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Have your (wedding) cake and eat it!

Have your (wedding) cake and eat it!

A topic very close to my heart (and sweet tooth) is cake!

Photography by Farrow Photography
www.farrowphotography.com

When it comes to weddings, cakes are often the focal point of the wedding reception – proudly displayed, incorporating themes and colour schemes of the day, and featured in one of the main staged events of the day – culminating in a great photo opportunity when it formally gets cut.

There are many elements of a wedding that are steeped in tradition, superstition and symbolism. Here I unravel a little behind why wedding cakes are included in the festivities and then The Pretty Cake Company give their advice for the perfect ‘recipe’ to get the wedding cake of your dreams.

Even though some couples are picking alternatives to the humble wedding cake (such as ‘cheese’ cakes, cupcakes, giant porkpies, quiches tiers and pancake stacks to name a few), the evolution of this wedding element is nothing new as it’s seen many guises over the years including bread rolls and pie.

The custom originally dates back to Roman and Medieval times when bread would’ve been thrown at the bride. Thankfully this developed into the breaking of the bread over the head (symbolizing the bride losing her virginity).

Over time this progressed into guests bringing baked goods to the wedding and piling them up as high as possible. The couple would try and kiss over this high cake without it falling over and were deemed to have good fortune if they were successful. Not content with the instability of a baked goods stack, one clever baker came up with the idea of sticking the rolls together and the Croquembouche was born.

Today’s traditional wedding cakes have a rich fruit cake (a sign of fertility), often a gorgeous layer of marzipan (that I can’t get enough of! ) and white fondant icing. The white colour of the bride’s cake was again a sign of purity and also one of wealth as fine white sugar would’ve been expensive back in the day. The whiter the cake the wealthier you were plus the number of tiers showed extravagance too (although often some tiers could be fake ones to save money!) Plus an alternative ‘darker’ groom’s cake alongside (perhaps in chocolate).

Photography by Farrow Photography
www.farrowphotography.com

Traditionally, the cutting of the cake (as well as being a staple photo opportunity) was done by the bride on her own (to symbolize losing her virginity) and she would hand out the cake to ensure fertility. Nowadays it is the first task performed together as a married couple. Some couples feed each other the first slice as a sign of commitment (or smash it in each others’ faces if you’re feeling cheeky!)

With the bottom tier for cutting, the middle tier for sharing, the top tier is often saved for the first anniversary or christening.

Meanwhile, symbolic charms placed in the cake attached to ribbons can be pulled out by the bridesmaids to predict their fortunes. Plus it was thought that single people who slept with a slice of the wedding cake under their pillow would dream of their future spouse.

There is so much tradition and choices to call upon to create your wedding cake and this element continues to evolve with emerging geode cut out cakes, crystalling detail, food walls and even wedding cakes with image projections on them. Take a look at some of my other trend predictions too.


Here are some top tips from the incredibly talented Samantha from The Pretty Cake Company with a cake designer’s insight into picking your cake and a look at current wedding cake trends to consider.

Photography by Farrow PhotographyThe wedding cake will be the most prominent centrepiece of your wedding reception with the potential to be a highly decorative work of art. So deciding on what form your wedding cake should take, is one that should be given very careful consideration.

An average wedding cake now is upwards of £500 and can go into the thousands, so your requirements will dictate your budget. The costing is primarily dependent on three things, size, flavour and decoration.

SIZE
When contacting cake designers it’s important to give as much information as possible. Give your anticipated guest number as this will allow the cake designer to work out what size tiers would be most appropriate. If you would like to reserve the top fruitcake tier for a first anniversary or christening then do mention that as well.

I have had clients in the past who want very tall grand wedding cakes, but not necessarily all the cake that would come with it, so think about the option of using polystyrene dummies to add extra tiers as this would help reduce the cost.

FLAVOUR
Simple sponges such as vanilla and lemon tend to be the cheapest with other most popular flavours such as chocolate, carrot and fruitcake, being more expensive due to the ingredients cost and increased time taken to make them.

Ask your cake designer what other flavours they could suggest as other flavours can often be made by adapting existing basic recipes. Other popular flavours that I have done in the past are coffee and walnut, orange and almond, lime and passion fruit, toffee and salted caramel, champagne and strawberry, but with lots of good quality flavouring extracts on the market, it’s very simple to come up with some more original suggestions.

Sometimes you can make a simple flavour more exciting by simply making the filling a bit more interesting, like lemon cake with a passionfruit curd buttercream or chocolate with a salted caramel buttercream.

DECORATION
Decoration is by far the most influential part of costing the cake as this is what takes the most time and requires the most skill. Things like sugar flowers, texture work and intricate pipework on the cake, can take several hours and sometimes days, so if you are on a budget, then maybe try and avoid these.


Here’s the ‘recipe’ to get the wedding cake of your dreams:

1. CONSULTATION
Check with your cake maker if they offer a face to face consultation, if there is a charge for it and whether cake samples would be available for tasting. It’s important that you have confidence in your cake maker and that the cakes will taste as good as they look. Some companies do charge for consultations, which might be deductible from the cost if you book.

2. EXPERIENCE
Most reputable cake makers will have a strong portfolio of their work which will be further substantiated with websites, social media pages and recommendations from previous clients and local venues. Do your research beforehand and choose a cake maker that has experience of the styles you like (such as elegant, pretty, floral wedding cakes versus novelty wedding cakes). Respect a cake maker who is honest with you and will tell you up front that they feel that there are better people out there who can create what you want.

3. AVAILABILITY
With weddings occurring almost any day of the week now, cake makers can be very much in demand. Ask your cake maker how many wedding cakes they take on in one week and how many people will work on it so that you know that your cake will not be compromised
.

4. BOOK IN ADVANCE
I always advise my couples that once they have a date secured with their venue they should book, pay a deposit and reserve the date with their suppliers as soon as possible. Consultations and finer details can be worked out much nearer the time. Generally it’s best to book 9-12 months in advance. Often the cake is one of the first things you should book but one of the last things you should finalise as it can incorporate so many aspects of the wedding eg colours, flowers, fabric, stationery (which will only be known towards the end of the planning stage).

5. DEPOSIT
Ask when the deposit is required which tends to be between 25-50%. It’s always a good idea to make a note of when the balance is due to be paid. This tends to be between a month to 2 weeks before the wedding although check with your cake maker on their policies.

6. DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Let your cake maker know if there are any allergies that they need to be aware of. However, also bear in mind that, unless you are using a very large company with allergy safe environments, it could be tricky to completely eliminate the risk of cross contamination.

7. ACCESSORIES
Think about how you want the cake displayed and how you’re going to cut it. A cake stand can dramatically change the way that a wedding cake looks and I always recommend the use of one. It adds precedence, height and is an added decorative feature. Most established cake makers will have a range of stands for hire. Some venues offer use of a cake stand as part of the package but always ask to see it beforehand, as they can be old fashioned silver stands which might not suit the style of your cake. It is generally the responsibility of the couple to return the stands within a couple of days of the wedding, unless this has been agreed prior and a collection charge has been paid.

8. DELIVERY
Make sure you let your cake maker know where and when the cake is to be delivered or if you are going to collect it. Most cake makers will charge for delivery and this will also include the return journey. They will also need to know who is the point of contact at the venue as you may be otherwise busy. Plus think about where the cake is to be set up, being mindful that it shouldn’t be in direct sunlight, or have a cluttered background.


Logistics aside, the fun part is picking what it’ll look like and how it will embody the theme of your special day. Here are some current trends in wedding cakes to give you some inspiration:

  •  Chalkboard: Chalkboards are often used at weddings for place settings, order of events and direction signs, so why not follow the theme through onto the cake, and personalising with a monogram or favourite quotes and lyrics. It’s also the perfect opportunity to show off some pretty calligraphy fonts.

Photography by Neil Hanson
http://www.nordicpics.co.uk

  • Semi naked cake: The naked cake has been around for a number of years now so it’s about time there was a new twist on it! The semi naked cake has a thin scraping of buttercream which allows the sponge to show through slightly. It gives an interesting rustic finish which looks beautiful decorated with fresh flowers and fruits.
Photography by Neil Hanson www.nordicpics.co.uk

Photography by Neil Hanson www.nordicpics.co.uk

  • Textured Buttercream: Lots of people love the thought of sinking their teeth into light fluffy sponge and a nice thick layer of delicious buttercream. So if you prefer buttercream to fondant then this is the perfect cake for you. Finished with fresh flowers, it gives an elegantly simple yet stylishly beautiful wedding cake.

Photography by Pretty Cake Company

  • Marble: Marble cakes are seeing a big revival at the moment and here is a cake which incorporates many on trend features. The marble tiers on the top and bottom are flecked with gold and the metallic drips on the bottom tier are also very fashionable. The chalkboard tier adds the opportunity for a bit of personalisation and the beautiful sugar flowers add a pretty feature which feminises the cake.

Photography by Farrow Photography
www.farrowphotography.com

  • Ruffles/texture: Texture has been popular for a few years now and here is a cake which demonstrates texture in many ways. The vertical ruffles add an understated elegant texture; the gold sequins add sparkle and the pretty gold piping was inspired by a stationery design. Together with the sharp edge finish on this cake and the single garden rose on the top tier, this is a crisp, sleek and sophisticated wedding cake.
Photography by Neil Hanson www.nordicpics.co.uk

Photography by Neil Hanson www.nordicpics.co.uk

  • Metallic and opulence: Metallic decoration can be seen in many ways, be it, metallic leaf, metallic lustre, metallic sequins or simple enhancements with a paintbrush and edible metallic paint. Here is a grand 5 tier cake with a metallic gold leaf tier. Metallic leaf can leave a distressed finish as it is very difficult to apply, but this is part of its charm. The cake was finished off with patches of intricate lace pipework and gorgeous sugar flowers.
Photography by Neil Hanson www.nordicpics.co.uk

Photography by Neil Hanson www.nordicpics.co.uk

  • Floral romance: Cake and flowers often go together, whether the flowers are real or if they are made from sugar. Here is a selection of recent floral wedding cakes showing how diverse each one can be.
Photography by Neil Hanson www.nordicpics.co.uk

Photography by Neil Hanson www.nordicpics.co.uk

 

Photography by Neil Hanson www.nordicpics.co.uk

Photography by Neil Hanson www.nordicpics.co.uk

The Pretty Cake Company offers a friendly, personal and bespoke wedding cake design service to produce breath taking wedding cakes that will be remembered for years to come. They produce wedding cakes that are individual to the bride and groom – always focusing on the attention to detail that makes all the difference. They have over 10 years of experience in designing and creating wedding cakes and work closely with numerous prestigious wedding venues in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and The Cotswolds.  They will work with you and take your ideas and inspirations in order to create a truly memorable wedding cake. They pride ourselves on using the finest quality and freshest ingredients available.

Unlike many other cake companies, they now specialise only in wedding cakes, as this is their true passion.  Now they are able to focus on keeping up to date with current bridal trends and ensuring that their clients receive expert advice in the wedding cake field.
Clients are guaranteed a friendly, efficient service where quality is never compromised. Consultations by appointment only. They are based in Minster Lovell, Witney, West Oxfordshire and can deliver to a wide area.

twitter-1@Prettycakeco

facebook logo@The-Pretty-Cake-Company-Witney-Oxfordshire

instagram logo@theprettycakecompany

 

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 11th January 2017 – tv and film weddings

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 11th January 2017 – tv and film weddings

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 11th January 2017

As well as general wedding planning chat, this week’s theme is ‘TV & film weddings’ – what are your favs & which will affect trends in 2017 #UKWedLunch

QUESTION 1: What is your favourite wedding film? I love 4 Weddings and a Ffuneral, 27 Dresses & Bridesmaids!#UKWedLunch

QUESTION 2: What is your favourite tv wedding? For me, it’s Scott & Charlene’s in Neighbours! What entrance music! #UKWedLunch

QUESTION 3: Which wedding have influenced you the most? Gotta be royal weddings for me esp as Kate & Will for married same year as us #UKWedLunch

QUESTION 4: Which film genre will influence weddings the most in 2017? Comic book, romantic  futurist, beach, medieval, 1920s? #UKWedLunch

QUESTION 5: 2017 looks set to be a year of blockbuster films & tv progs. Which will affect wedding trends? #UKWedLunch

QUESTION 6: What influence do you think the new Beauty & the Beast film will have on wedding themes? #UKWedLunch

This week’s #toptips are taken from ‘New Beginnings‘ #UKWedLunch

Take a look at more wedding trend predictions #UKWedLunch

As well as general wedding planning chat, next week’s theme will be on ‘finding right stationery for your budget’ #UKWedLunch

JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 4th January 2017 – wedding day advice

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 4th January 2017 – wedding day advice

#UKWedLunch – Wednesday 4th January 2017

As well as general wedding planning chat, this week’s theme is ‘wedding day advice’ #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 1: Choose your team of attendants well and delegate #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 2: Eat a good breakfast on your wedding day to keep you going #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 3: Keep your guests fed, watered and entertained #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 4: Build in a private moment after the actual wedding, to enjoy and savour a moment just for the two of you #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 5: Adopt the ‘reverse wee’ so you don’t ruin your dress or dignity – straddle the toilet and face the cistern #UKWedLunch

TOP TIP 6: Don’t go away on honeymoon straight after your reception. Spend a relaxed day with a select few. #UKWedLunch

This week’s #toptips are taken from ‘Wedding Day advice from real brides and grooms‘ #UKWedLunch

As well as general wedding planning chat, next week’s theme will be on ‘TV & film weddings’ #UKWedLunch

JOIN US EVERY WEDNESDAY! on Twitter between 1-2pm GMT

“Congratulations you are a UK Blog Awards 2017 Finalist”

“Congratulations you are a UK Blog Awards 2017 Finalist”

“Congratulations you are a UK Blog Awards 2017 Finalist

We are delighted to advise that your content has reached the final stage in the UK Blog Awards process as a Wedding and Events individual finalist http://www.blogawardsuk.co.uk/ukba2017/entries/hanami-dream

Congratulations once again on reaching the final part of the UK Blog Awards process.

We hope you are as excited as we are and wish you the best of luck for the remainder of the process.”

Gemma Newton, UK Blog Awards Ltd – January 2017

www.blogawardsuk.co.uk

#UKBA17

“Congratulations you are a UK Blog Awards 2017 Finalist”

A very happy start to the New Year

How’s this for a great start to the New Year – I’ve made it to the finals of the UK Blog Awards again!

I’m absolutely delighted that my blog has reached the final stage in the UK Blog Awards process as a Wedding and Events individual finalist.

Thank you so much to everyone for all your votes. I really appreciate your support and it has ensured the blog has made it to the final round in the Wedding and Events category.

I’m feeling pretty chuffed as they’ve combined two categories into one this year, plus each category only has 8 blogs in the shortlist this year (versus 10 blogs each in two categories last year). So I’m really pleased to make it through with some amazing other blogs.

Congratulations to all my fellow individual finalists in the UK Blog Awards Wedding and Events category. I’m proud to be a finalist alongside you.

Dates for your 2017 diary

Dates for your 2017 diary

Happy New Year!

I love this time of year. It’s when our metaphorical diary is full of blank pages yet unwritten.

For lots of people, the new year is a popular time to book holidays, make resolutions, kick start a new healthy regime and start thinking about personal special occasions that we have coming up.

Plus the start of the year often spurs people to pop the question and/or kickstart their wedding planning.

Huge congratulations to you if you’ve got engaged over the festive period.

Telling people your big news and flashing your new piece of jewellery is such an exciting time and it won’t be long until you’ll be asked (again and again) when is your big day.

So here’s a little help with picking a date for your special day (and take a look at this useful guide to setting the date too).

Make sure you think about what else is going on in the world such as national, local and annual events including:

  • Public holidays
  • Sporting events
  • Royal occasions
  • Other people’s occasions (like birthdays, wedding anniversaries and religious festivals)

Here’s a list of some events (in England) in 2017 that could influence your choice of dates:

  • New Year’s Day 1 January
  • Epiphany 6 January
  • Orthodox Christmas Day 7 January
  • Orthodox New Year 14 January
  • Burns Night 25 January
  • Chinese New Year 28 January
  • Valentine’s Day 14 February
  • Shrove Tuesday 28 February
  • St David’s Day 1 March
  • St Patrick’s Day 17 March
  • First Day of Spring 20 March
  • Clocks go forward 26 March
  • Mother’s Day 26 March
  • April Fool’s Day 1 April
  • Boat Race 2 April
  • Passover 11-18 April
  • Good Friday 14 April
  • Easter Day 16 April
  • Easter Monday 17 April
  • St George’s Day 23 April
  • London Marathon 23 April
  • May Day Bank Holiday 1 May
  • FA Cup Final 27 May
  • Spring Bank Holiday 29 May
  • Royal Ascot 16-20 June
  • Father’s Day 18 June
  • First Day of Summer 21 June
  • Eid 26 June
  • Henley Regatta 28 June – 8 July
  • Wimbledon 3 – 16 July
  • Independence Day 4 July
  • British Grand Prix 7-9 July
  • Summer Bank Holiday 28 August
  • First Day of Autumn 22 September
  • Diwali 19 October
  • Clocks go back 29 October
  • Guy Fawkes 5 November
  • Remembrance Day 11 November
  • Thanksgiving 23 November
  • St Andrew’s Day 30 November
  • Hanukkah 13-20 December
  • First Day of Winter 21 December
  • Christmas Day 25 December
  • Boxing Day 26 December

Enjoy celebrating in 2017 and I wish you a very Happy New Year.

Shortlisted for West Oxfordshire Business Awards!

Shortlisted for West Oxfordshire Business Awards!

I’m pretty chuffed to have found out just before Christmas that I’ve been shortlisted for the next round of the West Oxfordshire Business Awards #WOBA2017.

I’m looking forward to meeting the judges shortly and will keep you posted if there’s more exciting news to report!

2016 Review of the year

2016 Review of the year

I hope you’ve had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas. At this between and betwixt time, I often take the time to reflect on the past year. And what a fantastic year it’s been for Hanami Dream weddings and special occasions in 2016!I’ve continued to study with UKAWEP and was proud to be picked as Student of the month in October. The course has (and continues) to open my eyes up to a whole world of weddings beyond just wedding planning.

My focus has changed this year and I’m concentrating on making the blog work commercially as well as providing inspiration to brides and grooms in the Cotswolds. This feels like a fantastic evolution, which really excites me and fits in with my current family life, plus combines my experience within the scope of the wedding industry.

I enjoyed working with a great venue and local businesses on a stunning Wind in the Willows styled photo shoot which featured on the blog as well as on Bride Magazine.

I also worked as a consultant with a local venue to help them with their first wedding open day where I held a wedding planning drop in clinic.

Plus I launched #UKWedLunch in August – a Twitter hour for brides and grooms to be who are planning their weddings in their lunch breaks.

I’m delighted to have enquiries for different aspects of the business including venue styling and consultancy, as well as such lovely testimonials from happy couples and suppliers I’ve worked with in 2016.

The blog featured posts on different elements of wedding planning, local wedding venues, catering vans, a series titled ‘the holy trinity of wedding planning’ and some wonderful guest posts from local wedding professionals (with top tips and an insight in to different elements of wedding planning from their area of the wedding industry). See the top ten posts of 2016.

My blog has had an exciting year and continues to go from strength to strength. The highlight of 2016, was being a finalist in two categories of the UK Blog Awards in April and I was delighted to get a highly commended award.

I was also chuffed to have some of my articles (on seating plans and stationery) published on Bride Magazine online too.

I’m pleased to add to my honoured collection of accolades with #QueenOf Wedding Inspiration by The Royal Connection, the #SmartSocial award from Marketme, #BrightPig’s Business of the Week and I was also picked by Jacqueline Gold CBE to be a WOW Winner.

I’m really proud to have won the UK Academy of Wedding and Event Planning’s Greenery‬ (SS17 and colour of the year) Pantone® mood board competition again this year.

If all this wasn’t enough, I’m over the moon to have found out last week that I’ve been shortlisted for the next round of the West Oxfordshire Business Awards #WOBA2017. So I’m looking forward to meeting the judges in the New Year and to seeing what other exciting things 2017 has to hold for Hanami Dream.

Now is also a great time to look forward to the brand new year ahead. I’ve lots of plans afoot including focusing the blog on supporting and promoting local wedding professionals, services and venues #keepitlocal. And I can’t wait to produce more styled photo shoots and have more opportunities to collaborate with local suppliers.

Many thanks for your support in 2016 and here’s to an exciting and very Happy New Year!

Photography by Neil Hanson www.nordicpics.co.uk

Top 10 most popular blog posts in 2016 on Hanami Dream

Top 10 most popular blog posts in 2016 on Hanami Dream

 

  1. Top 10 Spring 2017 colours from Pantone®
  2. Top 13 local catering vans for weddings in the Cotswolds
  3. Inspiration: autumnal marsala & gold Wind in the Willows wedding
  4. Top 20 local wedding venues in the Cotswolds
  5. Local wedding suppliers at Cogges Manor Farm Wedding Open Day
  6. Pantone® announces Fashion Colour Report Fall 2016
  7. A complete blank canvas: our guide to tipi weddings
  8. Inspiration: rustic pink rose barn wedding
  9. Why am I called Hanami Dream?
  10. Alternative wedding guest book ideas

 

Trend predictions for weddings in 2017

Trend predictions for weddings in 2017

Weddings are a wonderful celebration of love and marriage. They can blend together families, traditions, cultures, creativity and lots of personal touches. Whether a religious, civil or humanist ceremony, a traditional or themed reception, these special days are about what is important to each individual couple.

Despite some couples’ originality, there are always trends that appear and popular themes that epitomise a particular era (think puff ball sleeves from the eighties). Sometimes fashion, films, television programmes, interior design, celebrity weddings and even current affairs influence these trends. Of course, there are some timeless and classic themes that never seem to go out of favour like a ‘romantic’ theme and personalisation is still key at the moment.

So what does 2017 hold for us?

Clothing

Bridal wear is really seeing a big shift in trends to provide new, innovative and unusual styles to make sure the bride makes a statement and is different to any other on her big day. Fashion trends that are appearing on the catwalks (that will surely influence weddings next year) include:

  • Tailored separates including trousers or culottes, as well as shirts
  • Athletic looking clothing but in evening wear material
  • Alternative necklines to strapless such as halters, plunging and embellished necklines
  • Varying lengths, cuts and material to provide short, sheer or cutouts
  • Covering up the shoulders with long sleeves, boleros, lace or capes
  • Plain veils
  • Unusual accessories like ribbon hair bands, feather handbags and flat shoes
  • Adornments on dresses such as bows, peplums, ruffles and 3D flowers
  • Coloured & floral patterned dresses including various pastel shades and even black

 

Culture

The world of films and tv always influences trends and 2017 looks set to be a year of blockbusters to choose from such as:

  • Comic book inspiration courtesy of Logan, Transformers, Lego Batman, Kong: Skull Island, Spider-Man and Wonder Woman
  • Romantic fairy tales with Beauty & the Beast
  • Futurist and space trends with releases of Blade runner 2049 and Star Wars 8
  • Medieval individuality along with King Arthur: Legend of the Sword
  • Beach and nautical themes thanks to Baywatch (plus Pamela Anderson’s 50th birthday) and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
  • Car racing, petrol head and Route 66 inspiration with Fast 8 and Cars 3
  • 1920s Kazbar glamour with Murder on the Orient Express
  • Fun themes spinning off from the Emoji Movie

And film and video will become more prevalent at weddings with more couples choosing 360 videos, virtual reality experiences and drones to capture their big day.

 

Celebrities

As well as the wonders of Pinterest, couples are inspired by seeing others doing something first. The affect of the royal wedding in 2011 is still apparent now as couples are choosing to have trees inside at their weddings. So it’s no surprise that details from celebrity weddings will influence wedding trends. Here are some famous engaged couples that could make it up the aisle in 2017 and their special days will be ones to watch:

  • Pippa Middleton & James Matthews – I can’t wait to see how she tops her infamous bridesmaid dress and will Kate repay the favour?
  • Tom Daly & Dustin Lance Black – will it be a swimwear only wedding like Tom has joked?
  • Liv Tyler & Dave Gardner for a sports, fashion or rock and roll theme
  • Emma Bunton & Jade Jones – though Baby Spice may need some help to start organising it as they’ve been engaged since 2010!
  • Prince Harry & Meghan Markle – okay they’re not actually engaged yet but I can’t wait to see this that wedding day!
  • Not exactly a celebrity (but to me she is a real star!) and that’s my mad Nan (self titled!) It’s so wonderful to see her so happy again and courting a lovely young man. Whilst we obviously miss Grampy, it would be lovely to see my Nan get hitched again. (Plus my little ones would make such cute attendants too!) There’s definitely a trend to seeing grandmothers as bridesmaids but I’d like to see mine as a bride next year.

 

Colour and styling

So much influences our daily lives which in turn spills over to the world of weddings including decorative elements from different arenas such as interior design, architecture, graphic design, lighting, furniture and textiles.

One part that overarches these elements is the importance of colour.

  • The Pantone® Colour of the Year always plays a big part in influencing popular colours and I don’t think next year will be any exception. In 2017, the colour of the year is a yellowy green called Greenery. Pantone are citing it as ‘nature’s neutral’ [take a look at my report about the colour of the year] and I’m already a little bit in love with this colour! It will work well teamed with vibrant colours or partnered with pure white for a classic look. Here’s my take on the other colours to look out for in spring/summer 2017.
  • Foliage – the colour of the year will also sit nicely alongside trends for more foliage and ‘bringing the garden inside’.
  • Flowers – if you do go for flowers then they will need to make a statement and ‘go big or go home’ with paper florals emerging as an ecological and lasting alternative, new ways to wear flowers such as corsages, floral rings, anklets and chockers, as well as larger and looser bouquets
  • Textures – be prepared for macramé in boho Coachella inspired themes, plus crushed velvet and total-coverage sequins for more luxurious styles
  • Metallic – I’m so pleased that the metallic trend seems to be still going strong and isn’t showing any signs of tiring just yet. Rose, bronze, copper and gold – on their own, mixed together or used alongside white.
  • Gem stones – this is a stunning and really striking trend using rocks lined with crystals (agate or hollow geodes) for a contemporary feel. As well as seeing marble coming back into the limelight.
  • Transparent – strip it back by pairing nude and neutral colours alongside Perspex chairs, tables, menus and signage for a modern style
  • Mix and match – pretty much anything goes and don’t be afraid to mix up all elements of the decor such as the colours, textures, metals and furniture. Not sure which colour to pick – well put them all together.

 

Catering

Family style serving is still a great way to share the wedding reception which works so well on long, large banquet tables lining the room.

Other food and drink highlights to support emerging tends include:

  • Cakes – marbling icing, amazing geode cut out and crystal detailing and even wedding cakes with image projections on them
  • Unusual catering vans, dessert tables and interactive stations st the reception – think oyster shuck trucks, gin bars and make your own pudding
  • Food for favours – give you guests something they can take away and enjoy at home and remember the day like coffee beans, loose leaf tea or alcohol miniatures for favours
  • Food walls – hang donuts (for example) to make edible decor which could even double as escort cards too! Delicious!
  • Personalised cocktails – have your own cocktails created and served as the ‘house’ aperitif instead of Pimms or Buck’s Fizz when guests arrive. Or how about two different personal cocktails to represent the different tastes of the couple.

Current affairs

You may be living and breathing your wedding and everything else in the world is taking a back seat. However, things are still going on around you and some national, local and annual events may have an impact on your guests involvement, availability and enjoyment. Here’s some events that could influence your choice of dates.

In addition, around the world, some momentous celebrations could also influence wedding trends.

  • Europe – We will mark 15 years since the launch of the Euro in January. Could thoughts of Brexit mean we embrace all things European whilst we are still part of Europe? Potential costs of some products could go up if/when we do exit Europe such as flowers that are imported so couples may be looking for cheaper alternatives.
  • Then in April, it will be the 40th anniversary since the fall of Saigon. I love the tea ceremonies from this region as part of their weddings celebrations along with the opulent red and gold colours.
  • In August, it will be 40 years since Elvis died. Will this give us another 1970s revival? – think rhinestone jumpsuits!
  • Later in the year, it is the 100th anniversary of the Russian revolution in November. Perhaps this will herald Russian traditions becoming more popular such as week long weddings, a tour of the city to have photographs taken at historical places and wearing wedding crowns in the ceremony. As well as the Russian tradition of seeing which of the newlyweds can grab the biggest handful of bread at the wedding breakfast to see who will be the head of the household.

These are a few of my predictions for wedding trends in 2017. I’d love to hear what you think are going to be popular wedding trends next year. Email me at info@www.hanamidream.co.uk with your predictions. See more of my curation and inspiration on Pinterest.

May I take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy Christmas and all the best for the New Year.

Are you getting married in 2017? Is your wedding going to be following one of these trends? Let me know if you’d like to share the detail shots of your day on my blog to inspire other couples who are wedding planning. If you (and your photographer) are happy, then take a look how to submit your wedding.