If summer 2018 was all about boho chic ceremonies and fantasy nuptials, then this winter the wedding scene is heading in a more regal direction.
After surveying more than 3,500 couples across Australia, wedding website Easy Weddings have found that brides are increasingly opting for long-sleeved dresses and bespoke floral arrangements, while grooms are often choosing burgundy suits instead of black or navy.
Of course, the influence of the Royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has proven strong among Australian couples, with many taking a leaf out of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s book.
Here, FEMAIL rounds up the wedding trends to expect at a ceremony near you over the coming months, from themes to dates, colours and more.
Australia’s biggest bridal site Easy Weddings has revealed their winter wedding trends for this year

Among other things, the Royal wedding (pictured) influence is strong – with countless brides opting for long-sleeved dresses like the Duchess of Sussex

Greenery is also a big trend this year, with many couples opting for personalised floral arrangements

The most popular dates for weddings are Saturday 2 June, 7 and 18 July and 18 August, with Saturday remaining the most-desired day of the week
THE BUDGET
When it comes to a wedding, often the first question on many people’s lips is how much did it cost?
Well, according to the number crunchers the average amount spent on a winter wedding is a cool $25,004.
The good news is that this is less than the same wedding ceremony in summer.
In this respect, Easy Weddings reported that while couples are spending an average of $112 per person for a winter wedding, the yearly average is $150 per person – a difference that will save you thousands, should you want to tie the knot in the cold.
The most popular dates for weddings are Saturday 2 June, 7 and 18 July and 18 August.
Saturday remains the most-desired day of the week, with 64 per cent of couples opting for that day.

Burgundy is seeing a re-surgence with brides and grooms this year, with many opting for it for their bridesmaids or flowers (pictured)


Easy Weddings looked at the most popular colour schemes for wedding themes, and surprisingly, it wasn’t white

According to the number crunchers the average amount spent on a winter wedding is a cool $25,004, but this is cheaper than a summer wedding
THE COLOUR SCHEME
While you might expect the majority of brides to choose white for their winter wedding, in fact Easy Weddings noted that this is not the most popular colour.
Rather, rich, dark and bold colours were the top picks for winter couples, with most opting for blue, followed by red, pink, then white and purple.
Burgundy will also be a hit this season, especially for grooms, where the bridal site noted that nine per cent of grooms will wear burgundy.

Rich, dark and bold colours were the top picks for winter couples

Not only are brides increasingly opting for long-sleeved styles, but they are also choosing A-line, fit and flare or ballgown-style dresses

The average cost for a wedding dress is $2,552 this winter
THE WEDDING DRESS STYLES
Thanks to the influence of the Royal wedding, more brides than ever are choosing long-sleeved dresses.
Aside from this, the other most popular styles are A-line, fit and flare, a ballgown style and lacy.
The average cost for a wedding dress is $2,552, and surprisingly, some quirky trends are making their way over to Australia in time for this winter.
Four per cent of brides are following the recent Chinese trend of having a ‘flying veil’, while another four per cent are choosing an edgy dress over something more traditional.

Some may breathe a sigh of relief that the days of heavy Instagram makeup are done, with many brides instead trying to replicate the Duchess of Sussex’s glowing, natural look

Personalised floral arrangements and personal elements to a wedding will also play a major part
THE ROYAL WEDDING INFLUENCE
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding hasn’t gone unnoticed in the Antipodean market, with many elements of their nuptials being implemented at home.
Greenery is enjoying a moment in the limelight, while Prince Harry’s tribute to Princess Diana’s favourite flower, forget-me-nots, means we’ll see more personalisation when it comes to floral arrangements.
Some may breathe a sigh of relief that the days of heavy Instagram makeup are done, with many brides instead trying to replicate the Duchess of Sussex’s glowing, natural look.
Many brides will also seek to make speeches à la Meghan Markle, and this will mark a shift with many couples leaving traditions behind.
To read more from Easy Weddings, you can visit the website here.