2018 Wedding Trends As Told By Tamara Wendt Events

After several years of brides and grooms keeping their weddings more “low-key” we have experienced a shift back to more elegant affairs. In fact, over 50% of our brides list “elegant” as a top adjective to describe the style they are trying to achieve. This elegance is showing up in a very refined manner: plated dinner, formal attire for the wedding party, and champagne toasts. However, we are seeing less and less in the way of traditional color palettes. Fewer formal black and white weddings have left an opening for the rise of new color trends. Such as the cool hues of “slate blue.” This color can pop up anywhere from delicate chiffon table drapes to beautiful bouquets that incorporate hydrangeas and delphinium. Couples are pairing this shade with crisp whites, warm champagnes, and often pastels like blush or the ever present “millennial pink” to add an extra pop of color. Metallics are still playing a leading role; gold is still in the lead, with silver back on the rise, and still some rose gold and softer champagne gold. Elegance isn’t exclusive to dramatic trumpet vases or classic candelabras. While our clients aren’t listing “rustic” as a goal as often, they often still strive for an ambiance of “garden,” “whimsical,” or “outdoorsy” styling, no matter their venue. Greenery table runners and lush garlands are still prevalent, but mixed with more modern geometric terrariums, chic marble or agate details, wooden elements like harvest tables and planter boxes, and as always, layers of candlelight with pillar and floating candles.

From floral arrangements to table linens we are seeing a lot of texture incorporated in wedding design. Both bouquets and centerpieces are steering away from tight, structured looks that have been seen at the formal events of the past decade or so. Greenery, in particular, lends itself nearly any style for a lush look. Eucalyptus, salal, and ruscus are great additions to create a beautiful, soft look in most arrangements, and are a great way to stretch a budget. If your style allows dusty miller, lamb’s ear, or a touch of various ferns can also make the design of your florals really stand out. Another way we see texture incorporated is through table linens. Satin and taffeta tablecloths, lace and chiffon overlays, these are all a great way to come up with a unique combination of elements to make your design stand out. We are still seeing sequins play a role, but we try to use these modestly to make a great impact: head tables, cake tables, cocktail tables. Our favorite place we are seeing sequins is in the details of overlays where it can really tie a look together.

The one thing that nearly all of our clients have in common is they are looking for a way to personalize their wedding. While couples don’t steer too far away from tradition, they do find a way to make the event uniquely their own. This can start with custom stationary for Save the Dates and invitations, and can carry through with table numbers, place cards, menus, and other reception signage. This can extend far beyond printed materials; wedding parties are subject to less rules than ever. Bridesmaids, in particular, have not been limited to perfectly matching dresses for some time now. Different hues, different dress styles have been something our clients have enjoyed combining, and now they’ve begun to introduce prints to the mix. This must all be done with a level of care and finesse; we recommend trying to stay with a particular designer or dress material to keep the look cohesive, but having of Maid of Honor in a floral print and the rest of the bridal party in a shade found within that print can be a fun, modern spin on traditional dresses. Reception design has always been an avenue for us to add personal touches. One of our current favorites is adding a vinyl wrap and/or monogram to existing dance floors. Think white dance floors with names, monograms, or logos applied in the center. Custom backdrop applications are another way to stand out. We are no strangers to dramatic backdrops created from a number of materials. With voile fabric, sequin panels, glamorous floral arrangements, birch branches, the options are nearly endless. And since photo booths continued to be at more receptions than not, this is another place where a custom backdrop can be utilized. Open air and interactive photo booths are more popular than enclosed booths. So, we like to create custom options (hedge walls, printed panels, floral additions) to make these backdrops really stand out.