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4 Of The Most Sizzling wedding Trends In 2016

Wedding Trends For 2016

Every year as we prepare for the upcoming wedding season, we become excited to see what new things will be trending in the wedding industry.  I'm really excited about the 4 hottest wedding trends for 2016!

I'm always trying to show our clients the value and importance of investing into the details of their weddings that have the biggest return on their investment - wedding photography, videography, DJ, etc.  I know, I'm a wedding photographer so this all sounds a bit self-serving, right?  I see your point, but being part of the wedding industry affords me the opportunity to witness the good, the bad, and the ugly.  

The average cost of a wedding is in excess of $31,000 and over 80% of couples regret how they planned their weddings!  

When you get engaged it's an exciting time and it won't be long before your mind wanders to planning your wedding.  You start to dream about beautiful churches, beautiful wedding venues, flowers everywhere, etc.  It's very easy to get lost in all the details, but at the end of the day over 80%  of couples who get married will tell you they regret not hiring a videographer, scrimping on their wedding photography, and not hiring a professional DJ.  These are all details that ensure a successful event and allow you to cherish it forever!

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Weddings are special and I'm really glad to see that 2016 is going to have trends geared towards the true meaning of the day.  The heartfelt sentimental moments that people treasure.  

Let's take a look at the 4 hottest trends for the 2016 wedding season courtesy of The Knot!

1.  Selfie Station

Given our fascination with the "selfie," I'm a little surprised this idea has taken so long to surface.  However, it should definitely result in some pretty funny party pictures!  Essentially, couples will dedicate an area to have a cell phone placed on a selfie stick for their guests to take those fun party shots.  It's similar to a photo booth, but guests will assume the role of photographer!

For those couples who want to take this idea up a level, they can even provide some props for the guests to enjoy - funny hats, sunglasses, etc.  Couples could even get a friend or family member to periodically upload the selfie shots to Facebook or Instagram, throughout the night, to share the experience in real-time.  

2.  Proposal Shoot

I dedicated an entire article to this topic about two years ago and I still think it's a great idea! This one requires a little effort from the guys, but in the end, it should produce some really great photos!  The engagement proposal is a pretty big deal and having it professionally photographed is a great way to include it in your story.  Your professional photographs would include the proposal, your engagement session, and your wedding photos.  

But like I said, the guys will need to do a little planing to pull it off.  It's obviously something that needs to be coordinated with your photographer.  It might be a dead give away you're about to propose with a photographer hot on your heels.  Planned with a professional photographer, it will really make for a beautiful moment!

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3.  Bridal Portraits

Pre-wedding bridal portraits have been around for a very long time, but it seems they are making a come back in 2016.  The wedding day is typically petty hectic and filled with nervous feelings.  Having the bridal portrait session prior to the wedding day is all about simplifying.  The session will be treated as if it is the wedding day, except everything will be slowed down and much more relaxed.  The bride, of course, will want her hair and make-up professionally done as we want her to appear just as she will on her wedding day.    

A pre-wedding bridal portrait session will accomplish a couple of things.  One, it will be a more relaxed environment; therefore, the bride can just relax and enjoy the session, and Two, having these shots completed prior to the wedding means less to worry about on the wedding day.   While we will still capture images of the bride on the wedding day, the process won't be as involved, making life just a little bit easier for the bride.

4.  Father/Daughter First Look

This is one my favorites for 2016!  I've never met a father who didn't struggle with the emotions of seeing his little girl get married.  He's watched over his daughter for years and years, and now it's time to let go.  This can be a very emotional time for fathers.  

Photographing the moment a father sees his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time is something very special.  Opportunities like this  are often a once in a lifetime moment, and I guarantee both the father and daughter will hold this moment close to their hearts.  

Nostalgia Is Big In 2016!

I think it's very exciting to see trends focused on the true meaning of weddings.  Love, admiration, and tenderness.  At the end of the day weddings are all about two people declaring their love for one another in the presence of family and friends.  The trends for 2016 are details that will add a lot of value and meaning to a couple's wedding pictures.  They are the moments and the keepsakes anyone would adore.   

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