From bridal pantsuits to unconventional wedding parties, couples are throwing tradition out the window


Image credit:  PeachWolfePaperCo 


With a new decade – and the year of purpose upon us – couples are embracing what matters most to them and making their wedding celebrations truly reflect their personalities, and tossing aside the wedding traditions that don’t. Whether incorporating non-traditional wedding parties (think: bridesmen, women of honor, or junior bridesmaids) or opting for pantsuits over ball gowns, 2020 couples are focusing on inclusivity, sustainability, and,  above all, individuality – no cookie-cutter weddings here.


Groovy gatherings


‘70s style is making its way into elevated wedding celebrations, as couples tastefully incorporate groovy lettering, retro color palettes (looking at you “Color of the Year,” chartreuse), and disco decor into the big day. The ‘70s embraced bold, optimistic, colorful celebrations of individuality – exactly what we predict shoppers will gravitate to this year. From free-spirited, folksy looks (like billowing dresses and nature-inspired headpieces) to disco glamour a la Studio 54, to rock-and-roll, there’s something for every couple. On Etsy, we've already seen searches for ‘70s invitations increase 18% and searches for disco ball items increase 18% in the last six months (compared to the same time the previous year), and 2020 is only getting started.



Non-traditional wedding parties


Today’s couples are throwing tradition out the window and opting for wedding parties that include all of the people (or even pets) that matter most to them, whether there’s a groomswoman, man of honor, or even a best dog. In fact, there has been a 171% increase in searches on Etsy for bridesman items and a 72% increase in searches for best woman items in the last six months (compared to the same time the previous year), telling us that wedding parties are becoming more inclusive than ever. 



Power suits


Last year, we shared that suit sets were on the rise and now we’re seeing this trend make its way into weddings. We’ve already seen a 24% increase in searches for bridal jackets and a 4% increase in searches for women's pantsuits in the last six months (compared to the same time the previous year), so we have a hunch that more and more brides are about to start swapping ball gowns for suit sets. This empowering trend is not only statement-making (with nods to feminism), but also fashion-forward. For brides not ready to fully commit to the trend for their ceremonies, they can try wearing a suit set to the bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, or even as a second outfit for the reception. 



Vintage rings


Vintage wedding rings on are on the rise – with a 20% increase in searches on Etsy for vintage wedding rings in the last six months (compared to the same time the previous year) – and there’s no surprise as to why: vintage jewelry offers shoppers heirloom-quality pieces that can’t be found anywhere else. Within the trend, shoppers are specifically loving the geometric styles of the art deco era, with searches on Etsy for art deco wedding rings increasing 5% in the last six months (compared to the same time the previous year). Even better, buying vintage is an easy way to shop sustainably, as shoppers give new life to existing products. 



Wellness favors 


Couples are sending their guests home with items that not only look beautiful in a display of favors, but also promote wellness. On Etsy, there has already been an 11% increase in searches for crystal favors, a 9% increase in searches for soap favors, and a 5% increase in searches for candle favors in the last six months (compared to the same time the previous year), as couples prepare to give their guests the gift of relaxation, which will likely come in handy after a big night celebrating. 


Natural Handmade Rustic Soap, Heart Soap Wedding Favors, Himalayan Bath Salt Favors, Rose Bath Bomb, Candle Wedding Favors, Rose Geranium & Mandarin Soap, Rose Face Glow Mask, Himalayan Salt Shot Glass Place Cards, Amethyst Air Plant Crystal

Sustainable style


Shoppers are becoming increasingly mindful about their purchases, and that includes what they’re buying for their weddings. Incorporating sustainable details – like cufflinks made from recycled metal or vintage veils– are an easy way to make a big impact on their style, while making a small impact on the planet. Etsy shoppers are on board with this eco-friendly trend, with searches for reused, recycled, or reclaimed wedding items increasing 7% in the last six months (compared to the same time the previous year).



Coordinated couples’ coats


In December, we called matching wedding jackets as the wedding trend to look out for in 2020, and it’s safe to say it’s not going anywhere soon, with searches on Etsy for couple jackets jumping 15% in the last three months (compared to the same time the previous year). And we’re not just talking about matching colors: Etsy sellers are making the most creative options – from hand-painted denim to embroidered leather jackets – allowing newlyweds to wear something as unique as their relationship.