There's nothing we love more than getting inside the heads of our favorite event pros on the planet. We asked them for the intel on all things weddings for the year ahead — and they did not disappoint.
By: Carol Straley-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-
Out: Overstated Design | In: Quiet Luxury
"We are finding that most of our couples are leaning into beautiful, luxurious designs that focus more on quality than quantity," says Tyler Speier of Tyler Speier Events.
"We love juxtaposing some minimalist elements with a more maximalist backdrop. For instance, juxtaposing a more minimalist tablescape against an intricate European-inspired villa. Or juxtaposing intricate, lush tables against a more modern, clean space."
Out: Delicate Color Palettes | In: Going for the Bold
"Bolder color palettes are being requested," says Michelle Cousins of Michelle Leo Events, "with jewel tones and dark, moody colors making a comeback for late fall/early winter weddings. We've even experienced brighter/bolder color palettes for our summer weddings this year, which is a breath of fresh air!"
"Color is finding its way into all parts of weddings," says Jove Meyer of Jove Meyer Events and podcast Weddings-ish with Jove, "from the ceremony aisle to tabletops, ceiling installations — even dress codes."
"Ceremonies are no longer white and green," notes Meyer. "They are bursting with color, and the new trend is little to no greenery. Let the beautiful flowers and their colors be the focus."
"Some popular color palettes are sunset — think oranges, pinks, yellows," says Meyer. "The wildflower palette is also popular — think sunset, but add some light blue, light purple, whites, and greens."
"Color schemes are shifting towards striking contrasts, with black and brown emerging as a new go-to pairing, while vibrant shades like 'brat green,' aka chartreuse, continue to capture attention," say Bianca Hall and Erica Vanco of Estera Events.
Out: Minimalist Stationery | In: Artistic Touches
"The most requested artwork for invites is of venue illustrations," says Kelley Nudo, client relations, Momental Designs. "This is especially appealing to couples who have selected venues with breathtaking architecture or idyllic views."
Out: Understated Florals | In: Lavish, Textured Florals
"Floral installations don't need to just be made with flowers," says Speier. "We are seeing lots of branches, twigs, vegetables, fruits, and unique blooms/textures being requested by clients."
"Tight flower arrangements are on the way out," says James Abel of James Abel Events. "Looser flower arrangements have a more organic feel, and brighter colors are bringing tabletops to a new level."
Out: Round Tables Only | In: Creative Table Layouts
"Long rows of rectangular connected tables allow guests to sit closer together and engage more intimately," says Meyer. "Oval tables are also making a comeback; they have the benefits of a round shape mixed with a rectangle, and add character to the room's design."
Out: Plain Tabletop Décor | In: Fabulous Fabrics
"Textured linens are trending in wedding design because they add a layer of visual interest, creating a rich, tactile experience," say Hall and Vanco. "Patterns are also making a strong statement, with chinoiserie making a comeback."
Out: Fitted Mermaid Gowns | In: Draped Wedding Dresses
"Think Greek goddess," says Sneh Diwan of Diwan by Design. "A draped gown moves with the body, allows for graceful ease of movement, and creates a serene feeling."
"There's also a lot of corseting and strapless. At some point during the wedding weekend, brides are opting for something corseted."
"For the bride, we're still seeing jumpsuits trending on and off the runway," say Hall and Vanco. "A jumpsuit offers a more contemporary, androgynous look. And don't be surprised if a few more bridesmaids opt for tuxedos this year."
Out: The Mid-Century Champagne Tower | In: Signature Cocktail Tiers
"We're still seeing that Champagne towers can kick off a cocktail hour or reception," says Diwan. "But they're more for a beautiful toast or more importantly, a beautiful photo op. Instead of Champagne, couples can have all the glamour of bubbly with a signature cocktail, like the Espresso Martini. Aperol Spritz is also still going strong."
"We are also seeing drink towers made from Lambrusco in the fall and sparkling rosé in the summer, or for those who just love pink bubbles!" says Meyer.
Out: Wine at the Cocktail Hour | In: Herb-Infused Cocktails
"Herb-infused cocktails are gaining popularity for their fresh, aromatic fl avors featuring herbs like basil, rosemary and thyme," says Nancy Parragué Barclay, partner, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events.
Out: Generic Weekend Events | In: Themed Events
"Instead of brunch, we love a 'recovery party' that takes place later in the day with fun food and a relaxed atmosphere," says Speier.
"Here in the mountain west, our clients want to offer a cowboy/western chic vibe," says Cousins. "Because of our elevation, it's not uncommon for our clients to host an oxygen or Drip IV vitamin bar to help guests quickly recover and be ready for the next event."
"A pickleball tournament where everyone dons tennis whites, equestrian trail riding for a Yellowstone vibe or a post-wedding pool party can be a fun way to round out an agenda," say Hall and Vanco. "We also love leaning into local culture or traditions like a tequila tasting or tortilla-making."
"A picnic in Central Park or renting out a bowling alley have been fun ideas that clients are gravitating to," says Abel.
"We are also seeing couples prioritize an after-party over a brunch," says Meyer. "Couples prefer to keep the fun going longer into the night than having everyone see each other looking a little rougher the next morning. Go out with a bang!"
"We are also seeing vintage phones being used to record audio guestbooks, which can then be turned into vinyl for couples to listen to after their wedding."
On the Rise...
Shorter Ceremonies
"We are finding the ceremony itself is becoming shorter," says Speier. "But I think it's important that they are not too short. We coach our couples that the ceremony is the heart of the day. While it doesn’t need to be long, it needs to be heartfelt, intentional, and long enough for everyone to feel the signifi cance of the moment."
Imaginative Dress Codes
"Couples are adding descriptions to their dress codes, so guests need not guess or interpret; instead, they are clear," says Meyer. "A dress code I love: Formal Attire. Wear What Makes You Happy. Another one was: Festive Black Tie, Add Your Own Sparkle and Shine!"
Professional Content Creators
"For couples who engage content creators because they want to post their special moments on social media ASAP, it's very important to clearly communicate both needs and expectations, so that content creators, photographers and videographers work together as a team," says Cousins.
Vintage Touches
Says Meyer: "Think disposable film cameras, DJs spinning vinyl, wedding cakes with lots of piping, and even plastic lovebird cake toppers!"
"In terms of spirits, we have seen an uptick in tequila requests. We've elevated this trend by creating standalone featured agave bars, where each drink is handcrafted using tequila or mezcal as the base spirit," says Parragué Barclay.
Mid-Strength Cocktails
"Moderation made easy," is how Brynn Smith, director, Bar Next Door, sums up the appeal of cocktails crafted with spirits that range beween 25-30% alcohol by volume as opposed to fullstrength spirits with an ABV of 40% or more. "A thoughtful selection of beverages shows consideration for your guests' preferences and helps everyone fully enjoy the night."
Early Starts, Early Endings
"For years, traditional wedding timelines focused on celebrations that went well into the evening," says Meghan Ely, owner, OFD Consulting. "These days, we’re seeing more couples adjusting their start times so they can enjoy an earlier end time. This is great for couples who are hosting a wedding weekend for their guests. With an earlier end time, they can be more refreshed for the last day of activities with their loved ones."
