Get expert advice on how to breathe new life into tried-and-true favorites.
By: Stefania Sainato6. Tie: Barn or Gatsby-Themed Weddings
The most sought-after wedding themes couldn’t be more diametrically opposed: farms and The Great Gatsby. Edith Levandoski of Edith Elle Photography tells us that although East coast-style glitz and glamour are starting to take hold on the West Coast, "brides in SoCal are holding on to their barn weddings for dear life!"
Photo Credit: Amanda Wilson Photography via Armstrong Farms
Domino asks clients who request this theme to examine their true motivation for getting married there. "If the answer is ‘because it looks nice on Pinterest’ yet you’ve never stepped foot on a farm, you should immediately change course. Select a venue that does a better job of representing who you are as a couple and what you like to do," she explains.
While barn weddings are incredibly charming it’s worth stating the obvious: they aren’t a practical solution for everyone. They can present logistical challenges such as the need for lighting, heating or air conditioning. Odors, insects and uncomfortable seating may also be concerns.
If you’re drawn to the idea of a barn because you can’t picture yourself tying the knot in a hotel ballroom, consider other non-traditional venues as well, such as museums, historical properties or large estates. "Just make sure it is a space that caters to hosting a large event so that quality and guest experience don’t suffer the consequences," Samuels cautions.
Photo Credit: Steve Steinhardt on Bridal Musings via Lover.ly
Art Deco themes fall into the opposite side of the spectrum. Erin Napier of Lucky Luxe Couture Correspondence is hoping this flashy style "settles down" to make room for the ethereal elegance of turn-of-the-century art noveau designs. She’s betting on it by creating a paper suite inspired by French advertisements for the 1900s icon, Sarah Bernhardt, this fall.
Amanda Chalk of 21Twelve Designs notes, "Pop tones and an overall retro feel from the 50s and 60s is making a big impact."
