Wedding style isn’t about what you’re wearing; it extends to every aspect of the wedding, starting with the announcement of your engagement and ending with the wedding favours your guests take-away with them. It’s all about celebrating, statement-making and designing your day.
2017 weddings will be a dollop more of the same delightful dazzle as this past season but, with the addition of finer details and timeless elegance. Think vintage weddings with a feel of lace and old world charm. Add, even more romance for that unforgettable atmosphere and experience for both the couple and the honoured guests alike.
The colours of Spring 2017 will deliver the promise and punch of a fresh new season, with bold, bright and beautiful hues of rich blues, fresh greens, coral and aqua that speak to the transformation of nature. The Pantone Colour Institute of New Jersey recently introduced its newest seasonal palette and we’re looking at some great colours that tie together a bride’s theme, from her flowers to her reception decor. Watch for Pink Yarrow, sure to be a favourite. It’s a vibrant and bold shade; one that is sure to be fun, elegant and edgy, and I’m predicting that it will be seen everywhere, from bridesmaids’ fashion to invitations and venue colours.
Reception decor continues to be simply stunning with textured and sequined table coverings of all colours, pleated elegant draping, sparkling, crystal chandeliers and candelabras in liberal doses of gold, silver or copper, all highlighted by the dramatic additions of colour washes, by a professional lighting specialist.
You’ll find candlesticks gracing the tables, in varying heights, shapes and sizes. They add an intimate, moody and magical feeling to a room, providing a setting for lively conversation and great photo taking opportunities and is reminiscent of a time gone by.
Square tables are being interspersed with the traditional rounds, to give the room a more modern feel and both, chairs and chair covers are now available in many different styles. This creates a romantic and intimate reception vibe. Couples are splurging on glamorous decor with lots of sparkle, pearls, hanging greenery, vibrant floral arrangements and metallics, embellishing the space with a fairy tale-like setting.
When you think bridal fashion couldn’t be any more spectacular, this season highlights elegantly sexy; from plunging necklines to off-the-shoulder gowns. Tattoo lace is everywhere, as sleeves continue to be in vogue. Gowns are ruffled, romantic and frothy with oversized bows that are feminine and flirty, accenting a beautiful back or waist detail. Fabric flowers, feathers and hand-sewn beading appear everywhere; they all add a modern touch to a classic silhouette. This season, edgier brides who don’t want to sport shades of white or ivory, will find an even larger collection of coloured and floral print gowns to choose from.
For the minimalist bride, the A-line ballgown is popular this season with its soft tulle and no crinoline, making it a perfect choice for garden weddings, smaller receptions restaurants and destination locations. Cathedral veils are back after years of shorter styles, hats and fascinators. The floral crown or headband is also going to be seen everywhere, as a popular headpiece.
Reception food, always a wedding highlight, continues to be showcased. Last season, food stations were the hottest catering trend, mixing the best of two worlds; the buffet with the sit-down dinner and this popular service will continue.
Farm to fork menus, with the emphasis on local fare, continues to resonate with today’s millennial couples. They are getting more creative with themes, and are choosing their favourite foods, while curating a menu around those ingredients. Some are opting for an early to mid-morning ceremony, serving a menu of smoked bacon and waffles on skewers, alongside a side shot of maple syrup. Add a Bloody Mary bar with all the fixings or serve a signature cocktail, or a craft beer to complement a truly, unique offering of flavours.
The dessert bar continues to be a highlight of the meal, showcasing sweet treats of chocolate, cupcakes, cookies, macaroons and cakes.This year, we’ll also see the introduction of the French eclair, created in exotic flavours, topped with icing. They also pair perfectly, when served as a treat with a late night specialty coffee with a splash of Baileys or Grand Marnier.
Wedding flowers will always be a signature statement that add tradition, fragrance and punches of colour to the day. When it comes to this upcoming year, the word is plentiful, lavish and over-the-top with pops of protea and other exotic flowers. Big bouquets, walls of blooms for photo ops, bedecked cakes and floral arches to marry under, are all in the limelight.
This year’s sleeper is sure to be the boutonniere – it’s distinctive, pint sized and “just picked look”, make them delightful, They definitely aren’t the single carnation or rose with a bit of greenery from your mama’s wedding day. They are simple but elegant; comprised of small clusters of flowers that mimic the bridal bouquet with added and interesting elements of industrial material such as wire, rope, metal or ribbon. They are becoming a sought-after and interesting detail for the gentlemen in the wedding party.
And for a unique and memorable wedding favour, consider one of the most interesting touches that we spotted for spring/summer; the colouring book, a trend that took the world by storm in 2016. With the addition of crayons, it will appear on reception tables and as a keepsake item. Send your guests home with your custom-designed love story.
From small, sweet touches to splendid grandeur, expect to see beautiful, extra ordinary celebrations in 2017; all filled with big doses of love and joy. The options for this special day continue to be truly endless, and as different as the couples themselves. From the vows to the reception expect a detail-driven, emotional day that reflects the signature style and the personality of the couple.
At today’s weddings, you’ll see everything from a simple ceremony to the sky’s the limit, as couples add sentimental touches to a day all wrapped in shimmer, texture and the promise of a sparkling future.
Written by Sheryl Davies, Publisher ©The Wedding Guide Windsor|Essex County
