We're in the thick of royal wedding mania. And while we are voyeuristically watching Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's every move before they tie the knot May 19 in Great Britain, we're equally interested in the fabulous Dallas weddings that'll take place in 2018.
Rustic weddings brimming with burlap and mason jars have been de rigueur for some time now. But, according to a recent article from WeddingWire, a national online marketplace for engaged couples and party planners, 2018 will bring a swing in the pendulum toward more formal affairs featuring rich textures and colors.
Also coming to a wedding near you: nontraditional menu items, lots of greenery, and texturally interesting tablescapes. We consulted some Dallas wedding experts on more trends brides will be saying "I do" to in 2018.
"Guests respond well to luxurious textures — think velvet and lace," says Elisabeth Landry, event planner and owner of Addison-based Silver Lining Events + Co. "Give it to them at the place where they spend a large portion of the evening: the dinner table."
When it comes to florals, greenery accented with classic ivory and blush is still trending. For a subtle update on this classic look, Landry suggests incorporating fresh fruit, deep rose hues, and pops of purple.
Kristin Butler, event planner and owner of Dallas-based Fabulous Fête, concurs, predicting purple, Pantone's color of the year (which they're calling, cleverly, "ultra violet") as the hue du jour, even replacing traditional ink colors on invitations.
Among the biggest changes to wedding decor? Movement away from towering floral arrangements and toward low bouquets that encourage conversation across the table.
"Keep your texture game strong with beautiful petite arrangements and lots of candlelight," says Landry. "That will never go out of style."
It seems hashtags, however, do go out of style. And along with them: photo booths and signature drinks. In their place, couples are opting for ice-cream sandwich stations, cotton candy carts, and to wash it all down, single-spirit bars — for example, whiskey and rosé bars.
According to planners, creative food stations are appearing more frequently across the board.
"The trend is definitely catching on in Dallas," says Landry. "Chat with your chef or caterer about food stations and presentations that you haven't seen before. Friends and family will appreciate the thought you put into the menu."
And whatever you do, don't forget the midnight snack. "Your friends will love you even more after a late-night breakfast taco or churro," Landry says.
Bespoke dance floors, guest gift lounges, and custom welcome boxes (à la @thewelcomebox) round out 2018's hottest wedding reception must-haves.
As for the actual exchanging of vows, an increasing number of couples are opting for a private ceremony immediately following their first look.
"It's an intimate moment to express how you feel in that moment, just the two of you," says Landry. "At your full ceremony, you can read the vows again, customized for all to hear. Clients that have done this say it was the most memorable part of their wedding day. Do it. It's so special."
Don't forget the late-night snack. An In-N-Out Burger truck ensured guests would not go home hungry from Deryn Derbigny and Charles Toulson's 2017 wedding at the Meyerson.
Ice skaters showed off their moves in the "Central Park" rink.Photo by Ashley Gongora
The Kilgore Rangerettes channeled the Radio City Rockettes.Photo by Ashley Gongora
Dessert included a cake that looked like a blue Tiffany box.Photo by Michael Merry