple to

to appear at the ceremony and surprise each other and their guests! For example, we?ve been asked for a bride to be

f lown in on a heliosphere and a groom to be part of a giant dance reveal. Walkabout food acts, such as champagne aerialists and living

tables handing out canapés and sweet treats, are also becoming an increasingly popular choice for the drinks reception and evening party as they add a unique and interactive wow factor. Mix and mingle and

interactive acts in general are in higher demand for 2016 including LED dancers, photo booths and green screens!

With the rise in popularity of rustic and vintage themed weddings, acoustic bands and video and photo booths are a

favourite combination. The latest technology is also allowing acts to integrate electronics with acoustic

instruments making for an exciting new genre of music.

- Scarlett Entertainment

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A lanna B estwick

Traditional party bands seem to be on the decline, couples are looking for

something a litt le dif ferent and a litt le more exciting to get guests on the dance f loor. A huge

musical trend for 2016 is, without a doubt, Electro Swing ? embodying the glamour and style of the swing

era with a modern twist it?s perfect for weddings and has a great cross-generational appeal. Gypsy swing and pop-folk

bands are also more popular for 2016 than bands playing classic party hits from across the decades. DJs are as popular as ever,

especially for later in the evening, but couples are more often then not choosing to couple this traditional DJ set up with a live musician or two, adding charisma and wow factor. Vocal looping artists are also a popular

trend ? this may or may not be due to artists like Ed Sheeran!

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Photobooths are more popular than ever and new inventive ideas along this line are popping up all the time. For example, slow-mo video booths and quirky photo booths within a VW camper van. Also vintage style booths are very popular. The biggest stumbling block in terms of technology is that more and more venues are being forced to install noise limiters which can cause big problems for bands, who are constantly having to evolve in order to be able to work with them.

Bands are stil l popular and specif ically at the moment along with acoustic and unique bands, the current trend is for large 8 piece bands to include extra instruments such as brass with the ability to cover a wide range of music.

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M att W arrenWe're seeing that client's are looking for 'Unique' entertainment to really help their wedding stand out to others. So if they are booking a band for example, they are looking for unique styles and sounds, with banjos, double bass and the saxophone being key requests. Specif ically festival weddings as a theme is ore popular than ever with brides and grooms requesting mumford & sons style festival bands. Couples are also very interested in walkabout entertainment which f its in with their chosen theme or helps augment their venue dressing and specif ically fun entertainment to look good in photographs such as lookalikes or stilt walkers.

- Warble Entertainment

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The overall trend that continues to grow is the demand for better and

better wedding photography.

- Jonny Draper

P hotography

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P hotography

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M ike B usada

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I am seeing more of my clients actually asking for us to guide them with their photos so that they are more f lattering. In the past few years everyone seemed to request candids and a very limited number of posed photos. It seems that my clients anyway are now looking for photographers who have the skil ls that can make them look their best.

I am actually seeing a decline in the number of clients who want props in their photos. We have actually had several specif ically say they thought that using props was ?cheesy?. Last year is was definitely more common.

I am seeing clients ordering more albums this year. I thought I was seeing an increase in the number of clients who were interested over the last couple of years, but I wasn?t sure if it was a trend or a coincidence. More than 70% of my clients now tell me that they want a ?real album? and I have often heard ?not a Snapfish kind of book? this year.

Trash the Dress shoots are not as popular as they were a couple of years ago. We stil l do some, but it seems like the trend is now going the opposite way for us. Bridal portrait sessions, which have always been popular in the South, are becoming more popular here now. For those that don?t know what they are, it?s a separate session with the bride alone in her dress with makeup, hair, bouquet, etc. It?s usually scheduled up to a couple of months prior to the wedding, and the portrait is often displayed at the reception. So, instead of trashing the dress after the wedding, it seems more brides are giving their dress it?s own, clean, pre-wedding shoot.

- Mike B Photography

M ike B usada

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I think there will always be some key wedding photography styles that never change in their approach. Brides and grooms love documentary images of their day - moments captured that they missed and moments that they were involved in that are meaningful to them. But it 's the evolution of this approach that is really interesting. Photographers who are true artists but aren't setting things up. They're seeing a moment happen and they are framing it beautifully, their control of the light is exquisite and each frame they take is one that could be hung on a wall. I'm seeing more and more photographers stepping away from the 'traditional' approach to reportage photography and are actually considering it from creative point of view.

It 's impossible to create something brand new. What great photographers do however, is put their own signature and their own style on to the weddings they shoot. Good, creative photographers will always look at dif ferent ways of

capturing the day, dif ferent ways of using available light and external l ight sources and ways of making their clients love what they do for them.

Trash the Dress shoots have never made it particularly big in the UK. They were big in the US and Australia, but it takes a brave bride to get into the sea in Blackpool in her wedding dress? .!!! I don't think it has been overtaken by anything else in particular. I think the overall trend that continues to grow is the demand for better and better wedding photography. Brides and grooms have virtually unlimited access to stunning wedding photos and inspiration wherever you look on the internet and as a result, that is what they want for their wedding day. And it 's our job as wedding photographers to deliver those stunning images that clients deserve .

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J onny D raperI am a big fan of the self ie stick. I love a good self ie anyway, but what I particularly l ike about the self ie stick at a wedding is that it gives a completely dif ferent perspective to what the wedding photographer is shooting. I've done a number of weddings now where the brides and grooms have supplied self ie sticks on the tables for people to use instead of putting throwaway cameras on there. You are 100% guaranteed to get better photos from your guests this way. Throwaway cameras yield very litt le in the way of decent results as people don't take them seriously, forget to put the f lash on or even forget to pick them up at all. The self ie stick makes people consider what they are shooting - they can see what they look like on the pictures so they make sure they get a decent picture and will even delete them if they don't l ike them! So brides and grooms actually get a good haul of photos taken by other people! Especially if they give them a hashtag to use, or use a photo app like Wedpics to collate all the images.

- Jonny Draper Photography

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Transport

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M s P olka D ot

K aren Cinnamon

I?m seeing more couples using cars that have a precious place in their heart- a car their husband has restored, an old family favourite or the car their family drove as they grew up.

I think couples are doing what they want! Our couples are choosing one car (ie a kombi van) and travelling together, or staying within walking distance of their venue. However, there is always the traditional, beautiful moment of the bride travelling to the wedding with her parents.

- Polka Dot Bride

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K aren CinnamonI?m definitely forecasting that brides will be more creative with their choice of transport! Anything from arriving in a Karma Kab to a canoe (yes really!) to a red Mustang convertible it doesn?t matter as long as its personal to them. Brides and grooms are really wanting to inject their character into wedding and that includes every detail including, of course, the transport.

I?m seeing brides traveling to their wedding with their father, both parents, friends, siblings, the bridal party, whatever suits their needs and desires! I?m really not seeing a particular trend with this - again it?s so personal to each bride, and thank goodness we are living in an age when they can do whatever feels right for them without having to do as tradition dictates.

- Smashing The Glass

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Rebecca H ochreiterAll-inclusive properties in Mexico, Tahiti, St. Maarten, and Hawaii are popular choices for same-sex couples, while spots like the Dominican Republic, St. Thomas, Curacao, and Florida are on the rise as LGBT destinations as well. Not only are these places welcoming, they offer a full wedding experience for one f lat rate. This provides couples and guests with an unforgettable vacation without pulling out their wallet.

While sandy shores will always be a crowd favourite, same-sex couples are also taking a more adventurous approach for their getaway weddings and choosing locales that provide a dif ferent backdrop. New Zealand tops our list of emerging destinations, boasting striking scenery and world-class resorts ? it?s also world-renowned for outdoor recreation for those who like to live on the wild side. On the other side of the world, Ireland is an idyll ic destination on the rise, which is no surprise as the Emerald Isle was the f irst country to open their arms to same-sex marriage by popular vote. South Africa also makes an appearance on our list, as they are quite welcoming to LGBT couples and offer a wide array of expeditions ? from safaris to vineyards, couples are guaranteed to have an unforgettable time. Europe and South America are growing in popularity, as couples f lock to cit ies like Barcelona or Rio de Janiero for a wedding celebration full of world-class cuisine and luxurious accommodations.

One of our favourite ongoing trends is the idea of creating a personalised experience away from home. Gone are the days of only have the option of standard by-the-book wedding packages ? same-sex couples are taking control of the planning by adding custom touches to ensure their wedding their own. Between cultural attire, incorporating local cuisine and hand-written vows, every couple deserves to have their day just the way they want it.

- GayDestinationWeddings.com

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P etra TruneckovaThe demand for luxury venues in the south of England will continue to grow. Destination weddings are becoming more popular, especially as more and more countries legalise same-sex marriages, and I am seeing more interest in the exclusive hire of boutique hotels and private vil las. I expect this to continue in 2016. I also see a growing interest in beach weddings.

It is also fair to say that same-sex couples are less constrained by tradition and are more comfortable creating unique weddings overseas than straight couples. Additionally, for both groups the world is getting smaller and a destination wedding can actually be much better value that getting married in the UK.

The colour trends that I see for 2016 for same-sex weddings are lots of dif ferent shades of green - l ime green, jade green and sea green. I also see lots of blue - dark blues (navy blue, electric blue and indigo) and light blues (aquamarine and hydrangea blue). Additionally, London runways during the last Fashion Week were f looded with animal and jungle prints and I predict this will inf luence weddings throughout 2016.

For honeymoos the USA is always a popular destination with San Francisco, Las Vegas and Hawaii being the top choices with same-sex couples. Spain is another favourite closer to home, more specif ically Ibiza and Barcelona. Interest will continue in Greece in particular Zante, Santorini and Mykonos. The interest in Mexico will also grow especially Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya.

In terms of destinations to be avoided it?s best not to go on honeymoon in countries that are not gay-friendly or have strict anti-gay laws. For example, Jamaica, Barbados, muslim countries and Russia.

- Gay Wedding Planner

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B ernadette SmithJust l ike opposite sex couples, the diversity of venues that same-sex couples are interested in is as diverse as the community itself . However I've noticed that older same-sex couples who may been together for a long time often choose to marry in beautiful restaurants where they do a full buyout. Also older same-sex couples often host their wedding at home or some other place that has a great deal of personal meaning. Younger same-sex couples, however, often marry in the same types of places you see younger opposite sex couples marry. This could mean lofts, hotels, museums or the more traditional wedding venues.

Same-sex couples are often very nontraditional in their wedding plans. When you think about it, traditional weddings have always been based on gender roles: the role of the bride and the role of the groom. Same-sex couples don't often have gender roles in their relationship and don't choose to bring roles into their wedding. Lots of same-sex couples are skipping traditions altogether so being nontraditional continues to be a big same-sex wedding trend. Additionally we continue to see same-sex couples being very creative in their use of the aisle for the ceremony.

Many same-sex brides in particular are often walking down two aisles simultaneously instead one after each other down a primary aisle. Gay men are often choosing to have cocktail reception style weddings instead of traditional sitdown dinners. We're also seeing lots of same-sex couples choose to bring in elements of gay culture into their wedding. Just as there is a Jewish culture and an Indian culture, there's also a gay culture. This might mean that a same-sex couples hire performers like a drag king or queen, Gay Men's Chorus or other performers who express elements of gay culture.

- Gay Wedding Institute

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D estinationW eddings

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M agali D unkwuItaly, France, Greece, Morocco and Spain are the top countries for destination weddings in 2016 with the most popular style of wedding being Country, Beach and Villa/beautiful estates. Beach weddings are extremely popular, as are old castles and hidden country estates, there are so many options and each wedding is very dependant on the individuality of the couples.

Couples are looking for nice weather, great welcome gif ts and amazing views as their must have items when planning a destination wedding.

The average number of guests tends to be between 50 - 70 with the bridal couple often taking care of the transfers and dif ferent activit ies such as a welcome and post brunch for their guests.

We believe that a destination wedding is actually an entire wedding experience - where you turn the weekend festivit ies into unforgettable experience with those that were able to make it! Whereas homeland weddings allows you to have all your friends and family attend into an amazing day. In saying that we are also seeing a trend for weekend long weddings in the UK.

- Le Jet Fete

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The top destinations frequented by our couples include Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Hawaii. However, we?re also seeing destinations such as Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, St. Lucia, and Grenada on the rise.

While beach weddings are a perpetually popular choice, we?re seeing more and more couples f locking to historic cit ies and the countryside for their vows. Couples are also saying ?I do? to gazebo weddings, as they opt for getting hitched in lush, picturesque gardens. When it comes down to it, personalisation is key, so these days it?s really up to the couple to choose the style of their wedding locale.

If heading out of the country brides and grooms should check their passports at least six months in advance, in case the expiration date is nearing. They?ll also need to determine what kind of paperwork they?ll need ? depending on the destination, birth certif icates may be required along with a divorce decree, if it?s a second marriage for either party. Additionally, a versatile wardrobe that factors in local weather and any potential excursions is a must. We encourage clients to bring their own toiletries

and sun block as they tend to carry a heavy price tag in tourist areas and on-site resort shops.

Couples are playing a larger hosting role with their own special wedding getaway. Destination couples are taking responsibil ity of keeping their guests in the loop with wedding websites as a central hub for information including hotel block information, travel details, it ineraries, and more. As weddings away from home can take more planning and logistics, couples are informing their guests much earlier to make for easy scheduling. In addition to wedding festivit ies itself , couples are also taking it upon themselves to pre-book excursions for themselves and their guests ? not only does this result in cost savings, but it also saves people from dealing with bookings on-site, allowing them to simply enjoy their t ime in paradise.

Additionally, brides and grooms are embracing the guest experience by greeting them with welcome bags full of local goodies and inviting them on excursions around the area. Wedding programs, local maps, and sunscreen are all great things to include ? consider things that guests may need during their stay.

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One of the biggest dif ferences between traditional and destination weddings is the cost savings. While an average at home celebration can cost upwards of $30,000, our destination wedding clients average closer to $10,000 ? including the wedding proceedings, accommodations, and travel. In addition, destination weddings provide couples and their guests with an adventure on top of the celebration.

Often, it can second as a holiday for guests traveling to the wedding, with attendees staying several days before and after the I Do?s. Couples and attendees alike have an opportunity to explore a new territory with various excursions, such as horseback riding, para sailing, mountaineering, or even just a historic tour around town. Often, it?s most cost-effective for couples to pre-book their excursions in advance ? plus it gives the group time to get excited for their upcoming adventure! Couples are increasingly booking their photographer for these journeys, capturing their special moments abroad forever.

Destination weddings truly create memories that are incomparable to hometown weddings ? from stunning scenery to new cultural experiences, those celebrating a wedding on the road will take home more than just a wedding program.

Destination weddings also tend to average smaller guest l ists, which is ideal for those seeking a more intimate experience and makes it a great alternative for elopements and for those celebrating a second wedding.

- DestinationWeddings.com and LuxuriousDestinationWeddings.com

Rebecca H ochreiter

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J ane RiddellMauritius is extremely popular, with blue skies, wall to wall sunshine and perfect beaches, an idyll ic destination for those looking for a beach wedding location. Cyprus is as popular as ever, with pretty beaches, glorious sunshine & traditional tavernas. Ibiza also remains a popular destination wedding location, with gorgeous beaches, sunny weather and a real laid back and relaxed feel. Iceland is becoming a f irm favourite for destination weddings, with breathtaking landscapes, snow capped mountains, ice glaciers, thermal pools, hot springs and active volcano's - couples love the diversity of this stunning country. South Africa offers a variety of stunning locations, from vineyards to beaches, game reserves or exclusive hotels.

Beach weddings are extremely popular, as are old castles and hidden country estates, there are so many options and each wedding is very dependant on the individuality of the couples.

There seems to be two main reasons why couples choose to have a destination wedding - they want guaranteed sunshine or want to avoid family polit ics, so they generally want perfect weather along side their very nearest and dearest!

Destination weddings tend to be smaller, init ially people may commit to attending, but when it 's t ime to book, you may f ind there aren't as many that actually can. Also, home weddings are often a day or weekend of celebrations where as destination weddings tend to be at least a week!

- Planned For Perfection

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M eet the Contributors

Ceci JohnsonFounder of Ceci New York, the internationally renowned luxury invitation and corporate ID design.

http://cecinewyork.com/

Renée StraussGo-to stylist for celebrities and trendsetting brides-to-be, frequently being called upon by film &

http:/ /www.reneestrauss.com

Kristin BantaEvent & Wedding Producer & Designer + TV personality. 2014 & 2015 Event Planner of the Year.

http://www.kristinbanta.com

Sara BurnettEditor of Burnett?s Boards & named one of the most influential social media users in the state of Hawaii.

http://burnettsboards.com

Jes GordonAward-winning event producer & designer, author, and most recently, star of Rocco's Dinner Party

http:/ /www.jesgordon.com

Marley MajcherCEO of The Party Goddess!, has planned events for A-list celebs such as Pierce Brosnan and Sofia Vergara.

http://thepartygoddess.com

Vicky CreaseTV show host, multiple international award winning catering and event specialist.

http://www.vickycrease.com

Colin CowieSouth African lifestyle guru and party planner to the stars, television personality and writer.

http://colincowie.com

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Brit BertinoAward-winning owner of Brit Bertino, Event Excellence, and Simply Weddings Las Vegas.http://www.britbertino.com

Peggy PorschenAward-winning cake designer and Creative Director Peggy Porschen.

http://www.peggyporschen.com

Ron Ben-IsraelExecutive chef of Ron Ben-Israel Cakes in New York City & judge on Cake Wars.

http://www.weddingcakes.com

Ms Polka DotEditor of Polka Dot Bride, Australia?s most loved wedding blog dedicated to ?inspiring weddings?.

http://www.polkadotbride.com

Youngsong MartinEntrepreneur, fashion designer and founder of high-style rental firm Wildflower Linen.

http://www.wildflowerlinens.com

Bruce RussellInternational luxury wedding planner and director of Savoy Weddings By Bruce Russell.

http://bybrucerussell.com

Karen CinnamonAward-winning designer and owner of Jewish Wedding Blog, Smashing the Glass.

http://www.smashingtheglass.com

Bernadette SmithFounder of the Gay Wedding Institute providing research, data and insights on LGBT weddings.

http://www.gayweddinginstitute.com

Mery SnowLeading expert in special events & catering & senior consultant for Catersource. Vice president of Feastivities.

http://www.feastivitiesevents.com

Kathy ApostolidisAustralia's first wedding planner & recently named one of the top 25 Wedding Stylists.

http://www.theweddingplanner.com.au

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Amy Lucas & Melany MashmanCo-Owners of WedShed ,an online collection of unique Australian venues.http://www.wedshed.com.au

Pamella DunnHighly acclaimed Yorkshire based Wedding Planner, Event Planner and Stylist.

http://pamelladunn.co.uk

Pauline ParryOwner of Good Gracious! & inductee to the Event Industry Hall of Fame for Event Solutions.

http://www.goodgraciousevents.com

Elizabeth SolaruFounder of Elizabeth?s Cake Emporium and three time winner of Wedding TV?s The Great Cake Bake.

http://elizabethscakeemporium.com

Emma HlaFounder of Coco Wedding Venues in the UK launched in early 2014.

http://cocoweddingvenues.co.uk

Rhiannon Downie-Hurst

Founder and Editor of Bride Club ME and The Engage Academy .http://brideclubme.com

Rebecca HochreiterVice President of Marketing and Customer Engagement for Destination Weddings.

http://www.destinationweddings.com

Jonny DraperLeading wedding photographer specialising in contemporary reportage wedding photography.

http://www.jonnydraper.co.uk

Petra TruneckovaFounder of Gay Wedding Planner and leading LGBT wedding planner in the UK.

http://www.gayweddingplanner.org.uk

Elizabeth MarshOwner of award winning Elizabeth Marsh Floral Design based in New Covent Garden Market.

http://www.emfd.co.uk

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Sara RichardsonYorkshire based Wedding and Event florist and floral stylist. Owner of Leafy Couture flowers.

http://leafycouture.co.uk

Mike BusadaInternationally published and award winning Maryland based photographer.

http://www.mikebphotography.com

Matt WarrenDirector of Warble Entertainment Agency an entertainment booking service based in the UK.

http://www.warble-entertainment.com

Dahlia WexlerOwner of Luxe Linen leader in Fine Linen Rental in Southern California established in 2007.

http://luxelinen.org

Bann Al-JelawiOwner of Gilded Linens, unique luxury event linens for hire in the UK.

http://www.gildedlinens.com

Magali DunkwuOwner of La Jet Fete international event company specialising in destination weddings.

http://www.lajetfete.co.uk

Johan SvenssonOwner of Drinksfusion leading drink design company providing cocktail services to clients.

http://drinksfusion.com

Kevin DennisOwner of Fantasy Sound offering Disc Jockey services for weddings throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

http://fantasysound.com

Suzi WatersDirector of Alannah Rose leading stationery and wedding invitation boutique based in Australia.

http://www.alannahrose.com.au

Emma RiddellWedding & Event Planner for Goose & Berry Boutique Events, London based event company.

http://www.gooseandberry.co.uk

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Tony WatsonOwner of Eat Me Drink Me creative catering company based in the UK.

http://www.eatme-drinkme.co.uk

Amanda MonaghanCo-founder of PapaKåta, providers of Sperry Tents and Teepees in the UK.

http://www.papakata.co.uk

Jane RiddellOne of the UK's leading Wedding, Event and Party Planners also offering destination planning

http://www.plannedforperfection.co.uk

Jay AshtonOwner of Totally Tipi a UK based family company hiring out giant tipi tents.

http://www.totallytipi.com

Phylecia SutherlandStationery designer and letterpress printer dabbling in modern calligraphy.

http://www.phyleciasutherland.com

Igal SapirFounder of 100Candles.com offering quality Candles, LED Lights, Candle Holders, Floral Lights & more.

http://www.100candles.com

Stephanie CrossRepresenting Ivy Ellen an award winning British wedding stationery brand founded in 2009.

http://ivyellenweddinginvitations.co.uk

Alanna Bestw ickRepresenting Scarlett Entertainment top destination entertainment specialists globally.

http://www.scarlettentertainment.com

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Kirstin Halstead

http://kirstinhalstead.com

Joe Dodsworth

http://joedodsworth.co.uk

Cannon Hall

http://www.cannon-hall.com

Leafy Couture

http://leafycouture.co.uk

Whimsical Cake

http://www.thewhimsicalcakecompany.co.uk/

Totally Tipi

http://totallytipi.com

Eat Me Drink Me

http://www.eatme-drinkme.co.uk

Phylecia Sutherland

http://www.phyleciasutherland.com

The Styled Shoot Team 1

136137

Gilded Linens

http://gildedlinens.com

Whitehouse Crockery

http://www.eventcrockeryhire.co.uk

Blacks Event Furniture

http://www.eventfurniture.com/

Dan Flanders

http://www.danflanders.co.uk

Sprae PR

http://www.sprae.co.uk

- Lilac Gray - Ashlee Brindley

- Peach Echo - Kylie Carlos

- Rose Quartz - Ashlea Burns?

- Serenity - Hannah Rogers

- Snorkel Blue - Ashlee Brindley

- Fiesta - Cassandra Piacentini

Taken from the Academy Pantone Competition - see more

P antone M ood B oard D esign

137

Caitlin & Jones

http://www.caitlinandjones.co.uk

Boutique Tipi Company

Stems Design

http://stemsdesign.co.uk

Natasha Jane Events

http://natashajaneevents.co.uk

Sweet Sugar

http://www.sweetsugarsixpence.co.uk

https://www.boutiquetipicompany.co.uk

Typical Type

http://typicaltype.co.uk

The Styled Shoot Team 2

138139

The P ublishersThe International Academy of Wedding and Event Planning has campuses across the globe and is the leading training company for wedding planners, stylists and designers, so we are well-placed to compile a report that pulls together all the trends we are seeing in the wedding industry. To help us with this we have called upon some of the top wedding professionals in the industry to give their insight into what is trending in their corner of the world. To learn more about courses or certif ication through the Academy visit one of our websites below.

TREND REPORT DESIGN BY DESIGNER BLOGS

AUUK NZ USUAE

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The P ublishers

M edia P artners