Special Events | Summer 2025

Take the guest on a journey of color drenching. Take them from room to room with completely saturated colors. Do that trend and do it up.... “If your client wants Peach Fuzz (the 2024 Pantone Color of the Year), go ahead and do it. Give them all the peaches in the world... If your client is into bows, make them walk through a gigantic bow. Put bows on their wrist from the moment they walk in and make it a thing.” At the end of the day, you’re the artist, and it’s up to you to take what your client wants and deliver it well. “It’s the old saying,” said Banta, “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” Staying true to you—and your clients As you weave new trends into your events, it can be tough to strike a balance between what everyone seems to want and what is authentic to you and your client. If you’re struggling to remain original, it’s important to avoid replicating

trends exactly as you’ve seen them before, instead tailor them to the client. “Does it make sense for their story and style?” Watson asks. It’s also helpful to remember that while clients can get carried away with the trends they see online (or from the events they attend themselves), they are capable of understanding the reasons for incorporating a trend or skipping it. In her session, Harris recommended sitting down with your clients and educating them on what the top current trends require behind the scenes. You can also just ask a client why they want to use a certain trend. Discussing their draw to the trend can give you insight on what aspects are appealing to them and what they are trying to achieve with it. Once they know the reasons behind your decisions and preferences, and vice versa, it can be easier to work together to find a path forward that is both popular and personal.

In her session Kristin Banta's Design to Impact in 2024 at Catersource + The Special Event 2024, Kristin Banta (Kristin Banta Events, Inc.) shared a list of questions she asks clients when incorporating trendy elements into her events: • What do they want to take away? • How do they want guests to feel? • Who is the event targeting? • What is the goal/purpose of the event? • What does the client/brand stand for or represent? • Does the client/brand support a cause? • Is there a motto that summarizes the client/brand or event? Gaining insight into these questions will help you seamlessly weave trends into your events. KRISTIN BANTA’S Trend-Setting Questions

Branded ice is big right now, like this ice cube stamped with a couple’s initials for a signature cocktail. Event by TGIS Catering. Photo courtesy Chard Photo

SPECIAL EVENTS SUMMER 2025