Here at Paxton House, we’re so excited to see what the new decade will bring… and that includes, of course, what it will bring for weddings! A wedding is a unique expression of a couple’s personal taste, so of course not every trend is for everyone. But, we think we can expect to see a lot of these ideas coming into play over the next 10 years, and we can’t wait to see how couples will put their own twist on them.

Natural Elements 

While natural elements such as flowers are a timeless feature of wedding event design, we think that this year couples will continue to incorporate the natural world in more free and organic ways. For example, couples are choosing to have their ceremonies and dining amongst nature to create an even greater WOW factor for their guests.

At Paxton House, we have seen a rise in outdoor ceremonies over the past few years and we only see this increasing in popularity. With the freedom to make your vows anywhere in the Paxton grounds, you could choose to have views across the River Tweed, be surrounded by manicured gardens or be amongst the spectacular poplar trees.

Alternatives to the Sit-Down Dinner

This year, we think that the trend of more casual, interactive dining options will continue to grow. Rather than a sit-down, three-course meal, think grazing stations, gin bars and s’more stations. Why not replace the traditional wedding cake with a popular ‘cheese cake’ or an even more fun French Croquembouche. For couples looking for a more playful dining experience, these are great options – guests can mingle while they eat, and get creative with customisable cuisine.

Blue

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something… Classic Blue. Yes, this is Pantone’s 2020 colour of the year, which ‘highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era’. Does anyone else hear wedding bells?

We love the idea of incorporating the timeless combination of blue and white into your event design. You could take inspiration from the Paxton gardens, filled with rhododendrons, foxgloves and bluebells, or use our blue Boathouse doors as a backdrop!

Sustainability

Interest in ‘Green Weddings’ is on the rise: according to Pinterest, searches for sustainable wedding ideas have risen by 181% this year, as couples look for new ways to minimise the environmental impact of their big day. This can range from throwing biodegradable confetti to asking guests to donate money to an environmental charity in lieu of a wedding present. Check out this list for some great ideas on how to make your wedding more eco-conscious.

Intimate Weddings 

These were big (and small!) in 2019, and we think they’ll continue to be a trend this year. Many couples are opting for smaller, ‘Microweddings’, bringing along just a few of their closest family and friends. On top of creating a romantic, intimate atmosphere, this can open up more options in terms of budget and venue.

Our wedding boat ceremony is the perfect example: with a maximum of 5 guests (yes, we said micro!), you can tie the knot right on the waters of the River Tweed. Or, you could opt to make your vows in our secluded Victorian Boathouse, which can accommodate up to 35 guests.

Inclusive Menus

In keeping with the trend of ‘ethical weddings’, more and more couples will be opting for caterers that can provide delicious options for everyone. That means we can expect to see more vegan menus, gluten-free alternatives, and mocktails that are just as tasty as their alcoholic counterparts.

Our in-house caterer, The Orde Food Company, have produced entirely vegan menus in the past, as well as creating bespoke dining experiences depending on specific diets or themes.

Creative Entertainment 

Bringing elements of spirituality and mysticism into weddings is going to be a big trend in 2020 – expect to see palm readings, tarot cards and astrologers. Even if this isn’t your thing, we think there will be a wider trend of bringing in creative forms of entertainment for your guests.

Think magicians and caricaturists wowing your loved ones while you get the chance to take your wedding photos around the grounds, or the little ones getting involved in a game of giant Jenga!

Barn Weddings

In keeping with the recent turn towards more rustic and informal wedding venues, we think that barn weddings will continue to be huge in 2020.

For anyone looking to capture this style in a smaller setting, our Victorian Boathouse is perfect. We love seeing how this simple backdrop of aged stone walls can be transformed into a magical wedding space. You can use both simple foliage or grand floral displays to decorate – both look beautiful in this rustic setting.

Are you looking to get married in the 2020s? If you would like more information on weddings at Paxton House, please email events@paxtonhouse.com or visit www.paxtonhouse.com.

Image References

Links to images sourced via Pinterest:

Image 1 – food truck

Image 2 – grazing table

Image 3 – leaf confetti

Image 4 – leaf place markers

Image 5 – card reader

Image 6 – caricaturist