I’m so excited to have Kylie Carlson, of International Academy of Wedding & Event Planning, be a guest writer and give us the scoop on wedding trends for this year.
Thanks Preeti! There is so much to look forward to in 2017 luxury weddings. We are looking forward to witnessing how it is applied to this year’s phenomenal South Asian weddings. For more from the Trend Report, visit us.
We consulted more than 50 of the world’s most recognized events experts and asked what they predict will be hottest in weddings in 2017. Creative and state-of-the-art use of technology, grand transformation of space, and a focus on the entire guest experience are just some of the popular trends that will make an impact on luxury South Asian weddings this year.
Emerging Destinations?
Photo: Rochelle Cheever Photography
For those couples ready to dash off for the Big Day, “ We’re seeing a rise in destinations that are off the beaten path,” shares Megan Velez of Destination Weddings Travel Group. “Expect to see emerging countries such as Iceland, Canada and Italy catching the fancy of next year’s brides and grooms.”
As for LGBTQ couples, Velez adds, “Europe has grown to be one of the top destinations for LGBTQ couples, as many countries like France, Spain and Ireland are happily open to celebrating same-sex weddings. Couples especially love Europe, as it makes for easy traveling and the opportunity to take in a number of cultures in one trip.”
Taking Lighting to a Whole New Level
Asked if professional event lighting, especially Edison and Festoon lighting, will continue to be popular in 2017, Bridal Bar’s Harmony Walton answered, “Yes, yes and yes – more so than in recent years even! It will get more technical, (with) more mapping and the creativity of moving light, three-dimensional looks and the changing or progression of lighting throughout a single event space.”
The concept of using lighting to reinvent space plays a huge role in venue selection for 2017, when couples are expected to gravitate towards urban industrial spaces like warehouses and factories. Character meets flexibility in large open sites that can be transformed by designers into custom venues using “over the top florals in the form of floral walls and hanging installs,” as Chancey Charm Weddings’ Sarah Chancey observes.
The Guest Experience
Photo: Stephanie Yonce Photography
Jes Gordon of jesGORDON / properFUN! intentionally designs entire event experiences for her couples. It can begin with a creative approach to décor: “Our clients are enjoying rambling floral runners with lots of texture and varied views from all angles so each guest has a different take on the centerpiece…Overall, our clients wish to have an experimental take on their weddings not just a visual one, they want to achieve a perfect balance of joy across all five senses.”
Cocoon Events Management Group’s Fabrice Orlando agrees, saying, “The ‘surprise and delight’ element,” will be big in 2017. He predicts that, “Couples will find ways to enhance the guest experience with breathtaking entrances, fun icebreakers and unexpected entertainment to set the tone.”
Masses of Candlelight
Photo: Stephanie Yonce Photography
One trending and timeless design element that contributes to this overall guest experience is the liberal use of candlelight. 100 Candle’s Igal Sapir anticipates that, “In 2017, candles will become more of a front-and-center element at weddings, as couples become more creative with their vessels and candleholders.”
Pamella Dunn of Pamella Dunn Luxury Weddings agrees, saying “Candles are a key trend when displayed in abundance both inside and outdoors, decorating stairways, aisles, ceremonies, fireplaces and just about anywhere…in varying heights and vessels.”
Storytelling through Social Media
Photo: Don-Mears-Photography
According to LadyMarry founder Joanne Jiang, social media is officially where the wedding day story (and all those gorgeous details!) plays out.
“From Facebook Live and Snapchat to Instagram Stories, friends and family who couldn’t make the event, can now follow the day’s events as they unfold,” says Jiang. “Social media is also the hub where guests find themselves connecting- whether by utilizing the wedding day hash tag (a must these days!) or Snapping with the wedding’s custom geofilter.”
More social media, more travel, more beautiful everything. Can’t wait to see this year’s weddings from you!