By Meghan Ely, OFD Consulting
With the 2016 wedding season in the books, it’s time to start thinking about what trends are ahead for 2017. As the great Heidi Klum says, “One day you’re in, and the next day you’re out.” With that, let’s take a look at what we can expect for the upcoming year.
Guest Experience
More and more, couples are striving to give their guests an experience that’s unique and will be unforgettable. “Today’s couples are exploring more ways to engage their guests,” shares Fabrice Orlando, owner of Cocoon Events Management Group. “We’re seeing interactive food stations and on site ice breakers gain in popularity.”
New Technologies
With millennials making up approximately 90 percent of engaged couples, it’s easy to guess that many are using technology to elevate the guest experience as well. It not only gives guests instant satisfaction to see their posts and pictures online instantly, but is also making things like hotel reservations, transportation, etc. a lot easier- especially, for destination weddings. Megan Velez of Destination Weddings Travel Group explains, “We’re seeing a marked increased in the number of couples integrating technology into their wedding day-from customized Snapchat geofilters and 3D printed elements to livestreaming the event itself.”
The New Traditional
We will continue to see customized weddings that reflect the to-be-weds’ personalities and relationship reign supreme over the more traditional cookie-cutter style. Every couple has their own set of traditions and favorite things they want to celebrate, from unique ceremonies performed by a friend rather than a traditional officiant to quirky DIY paper flower bouquets instead of real blooms – the possibilities are endless! Kim Sayatovic of Belladeux Event Design says, “Getting married in a non-traditional venue is very popular right now. People want to be unique and tie the knot at properties not typically known for weddings.
Food Centric
The evolution of food at weddings is astonishing when thinking about where the industry was 10 or 15 years ago. Guests now attend weddings expecting to be blown away by the food, and couples are definitely delivering. This trend ties into both guest experience and the new traditional, with funky fusion menus that capture the couple’s favorite cuisines and interactive food stations that engage couples in the food experience. “Late night snacks have gone from a fun surprise to a ‘can’t live without’ that guests expect, while additional courses that elevate a menu beyond a simple soup or salad are also becoming the norm,” shares Kevin Dennis, owner of Fantasy Sound Event Services.
Engaged couples are taking note from luxury events and elevating their own design to enhance not only their vision, but also the guests’ experience. New trends are popping up all over the place so much so that no two weddings look alike anymore, which is something couples are loving. From metallics like silver to inspiration from the far East, 2017 is bidding farewell to blush tones and saying hello to bold choices. “Color is finally back,” explains Nahid Farhoud, owner of Nahid’s Global Events. “This is in contrast to the last few seasons where all-white weddings were more prevalent. We’re also seeing more hanging botanicals as well as lighting patterns.”
Meghan Ely is the owner of wedding PR and wedding marketing firm OFD Consulting. Ely is a sought-after speaker, adjunct professor in the field of public relations, and a self-professed royal wedding enthusiast.
