Wedding trends of 2018, according to RIBA

As the wedding season closes in we have taken the time to talk with Moya Maxwell, Director of Venues at RIBA, about what she thinks will be the wedding trends of 2018.

From lace dresses to vibrant colour schemes and questionable cakes, we’ve seen a fair few wedding trends come and go throughout the years. As we head further into 2018, we’ve been thinking about the wedding trends we expect to see throughout the year.

Venues that tell a story

Our clients tell us that hosting their special day in a unique venue with its own compelling history creates a great atmosphere for guests and extra special moments for them to treasure (who would be able to forget a Champagne toast on our Art Deco staircase?). Often, wedding parties can be taken on a whirlwind tour of a historic or unusual venue, or may be given VIP access to an exhibition that is taking place in another part of the building. In 2018, couples will be seeking venues that tell a story and leave lasting memories.

Catering with a difference

Today’s wedding food is more than just a starter, main and dessert. In 2018 couples are being more creative with the food offerings on their special day, treating guests to barbecues, hog roasts and traditional offerings such as sausage and mash or fish and chips, but always with a visual twist. We have even had enquiries for food stations offering a range of different cuisines. It is important to remember that food invokes engagement amongst guests, so putting that extra detail into the catering means that conversation will flow as fast as the bubbly.

Traditional v modern

While there will always be a demand for traditional weddings, today’s weddings no longer have identical details and timelines, which is something we expect to continue into 2018 and beyond. We have seen increased enquiries for smaller intimate occasions, weddings that are designed in a unique way to truly represent the couple and much more laid-back affairs with relaxed dress codes. An increasing number of brides also chose against wearing a traditional white dress. Last year, RIBA had the delight of hosting a less traditional wedding where the bride wore a glittering red dress.

Festivalisation

Rather than sticking to a set layout for their special day, couples are opting for a “mash up” of event elements giving the occasion a festival feel and enhancing their guests’ experience. For example, instead of a set menu there are a number of food stations where guests can tailor a dish to suit their tastes. And instead of one band or DJ providing the evening entertainment, couples arrange a series of acts, interactive games and photobooths to ensure that everyone has a good time.

Enhancing the guest experience is becoming a more important consideration in the wedding market, as opposed to offering a traditional day with a well-known structure. Couples want to create a wedding that is just as much about the guests as it is for them, thus emphasising the need for individuality and personalisation when planning a special day.