AN EYE ON WEDDING TRENDS
Canadian planners weigh in on 2017
Are Mason Jars and flower crowns still en vogue for weddings in 2017? What about a barn as a reception venue?
Unsure about the answers to these and other trend-related questions? Well, you’re in luck. In light of the impending “busy season” for weddings, we’ve asked two of the top wedding planners from Vancouver and Toronto to weigh in on what’s “in” and what’s totally “out” in the world of weddings.
“This year we are going to see a shift away from anything rustic — yea! — and couples opting for more of a botanical and natural look,” says Arthur Kerekes of Fusion Events in Toronto. “Say ‘no’ to Mason Jars and burlap and ‘yes’ to botanical garlands and more industrial and urban settings with brighter pops of colour and metallic accents.”
For colours, Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Greenery, will play a big part in this year’s events — not so much as a colour scheme, but more in the literal sense — with florals.
“We saw a lot of greenery rending over the last couple of years and that is a trend that will continue on for a while,” he explains.
So, what are other things to keep in mind when crafting the ultimate wedding affair? You’re about to find out.
Who: Arthur Kerekes What: Fusion Events Where: Toronto WHAT’S IN: Industrial
“Many couples are requesting industrial, loft-type settings. These spaces allow for a lot of customization as nobody wants a cookie-cutter wedding. Everything from tables, chairs, furniture, stemware, catering and lighting are all brought into these types of venues.”
Cocktail-style weddings
“The Millennial generation just might be too (Attention Deficit Disorder) for a formal sitdown dinner with the standard formalities. Not to mention we’ve all been to one too many of those types of weddings.
“As a result we are seeing many younger couples opt for cocktailstyle weddings, which are basically more of a party.
“It can still be formal and classy but revolves more around interaction and partying. So, imagine lots of interactive food stations, lounge seating and a great band or DJ — or both — to keep people dancing all night long and not listening to meandering speeches.”
360 wedding videos
“With the advancement of 360 technology couples now have the option to capture their special day in 360, giving them the ability to re-live their wedding in virtual reality. Pretty cool!”
Sexy gowns
“In 2017, we suspect the trend of sexier wedding gowns to grow in popularity. Plunging necklines and the appearance of lots of skin with the nude effect.”
Live music
“We’ve seen a major increase in couples opting to have live music as part of their ceremonies, cocktail receptions and receptions.
“While a great DJ is worth their money in gold in line with the cocktail style parties, bands tend to be more engaging and entertaining to watch — especially for guests who are not big dancers.”
Surprise weddings
“For the couple who has it all, a surprise weddings can be super fun and exciting. And we’ve been seeing this trend increasing.
“This is where a couple invites guests to an engagement party and surprise everyone by getting married right there on the spot.”
WHAT’S OUT: Photo props
“For a while there, everyone was using props in their wedding photos such as signs, vintage cameras, etc. While that was fun, and with the right prop can tell a story, for the most part it’s over. Couples are now much more interested in photojournalistic and candid styles of photography.”
Head tables
“More and more our couples are either opting to sit at what is called a Sweetheart Table, which is just the bride and groom. Often, the Sweetheart Table is flanked by family tables.
“Long harvest or king’s tables are also popular and can often include family, the bridal party — or any combination.”
Same-day edits
“These are pretty much gone with the wind. It was a nice trend while it lasted, and we understand the sentiment, but in most cases guests are left wondering why they are watching the parts of the day they just experienced.”
Large bridal parties
“We can only assume that couples having been in enough large bridal parties themselves are getting hip to the ridiculousness of a 20-person bridal party and the added time it takes to do everything from hair and makeup to photography.
“Couples are trimming their bridal parties way down in 2017.”
Who: Soha Lavin What: CountDown Events Planning & Design Where: Vancouver WHAT’S IN: Nature and greenery
“While we have been incorporating greenery in our events for years, more and more couples are definitely looking to bring the outside inside. And be it local, organic, sustainable, or plantbased, mindful menu selections are on the rise.”
Living centrepieces
“These are taking centrestage at reception tables. Whereas in the past it was almost exclusively flowers without greenery, florists are now working in foliage and garden herbs.”
Embracing the un-uniform
“No longer are we seeing a sea of the same table arrangements. Instead we’re seeing a mix of long tables, round tables and square tables. In addition, chairs do not necessary have to match. It is a very eclectic look but still cohesive at the same time.”
Interactive guest stations
“This includes ... postcard stations with postcards that will be mailed to the couple and received when they are back from their honeymoon; creative food stations where guests can make their own sundae or dressup their own fried doughnuts; and dessert bars are still proving to be a favoured way to spoil guests.”
Ceiling decor
“This is something you will see in many weddings this year. This includes suspended florals that are hung straight from the ceiling or above tables with glass containers and which may replace a conventional centrepiece.”
WHAT’S OUT: Matching bridesmaid dresses and hair
“Brides are moving toward a more organic look where bridesmaids each wear different styles — and sometimes colour — of dresses.
Paper RSVPs
“Though mailed invites are still popular, the traditional mail-back RSVP card is no longer. More and more couples are turning to the Internet for RSVP replies, either using email addresses or via a website.”
Gifts
“Couples are turning away from traditional gift favours in favour of more unique items and/or conscious giving.” DIY centrepieces
“There was a time when DIY centrepieces were all the rage, but more couples are turning to the professionals or utilizing a more minimalist approach.”
Cameraphone photographers
“Guests taking their own photos during ceremonies has always been done, but couples are now requesting their loved ones leave their cameras/phones turned off or at the door so guests can really dial into the ceremony and be in the present.”