Personalisation, vintage style and destination weddings hottest trends for 2014
As 2013 ends and we go into another year full of “I dos”, Samantha Ferguson, Wedding Co-ordinator at Roe Park Resort in Limavady, reflects on the previous year’s weddings at the Resort and advises on the defining trends for 2014’s impending nuptials.
Vintage-chic and all that jazz.
2013 has revelled in the decadence and razzmatazz of the Jazz Age on our TV and cinema screens with the Great Gatsby, Downton Abbey and Mr Selfridge dominating viewing figures, fashion pages and decor editorials.
“Brides-to-be in Northern Ireland are jumping on board the 1920’s fashion wagon with more ‘vintage’ and ‘classic’ wedding themes,” says Samantha. “Silky sheaths, sparkling embellishments and pearls are making a fashionably impressive comeback in bridal party dresses, alongside high necklines and wraps.
And of course lace has been fantastically popular in the past year. Since Kate Middleton walked down the royal aisle in a stunning Sarah Burton dress with lace sleeves and detail, many brides have opted for that little touch of lace added to their own dress, be it on the body, sleeves or a simple hint on the veil.”
The Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress also caused a surge in the popularity of sleeves – case in point, many of 2013’s gowns featured to-the-wrist length sleeves. While some gowns donned opaque silk sleeves, most were lighter in weight and in fabrics such as lace, tulle and chiffon, creating a playful take on ‘reveal-conceal.’
The ongoing popularity of traditional fabrics and classic styles we saw at the Resort last year is further evidence of the continuing ‘vintage’ trend. The Roe Park Resort is a beautifully restored manor house dating from the early 18th century, extended in the early 1900s and the grandeur of this historic building and its long sweeping driveway appeals to brides looking for a hotel with a touch of vintage glamour.
Putting the ‘me’ in ‘theme’
Samantha commented: “We’ve noticed a growing trend in couples customising their weddings to reflect their individual personalities and tastes. More couples are having names printed on favours and place cards, creating their own style menus and table plans. The use of post or message boxes for gathering wedding cards and gifts has also become a frequent feature.
Green futures
Last year’s colour palette also shifted from hot, electric colour tones to a preference for softer pastels. Blush pinks and baby blues lent a gentle, natural air to the bridal party and decor, with sage and mint greens showing strongly throughout the year. Combined with an increase in peony and garland bouquets and floral arrangements, everyone with a sweet tooth loves these delicious sorbet shades.
Destination Weddings and Wedding weekends
Sinead McNicholl, Brand & Marketing Manager at the Resort said: “There has been a definite increase in the past year of people coming from further afar to get the venue they want, and extending the celebrations to become a 2 or 3 day event rather than a single wedding day. The first day is typically the wedding itself, with the 2nd and even a 3rd day booked to carry on the celebrations with close friends and family only.”
Nestled among the woodlands of the Roe Valley Country Park, the Roe Park Resort is one of Northern Ireland’s most loved wedding locations and is the perfect venue for a romantic and memorable wedding day. Offering a dedicated wedding planning service alongside award-winning catering, expert staff and elegant function rooms, Roe Park sets out to ensure the bride and groom get a magical setting for their magical day.
To find out more about weddings at the resort visit www.roeparkresort.com