From the Experts, Your Event Career
Heather’s 2017 Wedding and Event Trend Predictions: Part Two
Last week, Heather Vickery of Greatest Expectations shared some of the event planning trends we can look forward to in 2017. This week, she lets us in on five more gorgeous trends.
Fresh centerpieces
Edible centerpieces will be popular as well. Nature provides the most beautiful show pieces for design. Centerpieces designed with pomegranates, artichokes, plums, oranges and other “edible” items will wow guests. These items are not actually edible once used in a centerpiece, but they will inspire guests to enjoy nature’s harvest no matter the season. Invite your clients to bring in these elements all year long. They partner beautifully with the natural elements mentioned above and the color of the year. My favorites are listed below by season:
- Winter: Artichokes, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Clementines, Cranberries, Grapes, Pomegranates, Pears, Radishes, Squash.
- Spring: Apricots, Asparagus, Chives, Endive, Limes, Mangoes, Pineapple
- Summer: Bell peppers, Carrots, Cherries, Lemons, Nectarines, Peaches, Plums, Strawberries, Zucchini.
- Fall: Acorn Squash, Butternut Squash, Cauliflower, Ginger, Jalapeños, Key Limes, Mushrooms, Persimmons, Pumpkin.
These edible items can be used in their complete, natural state or carved / opened to best fit into the overall design concept. Creativity and imagination is your only limitation!
An abundance of light
There has never been a shortage of candle light at a wedding, but we will see it in even more abundance this year. Candle light is the most natural and romantic “showing of the way” possible. It is a beautiful foundation with which to build beauty, peacefulness and romance. Expect to see candle light in abundance; it will compliment all of the natural and edible elements previously discussed.
I also anticipate candle light ceremonies. Massive amounts of candles of varying heights, elevated for greater impact and also on the floor, instilling warmth, transformation, and peace.
Stylish metallics
I also expect to see an increased in mixed metallics. Going along with the “elements of nature” concept—metallics are grounding, natural and beautiful. We have seen a lot of gold in the past few years. Then it was displayed as opulence. What will be different in 2017 is the use of many different metals and metallics, all at once, to assist in creating the overall environment: warm, earthy, and organic. Even if the design is contemporary and clean, it can still hold all of those elements. Bringing metals into events adds a level of emotional grounding that feels secure and passionate. They are connectors in so many ways.
Intimate gatherings
We are going to see more intimate gatherings as well. This does not mean a reduction is budget or expense. In fact, I am anticipating that spending will largely remain the same. That means more opulence and creativity with each event because the fewer guests you have, the more you are able to dedicate budget to the ambience of the event.
The reason for more intimate gatherings is because of the growing trend to celebrate with those we are actually close to. Weddings and special events are not a prize or a presentation. They are not designed to entertain the masses. They are events designed to mark extremely special occasions and life events. Clients will want to surround themselves with those closest to them. There are memories which cannot be created when you have a giant guest count and cannot interact with everyone in attendance.
Engaging entertainment
Fun, there will be a lot more fun! We are going to see an increase in creative entertainment options ranging from gospel choirs and other themed musical acts to violins playing with the DJ backing them. Entertainment that really pushes boundaries and evokes emotion and connection. New levels of musical experiences from every angle. Experiences that involve your guests in an emotional way. These unique and energizing experiences brings people together in a magical way. Once again, we are creating moments. Creating memories that cannot be achieved any other way.
We will see an increase of interactive and creative activities for events and weddings. Things like a cocktail making session and create your own dessert stations. Having a live painter to capture the emotion and feel of the event, right on site, is a fun idea. This goes way beyond the photo-booth idea (which is still fun!) and brings in new levels of engaging guests.
2017 is about to come in with a bang, and with it a whole new year of exciting trends in the wedding industry. Which trends are you most excited for in 2017 and how do you want to implement them?
