Something bold, something new
11 Pinterest-worthy trends from 2018 Bridal Extravaganza Show
It’s time to swap those holiday Pinterest boards out for some picture-perfect wedding inspiration. A word to the wise, future brides and grooms: Before descending an all-white, barnyard-esque décor spiral, consider the trends that disrupters showcased during the 2018 Bridal Show Extravaganza.
Rose-gold and blush tones officially dethroned monochromatic white schemes. Industrial chic is replacing long-expired rustic motifs. And naked cakes have been overtaken by #HoustonStrong and personality-driven edibles.
To say “I do” in style, here are 11 of-the-moment check-list items worth pinning.
1 SARTORIAL SWAG
Last year, “Will you be my bridesmaid?” gift boxes were all the rage. This go-around, millennial brides and their entourages are wearing their wedding-party pride on their sleeves. Brides, bridesmaids and mother-ofthe bride and groom T-shirts, sashes, tote bags and crowns have became the unofficial uniform for in-the-know extravaganza attendees.
2 #HOUSTONSTRONG CAKES
Naked cakes are no fun for bakeshops — just ask Cakes by Gina. Her booth was one of the weekend’s most frequented — and not just for the free samples. Over-the-top World Series, J.J. Watt, #HoustonStrong and even beer-bucket-inspired designs were some of the most Instragrammed snaps of the bridal show. Gina Gutierrez’s personal favorites? An upsidedown wedding-cake chandelier (covered with orchids!) and a 4-foot chocolate elephant illustrated her firm’s range.
3 THE ILLUSIONISTS
Sheer, is-she-or-isn’tshe wedding gowns are still the most requested trend, according to bridal boutique owners. See-through styles with nude underlays were featured on the runway during the two-day showcase, as well as at booths for The Princess Bridal, Impression Bridal and Ventura’s Bridal Fashion.
4 ROYAL TREATMENT
Even Meghan Markle and Prince Harry made an appearance at the George R. Brown Convention Center — well, sort of. Lifesize cutouts of the royal couple marked the check-in point; they were a popular first stop for selfies and social media. Inside the extravaganza, princessbride types wore tiaras to meet and greet potential vendors.
5 RESTORATION CHIC
So long, mason jars, burlap and wine-barrel décor. The barnyard look has been replaced by industrial chic, Restoration Hardware-esque motifs. You know the aesthetic: Cast iron meets crystal, weathered wood and tufted seating in loftlike spaces. It’s a welcome update on country cool.
6 PHOTO CAMPERS
Photo booths show no signs of slowing down; instead, they’re growing larger and more elaborate. Several photography studios opted to bring photo campers to the extravaganza. The key elements are all there: props, Polaroids and hashtags galore. But for outdoor nuptials in particular, bigger is always better.
7 SOIGNÉE SEATING
Seating assignments and place settings have previously been an overlooked wedding component, though it’s an unexpected outlet for brides and grooms to show off their personalities and couple style. A thoughtful message or thank-you at each table setting is a gracious touch.
8 PRINTED LINENS
Why choose basic black, white or burlap linens when there are more memorable options available? Vendors encouraged brides and grooms to consider floral, striped and embellished table and chair covers for the big day. Time will tell if the statement-making trend catches on.
9 ROSY OUTLOOK
Remember when all-white weddings dominated the wedding landscape? These days, brides and grooms are abandoning monochromatic for metallic. Rose-gold sequins are brightening everything from bridesmaid dresses and tableware to invitation liners and wedding bands.
10 WILD ORCHIDS
Until now, the hydrangea has long been the favorite flower of Texas brides-to-be. But c’est la vie. The pretty and delicate clusters were dethroned by a striking counterpart: the orchid. From dramatic bouquets to chandeliers in bloom, the white orchid has officially claimed the top floral spot.
11 TURNING TABLES
There was a time when having a live band on “I do” day was a must. If Bridal Extravaganza’s concert-worthy DJ setups are any indication, “in the club”-level DJ booths are the future of dance-floor danceoffs. Think LED lights, marquee lights, multiple turntables and sunglasses at night.