At a bridal expo held at a Chicago O’Hare-area hotel in late 2015, the big conversation was colour. Three themes stood out for the 2016 season: Lustre, Lavish and Sorbet. Congratulations again to all the engaged couples who stopped by to talk palettes.
A decade later, it’s fascinating to see where each of those trends went. Here’s a look back — and forward.
Lustre
Lustre was all about sheen: pearl, champagne and metallic finishes, satin linens and mirrored surfaces. It was the trend that made sequin overlays a wedding staple.
Where it went: lustre softened into today’s “quiet luxury” — brushed champagne metals, pearl accents, satin rather than sequin. Try it with ivory florals and lots of candlelight.
Lavish
Lavish meant more: jewel tones, tall centrepieces, abundant florals and dramatic draping. Think burgundy, emerald and gold in a ballroom.
Where it went: maximalism is back in a big way — hanging floral installations, moody palettes, velvet linens and “tablescapes” layered with candles, fruit and texture.
Sorbet
Sorbet was the playful one: peach, coral, mint and lemon pastels, perfect for spring and summer garden weddings.
Where it went: sorbet tones grew up into today’s garden palettes — coral peonies, apricot roses and sage greenery. See “Garden Coral” in our palette studio.
Choosing a palette that won’t date
- Anchor trend colours with neutrals — ivory, champagne, greenery.
- Put the trend in replaceable elements (florals, linens) rather than permanent ones (the dress, the invitations’ main colour).
- Choose for your venue’s light: warm tones in candlelit ballrooms, fresher tones in daylight gardens.
Browse the inspiration gallery for current takes on each, or read Give me everything that sparkles for the glamour edit.
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