Leading event planners from around the world share the latest trends, judicious use of which will inject a dash of personality into your special celebration

1. Whimsical Romance

Tatler Asia
Above Image: Multifolds Photography/Courtesy of Rosette Designs & Co

“We predict 2018 will be the year of the ‘Whimsical Wedding’, a breathtaking fusion of fairytale romance with the unimaginable—subtle madness in an elegant display of the whacky and wonderful.

"Think charming trinkets hanging from trees, eye-catching food stations, and creative balloon displays. This year we look forward to letting our creativity unfold, working with couples to bring to life their unique and quirky visions.

"Festival weddings are also on the rise; we recently designed one at a private residence in Scotland that featured indoor roller-skating at the reception, along with tipi glamping to host guests at the site.”

 —Jessica Seal, director of events, Quintessentially Weddings (London)

(Related: What’s Your Wedding Concept?)

2. Surprise Getaway

Tatler Asia
Above Image: Courtesy of Fabulation

“More and more of our couples are choosing to have weekend-long celebrations rather than just a one-day ceremony and reception. The extras typically include a Friday night dinner or cocktail party, and then a Sunday brunch after the wedding where guests can reminisce about the night before.

"Often, our couples are leaving their hometowns to have these weekends in places such as France, Italy, Bali, the Philippines, and Mexico. The welcome party and brunch are replaced by local and regional activities like a boat ride through Mexico City, a pizza party in Italy, or a medieval celebration with jugglers, archery, and stilt walkers in the French countryside. In addition, our couples often surprise their guests throughout the weekend with things like treats on shuttle rides and pillow gifts in the hotel room—who doesn’t like late night milk and cookies?”

—Beth Helmstetter, owner and creative director, Beth Helmstetter Events (Los Angeles)

3. Secret Garden

Tatler Asia
Above Image: Courtesy of Fabulation

“Intimate floral arrangements will prevail over taller centrepieces. Low, lush florals allow for conversations across the tables, but still keep the room looking full. In terms of actual floral trends, amaranthus is back. This cascading plant gives floral pieces a lush feel and the striking colours they have add interest.” 

—Mindy Weiss, founder, Mindy Weiss Party Consultants (Los Angeles)

“Vine it out. We are using greens to create lush installations that add depth and texture to tent poles, lighting fixtures, and  dance floors.”

 —Lyndsey Hamilton, creative director, Lyndsey Hamilton Events (Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York)

(Related: 5 Ways To Make Your Wedding Flowers Stand Out)

4. A Hint Of Rose

Tatler Asia
Above Image: Courtesy of Judy Pak Photography

“This will be the year where couples embrace colour, whether it is a neutral floral palette with surprising pops of burgundy, or a rich blend of colours ranging from dusty rose to magenta.

"Another colour trend we will also be seeing a lot more of is the use of metallic rose-gold, perhaps in a sequinned table runner or in rose-gold foil stamped on navy-coloured invitations.”

—Tzo Ai Ang, founder, Ang Weddings and Events (New York)

Topics