From the Experts, Your Event Career
Heather’s 2017 Wedding and Event Trend Predictions: Part One
QC tutor Heather Vickery is the Owner and Event Director of Greatest Expectations Special Events and Weddings, one of Chicago’s most celebrated event planning and design firms.
It is December and we are wrapping up 2016. This means it is time to release old ideas and embrace new ones. When QC asked me to present my 2017 trend predictions, I was really excited. There is much to hope for in the coming year! As always, event and wedding trends are shaped by the world at large. We typically see less spending in an election year (which 2016 was in the United States). This means fewer innovative ideas and growth. However, it is now time to leap into new territory and embrace growth and change.
The overarching themes for 2017 are grounded, natural, intimate, connection and warmth.
Color trends
Kicking everything off is the Pantone color of the year: Greenery! Pantone describes “Greenery” as a “refreshing and revitalizing shade,” emphasizing its connections to nature:
“It is symbolic of new beginnings. Greenery is a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew. Illustrative of flourishing foliage and the lushness of the great outdoors, the fortifying attributes of greenery signals consumers to take a deep breath, oxygenate and reinvigorate.”
With a description like that, “Greenery” certainly holds much promise as a vibrant color to work with during this upcoming year.
The new neutrals
We will begin to see these natural shades as the “new neutral.” Expect to see them appear as base linen for tables, centerpieces and invitations. There is something especially beautiful about using a color identified with “new beginnings” for a wedding.
I have long been an advocate for not using white or ivory as the base linen for any event unless the linen is a specialty, textured or patterned linen. Simply put, it is too basic even for a casual wedding and shows no creativity or depth at all. There are many other neutrals to choose from, including gray, champagne, stone and soft shades of green. This will continue in 2017 with a stronger emphasis on the greens.
Patterned linen
Speaking of linen, 2017 will be the year that patterned linen hits mainstream events. We have been seeing really spectacular patterned linen in the luxury wedding market for several years. Now, these linens are being made in many affordable patterns and are widely available for even the most modest wedding budget. Patterned linen truly adds an exciting element to event design that cannot be achieved in any other way.
Additionally, patterned linens will allow you to simplify your other decor elements while still kicking things up and having a gasp-worthy design that will wow your guests.
Natural elements
Keeping in line with the color of the year, we will see a lot more natural elements used throughout weddings and events. Think thick branches hanging from the ceiling, being used as candelabras, and vines twirling down and around posts, chairs, and centerpieces. We will see a mixture of assorted greens used without additional flowers. Both in loose, wild arrangements and in well-manicured pieces like boxed hedges.
These elements will appear as centerpiece decor and also general event decor throughout the space. It is complimentary with casual, boho weddings and formal, classic weddings.
