There is much on the horizon as we anticipate the hottest wedding trends of 2017. Event experts contributed their predictions and observations to our third annual International Wedding Trends Report and named some very exciting ideas for couples planning their own weddings this year. Among our favorites…
Industrial Chic Styling
“Industrial” is an emerging theme combining urban style with elegance and opulence. It is a buzzword in everything from venue selection to décor. In stationery, for example, says Stephanie Miller of Ivy Ellen, designers are “blending strong industrial colors with elegant copper and gold tones.”
The Wedding Zone’s Denise Fouracre adds, “Industrial backdrops and custom metal floral stands are the big signature pieces that are popular. Hand-painted welcome boards and blackboards are still reigning supreme.”
Bohemian Theme
A bohemian approach to event styling will continue to be popular in 2017. Sara Burnett of Burnett’s Boards sees the style as wildly popular among her audience members. The style is more, “free-spirited than classic wedding styles but combines that boho spirit with chic detailing. For instance: an Ibiza beach wedding with bridesmaids in pantsuits, cactus centerpieces, and every guest (following) an all white dress code. It’s different, but still super chic!”
Personal Décor Details
“Seeing it as another opportunity to really inject their personalities in to their big day, couples are seeking out artisanal ceramics, gilded cutlery and ornate glassware to really give their guests a feast for the eyes,” says The Little Wedding Helper’s Kirsten Butler.
Incorporating unique pieces of furniture into “wedding lounges,” where guests can seek rest temporarily is also a trend to look for in 2017. Butler calls the lounges, “versatile areas that can really allow guests to feel at home.”
Professional Lighting
Creating and changing ambiance through lighting is increasingly common. Sandra Santoro of Getting Married in Italy predicts that lighting will keep, “its popularity in 2017 with an increased use of Edison lighting, festoon lighting and colored light,” as well as, “lettering lighting signs and pattern projections”.
State-of-the-Art Entertainment
Beyond design, a more holistic approach to the guest experience is on-trend in 2017 and will touch all of the wedding events. “Cocktail hour,” for example, “is going through a bit of an entertainment evolution at the moment,” according to Warble Entertainment’s Matt and Tracy Warren. “We’re seeing an expansion of custom lawn games,” and expect to see “casino tables, cigar rolling and interactive social media activities, such as a hashtag wall that works alongside a photo booth (and) simultaneously publishes to the wall and social media.”
Experience is the overarching focus for 2017 weddings, and there is truly something for every couple and their lucky guests. We look forward to watching these trends come to life in this exciting New Year.
With six online campuses globally, the International Academy of Wedding and Event Planning boasts an internationally recognized accreditation program that brings professional training to wedding planners, event planners, event designers and wedding stylists.
