Wedding Trends
The Event
Intimate gatherings and grand affairs are both having a moment. “If a couple isn’t asking me to plan something cozy, they’re wanting to go all-out for the people they love. There is no in-between for 2018,” says Kindra Browne, owner of Simple Elegance in Kansas City. The one constant? Make it memorable. Wedding Trends are just that trends…make yours timeless.
Keeping it Simple: Intimate weddings provide a chance to interact with your loved ones in ways that simply aren’t possible when the guest count tops 100. Plus, smaller gatherings give you more room to show off your personalities. Food is often the focal point of these celebrations, with couples working closely with caterers to put together a menu that’s personal and special. These celebrations lend themselves to tighter table arrangements (think one or two long tables) and warmly lit surroundings so guests feel as if they’re at a fabulous, elegant dinner party. “The look and vibe is down to earth, approachable, but special,” says Alison Laesser-Keck of Alison + Bryan Destination Events in Santa Barbara, California.
Going All Out: At the other end of the spectrum are couples who are fully embracing their role as hosts of the biggest party they’ll ever throw. “Welcome parties, big rehearsal dinners, after parties, next-day brunches… these couples know it’s rare to have all of their loved ones together at the same time, so they are looking for more opportunities to spend time with everyone and celebrate,” says Browne. Dividing grand spaces into cozier vignettes helps create the illusion of intimacy, so here’s where lounge furniture and strategically placed floral arrangements and lighting become important. Interactive food and drink stations and a mix of table shapes (some round, some long, some square) also help break guests into smaller groupings — until you want them all together and going wild on the dance floor! Crowd-pleasing DJs and late-night snacks are must-haves at grand weddings.
The Décor
Fantasy florals, bold color combinations, showstopping backdrops—here are the in-demand trends for table settings, backdrops, invitations and more.
Color is Back: Color is an easy way to bring in your personality. Keep an eye out for warm corals; brighter pinks, purples and blues; and moody jewel tones. Or do something completely unexpected and pair high contrast colors, like cherry red and aqua, pink flamingo and kelly green, or lemon yellow and tangy orange. Don’t limit your color use to the flowers or table linens — colored glassware is an unexpected touch that elevates any tablescape.
And So is Black: This trend is pulled straight from the fashion pages, where black accents are giving wedding gowns a glamorous edge. Look for black ribbons to grace bouquets, invitations and table runners. Or go all in and request black chairs and black chargers, which look stunning paired with gold cutlery and glassware. Or consider black tablecloths and napkins. For a final touch, opt for chic black ink on mirrored glass for your display signage.
Dramatic Backdrops: Ceremony backdrops for outdoor weddings, escort card displays, backdrops for photo booths and food stations are getting more and more creative. “These are all key parts of the wow factor,” says Sarah Chancey, founder of Chancey Charm Weddings, with planners in 13 cities. “They’re showstoppers.” A few ideas: macramé hangings with floral accents, commissioned murals, geometric wooden structures, boxwood walls, strings of dangling lights and fresh blooms in an ombré pattern.
Whimsical Embellishments & Towering Floral Arrangements: Who says florals need to be fresh picked, or even real? Crafters are doing amazing things with paper, like jaw-dropping “flower” garlands with blooms so realistic even master gardeners will need to look twice. Ribbon streamers, tassels and balloons are other unconventional materials that lend themselves well to both ethereal and modern celebrations. As for flowers, things are looking up — literally. Hanging installations are still going strong, but florists are also noting an uptick in requests for super-tall centerpieces, as well as taller pillars to stage and display flowers at the ceremony and cocktail hour.
A Nod to Mod: Glitter and sequins aren’t the only ways to add shine to your party. Light-reflecting lucite is striking and modern. The transparent material commands attention without distracting from the view. Display flowers and candles in (or under) containers of different shapes and sizes for a glitzy tablescape. Or give the reception space a luxe vibe with lucite chairs, cocktail tables and signage. READ MORE