2014 Hot Wedding Trends

Bold and Vibrant Color Palettes Made a Statement

Weddings in 2014 weren’t afraid to turn up the volume with color. Couples moved away from the usual pastels and embraced daring combinations like coral and navy or mint and gold. Jewel tones like emerald green and plum also made bold appearances across wedding setups.

• Where the colors appeared: From bridesmaid dresses to floral arrangements, linens, and uplighting, vibrant colors were featured across every design element.
• Metallic accents: Gold, copper, and rose gold brought a luxurious touch, often incorporated into candleholders, centerpieces, and even invitation designs.
• The goal: Create a lively and unforgettable visual atmosphere that felt fresh and bold rather than safe or overly traditional.

Vintage-Inspired Weddings Brought Nostalgic Glamour

The vintage trend in 2014 leaned into the romance and charm of the past, heavily influenced by pop culture. Think old Hollywood, The Great Gatsby, or a touch of European elegance.

• Décor style: Antique mirrors, lace tablecloths, candelabras, and vintage-style furniture brought back the elegance of bygone eras.
• Wedding attire: Brides chose gowns with illusion necklines, long lace sleeves, or intricate embroidery. Grooms went for suspenders, bow ties, or vintage three-piece suits.
• Venue choices: Couples selected historic homes, restored barns, and classic ballrooms to match the throwback theme.

Mismatched Bridesmaid Dresses Redefined Coordination

Bridesmaid dresses got a major makeover in 2014. Rather than making everyone wear the same dress, brides allowed each bridesmaid to choose a style that suited her best—while still keeping a cohesive look.

• Color coordination: Brides often picked a color family (like neutrals or jewel tones) and let bridesmaids select their own shade within that group.
• Fabric variety: Mixing fabrics like chiffon, lace, or satin created texture and visual interest.
• The benefit: Each bridesmaid felt confident and comfortable while still fitting into the overall style of the wedding.

Creative Food and Drink Stations Elevated Guest Experience

Food wasn’t just about feeding guests—it became a part of the celebration in 2014. Couples added fun, interactive stations that gave guests more than just a meal.

• Popular food setups: Taco bars, burger sliders, mac-and-cheese stations, and sushi rolling counters let guests customize their plates.
• Drink options: Signature cocktail bars and infused water stations became part of the décor and the experience.
• Late-night snacks: Think mini grilled cheese, milk and cookies, or food trucks offering post-dancing bites.

Unique Ceremony Locations Redefined Venue Expectations

Ceremony spaces in 2014 became more adventurous and personalized. Couples moved away from generic halls and leaned into settings that added to the vibe and storytelling of their big day.

• Venue types: Rooftop gardens, vineyards, forest clearings, beaches, and private estates were top choices.
• Décor approach: Many couples kept the decorations minimal to let the natural beauty of the space shine through.
• Why it worked: These venues brought a level of uniqueness and intimacy that traditional ballrooms couldn’t match.

Tech-Savvy Weddings Introduced Digital Engagement

Weddings got a modern upgrade in 2014 as couples used technology to bring people closer, streamline planning, and add a little flair.

• Hashtags and sharing: Couples created custom hashtags so guests could tag photos, making it easy to relive the memories online.
• Livestreaming options: Friends and family who couldn’t attend were able to watch the ceremony in real-time.
• Wedding websites: Couples used mobile-friendly platforms to host schedules, directions, travel info, and even RSVP tools.
• Photo booth upgrades: Digital filters, animated GIFs, and instant uploads replaced old-school printouts.

Statement Wedding Gowns Challenged Tradition

Bridal fashion in 2014 stepped out of the box. Brides started moving beyond plain white gowns and embraced color, texture, and unique design.

• Color choices: Blush, champagne, soft grey, and even powder blue added a fresh look to classic silhouettes.
• Design features: Open backs, illusion sleeves, detachable trains, floral embroidery, and subtle sparkle became signature elements.
• Styling goal: Brides wanted a dress that felt like them—not just one that fit tradition.

Personalized Wedding Details Added Sentimental Value

Personal touches were everywhere in 2014 weddings. Couples poured their stories and personalities into every part of the celebration.

• Signage and displays: Handwritten chalkboard signs, welcome messages, and framed quotes gave guests a peek into the couple’s relationship.
• Guestbooks with a twist: Instead of traditional sign-ins, couples used Polaroid pictures, fingerprint trees, or typewritten messages.
• Custom table names and favors: Tables named after places the couple traveled or shared experiences. Favors often included homemade goodies or items that reflected shared hobbies or family heritage.

Conclusion

The wedding scene in 2014 was all about personalization, bold decisions, and ditching outdated traditions. Couples created celebrations that felt more like them—colorful, emotional, fun, and full of details that guests would remember. Everything from the food and music to the location and gown told a story. It was less about doing what others had done and more about making the day feel unique and authentic.

Key takeaway: 2014 weddings weren’t about sticking to a formula. They were about telling a love story through colors, creativity, and experiences that meant something real.

FAQs

What types of entertainment were trending at 2014 weddings?

Live bands were incredibly popular, along with DJs who mixed up custom playlists. Some weddings even featured interactive entertainment like fire dancers, acoustic performances, or fun games during cocktail hour.

Were wedding favors still a thing in 2014?

Yes, but couples got more creative. Favors included practical items like candles or mini succulents, or personal gifts like homemade jam and small custom keepsakes.

How were engagement announcements handled in 2014?

Creative engagement photo shoots were big on social media. Some couples also created short videos or custom-designed announcements to share with friends and family.

Did eco-friendly weddings trend in 2014?

They definitely did. Many couples chose local flowers, digital invites, repurposed décor, and even donation-based favors to keep things sustainable.

What hairstyles were brides going for in 2014?

Loose waves, messy buns, and vintage-inspired updos topped the list. Hair accessories like floral crowns, jeweled pins, and delicate veils added the finishing touches.