It’s 2019! We know you are very much aware but it just felt so good to say that.
The wedding industry in Africa has been growing in leaps and bounds. This excites us a lot. From talented vendors helping to create magic on the couple’s big day to amazing couple’s getting married. We definitely foresee a huge year in 2019.
Our team decided to create a 2019 trend list that we predict will rock the wedding industry big time. We hope this list inspires you to create your own magic on your big day. Let’s dive in, shall we? Feel free to add yours to the comment section.
Clean line dresses
When it comes to bridal dresses, we would see a shift. This will include clean and clear lines. There will be less embellishments and lace and more satin. The overall look will be minimalistic and elegant. Some might say Meghan Markle inspired this trend and others might say it’s just the year of classic looks.
Photography: @vividbluestudio
Hair: @papachichistylebridal |Makeup: @joyadenuga 
Photography:@jideakinyemiphotography
Dress: @kyamirwa
Unique alternatives to bridesmaid bouquets
When it comes to bridesmaids accessories, the mini bouquet was initially a trend. In 2019, we will see a new addition to the mix which will present a unique alternative to the bridesmaid’s bouquet. These are flower hoops, lanterns, candles, parasols, pomanders and purse with flowers.
Photography: @ahamibeleme | Ring Flower @signatureblossoms – Click HERE to see the wedding feature
Planner: @whitechalktheplanner
Unusual Gele styles
We are going to see a change in traditional gele styles. This will be in form of Avant-Garde looks and will be a style away from the regular.
Makeup: @bimpeonakoya
Photography: @georgeokoroweddings – Click HERE to see the wedding feature
Makeup: @banksbmpro| Gele: @taiwos_touch
Ankara for AsoEbiBella
Ankara will be used a lot by Asoebibellas (wedding guests). The has not always been the case. One can argue that the reason for the trend is because if the versatile nature of the fabric to create different styles or that it’s just more affordable or that the versatile of the colours makes it easy for slaying Asoebibellas to create stunning designs out of.
Photography: @photonimi
Photography: @bedgepictures– Click HERE to see the wedding feature
The Classic Groom
In 2019, grooms will opt for the classic and sophisticated look which will be seen in form of the fitted three-piece suits with a mix of the lapel swag (shawl/peak). To add that extra vibe, a pin can be placed on it too.
Suit: @kimonokollection
Photography: @photofoxs | Suit: @kinghakbal
Unique bridal robes for brides
Bridal robes will be evolving in 2019. We would see a lot of brides experimenting with this trend by rocking different styles and colours that suit their personality. From ruffles polka dots to mesh-like robes- this will be a beauty to behold.
Robe: @aprilbykunbi| Photography: @jopstudios – Click HERE to see the wedding feature
Robe: @styletemple | Photo: @jgatesvisuals | Makeup: @ronald7th
The rise of bridal stylist
In 2019, we will see a rise of a new profession in the wedding industry- the bridal stylist. This is someone who coordinates the entire looks of the couple. The person will be in charge of mixing and matching the colours, picking out the outfits and ensuring that the bride/groom looks good from head to toe. This will be big this year because brides are looking at having a more personalised look on their big day- what better way to nail this than to have a personal bridal stylist whose only goal is to make you look amazing.
Bride @boosohlar styled by Bridal Stylist @thewardrobemanager
Bride @pinkykelz styled by Bridal Stylist @lavish_bridal– Click HERE to see the wedding feature
Living Coral – Pantone colour for the year
Pantone has named the colour of 2019 “Living Coral”. We see this colour ruling the wedding space this year from the decor to dresses, to makeup looks, to bridesmaids dresses, to cakes- you name it. Everything! This is because coral is such a vibrant and calm wedding colour. So soft and yet so bright. Loving this colour already. We share some moments when this colour has been used below.
Bridesmaids Squad
Photography: @iconicphotography_
Asoebibella Slay
Belle: @powedeawujo
Bouquet love
Planner: @dureevents | Photography: @stanlophotography
Coral Beads Repping
Photography: @quintess_photography– Click HERE to see the wedding feature
The coral traditional wedding look
Sprinkling that coral vibe on your decor
Decor: @timessquareevents | @azmerarestuarant | Photography: @jemaweddings
When your room decor and girls got the coral memo
Photography: @lovematic_
All about the Wedding Guest Experience!
Guests at weddings will no longer be spectators but take part in the wedding as wedding planners and couples pay close attention to guests experience. As a result of this, we will see interesting activations at weddings like 360 video booths, interactive photo booths, “create your food table corner”, ice-cream trucks and so much more to keep the guests entertained and happy as they celebrate with the couple on their big day. This will also be seen in the choice of decor arrangement. For example, this super gorgeous upside down woven floral basket chandeliers wowed the guests as they walked into this traditional wedding venue.
Planner: @cokercreative
Event planned by @bisolatrendybee at the palm wine bar playing games
Wedding cakes will have a minimalist and distinct look
Wedding cakes in 2019 will take a minimalist yet bold turn. We will see cakes that look simple with fresh flower trimmings and even metallic infusion.
Cake: @cremedelacakess
Cake: @livvystwist
Groomslady and Bridesman
We will see more ladies stepping up to be part of the groom’s squad and yes Bridesmen are a thing. Looking forward to seeing more of this in 2019.
Groomslady: @dat_multitalented_doc | Outfit: @tiannahsplacempire | Photography: @laphyphotography
Bridesman: @debolalagos | Photography: @jidekola– Click HERE to see the wedding feature
Super cool creative wedding invitation cards
Wedding invitation cards will be designed with creativity in mind. This will be in form of uber chic paper cards with signature monograms and electronic access cards.
Invites: @radedph 
Invites: @parchmentbydami
Chic Registry/Civil Wedding
For many decades, the registry ceremony also known as the court wedding or civil ceremony was a perfunctory activity. This has now changed as couples are putting in more time, thought and effort than ever before into the overall ceremony.
Bride: @theluluevong | Groom: @eddiemakadi | Photography: @thecannonphotography
Bride: @ruthymag | Groom: @_ayo_afolabi ❤️
Wedding illustration
Wedding illustrations will be big in 2019. Lots of couples will use this medium to announce their weddings in form of saving the dates and souvenir images.
Illustration: @leankid
Illustration: 
The ME Bridal Makeup and Hair Look
When it comes to bridal look, makeup and hair inclusive, it’s the year of ME. Brides are doing whatever suits their personality and throwing out the rule book.
Debbie rocked the glitter under the eyes look on her wedding day. This bridal beauty glam has an edgy, different and perfect for the bride who wants to sparkle.
Makeup: This bride rocked her short hair for her wedding and chose a cut that was just perfect for her face.
Hair: @pr3ttywoman| Photography: @ajayi_phillip
This bold bride’s look was fully representative of her style – bold red lips paired with an up-do with dropping tendrils framing her face.
Doyin opted for the flawless and subtle look which she paired with an updo for her big day which blended with her personality.
Feyi rocked fresh flowers on her hair as an accessory which further enhanced her beautiful melanin glow. Click HERE to see the wedding feature
Culture Swap
This is when a couple takes elements from a different culture to integrate into their own. While this trend signifies unity and cultural exchange, it is also controversial as we have received messages from people of various tribes saying others are appropriating their culture.
This picture shows a model dressed as an Igbo bride rocking an unconventional look which when analysed has an Edo bride look
Makeup: @isabelmakeover|Hair: @yamarastylinchic|Photography: @nonniz_photography More on this feature HERE
Adventurous and Exotic Honeymoons
In 2019, couples will go to places previously unexplored locations like Bermuda, Phuket, Singapore, Calatagan and Bali and do adventurous activities like Mountain climbing, zip lining and so much more.
Photo: @danicaspi
Photo: @highonmars – Click HERE to see more about this location.
Photo: @jeremyaustiin Click HERE to see more amazing honeymoon locations.
Makida and her husband in Thailand Ziplining
Weddings at Home
After years of the huge traditional wedding trend, some couples will opt for a smaller traditional or white wedding will be at their homes. For example, Miley Cyrus recently had a home wedding which had a few close friends and family in attendance. Below, Stephanie traditionally married her love Soji in her parent’s home.
Photography: @georgeokoroweddings– Click HERE to see the wedding feature
Unexpected destination weddings
This is looking like the year of adventure. Yes! We would see more unexpected destination weddings with couples travelling to fascinating locations like this bride Demi, who got married at Kajuru Castle in Kaduna and the beautiful Shalewa tied the knot with her love Nonso in Barcelona.
Bride @demisamande got married at Kajuru Castle in Kaduna
The beautiful Shalewa tied the knot with her love Nonso in Barcelona.
Photography: @lumimorgan
2019 is looking amazing!
5 Comments
Mercy
January 7, 2021 at 1:45 PMBeautiful pictures
Bisi
January 21, 2019 at 8:33 PMBN Weddings thanls for alot for these … very insightful. As a wedding planner, i could identify 100%with everything listed. Thanks again for sharing… Xoxo, BusyBee
Mercy Akamo
January 21, 2019 at 9:23 PMHi Busy Bee! So glad you love it. Also, happy you can identify with everything listed! xoxo
Lara Rose Invitations
January 21, 2019 at 12:12 PMBellanaija, you are spot on with these beautiful trends. Especially with the invitations. At Lara Rose, we look forward to creating super unique and stunning invitations this 2019!
Mercy Akamo
January 21, 2019 at 4:02 PMAww! Thank you Lara Rose!