San Diego’s Top 50 Wedding Trends

By: Kristen Castillo

1. Soft Colors

The it-colors for 2015 will “reflect gentle tones of the English garden,” says Haydee Dela Cruz of Haydee’s Creative Flowers, who is spotting pastels like peach, blush pink, lavender, creams, and soft whites.

2. Braids

The popular wedding hair braids aren’t like the ones you wore as a kid. These elegant braids often wrap around the crown of your head. Fishtail braids are a pretty and soft look that can be elegant and stylish too.

3. Small Guest Lists

Weddings are getting smaller. “Most of my weddings are intimate affairs for 100 or less,” says wedding coordinator and wardrobe stylist Catherine Bachelier Smith of CBS Lifestylist.

4. Wedding Weekend

Many couples are having wedding weekends, where their wedding party, family, and out-of-town guests celebrate the nuptials for a few days. Host a welcome party on Friday, enjoy the wedding on Saturday, and relax with a brunch on Sunday.

5. Late Night Snacks

“These snacks are a fun treat for your guests, especially when you have a wider choice of food and sweets,” says Christie Gowdy at Culinary Concepts, who’s seeing orders for foods like carne asada fries, nachos, corn dogs, and tater tots.

6. Geometric Patterns

Squares, circles, triangles, and other geometric shapes are making their mark at weddings. Use these patterns for cake designs, invitations, and décor.

7. Double Duty Décor

Couples are repurposing their ceremony flowers for the reception. “Arbor floral sprays and chair embellishments are being used again for the sweetheart or head table décor,” says Dawn Stone of Embellishment Floral & Event Design Studio.

8. Food Focus

Brides and grooms are paying attention to their big day menu. “They are asking for locally sourced, seasonal, and fresh ingredients to showcase what San Diego has to offer,” says Kristin Watkins of Stephanie Rose Events.

9. Fewer Gimmicks & Props

Cutesy wedding photography won’t be as popular, with a return to more authentic images. “It is getting back to what really makes an image incredible,” says Aaron Feldman of True Photography.

10. Roses

Roses, especially English Garden roses like the David Austin brand, and garden spray roses, will be in high demand, notes Dela Cruz.

11. Radiant Orchid

Pantone’s color of the year, Radiant Orchid, with its fuchsia, purple, and pink tones, is making waves for its magical and intriguing warmth.

12. Making Guests a Priority

Couples are serving signature cocktails and tray-passed appetizers to guests as they arrive at the wedding, ensuring that guests feel like VIPs from the start.

13. Getting Social

Post wedding memories to social media using custom hashtags. Advertise your hashtag with a sign at the reception or on your invitation.

14. Black Tie

Formal attire is trending as grooms opt for high-style and sophistication, embracing the timeless black tie look.

15. Personalizing the Day

From color choices to menu options, couples are personalizing every detail of their wedding, from custom drinks to unique table numbers using their vacation photos.

16. Privacy, Please!

While many couples use social media during their wedding, others prefer privacy, asking guests to put down their phones and enjoy the moment with them.

17. Romantic Luxe

Tall luxurious florals in soft creamy colors are in. Dela Cruz recommends using hydrangeas and roses with no greenery for this elegant look.

18. Delicious Desserts

Trendy wedding desserts include mini cakes, donuts, gourmet ice cream sandwiches, and even Rice Krispie Treats.

19. Crop Tops

Crop top bridal fashion is perfect for San Diego beach weddings. Bridesmaids can pair trendy tops with high-waisted skirts, while brides can wear lace crop tops over their gowns.

20. Dinner for Two?

Cooking tools top Amazon.com’s wedding registry, including measuring cups, mixing bowls, and bakeware sets.

21. Crafted Cocktails

Couples are hiring Mixologists to create a custom craft cocktail specifically for their wedding, using unique and fresh ingredients.

22. Comfort Food

Reception food trends include comfort foods like BBQ, donuts, s’mores, and treats from food trucks like burgers, fries, and ice cream.

23. Branding

Brides love branded weddings, where every element is coordinated and cohesive, says Bachelier Smith.

24. Entertaining Options

Technology is playing a big role in weddings with couples showing slideshows and same-day video edits at their receptions.

25. Garden Style Flowers

“Just picked from the garden” bouquets are trending for outdoor weddings. Dela Cruz suggests using lavender, geraniums, and rosemary for a natural look.

26. Mismatched Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids don’t have to match. Brides are allowing their maids to choose their own dress style, length, and design.

27. Say Cheese!

Photo booths remain a popular choice for weddings, offering guests instant souvenirs of their time at the celebration.

28. Navy is the New Black

Navy is emerging as a new wedding neutral, softer than black but still versatile and elegant.

29. Stripes

Stripes are making a bold statement in wedding décor, from table runners to groomsmen’s socks.

30. Off the Shoulder Gowns

Off-the-shoulder gowns are trending, offering a demure yet sexy look that highlights the bride’s neckline and shoulders.

31. Tulle Overskirts

Tulle overskirts offer brides two looks in one — dramatic for the ceremony, and sleek for the reception.

32. Untraditional Wedding Parties

Brides are having “Men of Honor” and grooms are having “Best Women,” breaking tradition for a more personal wedding party.

33. Being Interactive

Interactive elements like caricature drawings, trivia games, and wine tastings keep the wedding reception lively and engaging.

34. Beachy Hair

Embrace San Diego’s beachy vibes with loose, flowing beach waves for a laid-back, camera-ready look.

35. Matte Magic

Matted photo albums are making a comeback, mixing timeless and contemporary styles for a chic look.

36. Hair Details

Bridal hair accessories like beaded clips are stylish and offer a soft, sophisticated look with a bit of sass.

37. Food Favors

Edible favors are a hit! Think cookies, candies, honey, or tea for a sweet send-off.

38. Rustic Glam

Combining rustic outdoor venues with glamorous touches like chandeliers and fine china is a perfect match for San Diego weddings.

39. Timeless Fashion

A classic, timeless look is trending, with soft, flowy gowns and delicate, sparkly accessories.

40. Naked Cakes

Naked cakes, with exposed layers and minimal frosting, are a trendy choice for casual weddings.

41. Romantic Elegance

Romantic elegance is trending for its classic and traditional style, ensuring couples won’t cringe when looking back at their wedding photos.

42. Lighting

Couples are using lighting to set the mood with chandeliers, candles, and uplighting for a dramatic effect.

43. Educated Food Choices

Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan menus are on the rise as couples become more educated about food varieties and choices.

44. Ruffles

Ruffles add texture to gowns, décor, and cakes, making a big statement with just a little bit of this fun detail.