Engagement season is here, and if you’re reading this you probably have a ring on your finger and are in full wedding planning mode. What are the some of the hottest wedding trends for 2019?

From bridesmen to pampas grass, before you know it, these 10 trends will be all over your Insta feed!

Gift Boxes

Wedding boxes have proved to be a huge hit in 2018, and will continue to be popular in 2019. Gift box companies make it easy for brides to embrace this trend, curating gorgeous gift boxes filled with wonderful treats.

Here are a few of our fave ways with gift boxes:

Personalized Gift Boxes – Wine, candles, soap, chocolate, even fresh flowers. Work with a gift box company such as My Weekend is Booked to create dreamy, one-of-a-kind boxes that match your wedding colors, or boxes that are filled with local goodies for your destination wedding.

Pre-Curated Gift Boxes– From bridesmaid boxes to wedding welcome boxes, there are oodles of beautiful pre-curated gift boxes out there for all of your gifting needs.

Bridesmaid Boxes – Pop the question to your girls in style with a boxes filled with candles, soaps and bath bombs.

Groomsmen Boxes – Think sophisticated but fun gifts with items that they’ll surely enjoy; playing cards, chocolate bars, maple syrup, etc.

Wedding Welcome Boxes – A popular option for destination weddings, wedding welcome boxes are a thoughtful way to thank your guests for traveling from far and wide to attend your wedding.

Small Wedding Venues

How do you find a wedding venue that’s charming, on-budget and accommodating? Think small. Quaint renovated churches, stunning waterfront venues, a cabins in the woods – the options are endless! Don’t know where to begin? Check out the Intimate Weddings Venue Finder.

Photo: Zingerman’s Cornman Farms

Bridesmen and Groomsgirls

More and more couples are choosing to scrap tradition, and opt for mix-gender (or opposite gender) bridal parties. After all, you should have your bestie(s) by your side on one of the most important days of your life, regardless of their gender.

Photos: Haley Nord, Emilee and Thomas’ Utah Park Wedding

Cultured Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds, also known as cultured diamonds, are a major trend in the engagement ring world. It’s not wonder that brides love them; they cost anywhere from 20-30% less than mined diamonds, and are just as shiny, sparkly and glamorous as their mined counterparts.

This halo ring from Clean Origin is elegant and timeless.

Pampas Grass

Pampas grass has always been a favorite of ours. It looks positively ethereal in the sunlight! If you’re lucky enough to have it naturally growing at your wedding venue, the grasses are dazzling as a backdrop for wedding photos. If not, you can include them in your bouquets, centerpieces and even altar decor.

Photos: Paige Nelson, Jessica and Paul’s Big Sur Wedding

Confetti:

As far as we’re concerned, confetti is a must-have for your wedding. After all, what’s more epic than a colorful confetti send-off? Plus, they’re so insta-worthy!

There is one catch: confetti can be terrible for the environment. Fortunately, there is a solution: biodegradable confetti. You can buy it here, here and here.

Photo: Dawn Derbyshire Photography, Colorful Al Fresco Farm Styled Shoot

Cheese and Charcuterie boards:

Many couples are choosing to scrap cocktail hour canapés for gourmet cheese and charcuterie boards or grazing tables. If you’re DIYing your wedding, grazing tables are relatively easy to put together. All you need is a selection of local meats, cheeses bread and fruit. Plus, they look ah-mazing!

Photo: Polina LeRoy, Colorado Forest Picnic Elopement Styled Shoot

Pretty in… Purple:

Move over blush! There’s a gorgeous new shade in town. Purple is taking over the wedding world, as we’re so here for it! From dreamy lilac shades in the spring, to deep amethyst shades in the fall, purple is perfect for every season!

Your bridesmaids will look amazing in these purple tulle dresses from Revelry:

Mystical and Magical

Harry Potter fans, now you can say “I told you so!”. Whether you’re leaning towards the magical side, with a Harry Potter-inspired reception, to the mystical side, with a crystal bridal crown and celestial jewelry, there are so many ways to incorporate this trend into your big day.

Epic Elopements

Whether you’re a wanderlusting couple who wants to see the world, or a laid-back couple looking to keep your wedding day fun and stress-free, elopements are a great fit for so many couples.

One of the best parts of elopements is that they allow you to stay on-budget, but splurge on the important things. Some couples opt for a world-class photographer, while others choose to turn their wedding into a month-long world tour.

Check out these elopements for some serious inspo!

Photo: Clara Rice, Jessica and Karl’s San Francisco City Hall Wedding

*This post contains affiliate links.

Justine and Kyle chose Osteria, a charming Italian restaurant in Philadelphia to have their ceremony and reception.

With a guest list of 72, the couple was able to pull out all the stops, treating their guests to an intimate and unforgettable feast.

“We wanted the experience to feel like a big family dinner. We wanted to be able to interact with each of our guests. Keeping it intimate made the family style dinner and dancing feel like we were in someone’s home,” says Justine. “Osteria could not have done a more amazing job with the food, drinks and service. Everyone and everything was perfect.”

Thanks to the talented Inna Spivakova from Peach Plum Pear Photo for sharing this enchanting intimate wedding with us!

Justine, 29 & Kyle, 29

Location: Philadelphia PA

Wedding Date: December 2, 2017

Number of Guests: 72

Wedding Cost: $45,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Osteria

Wedding Reception Location: Osteria

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We wanted the experience to feel like a big family dinner. We wanted to be able to interact with each of our guests. Keeping it intimate made the family style dinner and dancing feel like we were in someone’s home.

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

Keeping the guest list small enough. Not being able to give everyone a plus one or invite extended family was tough. Ultimately we sent 85 invites and had 72 people in attendance.

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list? 

Yes at first until we were able to set some “rules”, after that it went very quickly.

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

Not really. It was tough explaining that we were choosing to not invite cousins, as there were just too many, and creating that as one of our “rules” was the only way to manage the guest list. Our parents understood. 

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

We had my (the bride’s) uncle marry us. There was something so wonderful of someone who watched your love grow being the one to officiate. Also, we had a solo guitar player, Scot, play during the ceremony and through the first dance. He was amazing and really helped create an intimate vibe.

What were the highlights of the reception?

The food, food and more food. Osteria could not have done a more amazing job with the food, drinks and service. Everyone and everything was perfect. Our small dance floor was perfect and everyone danced the night away. 

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

Being able to celebrate with those closest to you!

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

Do it! We also had everyone stand in a circle for our ceremony rather than sitting in rows. It helped create an intimate feeling and made it feel as though they were all a part of the ceremony and not just spectators. I would highly recommend it.

Vendors:

Ceremony and Reception: Osteria

Photography: Peach Plum Pear Photo

Coordination and decor: Sara Rea Design

Dress: Lovely Bride

Florals: RAM Floral  @ramfloral

Hair and makeup: Shimmer and Spice

DJ: Shane Petrellis EBE Entertainment

When it comes to wedding rings, if you’re looking for something with a wow-factor, you’re in the right place. These eight wedding bands from Etsy are far from traditional, and will make the alternative bride swoon! From geometric gold bands to dainty boho rings, you’re bound to fall in love with one of these beauties.

The Falling Petals ring from Minicyn is completely unique, but subtle enough to be paired with almost any engagement ring.

Say ‘yes’ to this fabulous zig-zag diamond ring from MinimalVS.

We’re swooning over this dainty rose gold ring from ASweetPear featuring seven staggered baguette cut diamonds.

Featuring 20 (!!!) black diamonds and a 14k rose gold band, this half eternity band from kateszabone is absolutely breathtaking!

If you love diamonds, but the minimalist look is more your thing, opt for this yellow gold band with a cognac diamond from VaudryJewelryCo.

Celebrate your bright future ahead as a married couple with this boho sun ring from MinimalVS.

Featuring a cursive-inspired loop design, this dainty band from MinimalVS is perfect for a writer!

Show the world that you are a queen with this sterling silver crown ring from AndreaShelleyDesigns.

*This post contains Etsy affiliate links.

Velvet is one of the hottest wedding trends right now, and we’re so here for it. Want to add a touch of luxury to your wedding reception? Velvet. Want to add a festive touch to your winter wedding? Velvet. Want your groom to look even more dapper? Velvet. You get it… This fabric isn’t just gorgeous; it’s super versatile!

Not sure where to begin? Here are eight of our fave uses of velvet in wedding fashion. Looking to use this beautiful fabric in your wedding decor? Check out this post.

For the bride:

Velvet ribbon is a must-have for your wedding. This beige ribbon from WarmAndWildTextiles can be easily incorporated into your wedding bouquet, or even your bridal hairstyle, as pictured.

Dorothy’s ruby slippers have got nothing on these velvet pumps from OnceuponashoeShop.

For a more traditional look, opt for these blush velvet and lace wedding shoes from walkinonair.

Use this breathtaking silver velvet ribbon from EmmaLinh to make a DIY bridal sash.

Honor a timeless wedding tradition with this elegant velvet wedding garter from GryphonsAcquisitions.

This dainty velvet hat from GryphonsAcquisitions is a one-of-a-kind vintage piece, and a must-have for your vintage-inspired bridal look. Get it before it’s gone!

For the groom:

This velvet jacket from Hackett London is a chic, bold and dapper choice for the groom.

Velvet isn’t just for winter weddings! These blush velvet bow ties from VIVIDClothingToronto are perfect for a spring or summer wedding.

*This post contains affiliate links.

In keeping with the hygge of the Holidays, it’s time to grab a cup of hot chocolate (or spiked egg nog!), get cozy in your favorite easy chair and feast your eyes on a gorgeous styled shoot full of wonderful wintry details. Along with a plethora of breathtaking photos by Lisa Robin Photography, there’s a treat from stylist and videographer Abigail Coale waiting for you at the end!

Here’s what Abigail had to say about today’s styled shoot:

It started as a super small shoot – a few things from Amazon, maybe a couple vendors, all shot in Lisa’s back yard – but it quickly grew beyond my imagination. We got a stunning gown from Love & Lace Bridal Boutique, which is an exclusive premiere gown at their location in Edgewater, MD. We got all the men’s attire from Christopher Schafer Clothier in Baltimore, who also runs an amazing nonprofit called Sharp Dressed Man. I sent our model into the suit fitting expecting a neutral beige suit, and he walked out with gray & red plaid! He looked so sharp I knew it had to be the suit we used; I just hoped it would complement everything else we had planned. I feel so blessed to have found our hair and makeup artist, florist, jeweler, calligrapher, bakery, and so on. I filmed the wedding of Meaghan & Jeff in May. When they volunteered to model for us I knew there was no one better for the job.

What we ended up with was an absolutely stunning shoot backed by a team of truly talented vendors.

Vendors:

Videography and Styling: Abidoodle Productions Videography, Abigail Coale

Photography: Lisa Robin Photography

Dress: Love & Lace

Suit: Christopher Schafer Clothier

Florals: J Starr’s Flower Barn

Hair & Makeup: Kristen C. Artistry

Jewelry: Soft & Kind

Stationery: Sincerely, Addison

Rentals: Something Vintage 

Donuts: Sandy Pony Donuts

Models: Meghan & Jeff Richmond (IG: megg919, @richmondjeff)