The Knot recently unveiled their 2016 Top Trends in Weddings. We loved so many of them can’t wait to see how southern brides incorporate these trends into their weddings. Here are a few of our favorites and our Black Southern Belle spin on this year’s trends:
Contemporary Choirs & Late-Night Karaoke
From the Knot: Keeping guests entertained all night long with special musical performances isn’t new, but this year’s trend is: choirs! Think 20-person ensembles with amazing a cappella abilities. Surprise guests by hiring a marching band or gospel choir and have them perform a favorite rock ballad for the walk down the aisle or an a cappella version of the first dance song. And if you’re hosting an after-party, karaoke is king. A basic karaoke setup and some photo booth props is all you need to keep the party going. Watching friends and family belt out their favorite ’90s hits is priceless.
From Black Southern Belle: We grew up on beautiful church choirs and HBCU marching bands so this trend is right up our alley. Make it your alma mater’s band such as FAMU or North Carolina A&T and you have a real party going. A Black Southern Belle wedding follows every tradition including having lots of fun and a big party. This trend is one that will surely help your party stand out and make even your most petty line sister get up and move!
Stylish Grooms
From the Knot: You’ve heard of the second dress—now guys want a unique reception look too. Custom suits with embroidered monograms, velvet loafers and personalized cuff links give guys more style options than ever before in 2016. Grooms are switching to a dinner jacket for the reception or making a “wardrobe change” to wear a different bow tie and pocket square. Some grooms are even starting their wedding prep early with treatments like teeth whitening, “handshake maintenance” (a.k.a man manicures) and regular beard trims in the months leading up to the celebration. Rounding up the groomsmen for a preceremony shave not only provides a fun, bonding moment, but guarantees a well-groomed wedding party.
From Black Southern Belle: Grooms in the South know that a Black Southern Belle expects them to look just as polished and put together as her. While many southern brides are telling their groom what to wear, there are a growing number of stylish Southern Grooms, looking to make their bride happy and try something new that does not include wearing their fraternity or HBCU paraphernalia as a part of wedding attire. From fun tuxedo shoes, corky cuff links to crushed velvet tuxedos, we are all about this trend in the South and so happy that grooms are getting involved but of course they won’t out do a Black Southern Belle Bride.
Metallic Palettes
From the Knot: It’s all about shimmer and shine this year. Don’t be afraid to mix silver and rose gold or gunmetal and gold—metallics play well together. The addition of luster elevates any look, giving a couple’s wedding style an extra-special feel. Add a metallic to the color palette for a hint of glitz or make a statement with rose gold sequin bridesmaid dresses, gilded greenery, foil invites or a sparkle dusted cake.
From Black Southern Belle: We completely agree, you can never have too much metallic or gold. Add it in your China, your candelabras, your jewelry and even your clothes. Gold and silver make everything better, especially if it is vintage and passed down throughout your family. A love of metallic is a southern tradition that we are glad is on trend and in style for 2016. This trend looks great no matter if you have a church wedding, outdoor lowcountry celebration or a grand ballroom affair, even your most picky great aunt will be sure to love your decor.
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Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
Greetings from Los angeles!