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From guestbook alternatives to outside-the-box cake designs, couples continue to redefine traditional wedding elements to reflect their personal style. And because our team sees countless wedding galleries each month, it’s fun to pinpoint emerging trends from year to year. We’ve noticed an uptick in these five trends, so we gathered a little Instagram eye candy to help show them off. Take a look!

“Long” Cakes

Non-traditional wedding cakes have gained popularity in recent years, from frosting-free “naked cakes” to abstract icing designs, and now — long cakes. Instead of towering above a dessert table, they stretch the length of the table, doing double duty as dessert and decor. Some couples even opt to place a long, narrow cake on each and every reception table, so guests can serve themselves!

 

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A post shared by Bronwen Wyatt (@bayousaintcake)

 

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A post shared by Julia Gallay (@gallzprovisions)

Fruit!

Many couples are hopping on the trend of fruit-infused decor, which can create a sense of luxury and abundance or playfulness and whimsy, depending on your approach. Some couples choose to feature fruit as the centerpiece of their table settings, while others prefer to incorporate produce into all of their floral arrangements — or even in their cake designs, like the ones featured above!

 

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A post shared by Lexi Bodiot (@vowedtoyou)

Non-Traditional Guestbooks

The traditional signature guestbook may become a thing of the past. Many clever alternatives that involve more “audience participation” are gaining traction — think Polaroid guestbooks, audio guestbooks, and even creative options like playing card guestbooks, which allow guests to customize a set of playing cards that the bride and groom will treasure forever!

 

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A post shared by Sarah Elliott (@stateofelliott)

Men’s Accessories

Brides don’t get to have all the fun! We’re noticing more and more custom lapel pins, pocket squares, and unconventional boutonnieres that pay homage to groom’s parties’ personal style, hobbies, and hometowns. Custom bolo ties are a great option too, as they can be a treasured accessory for years to come.

 

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A post shared by Brackish (@brackish)

Second Looks

Brides making wardrobe changes between the ceremony and reception isn’t a new concept, but lately, we’ve seen this trend on a whole new level, with some brides even opting for three or four looks throughout the day. We love to watch a bride reappear after cocktail hour in a whimsical feathered mini, figure-slimming satin silhouette, embellished metallic moment, comfy jumpsuit, or whatever look makes her smile the most.

 

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A post shared by Inloveness Photography (@inloveness)

Feeling inspired yet?!

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For more dreamy wedding ideas, check out our Wedding Archives and be sure to follow us on Pinterest!

Anne Henley Walker
About the Author
Anne Henley Walker

Anne Henley is a University of Georgia graduate (Go Dawgs!) currently based in Atlanta. She's perpetually on the hunt for her new favorite restaurant.