What’s trending at Jewish weddings?

The biggest trends in weddings, Jewish or otherwise, are tradition and the personal touch. From the invitation and dress to the music and menu, the personality of those getting married is on full display.

So how can you make your wedding trendy while keeping it traditional?  Here is our top-ten list of wedding trends and how to make them your own.

Invitations

The invitation is no longer a logistical summons to attend your nuptials. Invitations are now a preview of what you have in store for your guests. Get creative – use non-traditional materials such as wood, metal or cloth. Tell your love story through imaginative graphics, colors and fonts – adding Hebrew text can enhance and personalize the design of your invitation.

The dress

Nothing captures the spirit of the day quite like the bride’s dress. Fashion trends change on a yearly and, sometimes, daily basis. So how do you find the perfect gown for you? Know who you are and what you’re comfortable in. Don’t be afraid to go the traditional route.

While still keeping in line with current trends, wearing lace and sheer fabric is a great way to cover skin that would normally be exposed.

Reception

Think about the style of your wedding and choose a venue that complements it. Keep in mind when choosing your venue that it should set the stage for what’s to come. Whether it’s a synagogue, country club, vineyard, rustic farm, or the beach, choose a venue that balances your personality and the tone of your special day.

Flowers

Try combining tradition and trend to create beautiful wedding centerpieces. Whether it’s geometric vases with seasonal blooms or mason jars with locally grown flowers, this is another chance to inspire the artist within.  

Menu

From shooters and sliders to food on a stick, the trend in wedding fare is all about the creative retelling of comfort food. This is true from the first course to the last. Take your favorite food and reimagine it in bite-sized servings.

Huppah

The huppah is trending in Jewish and non-Jewish weddings alike. Traditionally, the huppah represents the couple’s new home. Not all homes are the same so why should your huppah be?

Try combining traditional and non-traditional materials to update your huppah – flowers and Lucite, crystal beads and tree branches, or adding a hand-painted backdrop. You can also add personality and tradition by repurposing a family member’s wedding dress into the design of your huppah

Photography

Two big trends in wedding photography are the wedding book and the a la carte packages. Sure, prints and downloadable image galleries are fine. But more and more couples are relying on the artistry and design abilities of a good photographer. And a la carte packages allow the bride and groom to customize their add-ons to their own specifications and budget.

Cupcakes

Nothing says trendy like ditching the wedding cake and opting for a tiered cupcake display. You can add some personality and whimsy by using an ornamental stand, intricate decorations or elegant cupcake liners.

Candy Bar

No, not that kind of candy bar. Add an element of surprise for your guests with a colorfully crafted confectionary spread. Use the color theme of your wedding to augment your dessert offerings. Candy-filled apothecary jars, personalized chocolates and decorative cupcakes are just a few ideas.

Favors

Instead of spending time and money on something that your guests probably won’t use, try adding an element of tzedakah. Choose a charity that’s close to your heart and make a contribution in honor of your guests.