If you’re wondering which trends you might see popping up at this year’s celebrity weddings – including Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s – then look no further, as the Pinterest Wedding Report 2018 is here to offer some clues. The annual report analyses what brides-to-be are searching for and pinning on the social media site, giving us a glimpse into what trends are gathering pace and what we might expect to see at the biggest weddings of the year in terms of décor, food, wedding cakes, flowers and, of course, outfits.
Overall, the report states that brides “are going back to basics with natural makeup and venues, and focusing on making meaningful memories with loved ones”. Rather than splashing the cash on impersonal bling just for the sake of it, it seems couples are more eager to invest in memorable touches such as a grand entrance. They’re also ripping up the rulebook with jumpsuits, fig cakes and vegan food. Read on for more about the biggest wedding trends of 2018.
Gone are the days of multi-tier, elaborate wedding cakes with layers of pastel frosting. When it comes to the sweet stuff, 2018 has seen an explosion of searches in three categories: figs (up 575 per cent); metallic decorations (up 476 per cent) and minimal white. Will the Queen and Prince Philip be tucking into a slice of something featuring gold leaf and buttercream on the big day in May?
When it comes to food, fancy sit-down dinners are on the wane. Instead, brides are looking to serve pizza (up 120 per cent) and are keeping the focus on partying late into the night with pretzel bars (up 343 per cent) and midnight snacks (up 236 per cent). And the trend for all things wellness is having an impact too – searches for vegan wedding food are up 186 per cent.
As for themes and décor, princess-style is out and relaxed, hippy vibes are in. Searches for woodland weddings are up by 259 per cent and camping weddings are up 95 per cent. We’re not sure Meghan and Harry will be able to make these trends work at Windsor Castle, but maybe they could sneak in acrylic signs (up 194 per cent), cement accents (up 320 per cent) or even some DIY confetti (up 432 per cent)?
Today’s brides are keen to look relaxed and natural when walking down the aisle – searches for messy up ‘dos are up a huge 1247 per cent, and soft waves with a side parting have risen in popularity by 55 per cent. A healthy glow featuring lip gloss (up 459 per cent) and barely-there shine (up 343 per cent), topped off with long lashes (up 152 per cent) is the order of the day. Meghan is known for her natural glow and relaxed hairstyles, so this could well be one trend she leads.
So what about the one we’ll all be talking about – what the bride might wear? It looks like bridal outfits are getting ever-more experimental, with white losing popularity in favour of champagne (up 358 per cent) and rose (up 46 per cent). High necklines (up 351 per cent), Solange-style jumpsuits (up 178 per cent), cover-ups like boleros (up 163 per cent) and flat shoes (up 119 per cent) are all proving popular sartorial choices. And while a jumpsuit may take going against royal protocol just a bit too far, even by Meghan’s relaxed standards, we’re still expecting her dress choice to have just a bit of edge to it.
As for those touches that make the big day all the more special? One of the biggest trends is for one-of-a-kind arrivals, such as on boats, scooters or even in a hot air balloon – searches for this are up by 356 per cent. It’s hard to picture Meghan and Harry pulling a stunt like this, but imagine the spectacle if they did!