The biggest thing to remember when it comes to mapping out your nuptials is to stay true to you. From the engagement ring to the venue and everything in between, it should all reflect your (and your partner’s) personality and style. But being completely, totally original can be a challenge when it comes to something as complex as wedding planning. That’s why it can be useful to keep up with the latest trends—to give you some cool ideas that you can adapt and make your own. Here are a few of the hottest 2019 wedding trends to help make your celebrations memorable.
ALTERNATIVE ENGAGEMENT RINGS
A simple diamond is always elegant, but more of today’s brides want more of today’s brides want a highly personalized ring, which means steering away from traditional engagement options in favour of coloured stones and unique designs. Popular fancy stones include sapphires, emeralds and tourmalines (in sought-after shades of pink, red and blue). Shapes such as oval and pear help make a statement, as do ring designs that mix warm and cool metals, like rose gold paired with platinum.
MINIMALIST GOWNS
Meghan Markle heralded a new minimalist movement in bridal fashion with her elegant, unfussy Givenchy gown. The dress had a classic silhouette, beautiful fabric and zero detailing—a trend that was subsequently embraced by designers at New York Bridal Fashion Week. An unadorned gown can be a beautiful, fresh look on its own, but it also allows you room to play with incredible accessories like an epic veil, headpiece or standout earrings.
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INSPIRING LOCATIONS
Options for wedding venues are so vast and varied that nailing down this detail will definitely be the most difficult part of your planning process. Destination weddings continue to be incredibly popular, though the tried-and-true sun destinations are now competing with Old World locales like Greece, Croatia and Italy. When it comes to ceremony sites, barns and vineyards remain go-tos for more rustic celebrations, while sleek city hotels and unexpected urban spaces are trending for uniquely luxe affairs.
PAMPAS GRASS
Mandy Moore planted this decor trend firmly on the map: Her recent wedding prominently featured feathery pink and white pampas grass. The tall grasses can be arranged as whimsically resplendent aisle decor (as at Moore’s ceremony), used in bouquets, and even fashioned into airy cloud-like pieces to hang in your reception space.
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CHURROS
These tasty deep-fried treats make an amazing addition to a late-night sweet table. They also look super-fun dressed up with white or dark chocolate and confetti sprinkles. Get creative with your display and pile them high on fanciful stands, or give them out in cute to-go bags.
BOOK WITH AMA
When it comes to planning a destination wedding, let AMA Travel’s wedding specialists sweat the small stuff for you. We offer exclusive destination wedding packages you won’t find anywhere else. Visit AMATravel.ca to learn more.
HOW TO SAVE
Bling for less: Save 15% on all regular priced in-store jewellery—at Paris Jewellers
Well attired: Save $200 on wedding gown purchases of $1,000 or more at Ethos Bridal Group, and save 10% on suits and more in-store at Derks Formals
Event extras: Save 10% on regular-price decor, wedding favours and much more at Edmonton Wedding & Party Centre; save $100 on photo booth rentals, DJ services and Game Show services from Twilite Music Services; and save 5% on products and services—from chafing dishes to tents—at Special Event Rentals.
Cherish the memories: Receive a $350 print credit on wedding sessions at McMaster Photographers.
Alison McGill is the editor-in-chief of Weddingbells magazine and the editorial director of Mariage Québec