THE MOST CURIOUS 2020 WEDDING TREND REPORT
Most Curious, is the style-savvy wedding show. It’s the biggest and coolest independent bridal event in the UK, put on by a team of stylists, journalists and designers. Each of us dedicate a huge amount of time absorbing current and up coming trends in order to curate our shows as well as attracting those who create them at our shows. So with this under our belt, we hope you enjoy reading our run down of big, looks, ideas and vibes for your 2020 wedding as much as we enjoyed compiling it!
1. MAXIMALISM
The biggest story of 2020 for us will be the rise of fuller, fussier over all styling in all aspects of the wedding from the bride, the groom, the table, the decor - pattern clashing and mixing of materials, decorativeness and chintz are exploding onto the scene after many years of austerity, minimalism and pared back visions. Beautifying, adorning, decorating with more ornamental and OTT styles being celebrated . Are you ready?
2. THE COVETED LONG, OUTSIDE, BANQUET TABLE
Round tables are so passe! It will be all about the banquet table in 2020, and in an outside setting for absolute new decade vibes. Imagine you and your guests sat in linear fashion, extending out into the distance of your rural setting, at either side of a long row of tables, set with wine glasses, candles, bread baskets and delicious food stretching away as far as the eye can see… nice, huh!?
There’s a few notable trends making themselves known for bridal looks in 2020, so couldn’t just go with one..
3. BRIDAL - SHEENY FINISHES, BOWS, EDWARDIANA, MAXED OUT SLEEVES AND PLEATS!
There’s metallic chiffons, silk blend lame - which visually means sheeny silky, pearly textures. We’re taking bridal, both gowns and accessories, but it may come in in backdrops and table linens too..
(left) credit to House of Petula
4. Bows are big for 2020.
The classic pretty decorative accessory in not just for hair, on dresses too, or heck probably both, think oversized and full for all the feminine fanciness.
credit: Joanna Brown Photos, Velvet Johnstone, AM Faulkner and Fi Graham | Esther Belle Poque, Velvet Johnstone, Bloaum Florals, Fi Graham, Portraits Bridal Hair and Make Up | Magda Butrum
Edwardiana - think Helen Bonham Carter inRoom with a View, Molly Brown on the Titanic, The Railway Children and The Secret Garden, the romantic visions go on! Restrained, covered and modest sillouhettes, there will be a distinct bridal trend for something of a style worn by our Suffragette sisters! Big picture hats, lace, long tea dresses with high necks, puffed mutton sleeves and decorated shoulders and cuffs…
And talking of sleeves, there still here and yes they are bigger, puffier than ever and taking on a life of their own as if living their own special life on your shoulders, no matter the style of the dress itself!
Credit: Emma Beaumont Atelier, photo by Benjamin Wheeler | Alexa Chung
Pleats, pleats, pleats! In a midst of femininity, ruffles, bows and nostalgia - this more structured, sharply creased technique for fabrics will bring some order to the proceedings and will be seen on many chic brides.
credit: Javier Quintela Boutique | Odylyne The Ceremony
4. STATEMENT VASES AND TABLEWARE
We are thinking mainly for florals - nostalgic, novelty, feature vases will be shining out as much as the flowers themselves. But expect to see cake stands, serving platters and other general crockery step out as more of a talking point over the next year, with stand out decorative features, colours and more of an artisan, hand made, hand painted, decorative ceramic feel.
The Exvotos
5. SOFT FURNISHINGS
Whether it’s velvet, or more chintz, block colours, it will be all about inviting and warm, upholstered furniture in 2020. Plushier, comfier seating with tassels and frills will be replacing wicker, wood and other minimal materials to lounge upon, hurrah!
6. BONNETS AND OTHER TYPES OF WRAPPED HEADWEAR
As the sub heading suggests, headwear will also have a historical flavour, with fabrics and millinery pieces close to the head with a wrapped sort of aesthetic.. Regal, crescent head bands, floppy or structured visored bonnets (do not under estimate the osmosis effect of Handmade Tale and Extinction Rebellion’s Red Brigade imagery) or tighter capped styles to head pieces and veils. All give that feeling of the head being covered and the face being closely framed.
7. SUSTAINABILITY
It feels weird to be calling this a ‘trend’ when we’re very much hoping it’s a lifestyle choice that’s here to stay, but it’s undeniable that sustainability is on everyone’s minds at the moment (as it should be). Being conscious of waste means more and more couples are avoiding single-use plastic and sourcing eco-friendly products for their day, or planning décor and outfits that they can use or wear again and again. Think focal styling pieces that can then display pride of place in your living room at home, British grown flowers, seasonal menus and wedding dresses made from sustainable fabrics. Saving the world has never looked so good.
8. MOCKTAILS, GOOD LOOKING AND HEALTHY FOOD AND DRINK
Blame it on the ‘gram, but beautiful insta worthiness and wholesome and virtuous food and drink is what 2020 couples want! Colourful, fresh and eco and ethically sourced ingredients and local produce are what will be seen on the menu. People are becoming less interested in simply getting smashed at receptions and they want tasty, pretty, non-alcoholic drinks, the effects of which won’t make them look a hot, mess in the photos of the day. Has social media ruined the most tried and tested solid excuse for regrettable behaviour (“it’s a wedding!”)? 2020 will let us know!
9. THE GROUP SINGALONG
Who doesn't love it? Get round that piano and sing your heart out!
Of course impromptu ones often happen by the end of the night, but people setting aside designated time for an official communal sing song of favourite and meaningful hits, within the ceremony and/or reception, will be in for the coming year. YUSS!!
10. THE 70S DESSERT TROLLEY
Ok we haven’t seen a plethora of actual trolleys yet but the vibe of what’s on the trolleys will be its way onto the wedding tables across the land. So the kitschness and nostalgic look of wobbly jellies, pastel coloured blancmanges, piped icing and cherries on top and even fruit and flowers trapped forever in sugary gelatin puddings - all moments you may well see at trend-led wedding parties. Extra points for serving bubbles in Babycham saucers!
Isobel Bakes | Hebe Konditori
11. ROMANTIC ROSES
Every year sees it’s ‘IT’ flower - there’s been eucalyptus and succulents, anthurium lillies, pampas and more recently daisies and dried grasses, and we feel for 2020 the rose is making a comeback. Blown out and seen in single colour formations, this classic beauty, ever the symbol or romance, will reclaim the wedding throne this coming year. We also cannot ignore the Gordonia or Fried Egg peonies, another blousey, frilly bloom that all the coolest couples will be requesting, but beware, they are hard to get hold of outside of late Spring early summer.. Time to reschedule the wedding??
12. SKETCHY VIBES
When it comes to the stationery and paper goods for your wedding, in the lead up and the day itself, the style de jour is very much, hand drawn and artful. Not only the hand-penned lettering, but sketches and personalised illustrations are desirable for 2020 and will be loose and off the cuff, simple outlined and a little naive.
Draw My Wedding | Nevie Pie Cakes
13. THE PATTERNED GROOM
Many of the above trends will also be absorbed into guy’s looks, including an overall shift into maximalism, more interesting finishes, decorative designs and a generally more layered and detailed look. Such as, striped shirts under a coloured jacket, plus a Liberty print tie, or a velvet suit. Or checks, florals, maybe tartan or dog tooth, get some pattern/colour clash combos going on!
Luke Edward Hall | Lisa Jane Photo | Francis + Louise