2014 Wedding Trends

Modern Wedding Color Palettes Take Center Stage

Blush and Gold

In 2014, weddings embraced soft, romantic tones—blush pinks paired with gold accents created an elegant, dreamy atmosphere. These tones were used in everything from bridesmaid dresses to cakes and table décor.

Mint Green and Peach

This combo gave spring and summer weddings a fresh, garden-inspired feel. It was a go-to choice for outdoor ceremonies with light and breezy vibes.

Bold Accents

For fall and winter celebrations, deep hues like navy, emerald, and plum added contrast and richness to softer tones, making color schemes pop.

Metallic Infusions

Rose gold and champagne tones made their way into invites, centerpieces, and even bridal accessories, adding sparkle without overdoing it.

Wedding Dress Styles That Captivated 2014 Brides

• Lace Detailing: Lace became a staple for 2014 brides. Designers like Monique Lhuillier and Marchesa showcased romantic lacework that added timeless beauty to gowns.
• Illusion Necklines: Sheer fabrics with appliqué created elegant necklines that gave the illusion of strapless styles but with more comfort and coverage.
• Sleeved Gowns: Long sleeves and cap sleeves gained popularity, offering modesty and vintage charm. These styles worked well for fall and winter weddings.
• Colored Dresses: Blush, gray, and pale blue dresses gave brides a unique look while still keeping it bridal. These soft colors added personality to traditional silhouettes.

Groom’s Style Evolves With Flair

• Slim-Fit Suits: Tailored, slim-cut suits took over traditional tuxedos, giving grooms a sharp, modern look.
• Color Variety: Navy, tan, and gray suits became popular choices, especially for warm-weather weddings. Charcoal and midnight blue were perfect for cooler seasons.
• Unique Accessories: Grooms showed more personality through patterned bowties, floral pocket squares, suspenders, and colorful socks.
• Rustic Styles: For relaxed weddings, grooms often wore rolled sleeves, vests, or even denim, adding a casual twist without losing style.

Décor and Theme Inspirations That Defined 2014

• Rustic Chic: Barn weddings with fairy lights, mason jars, burlap table runners, and wooden signs dominated the scene. It was a cozy, countryside look that felt authentic and warm.
• 1920s Glamour: Inspired by The Great Gatsby, some couples went all out with bold fonts, crystal accents, and vintage lounge setups to give their weddings a roaring ’20s vibe.
• Bohemian Touches: Outdoor weddings took on a free-spirited flair with elements like feather accents, low-seating areas, and an abundance of greenery.
• Urban Minimalism: Clean lines, exposed brick, and neutral tones created an elegant industrial look for city weddings. Paired with soft candlelight, it felt both edgy and romantic.

2014 Floral Arrangements Favored Organic Beauty

• Wildflower Bouquets: Brides opted for looser, hand-picked-looking bouquets using daisies, lavender, and eucalyptus for a soft, natural touch.
• Succulents and Greenery: These sturdy greens showed up in bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces, offering a fresh look that lasted through the event.
• Peonies and Garden Roses: These soft, full blooms were favorites for spring and summer, adding classic romance to floral arrangements.
• Floral Crowns: Brides and bridesmaids often wore flower crowns, especially at bohemian or outdoor weddings. It was a fresh alternative to traditional veils or hairpieces.

Cuisine Trends: Flavor Meets Presentation

• Farm-to-Table Menus: Locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes became a top pick for eco-conscious couples wanting fresh and meaningful meals.
• Interactive Food Stations: Guests built their own plates at taco bars, pasta stations, or carving tables. These setups made the reception meal feel relaxed and personalized.
• Naked Cakes: These lightly frosted cakes showed off the layers and were often decorated with fruit or florals, offering a more organic, simple look.
• Mini Desserts: From pie bites to doughnut towers, bite-sized desserts gave guests a variety of options without committing to one slice.
• Signature Cocktails: Personalized drinks named after the couple or a shared memory added a thoughtful, fun element to the drink menu.

Photography and Videography Became More Intimate

• Candid Photography: Couples moved away from formal portraits in favor of photojournalistic styles that captured genuine laughter, tears, and surprises.
• Vintage Filters: Editing techniques with sepia tones, film grain, and light leaks gave photos a timeless feel.
• Highlight Reels: Videographers created short cinematic videos capturing the most memorable moments of the day—perfect for sharing with friends and family online.
• Same-Day Edits: Some videographers offered quick turnarounds, allowing couples to watch a recap of their big day right at the reception.

Entertainment and Guest Engagement Became Interactive

• Live Music: Acoustic bands and jazz ensembles added energy and intimacy during ceremonies and receptions.
• Photo Booths: These remained a fan favorite, with props, filters, and printouts giving guests a fun takeaway.
• Lawn Games: Cornhole, oversized Jenga, and ring toss gave guests something to enjoy during cocktail hour or downtime.
• Social Sharing: Custom hashtags encouraged guests to post photos and videos, creating a shared online album of the wedding day.

Stationery and Invitations Made a Lasting First Impression

• Letterpress and Foil: Couples chose luxurious printing styles with deep impressions and shiny finishes for their wedding invites.
• Laser-Cut Designs: These detailed, intricate styles added a wow factor to invitations and matched ornate wedding themes.
• Custom Illustrations: From venue sketches to couple portraits, invitations felt more personal and artistic.
• Matching Suites: Menus, place cards, RSVP cards, and thank-you notes all followed the same design, tying the whole event together visually.

Outdoor and Destination Weddings Saw a Boom

• Beach Weddings: These offered a relaxed, breezy atmosphere where shoes were optional and views were everything.
• Vineyard Venues: Perfect for wine lovers, vineyards blended natural beauty with built-in catering and drinks.
• Backyard Weddings: Couples transformed their own homes or family properties into elegant venues with tents, lighting, and thoughtful details.
• Destination Celebrations: Whether it was a Caribbean island or a European village, destination weddings gave guests a vacation and celebration in one. These weddings were often smaller but lasted multiple days for more quality time.

Conclusion

Weddings in 2014 were all about making the day reflect who the couple was. Every choice—from dresses and suits to food and florals—was intentional. The goal wasn’t just to follow trends but to create a unique experience that felt meaningful, stylish, and memorable. Couples blended vintage charm with modern convenience, making their weddings personal from the invitation to the final dance.

Key Takeaway: The 2014 wedding season highlighted creativity, customization, and personal flair. Whether it was through soft color palettes, rustic décor, or interactive food and entertainment, couples turned their big day into a one-of-a-kind experience that felt current, heartfelt, and true to them.

FAQs

What were some popular bridesmaid trends in 2014?

Bridesmaids wore mismatched dresses in complementary shades. Fabrics like chiffon in pastel tones were commonly chosen for a soft, romantic look.

Did couples include technology in their wedding planning?

Yes. Many used wedding websites for RSVPs and schedules. Live streaming, hashtag campaigns, and mobile apps helped keep guests informed and engaged.

How did wedding cakes differ in 2014?

Naked cakes were especially trendy, showing off cake layers with minimal frosting and topped with fresh flowers or fruits for a natural look.

Were weekday or off-season weddings popular in 2014?

Some couples opted for weekday or off-season weddings to save on costs and secure their preferred venues or vendors, especially for destination or outdoor events.

What types of favors were common for guests?

Favors included succulents, personalized mini bottles, homemade treats, or locally sourced goods that tied into the couple’s theme or region.