Planning a 2018 wedding? You’re in for a treat! This year’s Pantone Colour of the Year is a beautiful shade of Violet and we’re seeing this hue pop up in everything from bridal wear to table settings.
We’ve created a simple list of our absolute favourite trends this year – along with a few inspirational ways to combine them with this year’s hue.
We hope this list will help guide you through some exciting new trends that you may wish to incorporate into your day. We’re sure you’ll discover one you love or at least get some intriguing inspiration!
A new tradition
Why not switch up the age-old tradition of wearing something blue in exchange for something purple? While something blue represents purity and love, purple characterizes ambition, creativity and devotion, symbolizing what modern couples now value just as much in their relationships. Wearing something purple can be a sweet way to express the exciting new journey you and your partner are about to venture on, sharing united goals and hopes for the future.
If you’re a die-hard fan of this year’s colour and have been waiting for violet to have its turn in the trend spotlight then this is your chance to go all out. Throwing tradition out the window, you can rock it out in a full purple wedding gown, or for a funky alternative approach, you can dye your hair with a full head of highlights or dip-dye your ends.
If this is a little too extreme there are a number of other ways to incorporate the shade into your day.
As a unique twist on your wedding band, you can add some precious gems into the design in this stunning regal shade. You can also opt for a more contemporary use of the shade with a pair of gorgeous shoes to walk down the aisle in as a quirky fashion statement.
For a subtler use of the bold hue, painting your nails can be a fun way to coordinate with any of the below wedding décor ideas or adding a simple jewelled hairpin can be a nice to touch to any hairstyle. Whatever you choose, let your imagination loose and embrace the innovative nature of this year’s colour trend.
Whimsical cocktails
Mixologists have their work cut out for them this year with the colour ultraviolet representing experimentation and encouraging creativity. We love some of the cocktails concepts stemming from this new colour trend. We’re seeing a variety of spirits, infusions, and garnishes to create some impressive looking concoctions.
If you’re planning an outdoor wedding in the summer, one of our favourites is the Aviation cocktail. It’s both flirty and refreshing and combines gin, lemon juice, Crème de Violette, maraschino liqueur and simple syrup. Delicious!
Keeping it classic, a perfect welcome drink suitable for any season is a champagne cocktail infused and garnished with the sweetness of the seasonal plum for a subtle twist.
Dazzling centrepieces
This year we can expect dark and moody centrepieces in this beautiful purple hue. A mix of richly pigmented flowers and colourful ornaments will characterise tablescapes. Instead of oversized and sky-high floral arrangements, we can expect to see smaller yet still eye-catching succulents take center stage of table décor.
For a bolder and more glam design, violet roses can be a show-stopping addition alongside geometric ornaments with a mix of flowing fabric and a dotting of crystals.
Bride tribe
What better way for a bride to ditch their wedding day nerves than to surround themselves with bridesmaids adorned in the colour purple, known for its calming effects on the mind.
As for the cut and style of bridesmaid dresses, we can expect to see lots of textured details and elegant silhouettes. This year bridesmaids will be donning luxurious velvet dresses with the opulent fabric looking all the more luxe in a deep shade of purple.
Lace detail, tiered ruffles and flowing layers will be a hit in the summer months. Picture a spectrum of violet and lavender hue dresses billowing in the wind in a summer green field – making for picture-perfect wedding photographs.
Cold-shouldered and one-shouldered necklines will also be making a comeback. The neckline of a dress can completely alter the look of a dress and its suitability depends on the body type so be sure to try as many alternative cuts to find one that best suits your tribe.
Inspirational invitations
The beautiful shade of violet has often been associated with royalty and power for centuries. The regal heritage of the colour makes the shade perfect for a wedding and inspires feelings of excitement and passion in the invitees.
A wedding invitation is usually a sneak peek into the ceremony of the couple so it’s important to make a mark that represents the two individuals combined interests and style.
Pairing the deep and moody colour of purple can be a nice complement to many designs. With stunning florals a prominent trend across the board in wedding décor, invitations are no exception. A delicate border of flowers in this colour can be a sweet accent without overbearing the simplicity and elegance of an invitation. For a more luxurious look, you can dress up your invites with funky gold calligraphy on thick coloured card – ideal for a winter wedding theme.
The wedding cake
Sweet tooth brides can rejoice because the 2018 wedding cake trends are finally here and they’re practically drool worthy! Aesthetically, the continued rise in dessert tables is becoming more than just about giving guests options. Both artistic and delicious, the marble cake trend is gaining popularity. The calm, cool and flawlessly unique characteristics of marble pair perfectly with the similar calming qualities of purple.
We’re also seeing a trend for everything Celestial this year, you can get creative with cupcakes, tarts and smaller desserts adorned with violet stars, textured lilac icing and gold-flecked cakes. Whether your theme is rustic or romantic, rest assured you can tailor your dessert table to suit your theme as well as keeping all your guests pleasantly satisfied!
Wedding table settings
Surprise your guests with a splash of violet incorporated into your table setting or go all out with a variety of patterned china. While purple is an extravagant colour, when used correctly it can add just the right amount of charm and elegance to a tablescape.
Keeping a minimalist colour scheme with a striking plum coloured napkin can make your décor pop while not overwhelming the overall theme. If you already have an excessive amount of purple on the table, consider adding a metallic coloured item like a plate or ornament that will complement the vibrant tones. Copper is a popular choice this season alongside silver, gold and translucent coloured glass.
Flower power
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to picking your florals in a beautiful purple hue, whether you want to add a sprinkling of peonies into a neutral toned bouquet or adorn your chosen venue with hanging floral arrangements. Some of our favourite blooms include orchids, hydrangeas, anemones, calla lilies, peonies, roses, dahlias and more.
Although this shade may seem like a bold colour, with the right combination you can create a bouquet style in line with the theme of your day. For an elegant and understated look try a dusting of lavender sprigs or adding purple and ivory calla lilies as the main part of your bouquet. For the boho-chic bride, try a mixture of lilac, peonies, and hellebore for a loose and wild arrangement.
