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Wedding Trends that went out in 2016

When you plan your wedding details, one aspect to consider is whether it will always seem appealing, or will quickly look dated. There are many trends that often feel outdated in just a few years. Then, there are also others that endure the test of time and end up being classics. These trends are those that have such a strong impact, that they are not easily forgotten nor replaced by new entrees into the scene.

While some of the trends we’ve seen in 2015 and 16 are still going strong, we can see some others fading out gradually. Over the course of this article, we will look at the trends that are no longer as popular as they were when they were first introduced. So, here they are.

Mason Jars

Although mason jars continue to be the choice of many brides for serving party favors ranging from preserves to bath scrub, there is a general feeling that it is overused. As a result, guests no longer view this accessory as interesting, and it has definitely lost the appeal it once had. So, if you are considering mason jars for your wedding, it may be a good idea to rethink this option. You can always keep the drama alive by using different containers in various sizes, thus moving away from the monotony of using the same old mason jar everywhere. If you must have glass, you can also consider different finishes such as frosted glass containers, crystal ware or ones with decorative work to add an interesting twist.

Seated dinners

Although traditional style five-course dinners continue to be seen at traditional weddings, more and more couples are opting for the casual, laid-back and easier buffet meals instead. With the growing popularity of casual and fun wedding themes, this gives couples a better alternative to provide wholesome and interesting dishes with minimum wastage. It also allows them to stick to a smaller budget and still serve interesting fare. Strolling food stations are considered more interesting and allow people the opportunity to walk around and indulge in conversation, thus reducing the formality of the occasion and making it more friendly. This also allows the couple to order less food, as the food isn’t placed at every table and they can safely assume that not everyone will want to try all the dishes. It thus gives them more flexibility in determining the appropriate serving sizes for each item on the menu.

Candy Buffets

First it was the chocolate fountain that came with a bang, and then went out without a trace. Candy buffets are next on this list. What began as a huge trend in 2012, continued to find favor with couples tying the knot in 2013 and 14. Since it’s popularity has dwindled considerably, as it is making fewer appearances nowadays. If you are very fond of this idea, you may like to consider a miniature version of it for your younger guests. Forego it for the older guests, as it needn’t be such a great hit. The more interesting choice would be to opt for a dessert buffet in place of the extensively sweetened candy treats arranged in clear glass bottles. Rather than set one up and spend a huge amount on it, you can pack away a select few candy choices for your party guests in mint tins or personalized favor boxes.

Photo booths

While a classic wedding backdrop is a timeless favorite, the photo booths set up with a range of thrift store finds and props are definitely moving out of the wedding scene. It has been overdone and whatever the theme, dressing up with fake props like glittering sun glasses and feathery stoles, and posing for silly pictures is no longer enjoyed by wedding guests. So, if you have a photo booth on your list of wedding décor accessories, it may be a good idea to cross it out. Or else, at least choose a theme-appropriate design that will do double duty as a beautiful background for your wedding setting.

Chalkboards

Once upon a time, chalkboards were here, there and everywhere you looked. It was almost as though chalkboard was synonymous with anything even remotely rustic. Everything from the wedding menu, to seating arrangements, place cards and even direction signs were all done in chalkboard. What initially entered the wedding scene as an interesting and versatile display element ended up overpowering the rustic scene and becoming too common and no longer interesting. Luckily, that trend has ended as chalkboards are sparingly used today. So, don’t include it in your wedding, unless absolutely necessary. It is better off forming the base for your kitchen pantry list or as the menu sign a cafe. Instead, turn to the classic favorites like printed signs and banners and these will never go out of fashion.

Long veils

A veil may be traditional fare and an easy shortcut to making most dresses fit into classic wedding themes. Nevertheless, the length of the veil has consistently reduced to no longer than arm-length over the years. Bird cage veils are occasionally spotted by brides still going with the vintage wedding themes. Short and sheer veils are also common-place enough. But the royal-length veil and veils that end at the knee or beyond are hardly chosen at all. Many brides even forego the veil entirely, and decorate their hair with pretty headpieces and accessories instead. This allows them to show off the stunning back details of their carefully chosen wedding dress, and may also be more practical and comfortable in an outdoor wedding.

Burlap

Another close contender of the chalkboard, the burlap was once a must-have at any rustic wedding. It adorned everything from tables, buntings and aisles to bouquets and wedding favor bags. It was so popular, that everyone started associating vintage wedding themes with burlap. And this is probably one of the reasons why it became boring. You should also remember that it is not an element that can just be added anywhere. Distinct in color and with powerful texture, burlap is easily noticeable and cannot be overlooked when added to your wedding scene. Couples always want to incorporate an element of surprise into their weddings, and burlap is anything but unexpected. So, it is no wonder that it is slowly being replaced by newer and more interesting versions in fabric. Now, if you have a shabby chic wedding in mind, you can still execute it to perfection sans the burlap. Turn to distressed wood and lace instead, as these are elements that have stood the test of time.

Bridesmaids in matching dresses

Bold and brave brides set the scene as they deviated from the matching-matching bridesmaid trend, early this decade. This has now taken the bridal fashion world by storm as fewer brides choose the same dress for all their bridesmaids. Accepting the individuality and personal style of each of the girls who stand beside them when they say “I do,” brides now prefer the mix and match style to entirely matching bridesmaid dresses. Expect to see them continue and brides come up with more innovative ideas to choose dress combinations that work together in tandem. The current trend is to choose colors from the same palette or dresses with different features but in the same color. Color block variations of a certain pattern are also a trending favorite.

Pastels

Image Credits: outreachr.com, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

There was a time when soft, pretty pastels were the go-to choice for wedding color palettes. It continues to be pleasant, refreshing and definitely spring-time, but it is less favored now. Brides today prefer to choose bolder and more obvious colors for their wedding color palette. With the focus on deeper colors that have a stronger personality, pastels are less popular compared to the time every wedding had a pastel touch to it. If you have your mind set on colors that belong to this spectrum, it is a better idea to limit yourself to one or two colors, and mix it up with bolder hues or neutrals that will not look dated when you go through your wedding album ten years from now.

Long-sleeves

Long-sleeve bridal dresses were in demand in the years following Kate Middleton’s wedding. The interest in this fashion feature continued for a few consecutive years, but now brides are stepping away from it. After the off-the-shoulder style and single strap style that were popular in 2014 and 15, brides are again embracing strapless and sleeveless styles like before. The illusion sleeve however still finds favor with many brides as it is one that camouflages many flaws and enhances the best features of many a bride. Whimsical fluttery sleeves and cap sleeve gowns also are popular choices with brides who wish to cover their neck and shoulders but don’t want to entirely cover up their arms in full-length sleeves.

Towering wedding cakes

There was a time when having a tall and towering wedding cake was compulsory. Intricately designed and taking the theme to the extreme, these cakes were elaborate and huge, and not to mention expensive. Couples these days however opt for style in place of size and like to make a statement with their distinct wedding cake choice. Couples who choose to have towering wedding cakes, do so with a difference. They turn to faux cake layers for the effect and keep the actual cake tiers minimum to save money. The more preferred choice however, is to have a small but beautiful couture cake for the actual cake cutting ceremony. Guests are then served from sheet cakes in the kitchen. This way, there is no compromise on style, but the cost is minimized while the guests still get to eat excellent cake.

Glitter

Image Credits: Pernilla Rydmark, via Flickr, CC BY 2.0

Bling is no longer stylish. The spotlight instead is on monotone and deep metallic. Glittering details may crop up once in a while, but more and more brides choose to stay away from glittering invitations, backdrops, wedding table décor and anything that is overly glitzy. While casual theme weddings go with fun eclectic combinations in tropical and bright colors, the formal styles choose gold, silver and other metallic colors in accents that are tastefully and proportionally added to the décor. So, stay away from far too much glitter and shine in anything wedding related, as this will soon be a dated look.

Ombre

Mostly confined to wedding cakes, ombre was a fashion statement in the last few years. Different colors were played out in varying shades all over cakes, with pinks and reds ruling the scene of ombre cakes. However, it has become a tad boring, and now brides are on the lookout for something different to mark their weddings with. Like we said earlier, the choice is more for artistically designed and detailed cakes that pack a punch, despite their simplicity. If you have your heart set on ombre, you can still confine it to the inside layers of the cake, but leave it off the fondant. The other happening trend that is still largely favored are nude cakes. The refreshing simplicity of their decoration and the natural look seems to have captivated many hearts. This is in stark contrast with elaborate fondant ombre cakes, so you can take a cue from this fact itself.

Can you think of any other trends that will soon be out of weddings entirely, though they were huge favorites initially? If so, do let us know in the comments below.

If you are a bride planning a wedding soon, don’t forget to visit our Best for Bride website to find anything and everything wedding related. With all that you need to realize the perfect wedding under a single roof, you needn’t go searching for it anywhere else. So, come in and take a look today!

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7 Insanely Useful Ideas to Pamper and Prep Your Groom For Your Wedding Day

Don’t we often forget that there are two people who are special on the wedding day? Yes, it’s a fact! All of us tend to focus entirely on the bride and all that she needs to get set for her big wedding day. Isn’t it a pity that her Prince Charming is often overlooked, and enters the scene pretty much just on the wedding day?

So, this time we decided to shine the spotlight on the bridegroom, for a change. So, brides, listen up! This article is for your soon-to-be husband! After all, it’s a milestone event for him too, and you could offer some help in the grooming department, to ensure he looks his very best on the big day.

Let us first look at some advice on the basics that are to be taken care of.

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12 ideas for black and white wedding themes

Searching for a wedding theme that exudes sophistication? Or a wedding palette that simply can’t go wrong? Either way, a black and white wedding theme is just right to meet your need.

Classic and elegant, this is a timeless favorite that couples have perfected time and again. Both the colors, black and white are perfect neutrals. So, there are hundreds of ways in which you can add subtle accents to this combination to personalize your wedding palette. Whether it is a small dose of color or a metallic hue, black and white form the perfect combination to get the details right. Don’t discount the fact that these two colors are easy to find. Choose this combination and you will be saved from hours of tedious swatch matching and combination testing. After all, there is just one black, and maybe not just one, but only a handful of whites to choose from. Life cannot get easier than this, and you will be saved from so much stress when you choose this fail-safe combination.

Here, we bring you some interesting and workable ideas to get the various details at your black and white wedding just right. Check it out.

Continue reading 12 ideas for black and white wedding themes

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10 questions and answers about junior bridesmaids

Brides often have a young cousin or a niece who isn’t old enough to be a bridesmaid, but is too old to fit into the role of a flower girl. When this girl is dear to the bride, she usually wants her in the wedding party, but may not be sure of what role to give her. Fortunately, there is a perfect role to honor these not-so-little girls with, and it is “Junior Bridesmaid!”

If you have already chosen one or more junior bridesmaids, or intend to have them at your wedding, here is a list of all the things you need to know.

Image Credits: Adam Red, via Flickr, [CC BY 2.0]

1.How old does someone have to be to be a junior bridesmaid?

Anyone who fits the description of big girl, but is not yet a grown up woman, can be a junior bridesmaid. It is usually a role suitable for girls aged between 9 and 15. This role is perfect for girls from either your family or your groom’s, or for young girls who you are very fond of and would love to include in your wedding. Think back and you will realize how you wouldn’t have been too pleased to be a flower girl when you were say 10 years old. The same goes for your junior bridesmaids. They may not be old enough to take up responsibility as a bridesmaid, but consider themselves too old to be a flower girl. So, this is the in-between role where they will be treated as a grown up girl, but the demands on them will be appropriate for their young age.

2.Does she also wear the same dress as the rest of the bridesmaids?

This is left to your discretion, and depends on how the girl looks and feels. There are teenagers who prefer to dress much older. And then, there are others who look too young for their actual age. So, go with your intuition, and of course, consult the girl and her parents. This is very important, especially if the bridesmaids dresses are on the sexier side. If your bridesmaid dress choice is one that is suitable on women of all ages, and you can find one in her size too, go with it. Otherwise, you can choose a less complicated dress that matches the rest of the bridal party look and still looks good on her. Low-cut dresses and ones with long slits are not appropriate for a young girl, and her parents may not appreciate the idea if you choose to dress her in this on your wedding day. Either search for a dress in a matching or complementing color and design, or have a seamstress alter a bridesmaid dress to suit her. Simple changes like adding straps or moving the neckline up with an illusion design may render the same dress suitable for her age. The other option is to get a whole other dress made for her, that goes well with the rest of the wedding party attire. Just make sure that you consult her before you choose her look, and that she looks modest and feels comfortable in what you choose, and all will be well.

3.When do we buy her dress and from where?

It is better to get your junior bridesmaid’s dress closer to your wedding date, as these girls are at an age where drastic changes can alter their overall appearance in a matter of months. So, it may not be a good idea to shop for your junior bridesmaids dress, several months in advance when you buy the rest of the wedding party dresses. Don’t buy it before four or five months from your wedding day, and have it altered in the month leading up to the wedding to make sure it fits. Most bridal shops like Best for Bride will have Junior Bridesmaids dress collections, and you should be able to find ones that are similar to the bridesmaids dresses you choose from the same place. If you choose from the same collection and material, you should be able to find the exact shade for both your bridesmaids and junior bridesmaids dresses. Or, you can have your bridesmaid dress picked from the prom dress collection, if there is a suitable choice there. If nothing works, you can consider having her dress custom-made.

4.Does she get the rest of the accessories, hair and makeup like the other bridesmaids?

This is again an individual choice. It is up to you to decide how she ought to look. Although most girls would rather prefer to look more like the bridesmaids than flower girls, how you dress her is entirely your choice. You can give her a bridesmaid bouquet, like the rest of your wedding party. Or, you could have a miniature version made specially for her. Be practical when you decide how her hair and makeup should be done on the day. A simplified version of your bridal party’s overall look should be fine. You can also choose similar jewelry, flowers or other accessories for her, so she blends in well with the crowd. If your bridesmaids will all be trotting around in high heels, you may have to get a low-heel shoe for your junior bridesmaid unless she is old enough to handle it. This will help you avoid any unnecessary accidents on the day. Again, it is a good idea to match it to the overall look of your wedding party, but do not choose something that is not appropriate for her age.

5.Does she have to participate in the bridal shower and bachelorette party?

She may not be able to contribute to the bridal shower or bachelorette party (as she obviously won’t have the finances for the same). Nevertheless, she can be part of the planning, help with setting it up and even with the clean-up afterwards. If you have a wild girl’s night out planned for your bachelorette party, she wouldn’t be of legal age to participate in it. So steer clear of inviting her. If it’s an appropriate event for her to participate in, welcome her in. Remember that this would also depend on whether she is comfortable with the rest of the bridal party. So, use discretion and take your stand.

6.How can she help with the wedding planning?

You may have a brilliant helper who is eager to do all she can to make your life easy, or your junior bridesmaid may be a fussy and emotional little girl who is yet to grow up and act her age. Depending on how the situation is, you can decide how involved she should be in the wedding planning. A junior bridesmaid’s main role is to be part of the wedding procession, and so anything beyond that is up to you to decide. If she is interested in helping and hosting the bridal shower, you can ask the rest of your wedding party to include her in it. You can also have her on your list to run errands, help with setting up wedding favors, purchasing the things needed for your wedding or even accompanying you to your shopping or dress alteration sessions. Young girls are usually eager to help with the tasks that others may find boring. For example, she may be the right person to help you assemble your wedding favors or to stick your wedding invitations. So, give her the responsibility to handle this task, and she will appreciate being asked for her help with the wedding.

7.Is there a pre-wedding function that she should be involved in?

Like we said earlier, it isn’t necessary for your junior bridesmaid to attend your bridal shower or bachelorette party. However, she should be invited to the rehearsal dinner, since she is very much a part of the wedding day ceremony. This will help you prepare her for her role on the wedding day. Since you will be having a rehearsal of what will happen on the wedding day, at the rehearsal, make sure she is there for it and understands her role well.

8.Does she need an escort when she walks down the aisle, and is there anything to take care of if she has one?

No! Your junior bridesmaid doesn’t need an escort for when she walks down the aisle. Unless you have an extra groomsman who can accompany her, it isn’t necessary to find someone to join her. She can walk all by herself and precede the rest of the bridesmaids in the processional, or else you can pair her up with another bridesmaid. Of course, there is nothing wrong in pairing her with an escort, if you have a suitable person for the task. The other interesting option is to have her and another bridesmaid accompany a groomsman on either side. This is not commonly seen, and so will be an interesting addition. When planning whether she should be escorted down the aisle, you can simply think of how the pairing will look. If it will be cute, it is alright. If it looks off or you are worried it may not be suitable to pair her off with someone who is several years older than her, let her walk down the aisle herself and enjoy those two minutes when all eyes are on her. The other option is to have her stand in the receiving line, if that is the best thing for her.

9.What is her role on the wedding day?

Apart from being part of the processional, she really has no other particular responsibilities to handle on the wedding day. If your junior bridesmaid is eager to participate and would love to help, you can always handle her responsibilities that she is capable of handling. She can be involved in helping the guests be seated, giving out programs or can help handle the gifts you receive at the reception. She can also be in-charge of handing out little bags with confetti or bubbles that will be used when the couple make their exit. Basically, this depends on the attitude and personality of the girl. If she would rather enjoy the party and mind her own business, let her be. Although she is a junior bridesmaid, don’t expect the same from her as you would with your other bridesmaids.

10.What do I gift her?

Like the rest of your bridesmaids, your junior bridesmaids also deserve a small gift as a token of appreciation for their involvement in your wedding. Since they are much younger than the rest of the group, it may not be a good idea to get them the same gift as the rest of the girls. Even when you have more than one junior bridesmaid, it is good to get them individual gifts that match their personalities. Go with their age and their taste, and you are bound to find something they will appreciate. Set a budget and shop like you would for their birthday. You can always customize your gift with a monogram or in the theme colors of your wedding, if you prefer. Or, if you are in doubt, it is best to consult their parents and find out what would be an ideal gift. For older girls, you can even gift a voucher to their favorite store, so they can pick whatever they like. Generic gift suggestions that usually work include personalized jewelry like necklaces with a pendant matching the letter of their name or small monogrammed tote bags with a small extra like a bridal Barbie doll inside.

You now have all the necessary information you need to know about having junior bridesmaids in your wedding party. To choose the fantastic dress for these young girls, so they are a beautiful addition to your wedding party, visit our bridesmaids dress collection at Best for Bride. All the dresses featured above belong to this collection, and you can find even more fantastic dresses for your favorite young girls. Pick both your junior bridesmaids dresses and the rest of the attire for your wedding party from our fabulous bridal party collection and find the best deals possible.