If you know me, or have been following me for a little bit now, then you know how much I LOVE my weddings in Springfield Illinois. If you’re new here then welcome, and by the way I love my weddings in Springfield haha! Being a wedding photographer in Springfield I’ve seen a lot of new trends come along and there are some that I am just obsessed with. That’s what drove me to put this blog together, to get those ideas out there and spread some wedding day inspiration. So without further ado, here are 6 of my current favorite wedding trends!

6 of My Favorite Wedding Trends as a Springfield Wedding Photographer

1. Floral Veils 

The wedding veil has been around for a LONG time. Originating back in ancient Rome, veils have come a long way from their original inception. Created as a way for a bride to hide her identity from evil spirits, the veil has now evolved into a staple of a bride’s wedding attire. The evolution from its original uses has led to some truly beautiful and creative wedding veils being used in modern days. My favorite that I’ve seen as a Springfield wedding photographer are veils with florals mixed into the fabric. This can either be done with real flowers or flower patterns mixed into the fabric of the veil. Either way looks stunning though and I am so here for it!

2. Outfit Changes

As a Springfield wedding photographer I have seen a TON of weddings, so believe me when I tell you that wedding days are long. That’s why I love this trend that I’m seeing more and more of where couples go through an outfit change during their wedding day! Usually this takes place between the ceremony and reception once you’re able to really relax and let loose while celebrating with your closest friends and family. Examples of this include swapping dresses, or changing into white or black sweatpants and sweatshirts. 

Don’t forget to take care of your feet too! Put on some comfy shoes specifically bought for your wedding. Custom Vans and Converse are some great options. You could also go with some Birkenstocks or Tevas, really whatever you are feeling!

3. Including Your Pets

Your little fur babies are an enormous part of your family, but unlike the rest of your family they really don’t get to experience your wedding day with you. That’s why as a Springfield wedding photographer I think that including your pet(s) into different aspects of your wedding day is such a cool trend! Whether you get a small statue of your pup on your cake, incorporate your cats in your cufflinks, or have a signature drink named after your pets, there’s so many fun ways to include them in your day. You can even get really fun with it and print out pictures of their faces, glue them to some popsicle sticks, and pass them out on the dance floor during your reception for your guests to masquerade as your little furry friend!

4. Using Disposable Cameras

I love this wedding trend so much, I actually wrote an entire blog about how to incorporate disposable cameras into your wedding day! It’s such a fun trend that I’m seeing more and more as a Springfield wedding photographer and I couldn’t be happier. There’s something so fun and personal about your guests running around during your reception and capturing the night on these disposable cameras. After developing the photos you get to look through them together and relive your wedding night through the eyes of your favorite people which is always a good time!

5. Polaroids for Your Guest Book

Sticking with the photo theme my next trend that I’m in love with is having a polaroid camera set up with your guest book. Have your guests snap a photo of themselves and tape it into your guest book before writing their message to you. Guest books have been around for a long time and are a staple of weddings at this point. Having your guests add a photo of themselves with their message adds another element of personality to the message though and makes it even more fun to look back through!

6. Shopping Small 

Last up on the list is potentially my favorite wedding trend as a Springfield wedding photographer, and that is couples shopping small for their wedding day! Anyone that has planned or is in the process of planning a wedding can tell you there is a LOT that goes into the wedding day. Between the décor, clothing, details, flowers, and so on, there’s a lot to plan for and a lot to purchase. That’s what makes shopping small SO cool! Couples can get a more personal touch to their wedding day from these smaller businesses while also supporting them in the process. 

This is so important nowadays with how easy purchasing through larger companies has become, making smaller businesses really struggle to make it by in some cases. If you’re looking for some awesome businesses in downtown Springfield, or in the surrounding area, to help with your wedding day here are some that I am in love with:

Vendors

• Venues: Erin’s Pavilion, Venue 1929, Three Pines Petersburg, and Lake Springfield Beach House
• Gown: Gowns Boutique, Adore Bridal (Morton, IL) Girls in White Satin (Jacksonville, IL), and Unveil Your Beauty
• Florist: Peach Moon Floral, Petals & Co (Rochester, IL)
• Hair and Makeup: Meraki Salon and Spa, AMS Hair Studio, BJ Grand Salon, and Willow & Birch Salon
• Jewelry: Luttrell Jewelers
•  Décor: Having a Ball Productions
• Catering: Mission BBQ
• Cake: Incredibly Delicious designed by @honeypotlovesbiscuit
• Bar: Just The Basics Mobile Bar
• DJ: Epic Entertainment
• Videography: Lydia Stuemke
• Dinner Spots After a Courthouse Wedding or Elopement: Mariah’s Steakhouse and Pasta, Luminary Kitchen and Provisions
• Photographer: Yours Truly!

As you can see there are some really fun wedding trends out there right now and I cannot get enough of them. If you’re planning a wedding and are looking to incorporate some of these trends I say go for it!! They make your wedding day even more fun and personal than it already is set to be. And if you need a photographer for your wedding in Springfield be sure to send me an inquiry through my contact page so we can plan your day together!