Now that Meghan Markle’s formal title is “Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Sussex”, the effect of her wedding as a whole is about to start impacting what couples, specifically brides, will want in their weddings. This month I want to focus my topic on the top trends the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markel may inspire what future engaged couples do for their wedding:
Personalization with a twist
The desire to customize wedding day details is certainly not a new notion but the bar has been raised considerably as soon as it was revealed that Prince Harry handpicked blooms for his bride’s bouquet. While couples will still want to put their stamp on the décor, menu and entertainment, wedding experts such as myself are expecting brides and grooms to take their requests and traditions to a whole new level. I am excited to see what requests will come.
Hail to the boat neck
The dress that Meghan chose to wear for her wedding was certainly a polarizing one- some gave happy sighs while others scratched their heads. I personally looking at my particular style, was scratching my head; it doesn’t mean I frowned on the dress. I just expected something super glamorous with bling, lace and tulle! We see many brides wearing sweetheart necklines, mermaid style dresses and lace because that is what is popular. But now that the wedding is over, I do like Meghan’s choice. It is clean, simple and has that 1950’s flair. One thing is for sure- the neckline is a welcome change from the strapless gowns’ ongoing campaign for world domination. Better yet- it can be incorporated into nearly every season- unlike the sleeves and thicker fabric that also made up the gown.
Going local
If one thing was for sure, Prince Harry and Meghan wanted to celebrate with as many local elements as possible, which was evident from the florist selection to the reception menu. I think this will also be a popular trend and good news to local mom and pop establishments and other businesses. There is nothing like having the uniqueness of a local store or restaurant that provides one-of-a kind items or tastes you just can’t get anywhere else.
Black and white is the new… black?
Since their engagement last November, the royal couple and photograph enthusiasts have released several dramatic black and white images of themselves. I think this is a trend and may have more couples requesting black and white photography.
No wedding party?
Bye-bye to big wedding parties and the headache of picking and choosing your besties to celebrate your big day. It was definitely noticed that Meghan Markle did not have bridesmaids, a Maid-of-Honor or groomsmen, joining her and Prince Harry down the aisle. She did ensure that a team of the cutest attendants you ever did see accompany her. I am not too sure if that will escape the minds of future brides and grooms but it is definitely a money saver and may start to be the new trend. Long ago, weddings were much smaller and had since started growing larger in the late 70’s, early 80’s; we can only wait and see.
Breaking the traditional rules
Usually the Bride’s father will walk her down the aisle and we do see many variations these days with who walks the bride down the aisle and for Meghan, we heard her father Thomas Markle was not going to walk her down for reasons we can only speculate and it was reported due to his health. Meghan did opted to walk by herself and saved the final moments down with her future father-in-law just before she arrived at the altar. I kind of wished she would have had her mother walk with her but, like I tell all my brides, “it’s not my wedding, it your wedding, do what you want”.
The most modern couples continue to break tradition but on a large scale, the recent royal wedding may inspired couples to break rules and do it their own way on a new level. After all, Meghan Markle broke hundreds of years of tradition in St. George’s Castle, and we’re all still standing.
(The photo is a copy of a wedding photo from a google images)
Tracy Pope
Owner, Devoted to Your Event