New exciting wedding trends and ideas for 2018 Part 2
In the second of our series of trends for 2018 weddings, here are a few more details to consider to make yours the most stylish of the year:
Meghan and Myrtle: while the Suits star’s bridal gown will be safely under lock and key until the big day, one tradition the Royal bride-to-be is likely to keep is including a sprig of Myrtle in her bouquet. Queen Victoria began this tradition during her marriage to Prince Albert, and it’s one that’s held fast throughout the centuries: classic without being stuffy. Delicate myrtle sprigs look timeless and elegant.
Reclamation’s what you need: creative brides are seeking out decorative touches from vintage stores and reclamation yards to give a relaxed, inexpensive but stylish feel to wedding décor. Think industrial chic – stripped back walls, natural woods, tarnished copper and industrial features to provide detail and a focal point. Try www.retrouvius.com/stock for unique pieces such as art deco pendant lamps. The bonus? You get to keep them all afterwards.
Lighten up: create a soft, intimate atmosphere with candles of different sizes in different containers – don’t worry about symmetry or matchy-matchy, experiment with different looks, from storm lanterns to jars to vases. Hunt out suitable containers in vintage stores, and try placing reclaimed mirrors around your venue for a warm, flattering glow.
A metallic twist: rose gold and copper tones, as well as geometric shapes, have become classic style features that aren’t looking like dating anytime yet. Try Huxley and Hus for unique accessories to add classic individuality to your day. You can even extend the rose gold hues beyond your accessories to the cake, too.
Old-Hollywood: TV drama featuring the long-running feud between Hollywood starlets Bette Davies and Joan Crawford has sparked a revival in old-Hollywood glamour – curves, glossy locks, immaculate make-up and attitude. It’s a sophisticated theme that can be carried through every detail of your big day, from fashion to music to décor.
Our wedding watcher has been on the spy again, hunting out the latest trends to make your special day one to remember:
Complementary tones and a pop of colour: a trend that’s set to continue throughout 2018 is choosing different shades of the same colour palette, particularly for bridesmaids’ dresses. Chances are, they’re really not going to wear their dress again, so make sure each dress sets of your bridesmaids’ individual shape and they’ll feel like a million dollars. Choose similar shades for each dress, and ask them to select an accessory or jewel-coloured pair of shoes (try these from LK Bennett) of their choice to add a splash of colour – it’ll look stunning in photos.
Flowing fabrics for boho brides: loose, natural, boho-style dresses are just the thing for brides looking for relaxed elegance in 2018 and beyond. Flattering without being overly structured, in raw silk and natural linens, their simplicity is offset with intricate detailing: think hand-sewn pearls and delicate lace for a contemporary yet romantic look.
Multi-sensory: 2018 brides want their guests to experience their day in a multi-sensory way, from using scent to enhance the setting to providing natural materials that invite touch. Cambridge Cottage at Kew is a beautiful venue for you to go to town on delivering a multi-sensory experience for smaller groups of guests, with its homely, elegant charm and relaxed atmosphere. It’s your dream house for a day.
Dramatic blooms: in our last blog, we talked about botanicals being a thing. The Orangerie at Kew Botanical Gardens provide the perfect backdrop to continue this theme. Potted plants, with bases draped in silk for effect, are becoming more and more popular. Supersized floral, too, create a stunning focal point. Create impact and drama by colour-clashing and interspersing stems with scented greenery, or go exotic with tropical blooms, outsized foliage and even fruits – flamingoes and Hawaiian shirts optional.
Mobile bars: from artisan gin bars, mouthwatering juice bars to ‘turn up and serve’ Prosecco vans bursting with bubbles, mobile bars raise a smile, and a glass, wherever they go. Many just require a deposit and don’t have a hire cost, making them the perfect way to add a practical festival touch to your big day.
Exciting trends for 2018 weddings
Planning your big day? A few small and inexpensive touches will make sure your wedding day is bang-on-trend and the one everybody remembers. Here are the first of our upcoming tips to make your day the most Instagrammable of 2018 – and your most memorable day ever.
- The colour purple: from shimmering amethyst to a rich, deep purple Prince would have been proud of, 2018 is all about indigo hues. If you’ve already booked your wedding at Kew, you’re in luck: purple looks simply stunning against brilliant green botanicals, so don’t be a shrinking violet. For bouquets and posies go for vibrant purple freesia, glowing lilac dahlia, blue-tinged muscari or delicately-scented lavender for a pared-down, laid-back look. For striking centrepieces choose exotic orchids, or clusters of tiny verbena.
- Leaf other weddings in your wake: continuing the botanicals theme, in 2018 there’s a lot of greenery going on. Whilst purple blooms will add a refreshing, organic splash of colour, ask your florist to focus on leaves. This can feature another 2018 trend: multi-sensory experiences. Eucalyptus, for example, carries a warm and sensuous fragrance, whilst larger, glossy foliage invites touch and creates a stunning, natural backdrop.
- DIY food and drink stations: in 2018 it’s all about DIY. Set up a station with cocktail shakers, muddlers, a selection of bases and mixers – and let guests get creative! You can feature recipe cards for guests who want no less than the perfect cosmopolitan – make them beautiful and guests will be desperate to take them home, too. Don’t forget the non-drinkers – virgin cocktails are hugely popular for anyone who doesn’t have time (who does?) to spend the next day recovering. Do the same with starters – taco shells with different fillings and toppings, and let guests roam free.
- Colour on dresses: let’s cut to the chase. Can anyone even remember why we get married in various shades of white? I’m casting no assumptions but, while shades of ivory are universally flattering, most of us know our partners fairly well (raise eyebrows) and don’t really need to prove our purity. A pop of colour looks stunning and elegant, or go for dresses in barely-there hints of blush or apricot and keep guests guessing.
- Jump for your love: bridal designer Theia brought stunning jumpsuits to the catwalk at New York bridal fashion week. Flattering, feminine and beautifully-cut, they create the most stunning silhouette. Just make sure you have your bridesmaids on hand to help you when you go to the loo…
James and Kate's relaxed October wedding in Cambridge Cottage, Kew Gardens
Cambridge Cottage at Kew was the wonderful location for James and Kate’s sophisticated yet relaxed October wedding. Bathed in early autumnal sunshine, the colours of Kew’s beautiful botanical gardens were resplendent during the change in seasons, and James arranged a meticulously-planned treasure hunt so guests could experience the botanical gardens at their finest.
The bride’s stunning dress was complemented by a veil - with intricate lace detail – adding a vintage feel to her look. She and her bridesmaids - elegant and chic in classic French navy - held beautifully-designed bouquets in shades of pastels punctuated with splashes of blues and purples, with daisies and roses continuing the relaxed mood of the day.
Every detail of this lovely couple’s big day was personal and filled with warmth, from the countryside feel of vases filled with hydrangeas and other beautiful blooms, to individually-wrapped, hand-decorated biscuits as favours, and artistic, personalised place settings. An incredible four generations of family were present to enjoy the special day, adding to the sense of occasion, and parents’ wedding albums were proudly and thoughtfully on display.
As guests enjoyed a glass of fizz in the grounds, I took the couple to specific locations I felt would create the kind of images they were looking for: relaxed and informal memories of their wonderful day. Whilst the wedding party prepared to go into Cambridge Cottage for a sumptuous wedding breakfast, with ethically-sourced produce from Lodge Catering, we were treated to a marvellous spectacle and a wedding photography-first for me: the clouds, which had bubbled up, parted to reveal a rainbow - a striking natural backdrop for this lovely couple beginning the next chapter of their journey together.
Maggie and Jonathan’s relaxed but stylish day in Cambridge Cottage Kew
Maggie and Jonathan chose the beautiful surrounds of Cambridge Cottage for their special day. With a relaxed, informal feel, Cambridge Cottage is ideal for couples looking for somewhere to host more intimate gatherings without compromising on style. Its chic yet classic interior in muted shade of apricot proved the perfect backdrop to this lovely couple’s wedding, celebrated by close family and friends.
The warm, relaxed feel extended to the décor the couple selected, with beautiful dusky pink blooms as centerpieces, placed in a variety of cut-glass vintage vases designed to catch and reflect the room’s natural light.
The weather proved kind to the bride and groom, so after the ceremony had taken place guests were treated to a trip on the Kew Explorer to see the botanical gardens in their full late-summer glory. They then returned to the Cottage to enjoy the mouthwatering cooking skills of Lodge Catering.
The Perfect Wedding Anniversary.
The stunning Orangery at Kew was the elegant backdrop for a very special 40th wedding anniversary celebration recently. Built in 1761, the Orangery is a beautiful, atmospheric space which adds an air of glamour and sophistication to events held there. Its rich heritage adds to the sense of occasion, with a colourful history that has seen the venue transformed from a hothouse for citrus plants in 1761, to a hothouse for large plants in 1841, and later converted for use as a timber museum housing thousands of species of wood from Britain’s colonies. Its conversion to a tea room in 1989 was the beginning of its next stage in life. It is now a wonderful, airy and atmospheric venue to eat, drink and be merry, seating up to 180 guests.
The glamorous anniversary celebrations saw guests fly in from around the world, to be greeted by the best weather the UK has to offer! Bathed in lazy summer sunshine, Prelude Entertainment provided the sounds for the occasion, and Blue Strawberry catering created culinary delights for the guests to enjoy.
The younger guests were by no means forgotten, kept happy with entertainment in the Nash Conservatory with its wonderful natural light flooding in.
Careful thought, consideration and planning had gone into every element of this lovely occasion, and I tried to reflect this in the photos to create a special collection of images from this memorable evening.
