CLAIRE : In light of what has happened to both events and personal style in 2020, what are our thoughts on how those changes might inform bridal trends? Just as events have taken on more intentional directions I feel like there’s going to be a movement towards more authentic beauty. Clients want to look and feel special but our baseline changed in 2020, I think what “special” looks like will change with it.
GRETCHEN : Absolutely, Claire! Authentic beauty is going to be the focus of 2021. We are already seeing it in the industry as a whole - clients are much more focused on their skin and wanting to wear less makeup.
MEGAN : Simplicity has definitely made a comeback in 2020. “Less is more” is the new norm. I see so many ways where quality has stepped in over quantity : natural hair, healthy skin, mascara, a good lip. I think 2021 is going to be a refreshing year for the beauty industry.
CLAIRE : I love this, Megan! I hope it is. When I make the choice to be grateful for some of the things we were handed in 2020, simplicity is at the top of my list. We have all spent the year reevaluating and assessing what would make the cut in our lives, from beauty routines to makeup essentials to relationships and on and on. We’ve been cleaning out our proverbial closets and making some big changes. I’ve pared down my own beauty routine to an absolute minimum and find it so refreshing. As far as how this informs bridal trends - I think gorgeous skin is the new black. This begins long before the wedding day, of course, but people are putting in the time now. Simple beauty is what women are wanting, to feel “effortless” and that always begins and ends with great skin.
KELLI : Beautiful skin and full eyebrows, am I right Claire?!
CLAIRE : Kelli always has to tease me about my eyebrow obsession! But yes - beautiful brows that aren’t heavily drawn on. Layering products to create a soft, naturally full brow. This is key to that “no makeup makeup look” everyone wants.
KELLI : A gorgeous brow is so important. It frames the face and even plays a role in how the hairstyle looks.
CLAIRE : I think simply elevating natural beauty will be the aim for brides. Gorgeous skin, full brows and subtly enhancing the eyes - not in a glamorous way, in a way where she feels special but still herself - truly what makeup was intended for. Brides are aspiring to stand out without feeling over the top. A great way to achieve this is to pair a bolder, blurred lip with natural skin. Depending on the season it could be a bright pink, mulberry, deep rose... It’s understated but special, it’s chic without being extravagant. It has a minimalist feel but is still striking. This is the chord clients are looking to strike right now.
MEGAN : I absolutely love that look, it has such an effortless feel.
CLAIRE : It also photographs beautifully. What about hairstyles - how does this natural approach translate for brides? What can they do to be distinctive but not overwrought?
KELLI : I would love to see more brides take the opportunity to transition into different looks between the ceremony and the reception and even the afterparty. It allows her a moment to step away and refresh as well as an opportunity for her look to evolve. Who doesn’t love a fun pony for cocktails and dancing?
CLAIRE : I’m a big fan of a late night pony. It’s so casually chic. And it does refresh the entire look even if she doesn’t change her dress. Never underestimate what a fresh lip and a ponytail can do, right? I love when we stay on site to make those quick, fun changes.
KELLI : I like using leather pieces to secure large braids or ponytails, adding interest to a simple style. It’s a bit western chic, which is definitely trending right now.
ASHLEY : After all the photographs and ceremony it gives the sense of a new phase to the evening, one where they can toss their hair up and have fun. We’ve all been so disconnected, I think people are ultimately wanting to feel beautiful and connected with their friends and family. Brides are leaning towards more natural, lived in looks. It’s less of the Pinterest photo with every hair in place - they’re wanting to feel more like themselves.
CLAIRE : Yes! Natural and lived in. Absolutely. It’s authentic.
ASHLEY : Authentic! Yes. If 2020 has taught us anything it’s how to slow down and be more authentic.
CLAIRE : Agreed Ashley - that authenticity has been reflected in events this year. I hope it’s the new normal, it’s been so much more remarkable to experience. The brides planning weddings right now are having to really determine what is most important to them and it’s creating such a special feel to things.
KELLI : Something brides always need to consider is the season - climate plays such a role in how hair will hold. Consider wearing your hair down in more of a natural state for fall and winter weddings and transition to an up do or pony for the end of the night. If the event is during spring and summer, perhaps a loose up do to start while finishing the night with more tousled, lived in hair.
ASHLEY : And an easy way to elevate the simplicity of that lived in look is with a great hair accessory. They offer the freedom to go a bit simpler with the hair, which can allow a bride who doesn’t want an up do to feel like herself but still step it up a notch.
CLAIRE : Lelet NY continues to be my absolute favorite for hair accessories. I think so many brides want to wear their hair down but feel like they’re supposed to wear it up for their wedding. You can wear it down with a special piece in it and it’s just perfect.
ASHLEY : Claire, this is so true! So often brides feel like they’re supposed to look a certain way on their wedding day. I think the coming year will see a diversion from that attitude with brides just wanting to feel good and look like themselves. If you want a top knot, go for it! If long, loose waves are your thing, go for it! The whole notion of what is “supposed to be” has been shattered by 2020, and I’m so glad to see that happen.
CLAIRE : Agreed Ashley! Add “shattering unnecessary obligation” to my list of things I’m grateful for in 2020.
KELLI : I could see hair trending toward’s embracing natural hair texture - from tight curls or very fine straight hair and everything in between. It feels like the right time to let go of that overly fixed look and work more with what you naturally have. We keep coming back to authenticity!
CLAIRE : After this year that’s exactly where we should all continue to land. I see everything being more meaningful, more intentional. I love that we get to play such a part in helping our clients navigate the beauty aspect of that. Cheers to a new year, new beginnings and to finding authentic beauty in 2021.