Nest Full of New

Illusion necklines, airy fabrics and romantic details seem to go hand in hand with the breezy spring weather, making this dress trend especially fitting for the season. Not only do these dresses photograph like an ethereal dream, but there’s such a range between styles. Go for a bohemian design made of loose crystals, a sweet floral illusion neckline or a sexy (semi!) see-through lace corset.

Couples are going above and beyond to make sure the cake is the exclamation point of the reception. Keep in mind, a tall cake doesn’t have to mean a fancy, column-clad design. We’re seeing just as many towering naked cakes as we are fondant-covered tiers—it’s all about personalizing your day to your style. Same goes for the topper! The hottest topper this season is a calligraphy-style phrase that speaks to the couple’s personality.

Colored stones have always been popular, but Kate Middleton’s sapphire sparkler gave them an even bigger boost, and Iggy Azalea’s yellow canary sealed the deal. Daring brides are straying from the traditional diamond when it comes to center stones, opting instead for a symbolic or sentimental gem. Don’t want to give up your dream diamond? Swap in a small colored gemstone on the wedding band or engagement ring setting—it doesn’t have to steal the show, but you’ll know it’s there.

The foodie movement has officially made its way into wedding menus. Locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, location-specific specialties and interactive food stations are transforming sit-down dinners into playful family-style meals. Signature sips are still trending too, so if you’re feeling like going above and beyond, host a cocktail hour with a few different drink options and complementary appetizer stations before dinner.

Ranging from barely there silhouettes to bold statement designs, New York Bridal Fashion Week runways made floral prints the hottest pattern this season. Want to stick with white? Dress your bridesmaids in a happy posy print instead. You could even opt for a floral tie for the groom and pocket squares for the groomsmen to tie the whole bridal party look together.

Embrace this blooming season in full force. Green garlands of ivy, lemon leaves or seeded eucalyptus will add a fresh look to long feasting tables or aisles. Or opt for flowering branches, like cherry blossoms or forsythia—they’ll add height to your reception tables and make for easy conversation. Take advantage of spring flowers like sweet peas, lilacs, hyacinths, tulips and peonies (everyone’s favorite wedding flower). Plus, choosing in-season stems gives you the freshest flowers, and the most bang for your buck.

Your invitation is guests’ first impression of your wedding, so use that opportunity to show off your unique style. If a custom wedding suite is out of budget, don’t worry—adding one or two personal touches to your invitations is a reasonably approachable DIY project that can be done post-professional printing. Something simple like sealing your envelopes with a wax motif or using custom stamps is enough to make it feel personalized and polished.

Undone buns and messy waves will always have their place in the bridal beauty world, but this season, brides are revisiting a simpler look: sleek ponytails and ballerina buns. With your locks pulled back, your facial features can really shine (especially with some highlighting). What we love about this trend? Styled with the no-makeup makeup look, you can play with bold accessories and wear an even more fashion-forward dress to show off your impeccable style.

If you’re a lipstick enthusiast looking for a different look for your wedding day, you’re in luck. This two-toned trend does to your lips what contouring does to your cheekbones: defines and illuminates. The two colors shouldn’t be more than a few shades apart, with the color starting darker at the middle and subtly fading outward. Try a subtle berry-to-peach look, or go bold with red to fuschia.

The hottest favor idea? A practical thank-you gift paired with a little giggle—because who doesn’t love a good pun? Make it yours by picking a favor that speaks to your wedding theme. Planning on a chic teepee lounge? Give out teapee favors. Throwing a playful country wedding? Try jars of honey tagged with the phrase “meant to bee”.