The year 2017 marked a significant evolution in wedding styles and aesthetics, blending timeless elegance with innovative and personal touches. Couples began embracing individuality, creativity, and a shift towards more relaxed, yet sophisticated celebrations. In this article, we will delve into the 10 hottest wedding trends of 2017, analyzing how these ideas influenced wedding culture and continue to inspire couples today.
1. The Rise of Bohemian Bridal Fashion
One of the most visible shifts in bridal fashion in 2017 was the popularity of bohemian or "boho" styles. This trend leaned heavily into relaxed silhouettes, flowy fabrics, and intricate lace details, creating a romantic and ethereal look far removed from the traditional ball gown.
Examples of this trend include designers like Rue de Seine and Grace Loves Lace, who emphasized effortless beauty with dresses featuring bell sleeves, plunging necklines, and floral appliqués. Brides were drawn to these designs for their comfort and whimsical appeal, which perfectly suited outdoor or rustic weddings.
- Key elements: Lace, fringe, crochet, and flowing fabrics like chiffon and tulle.
- Accessories: Floral crowns, delicate jewelry, and braided hairstyles.
- Example: A bride wearing a delicate lace gown paired with a sunflower crown at a vineyard wedding.
2. Bold Color Palettes Beyond Pastels
While pastels have dominated wedding color schemes for years, 2017 saw a deliberate move toward bolder, richer color palettes. Jewel tones like emerald green, deep burgundy, and navy blue were especially popular, bringing depth and drama to wedding décor and attire.
Couples chose these hues to make a striking impression and to reflect a more personalized style. Instead of adhering to soft blush or pale blue, incorporating saturated tones allowed for more dynamic floral arrangements, table settings, and bridesmaid dresses.
- Examples of popular color combinations: Burgundy with blush and gold accents; emerald with ivory and copper; navy with peach and silver.
- Floral impact: Use of unexpected blooms like dahlias, ranunculus, and anemones to elevate these colors.
- Decor: Velvet linens, colored glassware, and metallic candleholders featuring these bolder palettes.
3. Customized and Meaningful Wedding Favors
By 2017, generic wedding favors had largely fallen out of favor, replaced by personalized gifts that guests would cherish or consume with enthusiasm. The focus shifted to creating tokens that reflected the couple’s personality and story.
Common ideas included artisanal jams, mini bottles of locally sourced spirits, custom candles, or seed packets for planting. These favors often came packaged in creative ways, such as hand-stamped boxes or rustic burlap bags, to enhance their charm.
- Why it mattered: Favors became conversation starters and keepsakes rather than throwaway items.
- Example: A couple from Oregon gifting guests small potted succulents labeled with their wedding date and a thank-you note.
- DIY trend: Many brides and grooms invested time into handmade favors, blending creativity with intimacy.
4. Statement Bridal Jewelry
Gone were the days when brides solely relied on understated pearls or diamonds. Instead, 2017 popularized statement bridal jewelry that complemented the boho and vintage-inspired dresses. Large geometric earrings, layered necklaces, and ornate hairpieces became favorite choices.
This shift allowed brides to showcase their individual style and added a touch of glamor without overwhelming the overall look.
- Trendy items: Art deco-inspired earrings, ear cuffs, and gemstone chokers.
- Hair adornments: Gold and silver hair vines, crystal combs, and offbeat tiaras.
- Example: A bride wearing a delicate crystal headband paired with oversized emerald drop earrings for a vintage glam effect.
5. Intimate Outdoor and Destination Weddings
Many couples in 2017 favored more intimate ceremonies over grand ballrooms or banquet halls. Outdoor venues — gardens, beaches, vineyards, and historic estates — became highly desirable for their natural ambiance and photo opportunities.
Destination weddings also surged in popularity, with smaller guest lists and curated experiences abroad. These weddings emphasized personalization and spending quality time with loved ones.
- Benefits: Beautiful natural backdrops reduced the need for heavy décor and allowed for a relaxed yet elegant vibe.
- Popular locations: Napa Valley vineyards, Amalfi Coast beaches, and mountain lodges.
- Example: A couple hosting a cozy meadow wedding with string lights and farmhouse tables to create a magical yet intimate environment.
6. Non-Traditional Wedding Cakes and Desserts
Traditional tiered white cakes took a backseat to more creative dessert offerings in 2017. Couples opted for naked cakes, dripping with fresh flowers and fruit, or alternative sweet treats that fit the theme of their wedding.
Options like donut walls, macaron towers, and artisanal pie stations became common sight, providing variety and playful engagement for guests.
- Naked and semi-naked cakes: Minimal frosting to showcase cake layers, accented with seasonal flowers or berries.
- Alternative desserts: Miniature tarts, cupcakes, or even savory bites incorporated into dessert displays.
- Example: A fall wedding featuring a spiced pumpkin naked cake adorned with cinnamon sticks and rosemary sprigs.
7. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Weddings
The sustainability movement influenced wedding planning heavily during 2017. Couples became more mindful about their environmental impact, choosing green alternatives at every stage — from invitations to linen rentals to food sourcing.
Recycled paper invitations, biodegradable confetti, and locally sourced, organic menus were just a few of the ways sustainability made its mark on weddings this year.
- Floral choices: Wildflowers and potted plants instead of cut flowers that would be discarded.
- Décor: Reusable elements like fabric napkins and vintage furniture rentals.
- Example: A beach wedding using seed-infused paper for invites and donating leftover food to local shelters.
8. Interactive Guest Experiences
2017 weddings sought to engage guests beyond traditional seating and dining. Couples integrated interactive elements to create memorable experiences and encourage mingling.
Notable examples included live artist stations, customizable cocktail bars, and Polaroid photo booths, allowing guests to contribute to the celebration creatively.
- Live art: Commissioning painters or calligraphers to create centerpiece pieces or guest messages.
- DIY stations: Herb mix bars, bespoke fragrance crafting, or dessert decorating corners.
- Example: A couple providing a guestbook alternative where attendees sketched or wrote on puzzle pieces that were later assembled.
9. Mixed Gender Bridal Parties
Departing from tradition, mixed gender bridal parties gained traction in 2017. Instead of restricting roles by gender, couples invited their closest friends regardless of identity to stand by their side during the ceremony.
This trend reflected the evolving social norms surrounding inclusivity and personalized relationships.
- Fashion flexibility: Bridesmaids wearing jumpsuits, suits, or dresses based on preference.
- Coordinated but non-matching: Parties wore complementary colors or styles rather than identical outfits.
- Example: A bridesmaid in a sleek emerald pant suit paired alongside the groom’s attendant in a textured velvet blazer.
10. Themed and Stylized Decorations
Finally, 2017 showcased weddings that carefully curated themes and aesthetics from start to finish. Whether inspired by travel, vintage eras, or literature, these weddings used décor to tell a cohesive story.
Examples include Great Gatsby-inspired glamour with gold and black, rustic farmhouse chic with burlap and mason jars, or garden party elegance with delicate pastels and greenery.
- Signage: Custom chalkboards and hand-lettered calligraphy.
- Table décor: Unique centerpieces reflecting the couple’s story, such as antique books, globes, or travel trunks.
- Example: A couple embracing an enchanted forest theme with hanging lanterns, moss table runners, and twinkling fairy lights.
Conclusion: How 2017 Wedding Trends Influenced Modern Celebrations
The wedding trends of 2017 underscore a pivotal shift toward authenticity, personalization, and creativity. From liberated bridal fashion to eco-conscious planning, couples sought ways to express themselves distinctively while honoring meaningful connections with family and friends. Many of these ideas continue to resonate and evolve, setting a foundation for today’s diverse wedding styles.
By understanding the impact of these trends, engaged couples and wedding professionals can draw inspiration to design weddings that are not only visually stunning but emotionally rich and thoughtfully curated.
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