Event Planning Tips, Planning Tips
Heather’s Tips, Tricks and Trends for Event Planners in 2018 (Part Two)
Follow up last week’s post by QC tutor, Heather Vickery, and find out which event planning trends to look forward to in 2018! Heather is the Owner and Event Director of Greatest Expectations Special Events and Weddings, one of Chicago’s most celebrated event planning and design firms.
If you missed Part One, read it here!
To cap it all off I have some predictions for trends that are on their way in and those that are on their way out.
Let us welcome …
Cake!
Larger cakes are coming back. We went through the cupcake phase (those have been long gone) and then the petite cake, even the naked cake. But large, beautiful wedding cakes are making a comeback.
These cakes don’t have to be extreme or over-the-top but they will have at least 4 tiers and make a statement.
Feasting Tables
While we saw square tables a lot in the last 5-ish years we are going to continue to see more and more large feasting tables. Personally, I love feasting tables as they offer an intimate feeling for guests and afford an opportunity for low and abundant floral decor. Feasting tables also allow for creative and unique floor plans which will elevate the overall guest experience.
Sparkle
I also anticipate a resurgence of sparkle but not like we saw a few years ago during the blush and gold phase (yes – that is gone, gone, gone). Expect to continue seeing mixed metals and metallics with an element of sparkle. These will not be sequins but rather other forms of glitz in table linen and otherwise.
So what is on the way out?
Gray
We will see less and less gray. I will admit, gray has been a favorite neutral of mine for many years but it’s time for it to go. Instead, we will see color back on the tables.
Shabby Chic
Also officially all the way gone, shabby chic. This look has been out of trend in most parts of the country for several years now but it is truly out of the picture these days.
Naked Cakes
Naked cakes are also a thing of the past (or at least they should be). They fit nicely into the rustic look but they really left cakes dry and inedible.
Coming up…
A few fun and new things I am seeing are wedding magazines printed from companies like Guesterly, mentioned in last week’s article. This is a fun way to include any materials you want to share with guests upon hotel check-in. You can even feature all of your guests including their photo, how they know the couple and the clients’ favorite memory of each person. What a fun and unique way to ensure your guests feel valued, welcomed and loved!
Because most people do not actually want a themed wedding, we are seeing a move to themed welcome parties. These events are typically more casual and allow clients to really express their personalities and be a little creative while keeping the wedding an elegant event. I have clients this year doing a Cocktails en Blanc themed welcome party which is a nod to their engagement which took place in France. This is a great way to really have some fun and give guests an all-around unique experience for the entire weekend.
Last but not least I am loving unique floor plans. It is time to step out of the traditional table box and shake it up a little bit! Consider laying out the tables in a diamond shape, for example! The possibilities are endless.
Hats off to 2017, thanks for the memories. Here’s to many beautifully planned events in 2018!
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