Top Wedding Trends: Patterns,
Pinterest, and Projects
Brides find a variety of sources to fuel inspiration for
their weddings. They find it in film, amongst
celebrities, within the pages of magazines, and on wedding blogs. Brides have been
known to sponge up information that will help them translate their dream into
reality. They cannot get enough of it, and now they are mostly mobile, from the
iPhone to the iPad, they have instant access to finding these inspirations.
I’ve been in this wedding industry for over 20 years and
there are some trends that are re-appearing…
Lace is abundant:
from the gowns to the linens to the
accents. They are using lace to tie off invitations; they are using lace for
tablecloths and for runners. Lace is not only a nod to something that was found
in the homes of our grandparents , but it’s a quick way to feminize and soften
many venues, like a barn.
Stripes and chevron
prints: in an assortment of colors, is also found in invitations and table
clothes.
Patterns excite the eye and can
be used for accent pieces like pillows, being carried by a ring bearer.
Food trucks:
pizza trucks, cupcake trucks, taco trucks, waffle trucks… this is way more
intense than your average ice cream truck (which is also still fun to have). It’s
a great way to welcome your guests and use in lieu of your regular cocktail
hour. These trucks are also making an appearance for the after party. The food
truck addiction continues to surprise and impress guests.
DYI: brides want
to get involved, either by tying bows, making signs or making their own guest
books. These personal touches add to making the day even more memorable. I’ve
had brides make and jar jam, to make the wedding their own.
Social media:
This is not going anywhere. If anything it is playing a larger role in the
bride’s search for the next hot thing. From Pinterest to Vine to Etsy, they
scour the internet for anything that inspires them.
Virtual attendees:
That’s right. First there was Skype and now we can live stream weddings. It’s a
wonderful way to include guests or family members who cannot attend. They get a
live feed of the nuptials on their computer and it makes them feel like they
are part of the festivities.
Creative food
stations: Just like the many different food trucks, creative food stations
can be your “wow-factor.” From smores stations to mashed potato station, brides
are getting innovative like make- your-pizza station. Just like brides want to
make their wedding more unique, they also want their guests to make it their
own. You are not limited to food, I’ve incorporated
drink stations, like a mimosa station or bloody mary station, even
step-and-mix-yourself-a-cocktail.
Lawn games: Showing
up at almost every cocktail hour are games like badminton, croquet, baci ball
and corn hole; people are making the cocktail hour more interactive.
Lounge areas with
a defined statement: The poker lounge with poker tables and micro-brewery beers
in buckets (for self-serve). If you are marrying a techie, make a lounge with computer
screens and martinis. You love wine and cheese?
That can be a lounge section paired with fine wines. The possibilities
are endless here.
Unique and unusual
venues: This is my favorite. Brides
are opting for farms, wineries, warehouses and lofts instead of the typical
ballroom space. The venue must speak to the couple and make them feel the
moment.
Return of Glam: The Great Gatsby has fueled a generation
into looking for that old mansion where they can gather on the lawn and have a
tent with crystal chandeliers and pleated ceilings. A white carpet can be enhanced
by the flowers accented by crystals.
Even though I’ve planned 100’s of
weddings, brides are still inspiring me. Like the brides, I’ve soaked up these
inspirations and am always finding new ways to inspire my clients. With that, I
encourage my clients to “Pin [Pinterest] away!”
