Here Are the 2020 Wedding Trends Kicking Off the New Decade of "I Dos"

"Forget cookie-cutter. Engaged couples want something new and exciting, and they're finding ways to make that happen! Prosecco trucks, caricature artists, tray-passed mini desserts, out-of-the-box venues, unexpected design touches, interactive games, aerialist performers . . . we're seeing so many imaginative elements that really set a wedding apart. Couples want their guests to truly be involved in the festivities, rather than simply spectate." — Hayley Forsburg and Chelsea Dahl, guide gals at Here Comes the Guide

"Couples won't necessarily be spending less on their 2020 weddings but they will be strategically splurging. One way to do this is by trimming down their guest lists in favor of an intimate wedding with their nearest and dearest. Splurging on fine catering and luxurious decor becomes much easier when a smaller guest count frees up a chunk of the budget!" — Hayley Forsburg and Chelsea Dahl, guide gals at Here Comes the Guide

"Couples are stepping out of their comfort zones to find out-of-the-box spaces that offer a unique twist to their wedding day. We're predicting that soonlyweds go the more textured route that industrial venues bring, while also seeking a space with a blank and natural canvas that can leave room for one's vision to really come to life!" — Joel Lippman, director of sales and marketing, Hutton Brickyards

"Talk about a one-stop shop! Having your wedding in one setting — ceremony, cocktail hour, and all — can really help bring down costs for you and time and energy for all of your guests." — Joel Lippman, director of sales and marketing, Hutton Brickyards

"My favorite trend that I hope to see continue is 2020 is letting go of the formalities that don't seem true to who you are as a couple. Not feeling the bouquet and garter toss? Skip it! Pies instead of wedding cake? Go for it!" — Deanna Nash, owner and creative director, Deanna Nash Events

"More and more couples are not following the traditional path of first comes marriage . . . many of our couples have already started their families before they are married, and this opens the door to incorporate your kids in meaningful ways on the wedding day.

We have seen some sweet ways to incorporate kids. Some choose to present their kids with a special gift during the ceremony, such as a piece of jewelry. Some include them in their vows and give the kids a chance to say a few words as well. Floral is a great way to incorporate kids as well, so the kids can have matching but smaller versions of bouquets, boutonnieres, floral crowns, etc. If the kids are too small to walk, we have seen brides or grooms carry them in to start the ceremony. The other nice thing about including your kids in your wedding is that you can get some epic family portraits after the ceremony, so we encourage people to build a little extra time into their photography timeline for that. It makes the ceremony extra special and something the family will remember for a lifetime." — Simple Maui Wedding

"For 2020, the new family style is small plate stations. Whether it's a wedding, special event, or cocktail party, having small plates creates a more social, shared experience. The guests get a little bit of everything!" — Colleen Zielinski, executive chef of Colette's Catering

"Also trending: beautiful and grand grazing stations. They are visually a 'wow factor' and set the culinary style of what's to come." — Sarah Kuhlberg, creative director of Colette's Catering

"2020 will be a magnificent year in diamonds, and by that we mean the most stunning quality diamonds being sought. Nothing shines brighter than a D colorless diamond. The desire for not only a big diamond but the finest quality is on the rise! Couples are becoming more educated about the purchase of a diamond and the true value a fine diamond holds. 2020 will be a year of simplicity in settings featuring the most gorgeous crystal structures Earth has formed." — Kaeleigh Testwuide, founder and owner of The Diamond Reserve

"Two-tone engagement rings! What does that mean? When someone wants a yellow gold or rose gold engagement ring, it is best to make the prongs of the engagement ring in white gold; this helps the center diamond remain colorless, and the white prongs will blend in with the diamond, calling attention to the diamond floating over the colored gold band. With yellow and rose gold so popular, and the popularity of buying a high-quality diamond, this look allows the diamond to shine its brightest!" — Kaeleigh Testwuide, founder and owner of The Diamond Reserve

"Choosing a ring out of a drawer is a thing of the past. Today's couples want something with a personal touch, and advancements in 3D modeling technology have made custom jewelry more accessible than ever . . . Watch your dream ring come to life with computer models and photorealistic renderings. The results speak for themselves." — Lindsay Reinsmith, cofounder, Ada Diamonds

"Round brilliant diamonds will always rule for classic appeal, but the unique look of fancy shaped diamonds like ovals, radiant, and cushion cuts give today's brides an opportunity to show off their style and personality in their diamond shape." — Lindsay Reinsmith, cofounder, Ada Diamonds

"We find more and more brides-to-be are looking for ways to reduce the environmental impact of their big day and their ring. Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and optically identical to mined diamonds but are sustainably grown with none of the negative environmental consequences associated with conventional mining operations. Likewise, lab-grown diamonds are guaranteed to be conflict-free." — Lindsay Reinsmith, cofounder, Ada Diamonds

"It's very common for couples to design a ring together these days, and I see that becoming more of a trend in 2020. It's a fun process for couples to create an engagement ring together. Every couple is different about how they approach this situation, and that's normal because there is no such thing as traditional anymore." — Matthew Kaufmann, cofounder, JK & Co. Jewelers

"Antique cut diamonds and novelty shapes will be on the rise in 2020. Some examples of antique cut diamonds are old Europeans, hexagons, antique emerald cuts, and elongated antique cushions. Since most of the fine jewelry being worn today tends to be more delicate and daintier, we are noticing a rise in requests for more unique diamond center stones. There are hundreds of unique diamond shapes, it's refreshing to see such interest in diamonds outside of the most popular shapes." — Matthew Kaufmann, cofounder, JK & Co. Jewelers

"Cool socks and bow ties are a must for 2020. Get creative with your wedding day look, and let your accessories show off your personality." — Nathan Bellah, director of marketing at Generation Tux

"Dressing up for the rehearsal dinner will also be a trend in 2020. Think of it as another wedding look you can have fun with!" — Nathan Bellah, director of marketing at Generation Tux

"Every year, unique wedding aspects become the priority, and attire is no different. Dresses that drip in tiny crystals present an illusion that's all the rage. Brides are forgoing a simple style for a more eye-catching wow moment. Grooms are the same! Colors are in, from bright blue to deep hunter green suits. We are seeing grooms invest in a patterned vest to surprise guests once the jacket comes off and the party begins. We personally love a wedding dress that strays from all the norms with a nod to color or a subtle print. Nontraditional is the new hot ticket." — Crossed Keys Estate

"Natural and foraged design elements are definitely trending. From fruits and vegetables in floral arrangements to unrefined driftwood arbors, there's a swing toward organic materials like wood, glass, and even iron in wedding decor. Dried florals are also coming in hot, as arrangements that mimic weeds and wildflowers are a contemporary choice for centerpieces and bouquets." — Hayley Forsburg and Chelsea Dahl, guide gals at Here Comes the Guide

"The velvet trend has been picking up for a while now, but velvet is really making waves for 2020 with its rich texture and colors. In that same vein, satin is really starting to make a comeback! Whether it's a velvet linen or satin bridesmaid dresses, these luxe fabrics can make a big statement in bold colors." — Euri Wong, lead designer at Bloominous

"There's a steady uptick in the rise of eco-conscious weddings that aim to reduce their carbon footprint and give back. Couples are choosing local, sustainably sourced food and florals, opting to donate to charities in lieu of gifts, and are upcycling leftover food and flowers by giving them to nursing homes or homeless shelters. Our favorite trend? Carrying puppies from shelters instead of bouquets to encourage guests to adopt!" — Hayley Forsburg and Chelsea Dahl, guide gals at Here Comes the Guide

"We're starting to see vertical fern gardens, neon signs, and flamingo props all over idea boards and Instagram. Pair these with oversize palms and bright pinks, oranges, or yellows for a perfect tropical theme. This trend allows couples to bring paradise anywhere, and we are loving it!" — Marisa Ferrell, So Eventful

"Whether the event is at a destination venue or is simply a travel theme, wanderlust is really starting to stick. This trend can transform any venue with globe centerpieces or guest books, thrifted luggage, invitations that look like maps, and custom luggage tag favors! Adventure is out there." — Marisa Ferrell, So Eventful

"There are so many options for lighting now, and it's such a fun, elegant way to add flair to your special day. You can add endless light strands to a willow tree for a fairy-tale look, hang hundreds of Edison bulbs above dining tables to tie in the rustic vibes, or even have your event's logo or monogram projected onto the dance floor!" — Marisa Ferrell, So Eventful

"Pastel hues in muted shades are making a big splash in weddings. One of the best things about this color palette is the flexibility. You can create a garden-like vibe with pastel colors, or go bohemian by adding pampas or other rustic textures. Either way, color is in!" — Euri Wong, lead designer at Bloominous

"These classic blooms are really picking up steam as the new boho focal flower for 2020! Expect to see a lot of these in bouquets, centerpieces, and boutonnieres for late Summer and early Fall 2020 weddings!" — Euri Wong, lead designer at Bloominous

"The experience is more important to couples than ever. Brides and grooms are focused on what the table settings look like, how the guests will feel upon entering a room, and what unique experiences they can offer that make for a memorable event. Any way to reinvent the traditional is exactly where couples want to be — swapping welcome Champagne for a tiny bar car or exchanging a photo booth for a live event painter. These modern takes on old favorites take a wedding to another level where the couple is thrilled with the outcome and the guests don't stop raving about it!" — Crossed Keys Estate

"The reign of the wedding cake is over . . . for the most part. I can't tell you how many couples say 'I don't care about cake.' I love offering multiple single layer cakes in various flavors, or nixing cake all together and offering small pick-up pastries in a casual buffet style. At that point in the night, you want your guests up and dancing anyway. Being able to grab a small dessert bite and head back to the dance floor is important." — Crossed Keys Estate

"That tall, fluffy grass you see everywhere is not going away anytime soon! Pampas grass, dried palms, and other dried florals are highly requested by our 2020 couples. Mixing traditional wedding florals like orchids and roses with nontraditional foraged items brings the romantic and the natural together in a really beautiful way. Adding color into that combination, like burnt orange and caramel, and straying from the traditional blush and white is also becoming ever more popular." — Crossed Keys Estate

"For photography, I get a little misty every time a daughter does a first-look with her dad. It's such a special day, and most often (though not always!), Mom has seen her favorite girl in her dress during fittings, and showing Dad your final look on the big day is such a special moment that you won't regret making time for." — Deanna Nash, owner and creative director, Deanna Nash Events

"I am seeing brides and grooms really having fun creating their wedding handkerchiefs. They are personalizing them with custom monograms, messages, and even their own handwriting for that extra special keepsake from the big day!" — Colleen Corcoran, owner and designer, The Handkerchief Shop

"As weddings become more about the couple's connection and less about how many friends you can invite or the biggest party you can throw, the bridal party is also getting smaller or becoming nonexistent. If there is a bridal party, it is usually one or two of the couple's closest friends or siblings rather than their entire crew. Many couples opt to not have a bridal party at all and a smaller guest count; this way, the message is that everyone in attendance is equally important to them. It also reinforces that the ceremony is about the couple, not the show or how cute the bridesmaids dresses are." — Simple Maui Wedding