6 Wedding Trends You Can Expect to See In 2017

As we make our resolutions and map out our wedding plans for the coming year, it pays to stay current on the delightful trends that lie ahead. After all, although many brides opt to embrace wedding traditions and plan classic, timeless celebrations, it's also fun to infuse a few modern or on-trend ideas, too. And who better to advise on trends to come than the vendors who dream up big days for a living? From creative signage and interactive stations to overhead installations, check out what these wedding planners predict will be in in 2017.

Find new ways to say, This way. "We've all seen those great black chalkboard signs with white lettering that brides DIY or have custom-made. These signs are here to stay; however, in 2017 we will see more brides think outside the box by creating signage made on varying colors and materials such as wood, slate, faux marble, and Plexiglas," says Cassie Celestin of White Dress Events. "These new choices will complement the modern and urban vibe that brides are striving to create."

Wedding planner Amy Cagginello says brides and grooms are looking beyond ornate floral displays and raw bars to wow their guests. "Couples are upping their game in terms of food and guest interaction," Cagginello says. "We're not talking a pick-your-pasta/pick-your-sauce station either," she adds. "We're talking about a fresh lobster station where everything is prepared in front of the guests, or a craft beer- or bourbon-tasting station where guests could experience new things as well as learn more about the product." A couple more examples: a bespoke drink station or a station preparing hot and fresh apple cider donuts on-the-spot!

Metallic color palettes and mixing metals in décor will be trending in 2017, Celestin says. "It used to be that you would choose one metal accent: gold or silver," she says. Now you can pick from more options to go along with your color scheme, such as rose gold, copper, pewter, or bronze. "You can mix and match with a stunning effect," she adds.

When guests attend a wedding, they will expect the same itinerary of events, Cagginello says. But you can go beyond the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and dancing to do something unexpected. "Think a brass band marching into cocktail hour and leading guests into the reception tent, or a mariachi band playing during dinner as a nod to the family's ethnic background," she says. You can kill the lights of the party and have entertainment come in—like fire dancers or a cirque du solei performance. Or you could even entertain with a small fireworks show. "The possibilities are endless and will certainly keep your guests talking well after the event!" she adds.

Pantone just announced "Greenery" as its color of the year. According to the company's website, the natural, neutral color "is a versatile 'trans-seasonal' shade that lends itself to many color combinations." So you can expect these green hues to make their mark significantly in weddings in 2017. "Loose organic centerpieces and bouquets are being created solely with mixed greens, garlands, small branches, and leaves to create a natural and simple feel," Celestin says.

"To create a completely unique look for a wedding, focus on the overhead space, which provides ambiance and a completely bespoke look, as opposed to over-the-top centerpieces," Cagginello says. "Installations could be of greenery, lighting, paper designs, and of course, florals." And don't worry about symmetry. "Clusters of chandeliers and irregularly hung garlands of greenery are a couple of examples that could truly transform any space, and make it unique," she adds.