Top 2018 Wedding Trends

The Evening

On this 21st day in March nearing 6:00 p.m. it’s still sunny with a chilly breeze in the air, but the excitement is building for attendees as they arrive at inside the Motor City Casino and Hotel.   Nearly 200 wedding professionals gather to hear the highly anticipated Detroit NACE 2018 wedding trends guest speaker, during their annual event.

Even before the program begins, guests are wowed by a beautifully decorated room beneath the grand Sound Board logo.   As guests await the start of the program, they visit vendor booths, as they mingle while nibbling on appetizers and drinking cocktails.  This is just a precursor to a fun memorable evening.   Guest are then treated to a delicious Angus Ribeye Roulade and Chianti Braised Chicken Breast dual entrée dinner, fit for the most lavish wedding reception.

The Guest Speaker

Event attendees listen attentively as the Master of Ceremony reads the accomplishments of the guest speaker, Andrea Eppolito.  Her accomplishments include having over two decades of event planning experience, awards such as the Special Events Gala Award, and the Las Vegas Professional of the Year, just to name a few.

Eppolito is featured in highly regarded publications including the New York Times, LA times, Style Me Pretty, Brides, Glamour Magazine and others.  Additionally, she has spoken at some of the industry’s most respected organizations including Engage! Luxury Wedding Conference, the Wedding International Professional Association (WIPA), and National Association of Catering and Events (NACE).   She is also a published author, Podcaster, and the owner of the Wedding Editorialist.

As she graces the stage in a timeless unpretentious black pants suit, Eppolito humors the crowd with the opening statement, “I don’t really know why I’m here because this room looks spectacular and oh so trendy”.

She continues by saying that she is excited to talk about the 2018 wedding trends as she jokingly claims that trends terrify her because she personally gravitates to the classic and traditional.  Because of this, she spends a lot of time researching trends to determine if it is going to be long-lived or a passing fad.

Eppolito begins her presentation by saying that wedding trends are created quickly, especially when respected influential professionals display new designs or when the rich and famous showcase new looks.  She explains, thanks to Mindy Weiss in-part, that one newly added trend even causes her to make a last-minute change to the 2018 wedding trend report presentation this evening.

So, what was the just added hot wedding trend she was referring to?   Flower walls and balloons.  She says that flower walls as an entry piece will be a trend to watch because Mindy Weiss showcased a flower wall design during a Khloe Kardashian non-wedding event.  Eppolito also predicts that large clusters of balloons as a decorating statement will be a trend again due to Weiss recently incorporating this type of design in several major events.

Next, Eppolito outlines 10 Wedding Trends for 2018 that will be seen in both weddings and corporate events.

Ten 2018 Wedding Trends

1)    White-On-White:

“White on White is such a huge thing right now”, Eppolito exclaims.  White-on-white is used in various decorative elements from fabric embellished ceilings to floor coverings, and everything in-between.

When using all whites, the color can become flat and bland.  To help address this, Eppolito offers several tips.  She suggests adding crystals, texture, and incorporate shades of white.  Also, to make the space feel more modern, she sees event planners adding shades of black and gray.  This adds graphic visual contrast and helps to make the setting feel less dainty.

2)    Bold Color Saturation

Take color to a whole new level.  Commit to a color and make the color bigger.  She suggests decorating the space with shades of a single color.  Eppolito explains that she recently decorated an event space in all purple by staying within three shades up or down of the original color.  This gives the space the feeling of one color.

3)    Floral Re-Imagined

Make a statement with the flowers by making them a major theme.  Because flowers are living organisms that begin to change shape and color as soon as they are cut when using floral as an architectural piece, select pieces that will hold up over time.

One way to use flowers in creative and bold ways includes placing it on tops of chairs to make a statement.  Eppolito also indicates that some brides do not want to necessarily wear flowers in their hair but rather incorporate it in their fashion and decor.  She shares a photograph of a bride that has flowers woven into her dress and another bride that has a tablecloth made of flowers.

4) Service As Entertainment

Eppolito recommends that event planners should intentionally incorporate service as part of the event.  Eppolito states, “You can’t out-think service.  Use service as a way to entertain people and engage them”.

Examples of adding service include using models to attend to guests’ needs.  Another example includes having servers be interactive at various food stations.  Premier service is the extra touch that leaves a lasting impression.

5) Return Of Uber Elegance.

Eppolito shares that many people feel that times are good right now and feel more confident expressing this in their event planning investments.  She begins explaining the next trend by stating, “Life is good, so celebrate it”. Eppolito shares, in recent years many people have been reserved in the spending. According to Eppolito, many are now more willing to make a larger investment in weddings which is a return to old-world grand elegance.

6) Portrait Studios

According to Eppolito report, photo booths are out.   The new trend is to capture photographs at different levels.  Setting up a portrait studio at the event is one way of doing this.  This gives the guests the opportunity to have a regal and dignified photograph taken by a professional photographer using the good lighting and an attractive background.  Because of this, the photos are of value to the guests and can be used after the event for things as LinkedIn profile pictures, Instagram profiles, etc.

7) Graphics Are The New Monogram.

Because of the ease of scanning and creating graphics, it can be incorporated and placed throughout the space resulting in a customized and branded look.  Examples of ways to include this are adding laser etch menus to your décor and even adding large floral patterns throughout the space.  Graphics can be added on just about anything including floor decals, napkins, and more.

8) Tuscan Accents

Replace the rustic look with a Tuscan decor.  Eppolito shares, even though events might have an outdoor theme, the previous rustic look is being elevated to feel more Tuscan, while still connecting to nature.   For instance, she notices previous wedding trends such as barnyards, rustic mason jars, and lace-trim, are being replaced with more European decor mixed with natural elements, including old-world urns, mute metallic, big leaves, lemons, and citrus.

9 Favors are Back

Giving favors to guests are trending again.  Favors tell guests who are attending an event that they matter and are appreciated.  This is a return to its roots in terms of investment and formality.  Favors are simple tangible thank you gifts that recognize the effort and sacrifices that guests have made to be a part of the event.   It’s also a wonderful branding opportunity.  Individual serving size mini-cakes are an example of popular edible favor.

10) Come Back Inside

Lastly, Eppolito shares that weddings are coming back inside instead of having an outdoor event.  The benefits of this allow planners to have more control over the environment, as well as have more areas to decorate.  Event planners can transform the space to be whatever their client wants.  The sky is the limit, even within four walls.

After being wined, dined, and inspired with fresh decorating wedding idea, the 2018 wedding trends event concludes with guests visiting a dessert bar filled with gourmet mini dessert, fruit-topped meringue, and a chocolate dipping station. The end of a wonderful evening.