Put the Wow into Your Wedding: 2017's Hottest Trends

Pinterest boards at the ready – wedding season is truly upon us. There’s been a shift in wedding style in recent years, and couples aren’t afraid to veer from traditional expectations. In fact, letting your personality shine through is the name of the game. So, don’t be afraid to play around with these 2017 wedding trends and make the day truly your own.

An Abundance of Blooms

Flowers take centre stage this year and they’re more dramatic than ever. Couples are finding creative ways to give their flowers the wow factor. Think arches heaving with greenery and roses, a swing decorated with seasonal blooms or even a wall of flowers – how very Kim K. Centrepieces are no longer restricted to tabletops, with hanging centrepieces and flower installations adding a touch of magic. And don’t forget, if you choose in-season stems you’ll get more bang for your buck.

Metallic Hues

From pewter-beaded dresses to glittering cakes to copper candle holders, metallic shades aren’t going anywhere in 2017. And they’re versatile too, so whether you’re working a rustic theme or going for full on glamour, these striking shades will pair perfectly with your day.

Dining Your Way

Forget the standard three courses, there are no rules when it comes to wedding dining. Instead, more and more couples are choosing to eschew the formal sit down meal for a relaxed dining experience. A few food trucks serving your favourite fare, different food stations and family-style dining are all big trends for 2017 and offer a chance for everyone to mingle while they eat. Speeches aren’t just for after dinner anymore either, lots of venues offer to run the speeches during the drinks reception or before the meal - which trust us, your best man will thank you for

Trending Colour

Blush pink is a hot colour for 2017. This pretty shade is classic and oh-so romantic. Less subdued colours are also big this year, with bolder toned flowers and accessories adding a touch of whimsy to the occasion. Think pompoms, ribbons and glitter to set the tone for a relaxed, fun-filled day. Picking your colour scheme doesn’t have to be a pain either, there are plenty of colour combination charts floating around the internet to help you figure out which shades work well together.

Changing up the Schedule

While the summer months have traditionally been the most popular time of year to get hitched, off-peak times are gaining in popularity - with Pinterest reporting an increase in people searching for Autumn wedding inspiration. Off-peak is also generally available at a discounted rate. However, Christmas and New Year’s are getting increasingly popular so if this is your dream date you’ll need to snap up your venue well in advance.

Balloons

Looking for a simple way to make a big statement? You’ll love this. Balloons are everywhere for 2017. Whether it’s spelling out the couple’s initials or as a cute prop for your photography, they scream celebration – plus if you’ve got little ones attending they are sure to keep them entertained.

Let Them Eat Cake!

When it comes to wedding cake trends the only obligation is to make sure it’s delish! But there are some key trends to get inspired by this year. If you fancy some advice, one tier metallic cakes are springing up on all the hot lists and look fantastically atmospheric with sparklers as a cake topper. For a more traditional feel, white on white cakes or ruffles are very in. Not everyone likes cake and unusual alternatives are gaining in popularity. Cheeses stacked on top of each other make a tasty conversation piece - or choose mini versions of your favourite treats to add a touch of fun.

Planning on Saying I Do?

If you need funds to help with your wedding plans, a Personal Loan from AIB can help. AIB offer loans from €1,000 with a loan decision in just three hours*. You can apply online through AIB Internet Banking, the AIB Mobile App. You can also book a branch appointment or phone 0818 724 725 if you’d like to speak to someone in person.

*3 hour loan decision applies to fully completed new personal loan applications processed within 3 hours 9am-5pm, Mon-Fri excl. bank holidays. Loans from €1,000-€30,000. Excludes applications: to restructure or clear existing AIB credit facilities; received through Branch and referred to a lender for review, from customers in financial difficulty; for Student and First loans; applications through Business Centres; or where total borrowings exceed €100,000 (excluding Home Loan debt up to €600,000).

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