Five wedding trends for 2019, according to experts

Prepare for the rise of sustainable ceremonies

(Rex Features)

The summer wedding season might have come to a close, but couples and planners are already prepping to say their "I do's".

According to Wedding Wire, key trends from 2018 in the land of “I do” included oversized floral wreaths, cocktails made with whole fruits as opposed to segments and dessert bars - yes, dessert bars.

We spoke to Hamish Shephard at Bridebook.co.uk, the UK’s leading wedding planner app, to find out what married couples-to-be can expect for the year ahead, from eco-friendly ceremonies to ‘engagement moons’.

1. 'Practical' dresses

The modern-day bride is savvy and prioritises comfort over aesthetic, explains Shephard.

Hence, the rise of pocketed wedding dresses, which offer a brides the option of keeping a few of their valuables close to them on their big day (something borrowed and something blue, perhaps?).

Alternatively, after an arduous morning of getting preened and plucked in every which way, they may simply want somewhere to rest their hands as their spouse-to-be recites their vows.

Shephard suspects that comfort creatures will also seek out trains that aren't too long, so as to provide seamless day-to-night transitions.

Brides of 2019 may also take gown inspiration from The Duchess of Sussex, he adds, who opted for a simple silk fabric for her Givenchy wedding dress, unlike the heavily-laced counterparts that have reined supreme on the gown circuit in previous years.

2. Colour, colour everywhere

If Shephard's forecasting is correct, expect for next year's weddings to be awash with hues as bright as the eye can see.

Moving away from conventional whites and creams, reds, pinks and even oranges are set to take a starring role in everything from floral arrangements to bridesmaid dresses.

Metallic wedding dresses are also on the horizon, he adds, meaning bold, brassy and literally golden gowns could soon be 'the thing'.

3. 'Conscious' ceremonies

Sustainability is more than just a fashion trend and the wedding industry is taking notice.

Expect a rise in eco-friendly occasions, featuring flowers that can be replanted, organic menus and minimal plastic.

The surge of 'conscious ceremonies' has been spearheaded by Princess Eugenie, who recently revealed that her impending nuptials to Jack Brooksbank will be entirely free from plastic.

Shephard adds that couples will also be inspired by the philanthropy of The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who made a series of charitable donations when they celebrated their wedding in May as opposed to asking for gifts.

4. Technologic weddings

Video-mapping and drones may sound like something more suited to a science fiction film than a wedding, but Shephard claims that such technologies are already infiltrating the matrimonial sphere, with some couples employing drones to take memorable snaps of their big day from a great height while using an array of other advanced technologies to capture the experience on video.

5. Engagement Moons

The married couples of tomorrow may shun traditional honeymoons and opt for engagement moons instead, says Shephard, choosing to go away together prior to the wedding itself as opposed to afterwards.

This is primarily because, as we all know, weddings are expensive and a person's pockets may be feeling a little empty after splashing out on the day itself.

Hence the desire to plan a trip sooner, whilst the piggy bank is still looking healthy.