The summer wedding season is over but we know 2020 brides are in full-on planning mode. So, we hope to inspire you, whether you’re designing your own wedding or leaving it in the capable hands of an event designer.
According to Martha Stewart Weddings: each year adds to the already-incredible roster of big-day ideas that exist. That means you can pick and choose the wedding trends of the past while still infusing your event with of-the-moment touches.
Here’s what’s of-the-moment.
Personalise your event experience
Don’t allow anyone to limit your event vision – it’s your special day and each element should be a reflection of you. More and more we see couples wanting to express their creativity and character through personalised touches and as an event designer, I encourage this.
We’ve seen expressions materialise through:
- Carefully designed personalised artwork and stationery
- Live music that brings back memories of heart-racing and dream-chasing moments
- Caricature artists that add a layer of laughter and fun to your event (also serves as a gift for your guests)
- The list is really endless as each couple has a different journey but personalising your event is a NEED in the next wedding season.
Caricature artist: Martinus Illustrations
Surprise guests with a variety of colourful expressions
Successfully executing a glamorous event doesn’t rely on muted hues anymore. We see couples taking risks with colours and it’s a trend we know will keep growing in the next wedding season.
Couples are starting to experiment with:
- Dark and edgy colours including bold black, navy blue, deep purple and hunter green. These hues usually surprise guests; leaving them wanting to experience more.
- Colourful Morocco: a well-balanced Moroccan influenced colour scheme and theme results in many Instagram-able moments. There are often a variety of textures and colours which certainly pack a punch. I do caution that this theme requires careful planning and a trained eye. It’s a gorgeous theme but one that could easily go wrong. NB: implement with caution.
- Pops of colour: although colourful explosions are beautiful. Traditional nude and pastel colours will certainly not be going anywhere – it can be complemented with a pop of colour (notes of blue, blush, green, rust) or metals (chrome, black metal, brass).
- When it comes to colour the options are endless.
Black and moody table design
Florals are everything and the Royals are still inspiring
Whether you hate them or love them, Meghan and Harry’s wedding keeps inspiring couples across the world. Since they said “I do” we’ve seen an explosion of larger than life florals – from arches to indoor forests.
Couples are demanding more from florists and they are delivering!
- Arches are growing in size and the designs are becoming more outrageous. We simply love it.
- Fynbos has always played an important role in South African weddings but now we are seeing the introduction of other dried flowers like pampas grass, cotton flowers and wheat.
- Although the Royals opted for a small posey – we are seeing an upward trend for big bouquets and the photographers and videographers are loving it!
Gorgeous dried flowers with soft cotton buds
Food: sharing is caring
- The introduction of harvest tables and bespoke bars are leaving guests feeling even more special. They are able to choose from a variety of flavours and textures; leaving them to create a unique experience within a couple’s #MemorableExperience.
- Goodbye long queues. Guests just don’t want to wait in a long queue to have their food dished out of saving dishes. NO, NO and NO! Hello to the growing trend of buffet-to-the-table style dining. Guests are still spoilt with the element of choice and they are loving it.
- NB: when opting for the buffet-to-the-table option be aware of how this will impact your table setting as the food will be brought directly to the table.
Buffet to table style – Salt & Pepper Catering
More is more
Yes indeed – more is more. We are seeing the introduction of some seriously Instagram-able event experiences.
- Vellum stationery is a sophisticated addition to your event. As it’s a form of paper, it can really be used for anything (envelopes, menus, placemats, table numbers).
- Origami, yes that’s correct. Couples are using this art form to create a whimsical and magical setting for their guests.
- Round and runway style ceremony seating is on the rise. Couples are saying goodbye to stale cinema-style and choosing more photo-friendly seating arrangements. Switching up the set-up is just another way you can create a personalised experience.
Vellum stationery
Most importantly, enjoy the design and planning phase. It may be stressful but it’s all worth it. If you need some help, my team and I would love to assist. Reach out via: hello@kellykreates.co.za to help plan your #MemorableExperience.
Yours in event perfection,
Kelly Atherton-Schilder
