Quick: Think about the most memorable wedding you’ve ever been to. What comes to mind? Was it the bride’s stunning bespoke gown? The best man’s poignant, precise toast? Or maybe it’s the favor you took home at the end of the night that so effectively encapsulated the spirit of the just-married duo? “In 2019 weddings will showcase the couple’s individuality in truly unforgettable ways,” says Etsy Trend Expert Dayna Isom Johnson. A few of the top tools for brides and grooms looking to make a lasting impression today? New twists on ceremony attire, one-of-a-kind reception decor, and practical-meets-personalized keepsakes they’ll eagerly tuck into their clutches and suit pockets. Read on to discover the top eight ways brides and grooms are showcasing their unique style through their weddings this year, and get ready to start swooning.
Statement sleeves
Call her clairvoyant, but last year Dayna predicted statement sleeves would take the bridal fashion world by puffy, voluminous storm in 2019—and all signs point to an accurate forecast. But before you start conjuring up visions of rigid, restrictive Victorian getups, think again—these sleeves are loose, flowy, and thanks to sheer fabrics and patterned lace cutouts, even downright sexy. Dayna’s top picks for a “glamorous, romantic, and completely Insta-worthy” long-sleeved look? Retro bell sleeves and—wait for it—an effortless silk bridal caftan.
Veil alternatives
One of our favorite games to play, giddy in our seats, while awaiting a bride’s first steps down the aisle is “guess the veil.” And if last year was all about glittery, jazzed-up versions that can affectionately be described as “extra,” this year brides are switching things up yet again, often opting to forgo veils entirely. “Brides are turning traditionalism on its head—literally—and rethinking the classic veil with showstopping modern alternatives,” says Dayna. From bridal hats to feathered headpieces, there’s a fresh head-topper for every bridal style.
’90s styles
Good news for all engaged Friends fanatics: “Over the last few years, ‘90s trends have resurfaced in both the fashion and home decor realms, and now they’re taking hold for weddings,” says Dayna. Think classic slip dresses, dazzling rhinestone accessories, reception-ready fanny packs, and—a nod to everyone’s favorite old-school hair clip—a butterfly-adorned bridal headpiece. So whether you were rooting for Ross and Rachel from the get-go (they were on a break!), or more invested in Monica and Chandler’s covert affair, celebrate your own love story surrounded by a slew of throwback touches straight out of Central Perk.
Sustainable celebrations
“As the world becomes increasingly eco-conscious, couples are choosing stylish and sustainable solutions for their weddings,” says Dayna. “Incorporating biodegradable floral confetti, vintage decor and even reusable straws are just a few ways to bring earth-friendly values into your big day.” And going green doesn’t have to mean skimping on personalized details. Case in point: this super customizable (and thoroughly charming) cake topper made from recycled cardstock.
Unexpected materials
Velvet guestbooks. Paper bow-ties. Raw stone cufflinks. “Unexpected materials are a clever way to really draw friends and family into your celebration,” says Dayna. Keep guests guessing with a range of surface textures and finishes in unanticipated presentations—like this custom leather bouquet wrap, which serves as the ultimate rugged complement to any romantic flower arrangement. Tactile details that beg for a closer look (and maybe even a hands-on touch) encourage attendees to stay engaged in the moment—because there’s nothing wrong with snapping a picture, but some things are best experienced IRL.
Secret messages
Can you keep a secret? “Taking a cue from a certain celebrity wedding, this year couples are saying ‘I do’ with covert messages incorporated into their attire and accessories,” says Dayna. Whether you stamp a custom message on a tie bar, sew a sentimental patch into the lining of your gown, or opt for matching rings that come together to form the letters of your choice, these ultra-personalized touches prove that sometimes the most special details are the ones your guests can’t see.
Unconventional place cards
First it was brush-lettered calligraphy place cards, then came rustic DIY chalkboards—but this year, designers are upping the ante once more and taking seating signage to new creative heights. “In 2019, guests are being guided to their seats in style,” says Dayna—and the options are virtually endless. From vintage-inspired luggage tags and customizable metallic maps for the couple who loves to jetset, to real fresh-cut leaves and mini planter sticks for green-thumbed brides and grooms, this year’s seating charts are both “personal and playful,” says Dayna. “Plus, they make for great keepsakes!”
Functional favors
Never again will partygoers accidentally leave their favors behind when they head home at the end of the night. “This year, brides and grooms are sending guests away with gifts thoughtfully selected to be utilized and enjoyed in their everyday lives,” says Dayna. Because in an age of increasing attention to clutter (thank you, Marie Kondo), functional is the name of the game, and the most popular picks of the moment are the ones designed to be put to use—or even consumed, like these petite, personalized servings of coffee and honey.
43 comments
WillowLavenderStudio from WillowLavenderStudio said 304 days ago
Beautiful. I love the 90s wedding style.
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 304 days ago
Great fresh wedding trends, and love the ways to create a lasting impression, unique style and personalised wedding.
susan sancomb from RisingTideStudios said 304 days ago
I love that dresses with sleeves are making a comeback!
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 304 days ago
Such a lovely trend report! I can't wait to see what's in store for the rest of the year!
monorobes from MonoRobes said 304 days ago
Beautiful collection!
Olga Kaplina from FunnyLoopsFinds said 303 days ago
Beauty.
Annie Gangne from TheTieDyeUnicorn said 303 days ago
I love the gown in the opening photo by Reclamation. The lace reminds me of the turn of the century. Beautiful!
Christina from TheWildPlum said 303 days ago
Wonderful collection. Keep it personalized and endearing; imparting and sharing heart-fullness never goes out of style. 💖
Carol from MasCollected said 303 days ago
Ohhhh! The sleeves! Divine! oxoxo
Shelley Krupa from SelahGraceDesigns said 303 days ago
Beautiful!
Rebeca from SecretDiamonds said 303 days ago
Beautiful!!!
Maya and Eliad from CADIjewelry said 303 days ago
This is so exiting!!! We are honored to have our inital wedding ring set among all the beautiful personalized items. Thank you Etsy you made our day shine.
Mouna Marini from beadsofaquarius said 302 days ago
Beautiful !
Liliana Stepanova from LilittabyLilitta said 302 days ago
How many non ordinal ideas for wedding. Just need to go to Etsy!\
Carolina from Agirlwithfeathers said 302 days ago
Great wedding trends! Thank you for sharing! ❤️
Amy McGuyer Fox from DecemberGenerationX said 302 days ago
Lovely!
julie malone from juliepeach said 301 days ago
I love that little note on the back of the tie! So sweet.
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 301 days ago
Beautiful wedding trends! Thanks for sharing!
Aleksandra from vzornik said 300 days ago
Thank you for that! I love it, I'm getting married this year and I will use some ideas for sure! :)
Tatyana from KolibriToys said 300 days ago
I always dreamed about the wedding dress with long sleeves, it is so beatiful!
Ashley Mercer from RockingMCrafts said 300 days ago
Where were all those Beautiful dresses when I got married:)
Anastasiia Farforuk from Farforuk said 300 days ago
Secret messages are a very nice idea! All day you are in sight, you show your feelings to the guests. But you have a secret that only belongs to the two of you. Give each other a portrait of this happy day: a photo or a picture, a portrait doll or a cookie with the words of the oath. Save those memories!
Tatiana from WednesdayCeramic said 299 days ago
It is great to see eco friendly trends in wedding! Hope this trends will be increas in future.🍀
Anna Morzhina from HeirloomToy said 299 days ago
Yes, wedding materials may be the most unexpected!
Olga from VereskBridal said 299 days ago
Interesting trends. Veil alternatives very gentle!
Anna from FairyToysWorld said 299 days ago
A lot of nice and unusual ideas. I like this wedding decor.
kennedy snider from WeMumble said 298 days ago
Beautiful collections! I'd love to see a unique wedding gifts section, That part always makes me nervous.
Priscilla from Gardenmis said 297 days ago
So much to love here! Tfs :)
Danny N. from ShirtCandy said 297 days ago
Lovely!
Naomi Levitin from NaomiLevitin said 296 days ago
Love all these ideas!
Gillian Northcott from esanivintage said 295 days ago
Always love weddings. always will.
Yulia from FloralAtelier said 288 days ago
Thank you very much for such great ideas!
Julia from SucculentArtWorks said 280 days ago
I can always trust Etsy to find the beautiful and creative! I love the covert wedding messages! And was especially happy to see MaylaStudios planter sticks, I’ll be recommending them to our brides to use with our 2.5” succulent favors. 💕
Katarzyna Mrowiec from PartyCardsShop said 256 days ago
I love floral and rustic style in weddings, accsessories like flowers in hair or wire cake topper wooden boxes it makes a great mood on wedding party
Natali from FomianaFlowers said 229 days ago
Сharming secret messages!I'd like to have that)
Fotografia Ślubna Kraków said 209 days ago
Lovely!
Rebecca Rogers from magnoliapapersandco said 209 days ago
Love all the special touches!
Bridalwish Floral Design from Bridalwishdesign said 203 days ago
Love all of the ideas!! So beautiful..
Tori Franklin from JaninesJewelers said 199 days ago
I just love how sustainability is becoming so "in"!! Awesome trend report, thank you!!
Cristina Winter from ROTETULPE said 189 days ago
Thank you!
Melissa Barton from SayYouDo said 187 days ago
So gorgeous. I love the functional favors category. Nothing like getting a gift or a trinket that you can't figure out what to do with. That is why SayYouDoShop creates gifts with purpose. Our seed packets can be used in a variety of ways: from seat markers to alternative floral arrangements. And... they are plantable and will blossom to remind guests of the special day.
Mirta said 176 days ago
My grandaughter is having her wedding theme on the beach. Any suggestions
pam payne said 119 days ago
Lovely inspirational ideas. Very nice thank you Etsy and shop owners.