Planning a wedding is a thrilling experience, but it’s easy to get caught up in the weeds when trying to find inspiration. Between wedding blogs, magazines, Instagram and Pinterest, it can sometimes feel like information overload. Using trends for inspiration will ensure that your wedding is #Instagrammable, but take the chance to get creative and add your own touch of personality.

We asked wedding experts around the world about the trends they foresaw in 2019, and here’s what they had to say.

Royal Wedding inspiration
Between Harry and Meghan’s simple celebration and Eugenie and Jack’s traditional fête, 2019 is sure to be filled with royal-inspired weddings. Alysia Bridger of Celebrations by Alysia says, “2019 will feature inspiration from the stunning Royal Wedding and romance of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with an abundance of lush green foliage, statement entrances and a mix of white florals.”

On the same note, an increasing number of couples are prioritising sustainability and eco-friendliness when planning their wedding. Princess Eugenie’s wedding is a perfect example, as she and her beau committed to a plastic-free celebration. Expect to see more couples following suit with the Princess of York.

Bold colour palettes
While neutrals will always be a popular choice for more traditional weddings, many couples are embracing bright and vibrant hues for their big day. “Colour is back!” remarks Christine Ligthart of the I Do Crew. “Colour is making its presence felt in a big way here in Australia and New Zealand.

Red, Pink and Orange are early favourites. Plus, because Australian and New Zealand brides are quick to embrace fashion and interior trends, we predict non-traditional wedding colours such as mustard and clay to pop into colour schemes towards the end of 2019.

She adds, “lavender will hang in strong alongside ‘new comers’ such as hot pink, sunny yellow, cherry red and neon blue. Whilst some couples may walk on the wild side and choose a kaleidoscope of colours for their wedding, there is also a strong desire for clean design here. So, my early prediction is for weddings featuring just one or two bold colours against a background of white.”

Thematic evolutions
2019 will see the evolution of certain thematic elements, as couples envision ‘new takes old’ trends. “Geometric elements are still making their way into design schemes and now they are mixed with celestial pieces that will make any bride and groom starry-eyed,” enthuses Amy Abbott of Amy Abbott Events. “Think stellar star-shaped ceremony designs, elegantly and subtly designed menus to show the solar system and even an astronomy guide on hand with a telescope to share the stories of the constellations in the sky.”

Likewise, “the trends are going from tropical to more botanical for the element of greenery in florals, ceremony elements and photo backdrops mixed with velvet plush runners, deep-hued flowers and elegant, metallic elements on the table will prove to be pure dreaminess.” Abbott notes.

Check out the newest issue of the International Wedding Trend Report for more insight into the top wedding designs and trends for 2019.

Ms Zebra Says: I’m so excited to see colour make its way back into the wedding scene! I can’t wait to see what emerges this wedding season.

Kylie Carlson is the CEO of the International Academy of Wedding and Event Planning. With seven locations globally, the academy boasts an internationally recognized accreditation program that brings professional training to wedding planners, designers and stylists.