Source: Jake McBride for Christian Oth via Style Me Pretty

Time for some afternoon inspiration! Last week I was thrilled to be asked by BrideTide (a brilliant hub for wedding news, as well as the keepers of the prestigious Top 100 Wedding Blogs list) to be one of 20 bloggers predicting the big wedding trends for 2013. What an honour to be in the company of some of my absolute favourite bloggers, and people I respect immensely. The list is still being updated, but you can find it here.

Trends are always hard to predict, since sometimes it feels like by the time you notice them, they’re almost over, but there was one that I feel absolutely sure will be a defining look for next year, and that’s prints (or ‘prints charming’, as the article so sweetly phrases it!). In some ways, this is a natural extension of some of the fabric trends we’ve already seen: damask, stripes, chevron, toile as well as the move towards painterly style and modern graphics, resulting in bolder or bespoke choices in linen, be they table runners or napkins. Of course, prints are also big news in fashion, and with mismatched bridesmaids being a much-loved look, it was only a matter of time until brides took the leap into dressing at least one of their girls in a print as well. Some brides have already managed to work a lovely layered print look, incorporating it into their stationery as well – this can work best for a shabby chic or country vibe – or adopting a single look which, again, is incorporated into their stationery or ‘branding’. I have to say, I’m a huge fan of the style in its many guises, particularly the way that a unique fabric on the tables or in the bridal party can really make your colours pop and bring everything together. And, while having all your maids in prints can look amazing, I think my favourite BM groupings are the ones that have a range of colours and textures, including at least one print and one sparkly dress. But that’s just me! I’ve put together a whole gallery of inspiration for you, so you can see that this look doesn’t have to be scary. Let’s start with whole groups of bridesmaids in matching prints…

Sources: Row 1 – Austin Gros via Wedding Chicks (left); Bryan Johnson Photography via Southern Weddings (right); Row 2 – Jeremy Lawson Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs (left); Vela Images via Style Me Pretty (right)

Or mix those prints up, for an equally lovely effect!

Sources: Row 1 – Green Apple Photography via Ruffled (left); Erin Hearts Court via Style Me Pretty (right); Row 2 – Heather Hester via Snippet and Ink (left); Lane Dittoe via Wedding Chicks (right); Row 3 – Cliff Brunk via Snippet and Ink; Row 4 – Nightingale Portraits via Once Wed (left); The McCartneys Photography via Wedding Chicks (top right); Studio Impressions Photography via Style Me Pretty (bottom right)

Bridesmaids can’t have all the fun! Look how awesome prints look on tables…

Sources: Row 1 – Robin Roemer Photography via Style Me Pretty (left); Nightingale Portraits via Once Wed (right); Row 2 – Anne Robert Photography via Elizabeth Anne Designs

With bold graphic prints…

Sources: Row 1 – Ben Blood (left); via Martha Stewart Weddings (right); Row 2 – Skinny La Minx via I Want That Wedding; Row 3 – Max Wanger via 100 Layer Cake; Row 4 – The McCartneys via Style Me Pretty (left); 13:13 Photography via Style Me Pretty (right)

Chevron and stripes…

Row 1 – Brooke Images via Southern Weddings (left); feather love photography via Homespun Parties (right); Row 2 – via Revel; Row 3 – Brett Heidbrecht via Southern Weddings (left); Stacey Kane Photography via The Knot (top right); (bottom right)

And beautiful florals, this is definitely my favourite trend for next year!

Sources: Row 1 – Lisa Dawn Photography via Rock ‘n Roll Bride (left); Sugar Love Weddings via Bridal Musings (right); Row 2 – Gucio Photography via 100 Layer Cake; Row 3 – Miranda Laine Photography via One Wed (top left); Bwright Photography via Green Wedding Shoes (bottom left); Samm Blake via Inspired by This (top right); Comfort Studio via Ruffled (bottom right)

So, what do you think? Is this a trend you’ll be incorporating into your wedding?