Viva la velvet! The lush fabric isn't just for '90s slip dresses anymore. Brides left and right are draping their big days in swaths of velvet and it's not hard to see why this texturized trend is totally taking over 2018 nuptials. With a sumptuous feel and gorgeous jewel-tone hues, velvet is crushing it at the wedding game.
Whether it's for bridesmaid dresses or decor details, this cloth is cropping up everywhere. Yes, velvet can be used in variety ways at weddings—and did we mention that we're obsessed with them all? Some brides opt for just a delicate dose of vintage luxury by wrapping their bouquet in ribbons of the fabric. Other brides will add a can't-miss-it richness to their reception tablescape with a velvet table runner. And, despite what many brides believe, velvet isn't just for winter. Since this swanky fabric looks ahh-maze-ing in every color of the rainbow (not just in the deep, elegant emeralds and beautiful burgundies you expect), it can be featured in summer weddings as well in a bright, sunny hue.
So how exactly will you incorporate the velvet wedding trend into your own special day? Well, that's where we come in! Below, you'll find the prettiest ways to use velvet in your wedding, from the escort cards to your very own bridal look.
For Your Bridal Ensemble
Velvet makes for a wedding-worthy addition to your bridal style. Whether it's wrapped around your bouquet or your shoulders in a chic pashmina cover-up, a swanky swath of the fabric is the perfect finishing touch. We particularly love velvet shoes for a subtle way to incorporate the material into your ensemble. Will you go for a classic pump or modern bridal booties?
A velvet fringed pashmina is a flawless finish to a boho bridal look.
Hit the reception dance floor in a pair of vintage-inspired velvet pumps.
Kick up your heels in rockstar-ready velvet booties.
Complete your wedding look with a traditional garter—in super soft velvet, of course!
Velvet Bridal Garter, $29.49, Gryphons Acquisitions available on Etsy
For Your Groom
Your groom can also get in on the game with velvet details incorporated into his own wedding-day look. A bow tie, traditional neck tie, or even an entirely velvet blazer are all excellent options.
An emerald green velvet blazer is a bold, chic choice for grooms.
For a more subtle approach, pop on a velvet bowtie for a vintage vibe.
For the Bridesmaids
Velvet bridesmaid dresses will keep your girls warm—and looking cool—at your winter wedding.
For Your Ceremony
Wed beneath your favorite fabric by draping your ceremony structure with a run of rich velvet. To keep your guests comfy while you say your I dos, swap out the traditional chairs for velvet loungers. Or, for a more subtle use of the luxe material, jot your vows down in a velvet-encased booklet.
Switch up your ceremony seating with a mix of summery-hued velvet loungers and armchairs.
You'll keep this velvet-clad book long after your vows have been said.
Wedding Vow Book, $76, Claire Magnolia available on Etsy
For the Reception
From escort card displays to velvet table runners in every imaginable hue, there are countless ways to feature the fabric in your wedding reception. For low-key luxury, wrap the dinner menus in a velvet band or tie the cutlery in a velvet ribbon. For a bolder statement, drench your tables in a crushed velvet cloth, or snag a vintage velvet couch from a local rental company for a chic reception lounge.
This rainbow of a reception table setting features upholstered velvet chairs.
The combination of a rich, emerald table runner and gold candleholders is simply stunning.
For a too-cool-to-care look, a bunched-up table runner in a punchy pink hue is the way to go.
For a smoother approach, opt for a crisp blush velvet.
Why stop at a runner? Drench your entire table in crushed velvet with a luxe tablecloth.
Use a velvet tablecloth on just your cake table to make it the star of the show.
Velvet-banded menus are a delicious touch.
Just a touch of velvet wrapped around the cutlery is all this dark and dreamy table setting needs.
Your guests won't be able to resist touching this velvet-covered guest book—meaning, they have no excuse not to sign!
Small Velvet Guest Book, $52, Claire Magnolia available on Etsy
A pale yellow couch lends a vintage vibe to this backyard wedding's gorgeous lounge area.
Your guests will be clamoring to pop a squat on this oh-so-Parisian pink velvet couch.
