Being a wedding photographer in Leeds means I get to work with fantastic wedding suppliers from fabulous wedding dress boutiques and wedding cake makers to talented florists. This week I've had a chat with some of my favourites and asked for their thoughts on top wedding trends for next year....
After what can only be described as a challenging 2020, everyone will be looking to 2021 for better things. The upside of fewer weddings this year is that loads of lovely couples will still be looking forward to their weddings, seeing nearest and dearest without restrictions and looking after their guests in style...
Lucy, from Lucy Wright Events in Harrogate thinks:
"2021 will be the year weddings reflect more gratitude, be full of locally sourced items and emphasise the be kind attitude. I am already hearing my couples ask more about where their food is sourced from and how can they make their vegetarian and vegan guests feel more included in their menu choices. Brides are looking to use more sustainable products from stationery, linens , glassware, flowers, their dress etc I believe the beautiful pastel shades will make a come back and an overall nod to the more traditional elements of weddings will shine through"
Sian from Sian Chapin Events in Headingley shares Lucy's opinions:
"2021 is going to be a huge year for weddings and I personally cannot wait to support my couples, especially those who have had to postpone their special day. I think the current pandemic will have a huge impact on the wedding trends for next year, with couples considering a smaller guest list of just their nearest and dearest as well as booking small and independent suppliers to be part of their day. Style wise I hear that pastel tones are going to be popular which are my absolute favourite! I really hope some of my couples choose this look whether it be the bridesmaid dresses, table settings or flowers. Speaking of blooms, dried flowers and grasses are definitely becoming a trend and will continue well into 2021. Whatever the trends, it's important that as a couple you plan a wedding that is perfect for you both. Weddings that have lots of personal and DIY touches are by far my favourite as it tells a story of your lives together."
Photography trends also mirror Lucy and Sian's thoughts. Couples who have recently booked their wedding photography with me for 2021 and 2022 have all commented on my storytelling style of photography. Epic couple portraits will always be important but more and more couples are interested in how I capture the candid photos of their much loved guests, the details that can go unnoticed and the off-beat moments, that are totally honest and say so much about the day and the couple themselves.
Wedding flowers will also feature more pastel colours, yellows, foliage and again there will be a focus on new ideas. Alison from Floral Expression in Headingley, Leeds reckons:
"The wild country look will still be a winner next year. Lots of foliage and an addition for 2021 will be.....a touch of dried flowers!"
Brides will also want to continue to use personalisation in the styling of their wedding day. Boho will continue to be a big theme. Suzanne Oddy of Suzanne Oddy Design specialises in wedding stationery and stylish wedding props:
"The rustic wedding trend isn't going away. Now with a more authentic approach it focuses on reclaimed materials, hand crafted pieces and providing a stunning but comfortable environment to marry and party in"
Seeing a bride in her beautiful wedding dress is one of my favourite parts of the day when I photograph a wedding. I'm very excited to see new trends and stunning classic dresses. Dave Spink from Scarlet Poppy Bridal Boutique in Leeds told me:
"Traditional is expected to be a defining feature of 2021 wedding dresses, with timeless styles and classic silhouettes. But still expect to see the opposite end of the spectrum to tradition will be an influx of modern weddings designs that don’t fit a classic mould as brides step outside the box, there will be a few fashion forward brides making big statements in 2021”
New ideas are also popular for wedding cake choices. Sophie, from Soph's Cakes Leeds says: ‘
"As a cake maker, I love creating more ‘out there’ wedding cakes. Give me a theme or a unique style any day and it will fill me with joy! I’ve had an influx of clients wanting more traditional wedding cakes with a twist recently, including having a pearlescent finish rather than the usual matte, and using shimmer to highlight one tier of the cake. Marbled cakes designs are still ever popular and the Geode cut out design doesn’t seem to be going anywhere! I’ve personally been playing with using the cut out section for other things as well as crystals. Finally, I’ve seen a rise in people wanted hand painted floral designs. These are my favourite as I feel we can truly express the art that is cake decorating!’"
I'm so, so looking forward to 2021 and working with all the couples who have sadly had to postpone this year, plus all my new couples for 2021 of course! Each and every one will be totally worth the wait and we'll celebrate together in style!
See you next week Xx
For my other blogs, family photography in Leeds, wedding photography in Leeds and wedding photography in Yorkshire, (and anywhere else for that matter) head over to my website: https://www.heatherbutterworthphotography.com/blog .