The fresh-for-2018 wedding trends taking over our feeds

How did people plan weddings without social media? Pinterest and Instagram have become the best places to source ideas and find inspiration, with thousands of beautiful images just waiting to be turned to reality for your dream wedding. All eyes will be on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's May 19th nuptials to see if the couple, who has already broken with several royal wedding traditions, kick-start any major trends. (Lemon elderflower cake with fresh flowers, anyone?) But before that, for everyone in the throes of pinning and planning, we've rounded up five trends that still feel fresh for 2018.

Artistic wedding cakes

The wedding cake stepped out of the spotlight for a while, as cupcakes and macarons became the sweets to beat. (Artisanal donuts are very 2018, btw, if you're not a cake-lover.) Hand-swirled watercolour and marbleized icing, hand-painted flowers, abstract shapes and "brushstroke" cakes made popular by Russian bakery Kalabasa are gaining popularity over the traditional tiered style. Seriously though, have you ever seen anything like this too-pretty-to-eat beauty?

Capes and kimonos

Let's thank Serena Williams for the continued popularity of the cape. The tennis star stunned at her 2017 wedding to Alexis Ohanian in two capes – a sheer one adorned with delicate beadwork by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen and a Versace floor-length confection covered in lace, feathers and crystals. If a cape feels a bit too on-trend, the new twist for 2018 is the kimono-inspired cover-up, with its boho vibes and convenience of sleeves. If you're not into searching for a vintage version, retailers are stepping up with bridal styles sure to please.

BHLDN Solara Kimono, $250 USD, bhldn.com

Hanging plants and greenery

To understand the roots of the lush plant trend (pun intended), check out The Jungalow on Instagram, home of designer Justina Blakeney's signature style and shop. Think leafy greens, succulents, handmade planters, sun-drenched palettes and boho vibes. The style is being distilled for wedding décor into hanging planters, oversize arrangements hung from the ceiling and potted plants and succulents as centrepieces. Living walls and backdrops are another way to bring a bit of #jungalowstyle to your guests.

3D geometric shapes

From a flurry of triangular prisms dangling overhead (seen here), to terrariums on tables, to photo-worthy seating charts and place cards featuring diamonds, cubes and more, geometry never felt so glam. And perhaps it's no surprise —  geometric shapes offer hard angles and a minimalist edge as a counterpoint to the softness of traditional wedding décor, and pair well with everything from industrial-style venues to garden parties.

Neon signs

No longer considered tacky, the neon sign has found a new place in so-kitschy-its-cool décor. Wedding planners are picking up on the trend for good reason: they're adorable, memorable and totally 'grammable. Whether you find a saying or symbol that speaks to you and your partner, rent a sign for the night or create a custom version you can cherish forever, we hope neon signs will be lighting up weddings for years to come.