• Planning Tools
    • 12-Month Planning Checklist
    • How To Get A Marriage License
    • Wedding Budget & Tipping Guide
    • Questions to Ask Your Vendors
  • Venues
    • Art Galleries & Museums
    • Ballrooms
    • Barns & Farms
    • Ceremony
    • Church/Chapels
    • City/Downtown
    • Country Clubs & Golf Courses
    • Destination Weddings
    • Historic Locations
    • Hotels & Resorts
    • Industrial/Loft
    • Outdoor
    • Rehearsal Dinner
    • Restaurants
    • Waterfront
    • Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries
  • Vendors
    • Bands, Orchestras, DJs & Entertainers
    • Beauty, Hair & Makeup
    • Bridal Fashion & Alterations
    • Cakes, Sweets & Desserts
    • Catering, Beverages, Ice Sculptures & Staffing
    • Event Rentals
    • Floral, Décor & Event Design
    • Honeymoon
    • Invitations & Stationery
    • Jewelry
    • Men's Fashion
    • Officiants, Clergy & Other Services
    • Photography & Videography
    • Planning & Coordination
    • Specialty Services, Favors & Gifts
    • Transportation
  • Inspiring Ideas
    • Wedding Ideas
    • Spotlight on Style
    • Real Weddings
    • Styled Shoots
    • Designers' Challenge
  • Articles & Advice
    • Beauty & Fitness
    • Budget
    • Cakes & Desserts
    • Catering & Cocktails
    • Expert Advice
    • Fashion & Jewelry
    • Honeymoon & Destination Weddings
    • New to the Scene
    • Planning
    • Trending Topics
    • Venues
    • Wedding Colors & Style
  • Magazines
  • Events
Menu
  • Planning Tools
    • 12-Month Planning Checklist
    • How To Get A Marriage License
    • Wedding Budget & Tipping Guide
    • Questions to Ask Your Vendors
  • Venues
    • Art Galleries & Museums
    • Ballrooms
    • Barns & Farms
    • Ceremony
    • City/Downtown
    • Church/Chapels
    • Country Clubs & Golf Courses
    • Destination Weddings
    • Historic Locations
    • Hotels & Resorts
    • Industrial/Loft
    • Outdoor
    • Rehearsal Dinner
    • Restaurants
    • Waterfront
    • Wineries, Breweries & Distilleries
  • Vendors
    • Bands, Orchestras, DJs & Entertainers
    • Beauty, Hair & Makeup
    • Bridal Fashion & Alterations
    • Cakes, Sweets & Desserts
    • Catering, Beverages, Ice Sculptures & Staffing
    • Event Rentals
    • Floral, Décor & Event Design
    • Honeymoon
    • Invitations & Stationery
    • Jewelry
    • Men's Fashion
    • Officiants, Clergy & Other Services
    • Photography & Videography
    • Planning & Coordination
    • Specialty Services, Favors & Gifts
    • Transportation
  • Inspiring Ideas
    • Wedding Ideas
    • Spotlight on Style
    • Real Weddings
    • Styled Shoots
    • Designers Challenge
  • Articles & Advice
    • Beauty & Fitness
    • Budget
    • Contest & Giveaway Winners
    • Engagement
    • Expert Advice
    • Fashion & Jewelry
    • Honeymoon & Destination Weddings
    • New to the Scene
    • Planning
    • Trending Topics
    • Wedding Colors & Style
    • All Articles
  • Magazines
  • Events

Wedding Style & Decor Trends: Fall 2020

Alternative Altars

Weddings are no longer a one-size-fits-all event. Guests frequently look forward to the big day as a nod to the creativity and charisma of the couple, which is why many couples are opting for unique altars that showcase their personality. Beyond your traditional wedding arch is a host of options that pack a wow factor. Imagine a neon installation, an over-the-top floral sculpture or showstopping ceremony scenery that can transition into your head table backdrop.

Design & Curated Decor Rustique Swan Event Design & Curated Decor
Photography By Kerri Carlquist Photography


Good Things Come in Small Packages

Are you a couple that has teased each other about eloping, but could never fully commit to the idea of not celebrating with friends and family altogether? Maybe social distancing guidelines have changed your plans or you’re not a fan of the big traditional wedding. Then consider celebrating your big day with the increasingly popular micro-wedding. This style of wedding typically includes up to 50 guests — frequently immediate family and close friends only. Many couples make the mistake of thinking smaller means trivial or unremarkable, but with a smaller guest count comes the freedom to focus on thoughtful décor details and other extras that have more space to impress. Your micro-wedding can be just as elegant and intricate, and full of love and tradition as you’ve always dreamed.

Photography by Photography by Lauryn


Setting the Happy Hour Wheels in Motion

Turn the traditional open bar scene on its head. Welcome friends and family to cocktail hour with a different way to get a signature drink — by bellying up to a specialty liquor cart or truck. You can simultaneously serve a goblet of bubbles, brew or booze, while adding a unique twist to your event. To add a touch of whimsy or personal flair, garnish the cart or truck with thematic wedding décor, florals or vintage glassware. Do you love the idea, but it’s not the right fit for your wedding? Try it out at your wedding shower or post-wedding brunch.

Mobile Bar Bellissimo Bar Company | Photography by Juancho SC Photography


A Little Something Sweet

Bigger is not always better. At a time when couples are scaling back on guest lists and reimagining how food is served, that six-tier cake you always dreamed of may be a bit over the top. Why not go for a smaller one- or two-tier cake, or even individual cakes for each guest? They can be just as elaborate and decadent as a large one. If you are planning a small celebration or micro- wedding, you don’t have to give up all of the traditional elements of your big day like the cake and the cake cutting, just cut the quantity.

 

Photograph Courtesy of Toni Patisserie & Café


All Things Gold Are “In” Again

Gold exudes elegance and warmth, so we’re in no way surprised couples are drawn to it once again. It’s emerging not only in ceremony décor, but also with wedding bands — just more proof that styles truly are cyclical. In terms of color palettes, many are opting to use a brassy gold as an accent color. It offers a little gleam to other hues, pairs well with most any color and looks gorgeous against any style. If you’re not sure where to start, think about using it for any calligraphy you’ll need — from invitations to seating cards. Less is more! Vintage and antique shops are great places to source an ultra-unique item like flatware and candlesticks.

Photography by Emma Belen Photography

About This Post

Vendors

  • Toni Patisserie & Cafe
  • Rustique Swan Event Design & Curated Decor
  • Photography by Lauryn

What do you think?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Related Posts

Trending Topics,
Chicago Style Weddings x Wedicity 2025 Issue Release Party on the Spirit of Chicago
Trending Topics,
Meet the Pet Wedding Attendant – With Wags of Love
Beauty & Fitness, Trending Topics
How to Make the Most of your Beauty Preview – With Feeling Pretty
About This Post

Vendors

  • Toni Patisserie & Cafe
  • Rustique Swan Event Design & Curated Decor
  • Photography by Lauryn

Assigned Topics

  • Trending Topics
  • Wedding Colors & Style

More Great Topics

Beauty & Fitness
Budget
Cakes & Desserts
Catering & Cocktails
Ceremony & Reception
Contest Winners
Designers’ Challenge
Engagement
Expert Advice
FAQ
Fashion & Jewelry
Fashion Features
Favors & Gifts
Flowers & Decor
For the Groom
Honeymoon & Destination Weddings
How Much Does It Cost?
Invitations & Stationery
Linens & Rentals
Music & Entertainment
New to the Scene
Photo & Video
Planning
Registry & Favors
Spotlight on Style
Styled Photoshoot
Transportation
Vendor Viewpoint
Venues
Virtual Venue Tours

Chicago Style Weddings

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Submissions
  • Magazines
  • Advertising
  • Advertiser Resources
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Sister Publications

Planning Your Wedding

  • Venues
  • Vendors
  • Planning Tools
  • Ideas & Inspiration
  • Real Weddings
  • Articles & Advice
© 2026 Chicago Style Weddings/Nei-Turner Media Group.
Crafted by: Bold City Agency
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT