2018 Wedding Trends In The UAE

With 2018 now in full swing, it’s time to think about the upcoming trends that you may wish to feature at your wedding if you’re getting married this year. Whilst 2017 was all about greenery and tropical themes, 2018 is set to turn up the moodiness whilst emphasising minimalism. We spoke to Bonita Carr, Career Advisor at the Arabian Wedding Academy, and Mennat Al Hammami, founder of Cloud 9 Weddings & Events, to find out what wedding trends brides-to-be getting married in 2018 can expect to encounter.

We personally love every single trend but do remember that your day is just that – yours. Don’t feel the need to incorporate all, or even any of these trends if you’re just not feeling them. Prepare to be inspired, and let us know what you think!

Above: Bonita Carr, Career Advisor at the Arabian Wedding Academy.

Above: Mennat Al Hammami of Cloud 9 Weddings & Events. 

Scandinavian Influences and Minimal Industrial Design

Bonita: While Boho chic is still very much in evidence currently, I think we will see the popular Scandinavian “Hygge” trend really taking off in the region as more natural elements will be brought into wedding décor. Think uncluttered table settings keeping things simpler and inviting – essentially creating a feeling of comfort while still remaining chic, especially in the in the more traditional wedding venues.

How this translates will be through a ‘less is more’ approach with tables not being overly done. Think simple table runners which allow the wood to show through and minimal fuss over place settings. 

Image credit: Katrina Jayne Photography.

Mennat: The approach to minimal industrial design is becoming more accepted in the UAE. Copper tones and marble prints combined are going to be featured as the trendy modern theme, to replace the popular trend of geometrical shapes and gold accents. This is transcending on to other features of the wedding such as the furniture, where more industrial chairs are being incorporated into setups.

Glassware

Bonita: Keeping the Scandinavian influences in mind, we will definitely see the use of more glassware in interesting shapes to bring in a more airy and flowy feel. The idea would be to create space for air to flow (and conversations to take place) at tables, and this, combined with cacti interspersed with greenery and simpler flowers on the tables, will achieve that feeling of intimacy and cosiness.

Image credit: Cream Photography

Moody Palettes

Mennat: Though ultraviolet has been declared Pantone’s colour of 2018, I suspect the colour will be teamed up with darker, more serious tones like buttercream, wood rose, greyed jade, burnt orange, blues and misted yellows. The winter blue hues will continue to take the lead in most colour palettes, as we are witnessing that it is a staple across most mood boards.

Fabrics & Florals

Bonita: We will see unusual fabric choices being brought to a beach and outdoor environment – glittering accent fabric, velvet draping faux fur, to name just a few. Lush vibrant florals together with mixed metallics will really bring this to life.

Image credit: Summer Rain Photography

Black Is Back!

Mennat: Black is back! Expect this colour to come back as it is combined with more subtle tones such as nudes soft pinks and whites. We will also see a lot of pairings with metallics, which do not look like they are doing anywhere this season!

Bonita: I love the use of unusual flatware and I think we will see more black and brass items being used as an alternative to gold and the standard silver offering. This will really elevate table settings from the ordinary to something unusual and surprising. Metallics are not going anywhere and I do think that we will see the ever popular rose gold being used in conjunction with marble and the hot new metallic brass taking the centre stage.

Image credit: Cream Photography

Barefoot Glamour

Bonita: We will definitely be seeing more of the Barefoot glamour trend in the coming year; it’s a trend that’s an evolution from Boho Chic which will work particularly well given the number of beachside weddings taking place in the region, with not a dream catcher in sight!

Image credit: Summer Rain Photography.

Bold Botanicals Mixed With Colourful Tones

Mennat: I expect this trend may even explode on to other elements of design such as bar/display furniture, ceremonial arrangements and more eclectic hanging features that are ever so popular now here in the UAE.

Image credit: Cream Photography

Image credit: Andrea Harborne Photography

Laser Cut Linens With Intricate Detailing

Mennat: Think modern Arabesque and traditional patterns in light hues possibly with shiny detailing. Jacquard linens are continuing to make their comeback, though this year we will see them being paired with more colourful centrepieces and blooms. Couples want to add more personality to their guests’ seating arrangements.

Personalisation Through Signs, Linens & Gifts

Mennat: The more electronic, the better! Namely, neon signs. I think the idea behind this trend is to create personalisation while remaining hip. Couples are looking to incorporate fun elements that can up the “party factor” at their wedding.

Bonita: Whatever the setting, there is definitely going to be loads more personalisation in weddings, with everything from monogrammed linens to personalised gifts for those luxury weddings we see so much of in the Middle East.

Image credit: Andrea Harborne Photography

Xx Mennat and Bonita xX

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