2019 Wedding Styling Trends! | We Ask the Stylists

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It’s that time of the year again, as we prepare to wrap up an incredible 2018 filled with beautiful weddings and events. We love using this time to forecast upcoming wedding trends for the year ahead – and this year, we wanted to reach out to some of our favourite local stylists to get their insight on wedding styling trends to expect in 2019!

We asked each stylist for their top 3 trend predictions for the coming season, and have compiled all of their expert answers (and wedding styling inspiration!) for you below. If you’re currently planning your 2019 wedding and seeking some styling tips and ideas to get you started, keep reading for the low-down on everything from colour palettes to table settings, signage, installations and much more to expect in the year ahead.

Head Stylist Mandi from Ivy & Bleu tells us to expect a bigger focus on lush textural details and impactful floral styling coming into 2019:

“In 2019, I’m expecting to see a trend change over to focus more on flowing linens and soft subtle styling touches, like crystal glassware complemented with full floral details. In 2018, we saw a leap to a denser floral look over the heavy foliage of 2017, and I think this will continue in 2019 with big blooms making a consistent feature. Think peonies (as always!), dahlias and big statement foliages.

Our top 3 picks for wedding styling trends in 2019 are:

• Neutral tones, switching from this years grey to a more beige/nude/latte tone

• Denser floral budgets – people are realising this is what makes the impact and allocating more of their budget to premium florists who can execute this romantic, full-bodied look

• A bigger focus on texture, for example, prioritising floor length tablecloths over the standard whites included with most venues!”

Stylist and stationery designer Lauren from Sunshine + Confetti is forecasting couples opting for bespoke, high quality pieces, along with earthy, moody tones;

“I think in 2019, we’ll see styling that is simple and classic with the emphasis on great design, quality finishes and bespoke details – mixed in with a few things from this year I don’t think we’ve seen the end of yet.

Less is definitely more – from pared back bridal dresses, hairstyles, and beautifully simple stationery, right through to the finer details of the reception. I think we’ll see customised pieces to create a wedding journey, and polished textures like acrylics popping up more next year.

Floral, greenery and dried installations will still be around to add that special something to overhead, so the tables can be kept more simple – leaving room for the amazing food and local produce we have in the area.

Earthy tones and moody colours like dusty pinks, rusty coppers, dark reds, plums and botanical greens will filter through from this year as well, from stationery items to flowers and all the little hire and decor touches!”

Expert stylist Ngaire from Event Stylist & Co tells us it’s all about the guest experience and really personalising your special day with custom details;

“The wedding industry on the Gold Coast and Tweed Coast is such an exciting industry to be involved in, having the best of both worlds with the ocean and the hinterland just minutes from each other, as well as perfect weather almost all year round. It really lends itself for so many wedding themes to be on point at any time of year. From luxe boho tipi weddings to cool coastal Hampton styles to woodsy and industrial chic, we are completely spoilt for choice. With so many unique venues popping up and the unlimited choices of bold colours and statement furniture that are available to us now, it really allows us, and our lovely clients to think outside the square far more than ever before.

But if we have to kick off three trends for the next year we’d say…

1.     ‘Guest experience’ is at the top of the list – Our couples are moving away from formalities and are opting to stick to their own rules and values. Creating a day that suits their personalities rather than traditional ideals. You’ll start to see more mixed wedding parties and we couldn’t be happier. Expect to see the bridesmaids wearing the pants, literally! With sit-down dinners becoming secondary to more interactive options like different live food stations where the chef is amongst the guests. This gives more of a relaxed atmosphere and enables your guests to chat all things food and sourced produce. As with drinks service – Mixologists are a must, with Espresso Martini Bars, Gin or Whiskey bars and Prosecco vans moving in. We are seeing a shift in photo booths to virtual reality booths, where guests are leaving you with a personalised message creating an entertaining alternative to the traditional guest book.  

2.     Custom signage, laser cuts and quotes as well as neon signs have never been more prevalent and they will continue to grow and be more creative than ever. With balloon installations and pool installations being a favourite, along with wax seals and personalised monograms.

3.     Florals and styling, you can expect to see more greenery and natural surrounding elements being used like branches, wild textural palms and nature-inspired décor becoming more popular than ever. Allowing the leaves and branches to naturally form the shape of the installations. Expect to see new ceiling designs. Look for mixtures of high and low centerpieces, with florals being bulked out with feature lighting and balloon installations and huge hanging pendants. Table styling, we will see more crystal, metallics, and more ornate linens.”

Creative duo Jamie-Lee and Jenna from JJ Style Co are predicting simple elegance in 2019 with statement colour combinations and more unique dining options;

“Prevailing colour combinations for 2019: Soft blues or emerald green with ivory tones. Although blush and metallic tones will continue, there will definitely be new combinations coming through.

Styling elements to expect in 2019: It’s hard to go past the simple, elegant style trend that Meghan Markle has set off this year and we think this will flow through into weddings in 2019.

Also, couples will become a lot more mindful and interested in different catering styles and will consider more organic, vegetarian options as well as different ways of serving food, moving away from the traditional three course meal and instead incorporating interactive food stations and share options”

Sarah and the Byron Wedding Vine team are forecasting a shift to more classic and refined styling with beautiful textures and luxe fabrics;

“Classic with a twist. We see a move to really elegant, poetic, personalised celebrations- generous and luxurious. Colours are neutrals with a subtle hint of jewel colour – think amethyst, emerald, ruby, topaz.

Texture and layering are key players with luxe fabrics being the focus; layers of linen, cotton, velvet and silk. Furnishings are also lending textural layers – cane, leather, metal and glass with shapes echoing mid 20th century, paired with design classics such as bentwood chairs and chesterfield sofas.

From the ceremony to the catering, there is a real desire to create events that truly reflect “togetherness”. Long table feasting remains a hugely popular dining choice, with shared platters echoing the elegant layering and the poetic, making the dining table landscape a pivotal focus in the styling of the day”

Tanya from Sugared Style shared her thoughts on 2019 floral arrangements and the growing demand for personalised, quirky and fun signage elements;

“In 2019 I see large artistic flower arrangements continuing. We are moving away from simple into polished and impacting features. These flower arrangements will continue to consist of a large amount of foliage, but the inclusion of bright colours and unique flower colour combinations will be added. We are moving away from foliage-only arrangements and muted colour palettes.

My second prediction is the addition of personalised signage. Neon signs along with acrylic signage are big right now. The place card has gone from cardboard to acrylic and I have fallen in love with the pieces created by Very Flamingo. This wedding styling aspect, the signage, is all about making the wedding personal to the couple. And what’s more fun than a neon sign with your names hung at your wedding and then hung inside your home after?!

Thirdly, I predict the balloon installation will continue its momentum in the wedding world and will become the next ‘must have’ item to finish off the space.

I personally am excited for this time in the wedding industry as couples are thinking outside the square and the look achieved is spectacular.”

Creative Director Jane from Byron Bay Luxury Weddings tells us it’s all about modern luxe styling and statement lighting;

“As I work with my clients directly from all over the globe, we look at many ideas and trends that are set from the USA, Europe and places like Dubai, Hong Kong and of course our home ground of Australia.

As trends can change and vary so quickly, we also look at surroundings and locations and what trends will best suit the couple and their needs. Many brides are looking at going back to traditional styles, which we saw in 2017/18 with the charger plate making a comeback – who would have thought that  the simple charger plate would be so popular, but it lends itself to appealing to the 5 star luxury market with stunning tablescapes that the young and old can admire.

Our top 3 styling trends for 2019 would be:

The Brides Surprise – Yes, more and more couples are opting for surprising their guests – whether it’s with the actual nuptials to a surprise band or entertainment on the day that will blow their guests away.  The boys are also wanting the action – a chopper arrival for the groom and his groomsmen that starts the day off at a level unexpected and exciting. This year and next we find our brides & grooms making special announcements during the speeches, another surprise – yep, we are pregnant and we wanted you ALL to be the first to know! The idea of a destination wedding and then making a statement, announcement or something to shock your guests – it’s all about the new aged bride and groom. 

The Luxe Bride – Luxury dining under the stars or under a clear roof marquee, with enough fairy lights to light up the city. Lit backdrops and installations over the bridal table are still in favour, making a statement for the bridal table or over the guests tables. Unusual lighting additions to include stunning one-off pieces, like real crystal chandeliers. Crystalabra and Candelabras to die for is one of our favourite companies we are working with to make really big statements and fabulous looks for the guests as they arrive to the dining room – the big wow factor!

Winter Brides – About 10 years ago we had the fuchsias and the bright greens, now for 2019/20 we see the winter season being a welcomed time to get the really romantic colour schemes going with jewel colours, stunning burgundy, amethyst, emerald greens and real gold, embracing the warmth of the tones.”

Images: White Lane Studio

Hannah from HT Events shared her 2019 trend predictions including a switch to green and blue tones along with more sustainable floral styling;

“1 – Texture and Tapestry. Creating an event design with a rich tapestry of elements is the number one way to elevate your event. While I wouldn’t call this a trend per se, I do think we are seeing a richer tapestry of design elements being mixed together to create incredible interiors for event spaces. Everything from furniture to soft furnishings, paper goods and lighting features. I encourage my clients to look at their event design as if they were decorating a home. You wouldn’t have everything matching, it’s the different elements that make the space unique and welcoming. The same goes for floral designs – the more variety, the better I say!

2 – Vibrant colours added to a base of white or black. We’ve already seen a lot of colour such as pink throughout 2017/18.  I see that continuing, but blues and greens will come more to the forefront. These colours are coming through in interiors at the moment and that’s trickling down into events. Greens and blues are such soothing tones and they mix really well with white, greys, blacks and natural wickers. The key to success is in choosing the right tones for your event and being mindful in selecting a few special pieces that add the ‘WOW’ factor without overdoing it.

3 – Trees and Plants. At HT Events we love flowers and they will always have their place in our events, but I’m also encouraging our design clients to think a little differently when it comes to foliage and centrepieces. Sustainability in events is something I’m very mindful of and finding ways to give things a second life is always in the back of my mind. Trees and plants can be a great alternative to creating a dramatic design in a venue and they can generally be reused or re-homed afterwards. Some examples from weddings we’ve done in 2018 included potted plants such as palms and cacti that were then reused for a private event and subsequently rehomed, meaning there was little to no waste and someone else is now enjoying them! Another included potted orchids that were given to guests on the night of the wedding. It’s my dream next year to do a wedding where trees are the design feature (here’s hoping!).”

Head stylist Eva from Foreva Events is predicting a growing focus on creative balloon installations, minimalist venues and signature stationery details;

“The first trend we are already seeing a lot of in events that is expected to grow is using balloons in weddings. Balloons have always been associated with having fun and your wedding day is designed to be the best party of your life so it doesn’t surprise us that this trend is ongoingly popular and will only keep growing. Along with the combination of florals and different types of patterned backdrops, this is the number one feature that really allows your wedding to feel fun and get people taking loads of photos as well as dancing.

The second trend we are already seeing a lot of is incorporating minimalist elements to your wedding. This is coming through with a lot of couples wanting whiter venues with white walls and white or polished concrete floors, to create a calmer white space wedding that usually works really well by incorporating a lot of clear elements to allow the space to feel as open as possible. Although this trend is popular for inner city weddings, it also works really well for indoor coastal weddings. It’s also about using more clear elements to ensure the styling pops and doesn’t look as busy.

The third trend we are seeing come to life is the use of out-of-the-box stationery. Stationery is no longer a stock standard card invitation that you use to invite your guests to your wedding. It is a key element of the styling that makes the day memorable and creates an experience that you can use to customise to tell your story the way it should be told.”

A huge thanks to our local stylists for their expert insight – it’s safe to say we’re more than a little excited to see these predictions come to life for wedding and event styling in 2019! Our main takeaways? Expect lots of lush textural layers, statement installations, custom signage, simple elegance and a mix of both earthy and rich jewel tones for 2019 weddings.

Want more 2019 wedding inspiration? We’ll be sharing our own thoughts on wedding furniture and decor trends to come for the year ahead, so stay tuned. You can sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know about new blogs, or get in touch with our team for a copy of our latest catalogue!