Tag Archives: wedding trends

Fall 2023 Wedding Trends

Fall is a popular season for weddings, with 43% of celebrations occurring between September and November in 2022. We can understand why couples gravitate toward this season – the temperatures are comfortable, the foliage is vibrant, and the vibe is cozy. Beyond the stunning scenery and pumpkin spice lattes, there is much to look forward to when planning an event during this time.

If you want to get bit by the inspo bug, join us to explore the latest fall wedding trends!

Autumn color palette

Still determining your color palette? Consider incorporating warm, earthy tones like burgundy, orange, and red. A rich burgundy adds a sophisticated and luxurious touch, while burnt orange and red deliver a natural autumn aesthetic. For a muted, rustic feel, you can also include brown and olive-green tones.

Add a pop of color with golden or mustard yellow. A vibrant yellow is cheerful and complements the fall foliage theme, and a mustard yellow evokes comfort. Bold hues, like emerald green or sapphire blue, are also excellent contenders to tie your theme together.

Once you’ve decided on the perfect color palette, balance your autumn color scheme with metallic accents like gold, copper, or bronze.

Seasonal floral arrangements

Selecting your dream flowers can be challenging, but we recommend autumn blooms like dahlias, chrysanthemums, and marigolds. In-season flowers have been all the rage for modern weddings because they’re sustainable, gorgeous, and locally sourced. For couples hosting a destination wedding, local flowers are a great way to showcase the area’s natural beauty.

Here are some creative ideas to make the most of seasonal flowers:

Create a lush bridal bouquet: Select an autumn bloom as your statement flower and add greenery, like dusty miller or eucalyptus, for texture and depth.
Include seasonal elements in ceremony décor: Scatter maple leaves on the aisle and decorate your wedding arch with fall flowers.
Develop stunning centerpieces: Put your blooms in a copper or gold vase surrounded by candles for a simple and chic look.

Sunflowers and wheat accents are also a popular fall trend. For example, sunflower bouquets with dried grass and wheat stems provide the ultimate boho-chic style. For a rustic look, you can also place this iconic statement flower on crates or barrels.

Now, blooms aren’t the only natural elements symbolizing fall. This season features textures and foliage as well. Think eucalyptus, berries, and branches. Add red hypericum berries to your bouquets for a pop of color, drape eucalyptus garlands on your banquet tables, and decorate your chairs with wreaths. Including greenery and wooden accents in your ceremony and wedding cake is another way to create a cohesive theme.

In addition to seasonal blooms, modern couples have also gravitated toward dried flowers for centerpieces, bouquets, and wedding décor. Pairing dried flowers with garland is perfect for a boho-chic aesthetic. For your grand exit, you can substitute dried flower petals or fall leaves for traditional paper confetti.

Cozy and intimate atmosphere

Tap into fall’s cozy vibes by using candles and fairy lights. These warm lighting options establish a welcoming atmosphere.

Need some inspo to draw from? Review our list of recommendations and see if any match your vision:

Pair pillar candles of varying heights together throughout the venue.
Select candlesticks with an autumn design to match the fall aesthetic.
Hang fairy lights on trees and arches to establish an enchanting ambiance for your outdoor ceremony.
Drape curtain fairy lights along the walls of the lounge area for an intimate cocktail hour.
Line the aisle with candle-lit luminaries for a romantic entrance.

Hanging lanterns and chandeliers also offer an elevated touch to modern celebrations. You can hang lanterns in the trees for outdoor weddings and create an eclectic display with other lighting options. In addition, you can hang a crystal-beaded chandelier over the dance floor, making your first dance even more memorable!

Besides your lighting, make your event feel like a warm hug with lounge areas featuring plush sofas, pillows, and armchairs. Place baskets with blankets by the aisles for guests to use during the ceremony and add cushions to benches for comfortable seating. You can also provide custom blankets with your names as wedding favors.

If you’re planning an outdoor celebration, find out if your venue has fire pits or heaters. Fire pits have a calming and nostalgic feel, inviting guests to come together and enjoy conversations.

Seasonal menus and signature drinks

Autumn is one of the best seasons for themed treats, as displayed by the annual pumpkin-flavored craze. There’s no better way to immerse your guests in the fall theme than with a harvest-inspired menu.

Here are some of our favorite hearty dishes that perfectly represent the season:

Creamy pumpkin soup
Butternut squash soup
Apple-infused salad with maple vinaigrette
A side helping of root vegetables, like carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, parsnips, turnips, rutabagas, radishes, and celery root

As for specialty drinks, a fall-flavored cocktail or spiced apple cider is an excellent option. Some other delectable autumn beverages include caramel apple martinis, maple bourbon old fashioneds, and harvest mules. Taste test some of these items to determine the best signature drink for your special day!

Finally, we left the best for last – your dessert. While you can always opt for a traditional wedding cake, there are plenty of fun ways to give your treats a dose of autumn. Consider swapping your cake with a pumpkin or pecan pie. Or, if you prefer to keep the conventional dessert, you can serve additional treats, like maple pecan blondies, cinnamon rolls, or apple crisps. These delectable delights will satisfy even the biggest of sweet tooths!

Capturing the essence of fall in your wedding

Autumn is a beautiful season for a celebration, and luckily, incorporating the cozy, festive vibes into your big day is simple. You and your partner can host a stunning autumn wedding by including warm color palettes, seasonal floral arrangements, specialized menus, and more.

Are you feeling inspired by our post? Share these fall trends with your wedding planner and add your unique spin to make the event your own!

5 Summer Wedding Trends in 2023

Do you want to blend traditional and modern elements into your summer celebration? If so, there are several up-and-coming trends worth checking out. From boho and rustic to modern elegance, we’ve compiled a list of five summer wedding trends modern couples are head over heels for. So check out our list and see if there are any unique elements you want to include in your special day!

Boho and Rustic Vibes

Although boho and rustic-themed weddings have recently become a staple in the wedding industry, we expect to see this theme more this summer. With an eclectic and carefree ambiance from the bohemian style interwoven with earthy and woody elements from the rustic theme, many couples appreciate how these styles complement each other and highlight their personalities.

Are you thinking of leaning into the boho and rustic theme? If so, consider using an earthy color palette with metallic accents, lace and wood textures, and warm lighting. These details create an inviting atmosphere, perfect for celebrating with loved ones.

Sustainable Weddings

The wedding industry is no stranger to waste, with an average U.S. wedding producing about 400 pounds of garbage. However, many modern couples want to change this reality by adopting eco-friendly celebrations. From serving organic food and selecting locally sourced florals, this trend is good for the planet and easy to implement.

Key elements of sustainable weddings include environmentally-friendly vendors, sustainable décor, second-hand options, and digital invites. You can also book a green venue that uses renewable energy and actively reduces waste.

In addition, sustainable fashion is making a splash this summer with an increased interest in ethically-made suits and dress rentals, a choice that pairs well with the boho rustic theme.

Non-Traditional Venues

Non-traditional venues are another big trend this summer with the popularity of unique event spaces, like botanical gardens, museums, and private homes. Opting for a non-conventional event space allows you to cater to your theme and immerse guests in a memorable experience.

For instance, if you have a rustic theme, you can host at a farm, or if you’re a wine lover, you can tie the knot in a vineyard. With many fun options, you can go off the beaten path and pick a distinctive venue that matches your vibe.

Modern Elegance

We’ve witnessed plenty of classic weddings over the years, but now we’re seeing a fresh spin with modern elegance. This theme lends itself to minimalism and clean lines, creating a timeless and sophisticated event. With contemporary elements, it allows modernism to shine while balancing classic features.

A typical modern elegance color palette includes white, black, pastels, or neutrals. It also incorporates gold, silver, and rose gold, accompanied by warm lighting from candles or chandeliers. As for the venue, loft spaces or art galleries pair well with this theme.

Interactive Food Stations

Photography: A Tale Ahead Photography

While plated dinners and buffets are standard options, interactive food stations are gaining traction as a fun addition to reception parties. Some examples include build-your-own taco bars, DIY mimosa stations, and charcuterie boards. You can also have a dessert bar showcasing cupcakes, macarons, and cookies, a great alternative to traditional wedding cakes. If you think your guests will get a kick out of an interactive food station, consider including one at your wedding.

Whether you try something old or something new, remember to have fun and create a celebration that highlights your relationship. Will you include some of these summer wedding trends in your upcoming event? If so, bookmark this post and share it with your partner!

Six Spring Wedding Trends We Have Our Eye On

It’s time to say farewell to winter and hello to spring. Exciting wedding trends accompany the new season, and we can’t wait to share them with you. From colorful gowns to in-season blooms, many couples are embracing change. So if you want to put a creative spin on tradition for your big day, check out these six spring trends to celebrate in style!

Petite bouquets

Big and exquisite is out, and small and dainty is in. Nowadays, modern couples love petite bouquets, and we can’t blame them. They bring a chic and simplistic addition to your special day without distracting guests from the main attraction – your love.

Wondering what flowers to use? You can pick from crowd favorites like lavender, lily of the valley, baby’s breath, and lilacs. Of course, feel free to explore Pinterest for more ideas. Consider including this trend in your wedding if dainty florals match your theme.

Outside of the box guest books

While we’re still fans of writing personal notes for newlyweds, many couples are bringing a fun and creative take to this tradition. For instance, polaroids with short greetings on the backs and voice recordings with an old-fashioned telephone filter have gained popularity. Some couples have even incorporated board games into the mix, with guests writing messages on giant wooden Jenga or puzzle pieces. These are some unique ideas you can use to enhance the guest experience.

Wedding dresses with a pop of color and or pattern

Spring is bursting with colors, and so are wedding gowns. 2023 Bridal Fashion Week displayed baby blues, floral prints, and playful color palettes, reinventing the white wedding dress tradition. Although bold and vibrant colors aren’t for everyone, you can subtly adapt this trend through pastel hues and embroidery. So if you’re still searching for your dream dress, consider looking at selections with a slight hint of color. You may be surprised at just how much you love it!

Welcome drinks

Wedding day timelines often run on tight schedules. However, some couples are hosting a gathering before their ceremony starts to turn things down a notch. It’s like a pre-cocktail hour, where guests socialize for 20-30 minutes before getting situated for the ceremony. This is an excellent opportunity to sip on a glass of bubbly, set aside wedding gifts, and enjoy conversation before the main event. Want to reduce the hustle and bustle of your day? Adding in a buffer time with welcome drinks is a great solution.

A last dance alone

All eyes and ears will be on you during your celebration, from your walk down the aisle to your first dance. But soaking everything in is hard when the spotlight is on you. So after your grand sendoff, consider sharing a last dance (alone) with your partner. This is your chance to savor the memories of your day and celebrate your marriage. So kick off your shoes, play your favorite song, and sway in each other’s arms. We certainly love this new and intimate trend!

Celebrate with mother nature’s in-season blooms

We can’t discuss petite bouquets without mentioning everyone’s love for in-season blooms. Many couples are opting for this environmentally-friendly approach because it reduces their carbon footprint and saves on costs. Plus, it supports the local economy. As we enter spring, there is a diverse selection of stunning flowers, such as peonies, tulips, perennials, daffodils, and more. From pastels to bold colors, you will find a bloom that breathes life into your day.

Did any of these spring wedding trends speak to you? If so, be sure to bookmark this post and share it with your partner. Then, you can add a personal spin to tradition and make the day your own!

Looking Ahead at 2022 Wedding Trends

It’s here, it’s here! The New Year is here and, with it, we’re welcoming a whole slate of 2022 wedding trends fresh for the picking. For our fellow industry pros, you’re well aware that we’re in for a busy year. And for the engaged couples out there, you’re probably in the thick of wedding planning for your 2022 or 2023 wedding.

It’s true — as an industry, we’re still catching up from the countless postponements from the pandemic. Social distancing and restrictions on traveling and mass gatherings had put a damper on many wedding plans. However, with new knowledge about how to mitigate risk and manage COVID-19, weddings are back in full swing again!

Let’s dive into the 2022 wedding trends to know this year…

If you are getting married, involved in planning your friend’s wedding, or simply curious about what’s on the horizon for weddings in 2022, we’ve got you covered. We’re giving you a lowdown on the hottest 2022 wedding trends that will dominate the scene this year and beyond.

Luxury meets comfort

This year, expect many engaged couples to keep the celebration to pared-down perfection! While classic black-tie weddings are definitely here to stay, events will be slightly less formal. Weddings in 2022 will exude a casual, elegant vibe and have a more inviting atmosphere. Think cocktail-style parties with posh food trucks in the vicinity, and the like.

Multiple-day celebrations

As we return to in-person gatherings, it comes as no surprise that engaged couples are putting extra effort into ensuring they create wonderful memories with loved ones at their wedding. As a result, many are planning multi-day experiences to make the most of their celebrations. This gives them more time to mingle and catch up with all of their favorite people outside of the event proper. It also allows them to space out meetings with guests and avoid mass gatherings with too many people.

Domestic destination weddings

Travel continues to be tricky as many countries have adopted stringent requirements for entry and tourism. Thus, you can expect more and more couples to explore beautiful, otherworldly destinations within the country for their celebrations. Not only is it more cost-effective, but it’s also more accessible for guests who are apprehensive of air travel. And this way, everyone can still enjoy some well-deserved respite from daily life without the hassle of international travel.

Weekday nuptials

Weekday weddings have been on the rise in recent years, and they will continue to be prevalent in the coming year due to increased demand. As restrictions loosen up, more and more vendors and venues have found themselves fully booked for weekends through 2022, and even into 2023. Weekday weddings are a great way to avoid traffic or crowds that often swell during the weekends. Not to mention, many couples are impatient to finally tie the knot and a weekday celebration can make it happen!

Countryside vibe

In need of a wedding theme idea? Many couples are finding inspiration from the hit Netflix series, Bridgerton. Expect trailing wisteria, Georgian wedding venues, personalized wax seals, and regency blue color palettes to abound in the wedding scene this coming year. And it comes as no surprise as, after over a year of lockdowns, couples are craving refreshing, outdoorsy weddings.

Technology-infused weddings

Livestreaming, online RSVPs, and QR codes that direct guests to the wedding website: These are just a few of the ways technology is incorporated into this year’s weddings. While quarantine restrictions are loosening in most states, travel may still not be possible or safe for everyone you want at your wedding, whether for health or other reasons. In 2022, couples are embracing technology to bridge the gaps!

These six trends are transforming the industry and the way we plan weddings, so keep an open mind as you embark on the next chapter of your journey to the aisle. Whether you’re nearly there or you’re just starting out, consider how these trends can influence your big day for the better!

Curious to know more about design and experiential trends to make your wedding day unforgettable? We’ve got you covered. Reach out and let us show you how our lighting & entertainment services can provide you with the modern, on-trend celebration of your dreams.

New Press: Woman Getting Married

The wedding industry runs on trends. Kevin shared insight with Woman Getting Married about the shifts he has seen in the industry. particularly when it comes to wedding venues!

Kevin speaks to the growing trend of securing a single venue for a couple’s ceremony and reception. In the past, many couples have booked separate venues. However, the convenience and cost-effectiveness of sticking to one venue wins out!

The future of wedding trends looks bright. Check out the full feature for more advice from wedding experts!

Press: Brides.com

We were thrilled to be included in this fun roundup of 2017 wedding trends on Brides.com! We love to predict what lies ahead in the wedding industry, so this feature was especially exciting for us. To read the full article, tune in here!

Proudly serving Bay Area Weddings for over twenty years, Fantasy Sound aims to be engaged couples’ first stop- offering Disc Jockey, Videography, Event Lighting Décor and Wedding Planning services. They are fueled by great ideas paired with strong coffee, and will never turn down a piece of red velvet wedding cake.

Fantasy Sound in Special Events!

We were thrilled to see Kevin’s expertise included in Special Events‘ comprehensive article on major trends to look out for in 2015! Take a peek at this article to read up on the best 2015 trends and how they play into the wedding industry.

Many thanks to our friends at Special Events for the opportunity!

Proudly serving Bay Area Weddings for over twenty years, Fantasy Sound aims to be engaged couples’ first stop- offering Disc Jockey, Videography, Event Lighting Décor and Wedding Planning services. They are fueled by great ideas paired with strong coffee, and will never turn down a piece of red velvet wedding cake.