You can just picture it now: your friend walking down the aisle last year wearing a dress with intricate lace sleeves, your cousin’s minimalist wedding with a bouquet full of greenery and the multi-day wedding of your high school BFF whose pictures you saw all over Facebook. These were just some of the biggest wedding trends of 2015, and as the year came to a close (and you started to get all those save-the-dates for 2016 weddings), we all started to wonder: What will weddings look like this year? Wedding expert Mindy Weiss, Wedding Paper Divas’ style partner, is here to save the day and give us her predictions for the biggest wedding trends of 2016. Whether you’re a guest, a bridesmaid or even the bride herself, you’ll find a lot to look forward to this year. From this year’s biggest celebrity bride inspiration to how your family pup might participate, here are the gonna-be-big wedding trends of 2016.
Daring Wedding Gowns
The biggest shift from 2015 to 2016 is in wedding gowns, according to Weiss. “Wedding dresses have gotten so much sexier,” she says. “Brides are more daring these days and really want to make a big fashion statement with their gowns.” A gorgeous low cut or a sexy back, like Princeville by Katie May ($3400), is a beautiful example of how to embrace this trend. (Photo via Katie May)
“Rustic Chic” is Coming
“The rustic wedding trend is also here to stay, but 2016 will see a more glamorous take on the theme – what I like to call rustic chic.” Expect to see it all in the details, like chandeliers inside of a barn or china on a natural wooden table. “Couples still love the outdoorsy feel of the rustic trend, but are making it a bit more luxe.” This couple from The Knot knew how to add the right elegant touches to their wooden decor. (Photo via Studio 1250 / The Knot)
Pops of Bold Color
As with years past, Pantone’s colors of the year, Rose Quartz and Serenity, will surely make their way into weddings in fashion and florals. But the real trend will be a bigger emphasis on bright colors. “Soft greens and creams will continue to be big,” Weiss tells us, “but with pops of bolder colors like plum and coral,” like in this bouquet of beautiful florals and greenery. (Photo via Katie Stoops Photography / Style Me Pretty)
Dramatic Beauty
Second outfits for the reception are still popular, but brides are now upping the ante with a more dramatic look to go with it. “Brides are changing their hair and makeup to go with the new look,” Weiss says. “They tend to go a little more subtle for the ceremony, but will change up the hair and add a bit more dramatic makeup for the reception.” Go from a basic bridal look to a smokey eye in your favorite shade for that ceremony-to-reception transition. (Photo via Clary Pfeiffer Photography / Style Me Pretty)
Mountain Weddings
With destination weddings still continuing to grow, couples are now thinking outside the box instead of the traditional beach wedding. “They’re taking it to the mountains! Places like Aspen, Utah and Montana are becoming big destination wedding locations. Couples are really trying to do things no one else has done and give their guests a unique experience.” This couple, featured on Green Wedding Shoes, captured the perfect mountain California wedding at June Lake. (Photo via Amanda Patrice / Green Wedding Shoes)
Rehearsal Jumpsuits
“Where we are starting to move away from dresses a bit is for the rehearsal dinner! I’m seeing a lot of beautiful jumpsuits — they’re very ‘in’!” This Rachel Zoe piece featured on The Everygirl is perfect for the rehearsal dinner, or even a city hall wedding. (Photo via Miguel Marino Photography / The Everygirl)
Minimalist Decor
“Couples are also leaning toward simpler decor,” Weiss says. “But this doesn’t mean sparse!” No longer will we be seeing tall, lavish centerpieces. Instead, lush, low florals are what couples are picking for a more understated look with smaller, more impactful decor pieces. “Couples might also start booking smaller venues to make their simple decor feel grander.” Nothing quite says minimalist beauty like this simple tabletop featured on Magnolia Rouge. (Photo via Erich McVey / Magnolia Rouge)
Comfort Food
“I’m seeing a big trend toward comforting, homespun food.” Couples are still spending plenty of money on good food, but “people want to eat what they’re familiar with” these days. One trend with comfort food that we’ll be seeing more of is DIY s’mores bars and bite-sized appetizers like these grilled cheese and tomato soup cups from Deer Pearl Flowers. (Photo via Deer Pearl Flowers)
Classic Cocktails
The signature wedding cocktail may be a thing of the past. “Couples are going back to classic Mad Men-era cocktails,” Weiss says. Think an Old Fashioned and a Manhattan or drinks made with other classic liquors like whiskey and bourbon. A perfect cocktail for a spring or summer wedding is the Mint Julep in copper mugs just like these ones from Style Me Pretty. (Photo via Grey Likes Weddings / Style Me Pretty)
Embracing Ombre
“I see lots of ombre color in decor and fabrics,” Weiss tells us. “It’s especially beautiful when done with pastels and watercolors.” Whether it’s with flowers, bridesmaids dresses or even the wedding cake, ombre is a unique way to incorporate more color into your nuptials. (Photo via Mango Studios / Style Me Pretty)
Broaches in Hair
“Lots of brides will definitely be striving for Sofia Vergara’s wedding look in the coming year.” Instead of a veil, the new trend will be to rock an interesting piece in your hair. “I’m seeing a lot of brooches made into hair pieces, similar to what Sofia did, which is gorgeous,” Weiss tells us. This one from BHLDN ($85) is simply stunning. (Photo via BHLDN)
Last-Minute Photos
Couples are opting for more casual and fun photos and are asking their photographers to stay until the very end of the event “to capture those moments where everyone is really having a great time.” Don’t forget those Thank You card photos too! (Photo via By Cherry Photography)
Romantic Lighting
“People don’t want to look purple in their Instagram photos,” Weiss laughs. This could be the main reason why colored lighting is no longer what couples are going for, instead opting for beautiful lighting options like hanging tree lights. “Couples want more natural, amber tones and are opting for softer, romantic lighting.” (Photo via Liga Photography / Wedding Chicks)
90s Playlist
The ’80s jams are out, and the ’90s tunes are in! “I chalk this up to the age demographic and the millennials who are getting married. The ’90s are the new throwback for them!” Get all of the couples on the dance floor with Mariah Carey’s “Always be My Baby” or have a little coordinated fun by grooving to Los De Rio’s “La Macarena.” (Photo via Arte De Vie / Bridal Musings)
Pets in Weddings
Having your pets participate in your wedding in some way is going to continue to be a hot trend, but now with a twist: “We’ll see more pets in things like save the dates or engagement announcements as well in the actual ceremony,” Weiss says. (Photo via Heather Hawkins / Style Me Pretty)
Relaxed Events
Last but not least, couples are taking all of the fuss out of The Big Day. “Couples are also really focused on having their events feel relaxed and zen – they don’t want too much clutter! They’re looking for the ambience and decor to be peaceful.” A relaxed feel, like this couple who opted for a casual beach wedding featured in Town and Country, captures an easy and effortlessly beautiful day. (Photo via Nathan Coe / Town and Country)
Welcome to Selfmade Finance School, our new money series with Block Advisors to help small business owners with their tax, bookkeeping, and payroll needs year-round. This week, we explore the tax implications of bringing family members into your business.
The question for today is this: Does hiring your family members make sense for your business? Let me be clear. This is not a piece about whether hiring your family members makes sense for your relationships with those family members. As someone who is part of a family business, I could fill up a lot more than 600 words on my opinions about that. For today's purposes, we focus on whether it makes sense from an overall "good business and tax implication" perspective. As it turns out, there is a decent amount of tax nuance when it comes to employing your family. Let's break it down based on relationship to the employee:
You X Ventures for Unsplash
Spouses Who Are In Business Together
Personally, if I had to be in business with my husband, it would not go well. However, many couples build viable, strong businesses together and I say, good for them! Depending on how you have your business entity structured, it will make a big difference on the tax treatment of you and your spouse working as partners. Because a business jointly owned and operated by a married couple is generally treated as a partnership for Federal tax purposes, the spouses must comply with filing and record keeping requirements imposed on partnerships and their partners. The election to file two Schedule C (Form 1040) forms, (one for each spouse) permits certain married co-owners to avoid filing partnership returns, provided that each spouse separately reports a share of all the businesses' items of income, gain, loss, deduction, and credit. Under the election, both spouses will be subject to self-employment tax and on net earnings from self-employment and receive credit for Social Security earnings.
One Spouse Employs Another
If you have a dynamic where your spouse is an employee of your business, then your spouse's wages are subject to income tax withholding, Social Security and Medicare taxes. If you are self-employed (not a corporation or a partnership), your spouse's pay does not have to be included in your federal unemployment tax account (FUTA) contributions and payments. However, if your business is a corporation or a partnership you must include that spouse's pay in your unemployment tax contribution calculation.
Kobu Agency for Unsplash
You Employ Your Child
First, let's be clear. I work in my family business, but I am an adult, so I am treated just like a normal employee. However, if you, for example, run a family restaurant and want to hire your children under 18 to work for you, there are some tax benefits. But first, you should check with your state for rules on how many hours minors can work (in non-agricultural jobs) and reference the Fair Labor Standards Act for information on limitations on the kinds of work children can perform.
"This is an often overlooked or under-utilized strategy. Paying your children for true services they provide in your business can be a powerful tax-saving tool," says Cathi Reed, Block Advisors Regional Director. "If you are a sole-proprietorship or single member LLC, and the child is less than 18 years of age, the business is not required to withhold FICA or payroll taxes. The child can use his or her standard deduction against income you pay."
You Hire Your Parent
Oh dear. If you are brave enough to do this, know that you will need to pay Social Security and Medicare taxes on your parent's wages and make the appropriate withholdings, but you don't have to pay unemployment taxes. Now all you have to do is convince your parent that you are the boss. Have fun with that!
Is Hiring Family Members Worth It For The Tax Benefits?
"There are some positive tax advantages to hiring family members. It's important to treat a family member like any other employee. Hiring your children can result in substantial savings for businesses. Make sure your child has real, age-appropriate work to do and a reasonable pay rate, comparable to other employees. Consult with a Block Advisors small business certified tax pro to ensure that you are complying with all requirements," advises Reed. "Block Advisors, a team within H&R Block, is dedicated to meeting the tax, bookkeeping and payroll needs of small business owners year-round. To start working with the tax experts at Block Advisors, visit blockadvisors.com."
In my opinion, you should not hire a family member solely because of the tax benefits. You should always hire based on whether that person is right for the job and keep in mind how this hire could materially impact your relationship with that person and others in your family. Finally, as I mentioned, make sure you have a tax professional on your team when making these determinations. As you can see, things can get a little tricky!
*All details were sourced from IRS.gov and blockadvisors.com
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect those held by Kestra Investment Services, LLC or Kestra Advisory Services, LLC. This is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific investment advice or recommendations for any individual. It is suggested that you consult your financial professional, attorney, or tax advisor with regards to your individual situation. Comments concerning the past performance are not intended to be forward looking and should not be viewed as an indication of future results. Securities offered through Kestra Investment Services, LLC (Kestra IS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Kestra Advisory Services, LLC (Kestra AS), an affiliate of Kestra IS. O'Keeffe Financial Partners and any other entity listed herein is not affiliated with Kestra IS or Kestra AS Investor Disclosures: https://bit.ly/KF-Disclosures