With half of 2014 under our sashes, that leaves less than five months to go, and we can’t wait to see what fantastic trend will crop up next!  Planning a wedding has never been so exciting- or wildly creative.  The couple who weds in 2014 is all about the intimacy of their affair: how personal, how original and how specific it is to them as a couple.  It’s not so much about standing out- it’s about branding an event in such a way that every detail is applicable to the identity of the newlywed couple.  More than ever, couples are focusing on adding meaning and creating tender moments within the overall context of the day.  In 2014, couples are less concerned about their personal preferences and are becoming increasingly devoted to showing their guests a grand time.

2014 has brought an increase in the relevance and integration of social media into every aspect of the wedding, from planning, designing and developing the event to documenting every moment of the big day to connecting friends and family in unprecedented ways.  Upside-down cakes are making their way onto the scene, Gatsby-themed everything is still all the rage and the ombre fad shows no hint of fading into the background.  Everything from hair to dresses to cakes- ombre is still doing its thing in 2014.

With these findings in mind, let’s delve into what wedding trends are expected to really blossom the latter rest of this year.  We can’t wait to see what new heights 2014’s courting couples will take these trends to as summer heats up.

1. 1.  Multiplicity.

Traditional solo rings are a thing of the past. The Modern Bride has been known to sport multiple engagement rings, spectacularly stacked on that all-important ring finger.  Celebs such as Emily Maynard and Diane Kruger rock multiple stacked engagement rings.  We love the potential for exponential bling!

1. All Night Long.

An after-party (which occurs post-Reception!) is an excellent way to plan an evening of fun where you and your new spouse get to party with your besties- say, the bridal party.  Wedding receptions are steeped in tradition and are typically for the whole family, so working in a little after-hours shindig is becoming 2014’s most popular way of letting loose and celebrating into the wee hours of the morning with those friends closest to the happy couple.  Host your after-party at a VIP lounge, hotel suite or at another designated area post-Reception.

This all-white lounge designed by Tara Guerard, of Soiree by Tara Guerard. Tara layered white to create an intimate space for the guest

1. Metallic Mania.

Over-the-top glamour and glitz hasn’t left the scene.  With the decadence and extravagance of bygone eras influencing the entertainment industry, it’s no surprise that couples are opting for metallic-infused events, from linens and decor to invitations and gowns.

Christine Traulich and Dori McDonald of RedBliss Design delves into the metallic invitation craze: There is so much Inspiration for  sophisticated invitations to make a statement (think, Gatsby) to Old Hollywood to super sleek and modern, but one thing remains consistent–metallics never go out of style.”

1. 4.  All Part of the Plan.

Planned elopements are all the rage in 2014. This type of elopement may also be classified as a very small destination wedding. We love the intimacy of these events.  Often, you can find clandestine hideaways that would never work for an over-the-top extravaganza, but are beautifully suited to a select group of your nearest and dearest.  For the romantic at heart, this elopement option works beautifully at boutique resorts, or couples can steal away to an exotic country they’ve dreamed of visiting.  Even a luxurious cruise could do the trick.

Perhaps the wedding party consists of just the two of you, or it may include up to 200 guests. Many resorts specifically excel at planning these elopements anywhere from weeks to four hours in advance.

1. Mismatched.

It’s 2014.  Your bridal party should not look matchy-matchy this day and age.  Let the bridal party wear different styles, colors, patterns- even textures.  Many bridal designers offer collections that allow for multiple variations on the same general style, which makes choosing flattering (and non-dated) bridal looks a cinch.  To pull this trend off flawlessly and maintain the cohesion of your vision, create a limited array for your ladies to choose from.

Groomsmen need not match, either.  Vary vests, suspenders, ties, boutonnieres, even.  Originality is about personality- you chose your bridal party because of the various qualities each individual brings out in you. Let each person shine in their own individuality (within your curated boundaries, of course!), and everyone will look and feel like the best version of themselves.

1. 6.  Pound It.

Not even weddings are exempt from the social media explosion.  From wedding apps, registries and design tools to custom hashtags and instagram photos, your wedding will become social media fodder.

Opting out of the social media craze is becoming a fast-trend for weddings this year. Couples are asking guests to check their phones at the door or to refrain from posting photos.  If you plan to ask guests to forego social media interaction at your event, inform guests politely, but succinctly, ahead of time.  This notification may be as simple as adding a note to your wedding website or even within the ceremony program itself.

1. 7.  Florals, Florals Everywhere!

Florals have taken over center stage in 2014. Although a traditional design element, florals are receiving a serious upgrade this year.  Asymmetrical arrangements, cascading bridal bouquets and floral installations hanging over tables and dance floors are growing in demand.  Ceremony arches covered with fresh flowers create the perfect focal point for the main event , desert tables and escort cards and seating arrangements displayed on walls of fresh florals create an aura  of sumptuous living