Nature’s Beautiful Bounty: Wedding Trends 2016

The Add-A-Pearl team has seen many generations of brides walk down the aisle -- and you know what? Somehow each and every one (and each and every wedding) is as sweet and special as the one before.

One of our favorite things each year is to see which bridal gown and wedding décor trends emerge, and this year -- a real treat: natural elements are trending for 2016 weddings and, as you’ll see, leveraging the simple romance of nature’s bounty can be simply breathtaking when done well.

Wood and whimsy

Marrying the love of your life in the great outdoors is no longer the only way to surround yourself with all that’s natural. Many couples and wedding design planners are opting to incorporate the strength and beauty of wood into interior design and décor for their wedding vows or reception venues.

Exchanging your rings under simple rustic wooden archways, enchanting branches woven into an arch, or under a simple driftwood arbor is romantic whether it is nestled in a forest, perched in a meadow, or set against the backdrop of a beach.

The inspiration for wood embellishments is just as charming to add some ambience to the wedding reception. Signage, place card holders, guest books, and of course centerpieces with a woodland feeling are simple and elegant.

Nature’s palette

Each year has hot colors for weddings and in 2016 we’ll see many more neutral tones that underscore the wonderful tints and tones we find in nature. Instead of the brash and bold colors of decades past (anyone else remember the pastels or bright purple of the eighties or the vivid psychedelic colors of the sixties?), this year bridal couples are opting to work with earth tones. No, not the rusty browns and drab olive of the seventies, but sophisticated grey, black, soft brown, crisp white, and soft metal hues.

Neutral tones don’t mean that wedding venues or receptions will be devoid of drama; natural colors can be very striking in their simplicity. Consider the soft elegance of a wooden chair draped in dove grey, accented by white ribbon and a bit of plain greenery.

Soft light cast from simple glass candle holders is made more rich by simple strands of pearls on wire.

The impact of something as simple as classic linen to pretty up your walk down the aisle should not be underestimated. ‘

Greenery and florals

This year the trend toward sustainable catering is mirrored in the all-natural approach to flowers. Cascading bouquets of locally sourced flowers and decorations of vines, blooms, and boughs are found at outdoor weddings and indoor venues alike.

Thinking outside of lace and tulle, many brides will wear floral crowns rather than veils in a modern 2016 take on flower power.

Floral centerpieces are stunning when artfully arranged with natural elements such as cork, stone, or wood. Rustic is made more chic when paired with copper or soft silver - or even gems such as opulent pearls.

Adventurous rustic wedding locales

In 2016 the trend to outdoor and adventure weddings continues with increasingly popular al fresco settings for the marriage ceremony, reception, or photos of the wedding party.

Authentic rustic brides are turning to not just beaches or farm fields for their weddings, but to national parks, campgrounds, and underneath forest canopies.

There is something very picturesque beautifully set reception tables seem to spring up in the wilderness. Similarly, seeing the wedding party, groom, and bride in fancy dress in the great outdoors is memorable and somehow remarkably refreshing.

It’s sometimes the small details that are the most memorable, like fairy lights spread through the branches of a towering tree, petals dusted over a vintage worn table, or simple wood chips and soft baby’s breath to line the walkway where the happy couple will tread.

And as for the bride, it’s no surprise that the top 2016 bridal trends complement or incorporate the beauty of pearls for the Big Day. Pearls have been a favorite of brides for centuries, and the Add-A-Pearl tradition is the perfect gift for your flower girls or bridal attendants.

Visit us online now to start building an Add-A-Pearl heirloom necklace, and share your wedding photos and stories with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest!