Ready to begin planning for your big event? Do you know what the latest 2020 design trends are?
It’s your wedding! Who says you have to follow the rules? There are no rules! Rest assured, Kristin Banta is one celebrity wedding planner who knows that best. Banta is a wedding planner and the creative visionary behind Kristin Banta Events, one of the country’s leading event design, planning, and production houses located in Los Angeles, California.
Banta is an award-winning highly respected wedding planner like none other. Not only is she a contributing writer and blogger for numerous publications, but she also has been featured in various television shows featured on networks including Hallmark Channel, Style Network, SYFY, and Fox. She is undoubtedly most recognized as the host of her television program on the Bravo network entitled The Wedding Party.
“I plan weddings that are unlike anything that you have ever seen,” stated Banta in the promotional video trailer for her television program, The Wedding Party. Creating uniquely amazing experiences is the goal of this ambitious visionary.
Kristin Banta was the celebrity guest speaker at the Detroit NACE Wedding Trends annual event held this past February in Detroit, Michigan. The event explored current and upcoming trends observed by the expert that included everything from sharing popular Pantone colors to adding natural elements to designs. The audience consisted of industry wedding professionals including caterers, wedding planners, and the like. Each guest was treated to an evening of inspiration, delicious cuisine, and rich ambiance.
At the beginning of the presentation, Banta asked a thought-provoking rhetorical question. The question asked was simply, “How do we push beyond what’s trending and generate greater depth in design?”
She answered the question by sharing that her job was not to be trendy but rather it was to transcend trends. With these words laying the groundwork, Banta began to share what she believed to be the upcoming trends for 2020 and beyond.
Gender Reveals
So, what are some of the current trends revealed by Banta? One trend that is growing stronger by the day is gender-reveal parties. If you don’t know someone who has partaken of this hot new trend, just wait; most likely you will. From gender reveal smoke, poppers, and cakes with tasty blue and pink center fillings, surprise gender-reveal parties are becoming popular attractions.
Florals
Next, Banta said large floral patterns are making a comeback in design. This is popping up in home décor, fabrics, and even in stationary like wedding invitations.
Hygge
Next, another upcoming trend is hygge. So, what exactly is hygge? Hygge (phonetically pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish word used when acknowledging a feeling of wellness and contentment. Ways to embrace hygge include but are not limited to, creating a comfortable atmosphere as well as using neutral colors in the décor. Add ambiance to the room by adorning it with soft lights from candles, string lights, or a warm crackling fire in the fireplace.
Statement Fixtures
Make a bold impression with a decorative statement fixture. A statement fixture can be one large structure or a uniform collection of similar items. Introducing a statement fixture into the design plan, whether it is at an event, home or office leaves a lasting impression for guests.
Feathers and Pampas Grass
Feathers and pampas grass anyone? Yes, it’s a trend that is currently surfacing in design. These decorative elements add nature’s beauty to any event or style.
Eco-friendly and Recycled Materials
The earth’s environment seems to be on everyone’s mind these days, so it is not surprising to see eco-friendly and recycled materials incorporated into the decorations used by environmentally conscious designers.
The use of reusable materials and adapting a zero-waste practice is a trend that is sure to grow in popularity. From setting up recycle bends at an event for guests to sort their litter to using seeded wedding invitations that can be planted after the event, this trend is sure to continue to grow.
Additionally, the use of unexpected materials in the decor is a trend that is likely to continue.
Light It Up
Nothing says a fun time like a room full of neon lights. That’s right, the use of bold neon colors and lights reminiscent of yesteryear is a trend observed.
Up up and away! Not to be overlooked, the use of drones are on the rise, literally. Drone light shows are showing up to be a trend that is being seen during outdoor events.
Fabrics
Fabrics, Fabrics, Fabrics. Yes, colorful fabric installations at event spaces are popping up. Fabrics are used in decor as accent pieces or as bold statement fixtures serving as a large piece of fabric art.
Regarding home and office decor, velvet is again trending back in style. Also, statement floors and ceilings are making a splash.
Arches
Another noteworthy trend is the use of arches. Be it a single beautifully decorated arch or a collection of arches that flank an aisle, arches are one decorative item that captures everyone’s attention. Whether it be embellished with flowers or constructed in a unique shape, arches make a beautiful backdrop.
Brands and Photo Curated Drinks
Guests will be impressed and will certainly not soon forget the event’s host when they are handed a branded (monogrammed) drink or photo-curated cocktail. This new trend is a showstopper.
Colors of the Year
Now, let’s talk about color. The color Living Coral (2019 Pantene) is a trend that is making a splash in 2020. Additionally, warm beautiful golden yellow hues are showing up in decor. Similarly, the timeless stylish matte black color is a recurring trend. Not surprising the old faithful classic blue is a crowd favorite (2020 Pantone). Lastly, soft pastels are also trending.
The Greens: Plants, Cannabis, and Cuisines
So, what’s next? If you haven’t noticed, cannabis and CBD products are on the rise. Banta shared that it is being included as a feature for some planned events. The cannabis may be a food additive or even be a flavored condiment.
Another trend that may be surfacing is plant-based cuisines. This could include main dishes, salads, and side dishes.
You may have noticed that indoor gardens and living walls are making a big statement in décor and at events. This is anticipated to continue to grow.
Paws, Claws, and Tails
Pet-friendly events are noticeably on the rise. From having bring-your-pet to work day to including pets as part of a wedding party during the ceremony, pets are in the spotlight these days.
Maximization and Color Blocking
Maximization is showing up and showing out. On the walls. On the floor. There are no rules!
Color block décor? Why not. The creative strategic use of color blocking is sure to be the colorful eye candy at an event.
New Photo Booths
Maybe you have seen it or even partaken in this next trend. If so, then you also know how exciting immersive photo booths can be. The immersive photobooth trend may vary in style but there is one thing for certain, it turns a traditional photo opportunity into a keepsake piece.
Modern Retro Comfort
Welcome back! Modern retro decor is resurfacing and making a comeback. Pick up any design magazine or visit a home décor site and you will see these once-popular styles popping up in home, office, and event space designs.
Moreover, other trending design elements on the rise include adding woven materials, celestial accents, and new geometric shapes in designs.
Similar to the hygge, lagom (a Swedish word that means meaning just the right amount) is a trend that many planners and designers strive to achieve. The clean balanced simple design is being seen in event spaces and homes.
Even though trends may predict what is happening in design, it is the goal of the planner-designer to make the wedding reflect what is in the heart and mind of their client. Pushing the boundaries from the ordinary to the extraordinary is the coveted reward behind careful planning and meticulous execution. Just remember, rules should be used only as guides. The artistry of a master wedding planner-designer is to bring to life imaginative possibilities.