It's been a big year for weddings. As spring rolled in, so did British royal wedding mania. And while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's big day was every bit the fabulous affair we'd hoped and dreamed it would be, there were plenty of Dallas weddings that were buzzworthy in their own right.
For several months, CultureMap highlighted recent fabulous weddings in Dallas and rounded up ideas worth emulating from the inspired events.
Generally speaking, 2018 marked a shift in the pendulum from rustic, burlap-filled events to formal affairs featuring mixed textures and rich color palettes.
According to Brides magazine and WeddingWire, an online resource for engaged couples and party planners, 2019 has even more to look forward to.
The biggest takeaway: Be yourself. Experts agree that weddings are most successful when couples take inspiration from what's trending and give it their own spin, incorporating personal touches that reflect their unique personalities.
Planning a wedding? Here are 10 top trends that experts predict for 2019 (and beyond) to make your own.
A minimalist aesthetic
Sometimes more is more — and sometimes it's not. More couples are foregoing glitz and glam for a minimalist aesthetic. Look for simple invitations, cakes, and even bridal gowns (ahem, Duchess Meghan) to take the lead, often to the backdrop of industrial wedding venues.
Touches of copper
White, yellow, and rose gold have all had their moment. Looking forward, copper will be the metallic hue of choice, showing up in wedding decor on everything from place settings and invitations to cake toppers and centerpieces. Extremely versatile, the metal can read glamorous and elegant or rustic and vintage, depending on the finish.
Coral color palettes
"Living Coral" is officially the 2019 Pantone Color of the Year, and shades of the bold, energetic hue are predicted to be widely embraced by brides across the country. Event planners say there will be a move away from the soft classic colors of late to unexpected palettes featuring vibrant, youthful color combinations.
Eclectic bridesmaids' dresses
Mix-and-match bridesmaids' gowns in varying shades of a single color are nothing new. What is new is the rising trend toward eclectic bridesmaid dresses in varying silhouettes and nontraditional colors, patterns, and prints.
Earthy elements
While the love affair with greenery in decor continues, it gets earthier with the addition of crystals and stones. Many tablescapes will also feature a mix of ceramic and wooden planters.
Artful food displays
Artful presentation reaches a new level with creative displays that incorporate food into decor. Think: doughnut walls, sculptural bread displays, and charcuterie boards doubling as centerpieces.
Craft cocktails
With signature cocktails becoming all but standard, couples are urged to wow their guests with a bar menu featuring an assortment of craft cocktails made with fresh, unexpected ingredients.
Light boxes
Practical as it is pretty, signage has been all the rage for some years now. In coming years, experts predict light box, marquee, and neon signage to replace rustic wooden signs and hand-lettered mirrors and chalkboards.
Out-of-the-box destinations
While guests love a good beach wedding, destination-minded couples are getting more creative with their location choices. An increasing number are going the Old World route, tying the knot in Ireland, Italy, Greece, France, Portugal, or Spain.
Hyper-personalized menus
Long gone are the days of basic chicken, beef, or fish. A growing number of caterers are providing truly personalized service, working with couples to create a menu that meets their dietary needs and includes dishes with cultural or personal significance.
Look for brides to take gown cues from Duchess Meghan's minimalist aesthetic.
Texas Ballet Theater and The Dallas Opera performed together during cocktail hour.Photo by Can Turkyilmaz
Headliner Michael Cavanaugh and honorees Shannon and Ted Skokos.Photo by Can Turkyilmaz
Dinner was served on the Winspear Opera House stage.Photo by Can Turkyilmaz