ON TREND
of silent discos, and Penny Haas (Penny Haas, LLC) recalls, “I liked interactive wedding vendors this year. Vendors like live painters were great. It was another conversation starter, a wow factor (which I love!), and the first piece of art for the couple.” Music playlists are hyper- personalized, and 3D immersive music soundscapes give guests a chance to sink into the moment. Of course, the aforementioned after-parties are the top way couples are hyping up guests, creating a more relaxed scene for the night owls (often the couple’s inner circle) to let loose and celebrate. In the case of luxury spectacles, The New York Times reported on a couple that turned their wedding into a private music festival, hiring A-list artists including the Isley Brothers, Davido, Quavo, and Moneybagg Yo. For some couples, nothing is too much when it comes to creating a unique and memorable wedding. Visionary venues Traditional ballrooms are still popular, but unique wedding venues are gaining traction. Watson predicts we’ll “see a rise in destination weddings in unexpected locations.” As couples look to make a statement and create a personalized experience, the venue itself offers a way to impress guests by offering a one-of-a-kind setting for the celebration. Regardless of how unique or traditional, according to the Zola report, the top three priorities that couples look for in a venue are the ambiance/vibe of the location (57.34%), being in line with their budget (55.81%), and having an outdoor space (31.83%). On top of that, many couples are choosing wedding dates based on the availability of their preferred venue or vendors (33.72%). The Special Events State of the Industry survey found that hotels, private homes/estates, restaurants, open areas like fields and parks,
Black-trimmed clear tents are having a moment. Photo courtesy Melanie Lust Photography
Centner says, “We see minimalist cake designs or deconstructed ‘cake tables’ gaining popularity, offering individual treats instead of a traditional multi-tiered cake.” When it comes to food, a few noticeable trends have been established this past year: late night snacks, farm- to-table dinners, plant-based menus, street food, sushi bars, and post- wedding brunches. “I predict we’ll see even more interactive elements, like live food stations and entertainment, keeping guests engaged throughout the event,” says Watson. In fact, according to Brides , we can expect to see more
activities like “blending your own wine, making pastries that double as favors, catching and grilling your fish filet for dinner, or learning about local foods through tastings.” As we’ve seen in events the past couple years, dining is an experience, a chance to bring guests into the moment and leave lasting memories. Let us entertain you More and more weddings are relying on over-the-top entertainment to impress guests. Watson has observed the return
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SPECIAL EVENTS
WINTER 2024
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