by Sara Farrell
Welcome to the first post in my blog series about wedding trends for 2015!
When I was asked to think of wedding trends for 2015, I initially started thinking of colour schemes, dress styles and over all ‘Look Books’. You could pick up any magazine, or read any blog and everyone has a different view point. Rather than focusing on specific trends, I want to give you some of my insights into the wedding industry. I research and learn about weddings every day, as well as talking to wedding professionals, I’ve drawn together some observations for you. There may be opposing views and I would encourage everyone to share their views, as this is just one person’s opinion!
Over the coming weeks I will give you my thoughts on dresses, venues, décor, style and some general insights!
So, let’s get the ball rolling, here are my top trend predictions for wedding dresses…
Watch Your Back!
It’s all about the back! During the last 3-4 years, we have seen lace style dresses dominating the aisles. This style of dress is a real classic, but I think that it will fade slightly and allow statement back dresses to have their moment. We’ve seen the likes of Mori Lee and Cari’s Closet bring out subtle and daring backless bridal gowns and they are getting great feedback across social networks.
Pre-Loved
I’ve seen so many ‘pre-loved’ wedding dress boutiques open in the last year, along with an abundance of once worn wedding dresses listed on Donedeal and Adverts.ie. I think this is such a great idea! I recently worked with Timeless Bridal Wear in Trim and there were dresses that were originally bought for €2000, once worn, in impeccable condition and retailing for €600. You cant argue with that! I think we are going to see a lot more people getting a bit smarter with their dress hunting.
Next…..here are my thoughts on wedding venues!
Price
I’ve been browsing through some wedding venues websites and brochures and I noticed that a lot have pulled back on the ‘deal’ package. Over the last few years, a lot of venues offered knock down prices to keep themselves going but with consumer confidence on the way up so are the prices. The prices look very 2006 to me! Venues that I saw offer packages for €79 per person for the last few years are back to €99 per person. I have a piece which brings you through how hotels work out a wedding bill.
Quality
One hotelier I challenged about their price increase said that once they hit the recession, they had to move to cheaper cuts of meat etc. so now that people are back on track, it allows them to improve the quality. Brides and Grooms were asking for it, so they had to move, improve and give their customers what they wanted. Prices dropped when the recession hit as that’s what the couples wanted and needed at that time.
Stay tuned for my next blog on décor and style trends for 2015.
