The face of marriage is changing and so are the ways couples are choosing to celebrate the occasion.
For example, more couples who already have children are celebrating not just their union to each other, but their official union as a family, and the number of same sex married couples has doubled since 2012, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
“The way people think about weddings has changed dramatically in the last decade, and we have to evolve with those changes,” says Nelson Tejeda, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer of Things Remembered, a leading retailer of personalized gifts.
With 50 years of experience providing personalized wedding gifts and accessories, the experts at Things Remembered have witnessed a lot of transformations through the years. They are sharing a few insights into today’s top contemporary wedding trends.
Rethinking Setting
Many brides are thinking outside the box when it comes to wedding décor. While formal venues with regal place settings once ruled the day; a great portion of weddings now have a chic rustic feel.
Receptions are taking place in barns with exposed rafters, on ranches and in lodges. Elements like placards on simple beige cardstock, burlap table runners and place mats, and rustic drinkware like personalized craft beer glasses and mason jars give receptions a warm, cozy feel.
Additionally, many couples are choosing to celebrate with a tighter knit group of friends and family in far-flung locations.
“Destination weddings give couples an opportunity to spend more on each guest,” says Tejeda. “Rather than a typical wedding favor, guests may expect to receive hotel care packages with high-end toiletries and personalized gifts, like waffle weave robes or monogrammed cosmetic cases.”
Building Your Home
With so many people living together before marriage, most couples already have the basics they need when it comes to entertaining and keeping the house in order. Registries today are an opportunity to upgrade your current assortment of household goods.
“Couples are crafting their own monograms. They incorporate them throughout their wedding, from their invitations to their websites and place settings. Then, after the wedding, they use them to personalize their home décor,” says Tejeda. “Monogrammed cutting boards, towels and wall art have become increasingly popular in recent years.”
Craft Cocktails
Beyond the standard bar offerings, signature drinks set a tone for the reception and add a bit of personalized cheer.
“Engraved glasses that include the cocktail recipe are becoming a popular wedding keepsake that can be used on anniversaries and future parties, completing the couple’s home bar,” says Tejeda.
Similarly, personalized wedding flutes by Lennox, Wedgwood and Waterford are lending toasts extra meaning while helping couples build their drinkware collection.
For more inspiration on ways to personalize your wedding, visit ThingsRemembered.com/Weddings.
Whether you’re engaged and planning your big day, or you have some weddings on your calendar this year and want to know what to expect, being familiar with contemporary trends can be helpful on everything from picking a gift to choosing décor.
