14 Most Popular Wedding Trends of 2016

2016 was the year brides and grooms set the bar for weddings all around. We learned that small doesn't equal boring and that original outweighs grandeur. This year was all about breaking tradition and making your nuptials your own. Couples skipped the rule book and we couldn't have been more inspired. See the 14 biggest weddings trends of 2016 ahead.

01
Edible Favors
Manali Anne Photography

Edible Favors

Have your guests leaving with wedding favors they'll actually put to use. Couples said "thank you" with edible gifts like these hot chocolate kits.

02
Unconventional Arches
Sydney Morman Photography

Unconventional Arches

Traditional wedding arches were replaced by statement pieces that reflect the personalities of the bride and groom or that play off the wedding theme. They also make for interesting photos!

03
Lacey, Modest Gowns
Russell-Killen Photography

Lacey, Modest Gowns

Although weddings of 2016 strayed from convention, one thing that was a resurgence of tradition was modest wedding gowns. Many brides chose long-sleeved and lace over strapless.

04
Fun "Bride and Groom" Signs
Matthew David Studio

Fun "Bride and Groom" Signs

Taking the extra step to think of cute signage can take the theme to the next level. Not only do they make for great photos, but they're also keepsakes you can cherish after the wedding.

05
Large Bridal Bouquets
Emily Jean Images

Large Bridal Bouquets

Small, compact floral bouquets were once a thing, but this year proved that extravagant and large are the way to go.

06
Unique Centerpieces
Steve Cowell Photo

Unique Centerpieces

Rather than displaying flowers at each reception table, we saw more statement pieces that spoke to the overall theme of the wedding. Movie collectibles for a Disney-themed wedding were just one idea.

07
Use of Greenery
Swak Photography

Use of Greenery

Incorporating greenery in decorative touches, ceiling fixtures, and centerpieces gives a fresh finish that flowers can't always achieve. They go well with every wedding theme, so it's no wonder couples opted for greenery.

08
DIYs
Tony Gambino Photography

DIYs

Wedding DIYs that were cost-efficient and more personal were seen everywhere. From invitations and decor to boutonnieres, couples chose the crafty route and added originality along the way.

09
Wedding Hashtags
Perpixel Photography

Wedding Hashtags

To group everyone's wedding Instagrams in one place, couples created their own unique wedding hashtags and displayed them creatively. Signs and photo stations were a couple ways to let guests know.

10
Dessert Stations
Dave Shilling Photography

Dessert Stations

Not all guests want a piece of the wedding cake, so give them options! Having a buffet of sweets is picture-worthy and prevents large amounts of food from going to waste.

11
Flower Crowns
Jasmine Rose Photography

Flower Crowns

The trend of festival-style flower crowns made its way to weddings as well. Matching the headpiece to the bride's bouquet makes for a gorgeous option in place of the veil.

12
Creative Guestbooks
Derek Chad Photography

Creative Guestbooks

Instead of having guests leave their messages in a book, weddings opted for more engaging alternatives like this Polaroid idea. That way the couple could put faces to names and create a photo album featuring their attendees.

13
Small Wedding Cakes
The Waldron Photograph Co.

Small Wedding Cakes

Tiny statement cakes accompanied by a dessert bar overruled giant, multitiered wedding cakes. Not only is it a great way to save money, but it also doesn't leave the newlyweds with a bunch of leftovers.

14
Intimate Weddings

Intimate Weddings

Couples downsized their guest lists to an intimate group of friends and family, and even just to themselves! Whether it was a courthouse wedding or backyard nuptials, smaller parties were on the rise.