If you're searching for wedding inspiration, then you've come to the right place, as Vicki Dewdney and Deborah Allen, wedding coordinators at The Redworth Hall Hotel in County Durham, share exclusively with Belle Bridal readers their top wedding trends for 2018.
With 15 years’ experience between them in organising weddings, from two-day multi-cultural weddings with more than 300 guests to intimate soirees for just 18 people. They share their insights into the changes in wedding day essentials, from venues and decorations to catering and flowers, and how these changes have brought about surprisingly refreshing options as a result...

1, Clever spending
Value, uniqueness and authenticity are more important to brides-to-be today than excessive spending. That’s not to say the trend is for a cheaper wedding, but it’s about spending money where it counts to make a day that is tailored perfectly to the couple.
2, Personal and intimate weddings
Wedding guest lists are becoming shorter and ceremonies are getting smaller. The aunt once removed and your neighbour’s cousin that you haven’t seen for years really don’t need to be there, leaving room for the guests who truly matter, making for a warmer and more intimate atmosphere.
3, Even the royals are breaking tradition
Look no further than the royal wedding as a sign of change. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have turned away from the extravagant Westminster-based ceremonies that have been the mainstay of past royal weddings and instead choosing to say their vows in front of a smaller audience in the historic Windsor Castle. It looks set to be a wedding that is classy and quintessentially British, with a modest and personal feel.

4, Weekday weddings cost less
The royal couple have broken with another tradition with their decision to get married on a Saturday, but there’s nothing to say you should do the same! Royal weddings usually take place on a weekday, a tradition that remains popular with couples because it could save you thousands when the venue is less in demand.
5, You don't have to spend a fortune on a wedding dress
Brides are becoming savvier when it comes to shopping for their wedding dress. Brides-to-be can find gorgeous gowns from as little as £300 across many regional boutiques, ensuring they get the style, quality and customer service, but at a fraction of the price.
6, Choosing venues with personality
With potential savings being made in other areas, you’ll free up extra budget to make your day truly special. The venue is often the first big decision and the trend is in choosing somewhere that offers an extra level of personal service, while demonstrating an understanding of the couple’s dreams and making them a reality. Unique and unusual hotels and venues have certainly seen a spike in popularity, but this trend is not about who can find the most creative place to tie the knot. It’s more about finding somewhere with meaning, good food and a friendly and approachable team that is willing to go that extra-mile!

7, Catering that cares
When it comes to the wedding breakfast, pay attention to value and meaning. People enjoy the feeling that the food they’re eating has been lovingly grown and prepared, that care has been taken and creativity applied – something which will also make your first meal as a married couple all the more special! Adding a personal touch to the menu is also in for 2018, with some couples including highly-personal elements, such as ‘grandad’s sloe gin’ bottled in the year the couple met, or sparkling wine from a vineyard in the village where they live.
8, Dietary choice
Specialised diets are growing in popularity, and you may well need to offer a selection of menu options, such as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free for your guests. Take this as an opportunity to personalise your menu further and make your guests feel important by catering for their needs and tastes, a task that’s made easier by a shorter guest list!
9, Natural beauty
In keeping with this trend, cakes, colours and decorations are much more down-to-earth in 2018, with an emphasis on quality and class, rather than size and extravagance. Natural colours, especially greens, will continue to be popular and potted plants are finding their way into just about every area of the wedding venue, including lining the aisle. By returning to old-fashioned values, 2018 feels like a nostalgic through-back with a modern twist, bringing back a hint of long overdue reality, charm and intimacy to wedding ceremonies and their celebrations.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on Harry and Meghan’s big day, as it’s almost certain that whatever look and style their wedding takes on, their choices will influence the wedding trends for the year to come.
Hopefully, this article has given you some inspiration that will help you to create your perfect wedding day, whether you follow the 2018 trends or choose to do your own thing.
If you’d like to discuss your ideas with one of the experienced wedding coordinators at a Cairn Collection property, don’t hesitate to contact us, we’re here to help!