The Top Wedding Trends of the 2010s decade, year by year
As the decade draws to a close, we can’t help but feel a little sentimental. Normally, we would pause at this time to look back at the trends of the past year. Perhaps we’d try to make some style forecasts. However, as we enter 2020, we’d be remiss not to take a look at the entire decade. And so, we’ve composed a list list of the top wedding trends of the 2010s. This is a year-by-year breakdown of the past decade, all the way up to current wedding trends of 2020.
You’ll notice, it has been a fabulous decade for weddings! Following the early 2000s depression, during the 2010s, the economy was on the rise. That meant, luxury weddings were back! This generation of couples took the lessons of the past into account while planning their days. Intimate weddings became very popular – and couples splurged on things like special entertainment, or a foodie focused reception! Another noteworthy milestone of the 2010s was the legalization of same-sex weddings in the US! This was the decade that celebrated love and equality.
I happened to join this magazine in 2010 – so this is truly a walk down memory lane for me. Come along on this journey, and take a look at this wonderful decade of weddings!
Top Wedding Trends of 2010
As we entered the 2010s, our US economy was on the rise. Throwback glam and retro were big throughout the first half of the decade, as we tiptoed back into lavish weddings. This included tea length gowns and mid-century modern furniture rentals.
Fun ceremony setups, like sitting on bales of hay, came into popularity. And another new wedding trend was photo booths!
One of my favorite trends of 2010 weddings was themed engagement shoots. The sky was the limit for styling engagement shoots. Take a look at this image below of the 50s styled kitchen, set outdoors under a tree.
Top Wedding Trends of 2011
In 2012, the world was abuzz about the royal wedding of Duchess Kate and Prince Harry. Naturally, British style became a trend, including tea parties and big hats!
Classic simplicity was back, big time. Think: traditional calligraphy, white cakes, and minimalist gowns.
Below is a lovely white wedding cake with detailed fondant icing from 2011.
Top Wedding Trends of 2012
Weddings continued to be heavily influenced by the Royal wedding. Carry-over trends included long sleeved gowns, cathedral veils, cascading bridal bouquets, and lots of classic white. At this time, elegant was of utmost importance for every Southern wedding belle!
Top Wedding Trends of 2013
The economy was booming in 2013 – and along with it, Great Gatsby wedding themes were all the rage.
Obsession with SOUTHERN. Southern Weddings magazine was on the rise – and also happened to be our neighbor, based in Chapel Hill, NC. Our local brides were no less than obsessed with the idea of over the top Southern style. This included men’s formal wear- seersucker came back with a bang.
Remember when CHEVRON had its comeback!? Chevron was one of the top wedding decor trends in 2013. We literally draped everything in various colors of this pattern. Table runners, chair bows, invitation liners. This pattern touched every color – from gray to the popular mint green.
Top Wedding Trends of 2014
Feminine pink came back in the mid 2010s. But in 2014, bold shades of green and yellow were popular for weddings. At the top of the list was sunflowers!
Southern themes were also very popular in weddings. NC State themed decor was everywhere – in jewelry, guest books, and table names.
Other creative decor details were coming up – such as paper flowers and glitzy linens.
Top Wedding Trends of 2015
LOVE IS LOVE! This is the year that same-sex weddings finally became legalized! Our North Carolina wedding community celebrated this milestone, and we look back today, astounded that it’s only been five years.
Some 2015 wedding trends included bridal separates, boho wedding themes, and food and drink trucks.
Top Wedding Trends of 2016
Metallic linen and decor was big in 2016. Yet at the same time, the very soft, garden bouquet and floral arrangement style was coming into its peak. Likewise, the light and airy, fine art photography style came into play – and has mostly ruled the wedding world since!
Wedding entertainment was also getting a facelift in 2016. Big bands were often even accompanied by a DJ as one fabulous act!
Morning weddings were becoming popular – as well as breakfast at any time of day!
Another big wedding trend that started around this time? The Mrs. Box for engagement ring photo opps
Top Wedding Trends of 2017
In 2017, couples were funking it up for their weddings. Vintage glam was back, and fun themes like triangle decor and macrame were being mixed in for extra personalization.
In food, dessert bars and naked cakes were popular, as opposed to fondant. Family style was king of catering. Hand crafted signage made these food displays stand out even more.
Fun prints were not only working their way into decor, but also fashion!
Top Wedding Trends of 2018
In 2018, greenery reigned weddings style. Everything from tabletop garlands to backdrops to bouquets was draped in greenery. Wedding arbors got super creative too. This ranged from floral rings to decorated crosses, and even acrylic displays.
Luxurious details such as statement escort card displays, and wax seals, also came into style.
One of our favorite trends from this time period is that boudoir came surging back. However, at this time, boudoir had a unique flair. Creative shoots that showcased personality made it a more empowering craft than ever. Some girlfriend groups even started doing it together!
Another out of the box photography trend came into style around this time – the honeymoon photo shoot!
Top Wedding Trends of 2019
Color is back in weddings – and this includes deep and dark colors. Deep tones have gotten more popular in photography, as well. Whimsical touches such as balloon installments and sparkly Keds have become fun wedding trends!
Paper has made a comeback, with all-out wedding invitations being a major coo. Another area where couples are going all out is with decor elements such as lighting and even the bar! Wedding entertainment continues to evolve, with interactive art such as live poets or painters.
The Top Wedding Trend of the 2010s – Personal Touches
The top trend of the decade has to be personalized details. Even the most popular wedding venues feel unique after they are tackled by today’s couples. Personality reached every angle of the wedding design in the 2010s. From food, to linens, to statement gowns – each wedding has its own stamp to remember. What will the top wedding trends be in 2020? The Pantone color of the year is classic blue – so you can’t go wrong with bold color! We expect to see more fun lighting, entertainment, and luxurious decor details. Whether a wedding is intimate or lavish, we predict that personality is here to stay.
