Wedding Trends Look Book 2021 by The Wedding Guys

By Matthew Trettel

Eighth Edition

In the past year, weddings have undergone a tremendous change. While the road may have

except in the case of brief quotations

been a bit bumpy, the result has been smaller, meaningful celebrations with the closest of family

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and friends. These weddings have been layered with new traditions and enlightened new ideas from massive floral installations to sequel weddings. Creativity has flourished in designing a day that embodies you and your fiancé. A day that welcomes those who are most treasured to you as you come together to celebrate your marriage in their company.

We have spotted our favorite ideas from across the globe that we believe will grow into the biggest trends for 2021 that will translate into your day — no matter the size. You’re sure to be inspired to dream outside of the box. On each and every page of the Wedding Trends Look For information address

Book, we want you to discover new ideas and innovative ways to tie the knot. We’ll show you

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how to curate your ideas to help in creating a beautifully styled wedding event.

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So, take a deep breath, relax, and let your imagination wander!

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By Matthew Trettel

MICRO WEDDINGS Every year we look to the zeitgeist to survey the nuances of how couples are choosing to tie the knot. With each new season, we see trends that coincide with the ever-evolving concept of what a wedding means for the couple, their family, and their guests. This year as we dive into the underlying currents, one thing truly stands out as the next big trend — micro weddings.

Covid-19 has impacted all of our lives, but it continues to leave an indelible imprint on the world of weddings. One of the most significant impacts has been the creation of the new phenomenon of mini-monies. These small celebrations often honor an original wedding date which is then followed by a larger reception at a later date — also known as a sequel wedding. This concept is most closely related to an elopement, where a couple chooses to get married without or with few guests present, and then host a celebration with friends and family later after announcing their marriage.

Weddings aren’t just a celebration of love, they are a celebration of personal history and family. Whether a micro wedding or mini-mony, one thing is certain — couples still want to create a meaningful celebration no matter how many guests attend. Many couples

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have looked no further than their (or their parent’s) own backyard. These weddings are reminiscent of weddings of the 1950s when they were less formal and often hosted at home. These intimate weddings also mean that couples can focus on the smaller details and more elements become possible when planning for 50 people and not 300.

Couples that have celebrated with smaller weddings will tell you that this process helps keep a focus on the marriage itself. It allows you to choose the pieces that you want to include without the pressure of doing everything that might be expected at a larger celebration. A micro wedding with fewer expectations also allows you to be more flexible and creative. Think, too, how much easier the planning process is and once you’ve decided on the guest list, you will actually have the time to commemorate your day with every one.

Still craving a blow-out bash with everyone you know? The mini-mony provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate with a larger party later.

A MICRO WEDDING WITH FEWER EXPECTATIONS ALLOWS AND CREATIVITY

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FOR FLEXIBILITY

During the pandemic, we are seeing many couples honor their original wedding date with a small ceremony and then planning a more traditional and larger reception on their first anniversary. This provides the best of both possible worlds — a time to celebrate with your immediate loved ones and prioritize spending time with each and every loved one on your ceremony date — then party like crazy with everyone you know at a later reception.

The sequel wedding also allows you to switch up what that reception looks like. It could be a more casual afternoon event or a swanky cocktail party where you show off your original wedding dress.

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POP CULTURE You might be wondering what pop culture has to do with weddings, and surprisingly, we’ve realized that the two go hand-in-hand. Throughout our trendspotting for wedding inspiration, we see that pop culture has played an important role in shaping the best ideas. There are incredible design ideas everywhere, and using them in your wedding will help to ensure that it is a signature experience for everyone attending. It’s easier than you think to implement pop culture trends into various parts of your day. Everything you see in the world around you is fair game for your wedding inspiration. That’s why we explore what’s popular in interior design, food, and lifestyle to bring you the very best ideas.

The Wedding Trends Look Book is here to help keep your wedding ahead of the trend curve. Spotting these ideas and incorporating them into your wedding story will surely impress your guests. Watch their delight as they recognize the trends that they have been experiencing in their surrounding world. By taking cues from pop culture, guests can identify your wedding elements from the hottest fashions, newest culinary tastes, or even the latest graphic patterns they’ve seen in home furnishings. Guests will definitely appreciate the thought that you put into their experience.

One of the hottest trends we see right now is transversing both the home interior and fashion worlds — VELVET. It seems we are all craving a little bit of luxury right now and

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velvet is serving it up in style. Taking a snapshot from the fashion world, we see a renewed focus on velvet; from rich looks on the catwalk to handcrafted accessories and even shoes.

And not surprisingly, velvet easily crosses over to bridal fashion. There have been touches of velvet in bridal gowns for years, just as there has been in ready-to-wear fashions. But watch as velvet is added in new and fun ways. Rock a velvet clutch to accompany your bridal bouquet down the aisle or a sleek velvet band on the hem of your dress. This fabric also gives a formal look to bridesmaid wear, and there are even trendier options with burn-out velvet fabrics or a stylish velvet jumpsuit. Whether in head-to-toe velvet or just as a detail, velvet is IN for wedding day fashion.

We also see velvet throughout home interiors, from sofas and other soft furnishings. But it also makes a perfect accent with throws and pillows as well.

VELVET ELEMENTS WILL PLAY AN OUR AESTHETIC LENS

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IMPORTANT ROLE IN

The luxe look continues with gold emerging everywhere. After several years of more tarnished mixed-metal looks that felt nostalgic, we see glittering gold popping through as the newest trend in home interior finishes. These

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brighter golds look great with darker, moody colors or more sleek and modern when paired with whites and brighter palettes. See how fashion picks up this look with brightly finished bangles in a range of accessories.

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Both velvet and gold evoke a luxurious feeling, so implementing it into your wedding décor also ups the anty on your event. By layering in these rich elements into both your fashions and reception decor you will be right on-trend in 2021.

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COLOR STORY The Pantone Color of the Year 2021 has finally arrived and we’re excited because we all know that color plays a major role in wedding design. But instead of letting one specific color guide your design, consider what you want your wedding experience to feel like, then focus on the colors that evoke that feeling. Get inspired by looking at home interior trends and how these color palettes can be incorporated into the perfect wedding day look.

Need more inspiration? Take a look in your closet and see what tones you naturally gravitate towards. We love to turn to the fashion runways to see what fresh palettes of color best align with each wedding design and you will see all the 2021 fashion colors throughout this edition. In fact, we predicted that yellow would be the next hot color early in 2020!

We can promise you’ll hear the question, “what are your wedding colors?” countless times as you plan your wedding. This question might come right away from your attendants since “wedding colors” are usually directly associated with what color the bridesmaid dresses will be. However, color today is incorporated with every single part of the wedding Jeannine Marie Photography

aesthetic. Through invitations, statement pieces, tabletops, styled floral, cakes, and even the plates you’ll choose to serve your meal, there are many things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing colors for your day.

A decade or two ago couples would stick to one or two wedding tones and leave it at that. Rather than choosing a single color, today’s couples are opting for comprehensive wedding palettes and color schemes that can truly evoke a certain mood or ambiance for your event. For instance, choosing a bright yellow cake is an unexpected delight for your wedding guests and will absolutely make them stop and stare.

Colors change with each season requiring our focus to shift to relevant, trend-forward palettes each year. Pantone® is one of the best color resources for your wedding design. Their forecasters select palettes for fashion and home interiors every season. Each December they also announce the Color of the Year, which is the hue they feel most impacts the industry.

CONSIDER CHOOSING NEUTRAL, DOMINANT, AND ACCENT COLORS

Ink Sweets, Erin Johnson Photography

IN YOUR SELECTION

For the Pantone Color of the Year— and for only the second time in their history — they’ve selected two colors to represent 2021. They describe the duo as “a marriage of color conveying a message of strength and hopefulness that is both enduring and uplifting”. Ultimate Gray, a steady and reliable tone, and Illuminating, a bright and cheerful yellow, represent the hope and strength reflected in this year’s events.

This color pairing isn’t new to weddings. Gray and yellow have been a popular choice for recent weddings. Ultimate Gray and Illuminating do not have to be used in equal proportions. Either

using one as the dominant and the other as an accent. Together they create an aspirational pairing, conjoining feelings of thoughtfulness with the optimistic promise of a sunshine-filled wedding day.

ULTIMATE GRAY Joshua Rainey Photography

BRINGS A SENSE OF PEACE AND TRANQUILITY

WEDDINGS WITH A TWIST

color can take precedence, so consider

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FASHION & STYLE The two eagerly awaited months of the year in the bridal industry are typically April and October. Designers, press, bloggers, influencers, and salon owners, a.k.a. the powers of the bridal fashion industry, normally converge on New York City eager to preview the new Spring and Fall bridal collections and then critique the runways during New York Bridal Fashion Week. Due to the pandemic, this season was unlike anything we’ve seen before. With no in-person runway shows, press and buyers viewed virtual presentations and look books from the comforts of their own offices or homes.

Bridal trends without a traditional fashion week? Yes! We just had to find them in a creative way. While this is certainly different from bridal markets of the past, there was no shortage of creativity. We saw gorgeous gowns, sexy silhouettes, and elaborate embellishments. Historically in the world of fashion, “bridal” has always had its own signature look and there has never been a crossover between traditional bridal style and current fashions. That is until lately. Designers seemed to have this in mind for their Spring and Fall 2021 collections. There are still ball gowns, A-lines, Mermaid, and Fit & Flare silhouettes, but today’s collections are a far cry from the strapless satin ball gowns introduced in the late 1980s. If you can believe it, those strapless silhouettes were radical and for some

Chrisean Rose

considered too risqué for brides at the time.

Today we wouldn’t even blink an eye at plunging necklines, illusion fabrics with unlined bodices and skirts, and alluring thigh-high slits. Modern traditional styles are evident. Retro-revisited inspiration continues to evolve into voluminous ball gowns, silhouettes with sleeves, hints of color, 3-D flowers, bows, and the jumpsuit. There were four 2021 Bridal Fashion Week trends that stood out to us and were consistent across several designers’ collections.

The first trend features a neckline that isn’t necessarily new but is making a comeback for 2021. Off-the-shoulder cuts are sophisticated and show off a bride’s shoulders without baring too much. With this neckline, designers adeptly manipulated fabric using craftsmanship and couture training to create these pretty gowns. If you want to highlight a gorgeous necklace, this is the style for you. We anticipate this bridal fashion trend to stick

Courtesy of Justin Alexander Signature

around for a while.

EMBELLISHMENTS SUCH AS BOWS CAN ENHANCE A SIMPLE CLASSIC SILHOUETTE JUSTIN ALEXANDER

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Courtesy of Lili Hod

Dresses with see-through bustiers might get liners when ordered for stores, but when presented to buyers and

being reimagined as I V O RY b r i d a l c o .

editors, these gowns leave little to the imagination. With see-through boning and illusion net or tulle overlays, these gowns with visible bustiers had brides swooning. So many collections this year had gowns with this detail that we wonder if this is a trend brides have been asking for. Either way, we love to see a bride show off and love their body.

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We were anticipating Minimalism to explode in bridal fashion, and that it did for 2021. With the pandemic came brides in a quandary. Do they cancel their celebrations or pair down and make them micro weddings? And what does this mean for their fashion choices? And as the situation remains fluid, what does that mean for the future of bridal fashion?

DRAMATIC DRAPED BACK BEAUTIES ARE MAKING A STATEMENT

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Besides shorter gowns, jumpsuits, and gowns with detachable parts, another trend we’re seeing is a return to minimalism. And by this, we mean gowns without embellishment, yet still, couture looking in gorgeous fabrics and in amazing shapes. As you’ll see from these gowns that they are anything but boring. An ode to the past, while remaining stylish for the present.

With brides getting more daring by the day, the deep V cut is more popular than ever. Some with illusion netting, some without, these gowns are for the bride that is looking for a dress that’s a blend

f lutter

[flutt-er] noun:

a state or sensation of tremulous excitement i.e. “her insides were in a flutter’ synonyms: wave, rush, surge, chill, pulsation.

of modest and revealing. If you want to look sexy but aren’t comfortable wearing a sheath or form-fitting gown, you could wear a ball gown with a super deep V neckline and still look sultry. Brides, take note, if you want a super deep V, the possibilities are now endless!

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Formal tuxedos will always be in style and yet something so unexpected while also predictable has occurred. The occasion for men’s formal wear at weddings is redefining itself. With weddings becoming more relaxed and

LOOK YOUR BEST ON YOUR

WEDDING DAY

less formal, tuxedos are slow to move off the hangers as men in the wedding party are opting for suits, but just what suits are in style?

The slim look introduced last year may be in style but not for all body types. In 2021, we are welcoming the doublebreasted suit in solids and plaids, bolder pinstripes, and a return to vintage European styling with the three-piece suit on the horizon. Suits will surely be the go-to look for grooms with micro weddings and mini-monies.

BOLD TIES AND STRIPED DOUBLE-

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BREASTED SUITS WITH WIDER LAPELS ARE ON THE HORIZON

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SPACE Who doesn’t love to party? Yet “party” means something different to everyone. Since weddings have become so diverse, the traditional sit-down dinner and dance is being replaced by a more interactive and social setting. This has transformed the elements of what was considered “the standard” reception, and the introduction of a more designed environment has had a major impact. We’re seeing these intricate details transfer into your soirée, no matter the size.

When it comes to your wedding vibe, think about the gathering place you want to create for your guests. The best memories are always made when friends and family gather. It seems as if every family or friendship has a favorite gathering place. In some families, it might be the kitchen. In your friendships, it might be a cozy corner coffee shop. No matter where or what your gathering place is, it is an important piece of creating those special moments and memories that last a lifetime.

Think of your venue as the ultimate gathering place where those closest to you will come together to celebrate you and your love. Your guest list is unique to you and your fiancé, so your space for the celebration should be unique as well! It is important to think about how you can best utilize your reception space to create an interactive area for each of Chelsie Lopez Production

your guests to create their own memories. “Gather” won’t mean the same thing for all your guests. For your grandparents, it might mean a relaxed lounge in a quiet area of the room. While your younger guests might gravitate towards a collection of high tops near the fabulous customized bar, at left.

Creating several lounge options in various locations allows your guests to choose the kind of environment they prefer. A lounge generally starts with developing an environment. Set off an architectural feature like the fireplace, at right, by flanking with a modern midcentury sofa and brightly-colored chairs. Dividing the space into multiple areas will make the overall reception feel more intimate, leaving a spot for dancing, lounging, eating, and mingling.

Providing varying nooks allows guests the chance to enjoy each other’s company. People naturally like to form conversation groups and combining furnishings in clusters and pods of seating allows them to do this effortlessly. Adding accent pillows allows you to customize the look of rental pieces.

CREATING A SENSE OF PLACE AT YOUR WEDDING WILL YOUR RECEPTION

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SET THE TONE FOR

To display statement pieces of floral, we often add elements like the oversized coffee tables at right, which also provide guests a convenient place to set down their drink. Lounges can easily be added around your dance floor for people to enjoy the entertainment. They can also be created in quieter surroundings where guests can have intimate conversations. Some designs can be very elaborate and some quite simple. It all depends on the room you are working in, your design aesthetic, and your vision of how your guests will enjoy their evening.

Instead of the cocktail hour with high top tables and passed hors d’oeuvres, we suggest creating a varied landscape with a built-out bar. Include soft seating with furniture to define an environment that feels more relaxed and inviting for your guests.

THOUGHTFUL DESIGN CHOICES TRANSFORM INTO A COMPLETE EXPERIENCE

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YOUR WEDDING

Simply dimming the overhead lighting and using uplighting can signal that the hurried activities of the busy wedding day have mellowed and now it is time to kick back, relax and enjoy a cocktail.

You can also consider moving parts of the festivities outside. For this setting, at right, we opted to create outdoor seating for guests to enjoy the coveted summer weather. Sleek modern white arching benches created a statement piece on the terrace. To reinforce the modern aesthetic look, cylindrical cocktail tables were grouped in clusters along the perimeter. The contrast between the glowing looped benches and cool blue accent lighting added to the futuristic feel of this environment.

WE LOVE TRANSFORMING INTO MEMORABLE LIGHT FEATURES

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO PLAN YOUR PICTURE PERFECT WEDDING

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THE DETAILS There are so many details that go into designing the perfect wedding. Pulling just the right pieces together might seem overwhelming, but by using a few clever tools your wedding will definitely wow your guests.

We believe the tabletop design is an element that allows unlimited opportunities to make a bold, impactful statement. For many couples, when they think “tabletop design” their thought process begins and ends with the linen and centerpiece selection. But tabletop design has so much potential when you think of all the pieces that will be placed on the table and how they can work together to make a truly spectacular environment. Combining various design elements (linens, plates, glasses, centerpieces, chairs, light fixtures, etc.) will help to style each place setting. When designed thoughtfully, your tables can be an immersive and tactile experience for your guests as they sit down for dinner.

When it comes to your tabletop, making a statement does not necessarily mean adding more pieces to the table. If you like a clean look, juxtaposing styles and textures is a simple way to make your design stand out without it feeling crowded or overwhelming. At left, the decision to place floral wreaths on the head table chairs looks amazing when adjoined

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with the clean white tabletop design. Finishing the place setting with a handcrafted place card and floral sprig creates an interesting and eye-catching design.

Don’t be afraid to use natural garden produce to provide interest and texture. Berries and root vegetables can add great unexpected shapes. Foliage, like ferns, can add a soft feather-like texture. At right, the use of paper doilies, natural twine, and rosemary add an unpredicted statement and fragrant aroma to this tablescape. The end result is a unique arrangement with an artisanal feel.

Whether you are using a specialty rental flatware set or the standard set provided by your caterer, think about how you can place them in an unexpected way to spark guests’ interest. Get creative with the placement and style of your utensils. Flip your flatware face down and lean them onto another element or place them at angles for more visual appeal. Or just switch sides to really keep your guests guessing.

USE NATURAL TO PROVIDE INTEREST AND TEXTURE

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GARDEN PRODUCE

Lighting has a huge impact on our mood, perception, and the overall ambiance of any given environment and it’s a detail often overlooked. Think about the difference in lighting between your favorite restaurant, bar, or spa. We associate different lighting tones with various feelings and attitudes. You can control the mood of your wedding by taking advantage of the variety of lighting options available today.

For decades the intense flicker of candlelight has signified the sophisticated, romantic feel that most couples desire for their wedding. To recreate the warm glow of amber, similar to the effect of hundreds of glowing candles, we used Edison bulbs, at left. These vintage-inspired filament bulbs are now widely available and come in a series of shapes and wattages. Their tone pairs well with candlelight and has a warmer glow than fluorescent bulbs.

THE SMALLEST DETAILS CAN ALSO Champiofoto

HAVE THE BIGGEST IMPACT

Shop traditional and alternative designs paired with unique materials, including deer antler, 100+ hardwoods, authentic meteorite, dinosaur bone, and more.

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The smallest and yet most significant detail on your wedding day is your wedding bands. This is an amazing opportunity to express your personality not only for your ceremony itself but for your lifetime together. You’ll be surprised at the range of options now available. You are no longer limited by a simple gold, platinum, or titanium band. Now you can integrate other organic materials into your ring design. From whiskey barrel oak to meteorite from outer space, the options are literally endless.

Some rings even feature interchangeable parts that are threaded onto the main ring so you have the flexibility to change the look depending on your mood or what you are wearing. Today you might feel like lapis lazuli. Tomorrow, dinosaur bone!

SELECT SIMPLE, YET SPECTACULAR ELEMENTS TO MAKE

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A BIG STATEMENT

With smaller weddings, we are also seeing a trend toward petite cakes. The detailing can make a big statement even on these diminutive confections. We adore the hand-painted effect in rich colors on the cake at left. We love over-the-top florals and they do have their place at a wedding, but often even the smallest floral arrangements can also have greatest impact. At left, the use of a variety of shapes and textures of

real . love . story

flower blossoms and strategic placement combine to make a big statement even when the setting isn’t so big.

Think about making the most of your budget and select simple yet spectacular tabletop elements to make an interesting statement. A few unique and thoughtful choices can enhance a bland tabletop design into something memorable — and Instagrammable.

SELECT ONE OR TWO ITEMS THAT

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WILL SERVE AS STATEMENTS WITHIN EACH SETTING

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SIPS & BITES Who isn’t a “foodie” these days? Thanks to the Food Network, our culinary horizons have been expanded. Food and beverage is not just a part of the wedding checklist. For us, it is an opportunity to treat your guests, expand their palate, and excite their taste buds. We love to open their minds to items they normally wouldn’t ever think to try and watch them be astonished! With smaller guest lists in 2021, we are going to see caterers continue to take on more and more restaurant influence and see menu options really evolve.

The mixology craze has infiltrated the wedding scene and a range of full-service bartenders are now offering a beverage experience unlike anything we have tasted before. Cocktails have never been so diverse and for 2021 get ready to taste flavors you might not have considered. It seems there is something for everyone now and the signature cocktail may have just taken a back seat to each person having their own favorite.

One big change we are seeing this year is in mocktails — non-alcoholic options where off-the-shelf fruit juices and grenadine will be replaced with house-made syrups and tonics, fermented ingredients, and non-alcoholic spirits. These festive beverages may be boozefree but are more sophisticated than seltzer or soda and prettier than ever. Garnishes will also make your cocktails Insta-worthy. Watch as mixologists pair gorgeous accouterments with both non-alcoholic and spirited libations. Rosé cocktails are pretty in pink all on their own, but with pomegranate, cucumber, grapefruit, and rosemary, these drinks, at left, are

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picture-perfect.

The mixology craze also has bartenders looking for new flavor profiles year over year. While gin might have been the spirit of 2020, rum is going to be the goto for 2021. This pairs perfectly with the trend of drinking less but drinking better quality. As consumers are becoming more interested in age and origin, luxury rum is expected to dominate. Options have climbed as artisanal varieties have emerged offering over 200 varieties, up from 50 varieties available just a few years ago.

White rum, in particular, is perfect for high-style cocktails and classics like the traditional lime daiquiri, at right, which makes a beautiful and fragrant statement when butler-passed. The fresh and citrusy flavors pair with any season and can be just as festive in mid-summer as they are during the holidays.

COLORFUL COCKTAILS MAKE FOR AN INSTA-WORTHY MOMENT

Brent Hofacker

EYE-CATCHING

After a few sips, you’ll be ready to embrace your inner foodie with a culinary journey. Wedding menus have been forever changed thanks to popular TV shows like Top Chef and Chopped. This appetite for something different has changed the wedding culinary scene, and now the guest experience includes endless menu options. The desire to have a wedding that is both unique and memorable has also increased the experimentation and creativity with

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wedding menus.

Many caterers now offer an expanded range of options; from farm-to-table, vegan, and even gluten-free. Wholesome comfort foods will dominate menus in 2021. Consider delicious options like this pumpkin soup, at right.

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BECOMES THINNER

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FOOD AND DRINK

Creative culinary design will give your chef an opportunity to play with presentation and make your wedding an incredible visual experience. As you are planning your wedding menu, observe and take note while you and your fiancé are dining out. This can be a great source of inspiration!

Plant-based foods have skyrocketed in popularity over the last couple of years with an increased number of vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians (those wanting to up their intake of plant-based meals without completely eliminating meat). Legumes will be the staple on 2021 menus as items like chickpeas become the “new cauliflower”. When paired with almonds and peanuts, this legume salad, at right, makes a beautiful and delicious course.

SIMPLE FOODS WITH QUALITY INGREDIENTS COME AMAZING FLAVORS

Richard Semik

TOGETHER TO CREATE

Think your desserts should be syrupy sweet? Think again because savory

YOUR WEDDING DREAMS TAKING FLIGHT

desserts are the next flavor sensation. Look to new savory-sweet pairings in 2021 like sesame macaroons, chocolate and chili combinations, and black pepper ice cream. The lemon tart, at left, is sliced and decorated with fresh figs, blueberries, and blackberries. The combination of spices or savory ingredients in a characteristically sweet menu is what will get the creative heads to spin. Your chef can design the plate and select the right complementing flavor combinations. This trend has catering teams crafting a cultural mosaic from all over the globe.

Options for your wedding menu are truly endless. Create a magical feast for your guests that will not only tempt the eye, but also the taste buds.

CREATE A CONVERSATION

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TRAVEL This year, we see the growing intent to create a wedding experience. One glance at social media shows couples wanting to create buzz-worthy celebrations filled with unique experiences to be captured with beautiful images. The once-popular rehearsal dinner, ceremony, and reception model is now making way for an immersive affair and many are choosing a destination to host the bevy of activities that have defined the nuptial weekend.

Destination weddings, both local and abroad, will continue to become even more popular as couples choose to cull their guest list. With smaller numbers, a wedding weekend at a local resort becomes a great option with numerous activities that friends and family can enjoy in the days surrounding your ceremony. The same is true for weddings abroad. Whether in an Irish castle or on a sandy beach, these micro weddings can be especially meaningful and fun.

There is almost no limit on destinations, types of experiences, and ways to travel from cultural tourism to culinary excursions, but the one common thread is travelers are seeking new and authentic trips. Let’s face it, of all the wedding details, the honeymoon is probably the most exciting part to plan. Where is the best place to celebrate your marriage and wind-down after all the activities leading up to the big day? Right now, almost everyone is talking about cultural tourism and adventure travel, so why not incorporate this trend into

S Hansche

your honeymoon plans with a romantic trip to Venice, Italy, which can serve up both.

One thing is certain, destination weddings don’t just mean a tropical location that a select number of friends and family will jet off to. Now, destination weddings encompass a range of options, from romantic backdrops in Ireland or Italy to local destinations on the North Shore (our other coast) and quaint country inns that can host an entire weekend of activities.

Both types of destination weddings bring with them the expectation of planned events along with time to enjoy the unique opportunities in the area. And, while the foreign destination wedding was once used to reduce the guest count, couples are increasingly surprised by the number of family and friends that are choosing to attend their weddings abroad.

CULINARY TOURISM IS A NEW TREND WHO WANT A TASTING ADVENTURE

Simon Dannhauer

FOR FOODIES

There can be fantastic perks to a destination wedding including some great packages and added bonuses for the couple based on the number of rooms booked with the property, but don’t be fooled thinking you’ll get the best pricing or the best location just by shopping

Sometimes all it takes is a little water to light a fire.

online. Working with a travel agent will provide you with the information you need to make the best decisions and get the best pricing. Most have traveled and stayed in the top destinations, so they can give you a first-hand account of each of the options.

Both local and travel destinations are amping up their offerings to create something special. This is great particularly for the adventurous couple and gives them a chance to seize an experience with much of the planning taken care of.

CLASSIC LOCATIONS PROVIDE THE

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OPPORTUNITY TO SOAK UP THE CULTURE

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t a y l e v i s u l c x E

FEBRUARY 21, 2021 | FEBRUARY 2022 Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot

Tick e t s a t T h e We ddi n gG u y s . c o m

step into planning paradise! Minnesota’s only bridal showcase designed exclusively for honeymooners and couples planning destination weddings!

travel agents • properties • all-inclusives • destinations • resorts • inns • excursions • more

INSPIRATION: CHALET Inspired by the “glamping” movement and the increased interest in close-to-home destination weddings, luxury and cabin were married in a design titled: Chalet. Both utilitarian purpose and crafted pieces came together in a juxtaposition with a richness of flowing florals and barn wood motifs. With the popularity of farm-inspired weddings, this inspiration evokes an atmosphere that is rustic, yet comfortable and refined — a casual and relaxed afternoon and an evening that is fun and festive. The design is a translation of the desire for local produce and a farm-to-table aesthetic combining a fresh menu, the finest selection of wine and champagne, and time-worn decor elements. The environment brings together a feeling of home with collected embellishments, a backdrop of the raw wood tones in the barn wood siding and rough-hewn stone, all encased in a rustic lodge.

The details on the reception tables were precise, but not fussy. Square tables wrapped in heavy woven grey tweed linens, at left, welcomed guests. Each was surrounded by simple cross-back wooden chairs which brought a rough-hewn finish to the tables. Varied arrangements topped each set of tables. Some featured hobnail glass vases, others with tall glass hurricanes with pillar candles. Flowers flowed from wood boxes, and wood crates featured hydrangea, David Austin English roses, garden roses, and eucalyptus. Hand-

Rick Liston

crafted touches brought inspiration in the form of hand-painted table numbers.

The organic and earthy feel to the design was continued on the two-tiered cake, at left, which features a marble motif with a hand-painted effect and delicate rose blossoms to accent. It sat beautifully on a mirror-topped whiskey barrel creating unexpected depth and dimension to the display.

A graphic touch was added with a “Find Your Seat” board, at right. Created with neat rows of table cards held to twine with miniature clothespins, guests could easily find their table. When placed on a rustic whiskey barrel, the seating chart table became a focal piece to the reception space. Loose greens added to the lush appearance tied with florals which danced around the reception

Rick Liston

space.

To this palette, light neutrals are added creating layers of interest: yellow and peach garden roses, white lisianthus, and white chrysanthemum.

The reception space was set with a variety of tables including an oversized harvest table for the bridal party featuring simple hand-blown stemware which paired well with the cylindrical glass votive holders and unadorned flatware. Loose, garden-picked floral arrangements accented the center of the guest tables. Rows of floral centerpieces in small mercury glass containers and tall glass vases ran the length of the head table accentuating the long harvestinspired look.

Above the vibrant reception space were hung Italian lights that cast a warm glow over the entire space, which looked

Rick Liston

especially festive at night.

Freshly-pressed linen napkins were added in the look to dress up the relaxed and casual vibe. Round place cards were placed atop each napkin. At each setting embossed menus were tucked neatly into the napkin, finishing off the reception tables, at left. The crisp white cotton napkins looked stunning on the gray twill linens.

A rustic menu started with a colorful splash set upon modern black stoneware vessels. Pan-fried gnocchi, at right, was paired with buttered seasonal vegetables and green leaves with chardonnay and goat cheese. The wedding dinner continued with macadamia and sourdough crusted Barramundi fillet, celeriac pureé, braised witlof, legumes, fennel, and a Shiraz reduction.

See the complete inspiration at theweddingguys.com/Chalet

BRIGHT COLORS ON BLACK CAN MAKE

Rick Liston

THE PERFECT PAIRING

INSPIRATION: MODERN ART “Love isn’t an emotion or an instinct—it’s an art.” said Mae West, and this wedding design would take on modern-art flair with sleek lines, muted colors, and the clean look of a monochromatic palette in a shade of “barely mint.” Guests would get their first glimpse through the wedding invitation which itself was a work of art. Featuring four layers—paper, acrylic, another paper layer, and metal—the first layer on ivory paper stock announced the wedding and mimicked the texture of the bridesmaid gowns. It featured a custom-monogrammed laser-cut “K” and “M”. The second layer, on clear acrylic, was titled “Celebration Continues” and outlined the details of the reception. The third layer, “Getting There,” was printed on muted green cotton paper and informed the guests where the celebration would be. The final layer was a stainless steel “Be Inspired” bookmark with the signature quote from Mae West. The layers were incorporated into a metal clam-style box to create a sleek and modern package.

The art concept was incorporated into each element of the wedding. The palette, previewed in the invitation, was evident throughout the design with each detail featuring colorful inspiration. Florals included unique orchid arrangements, hand-tied contemporary bouquets, at left, of white and green parrot tulips, and white Cattleya orchids with

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scabiosa pods encircled by umbrella fern and ribbons of steel grass.

The dining space was set with three long tables, each dressed in “barely mint” Bengaline and Bellagio linens. Around each table, there were black chivari chairs capped with custom white crocodile chair covers.

On the center table, at right, acrylic sheets contained blossoms of Phalaenopsis orchids and bear grass tied into love knots, accented by mirrored votive holders. Each place setting was decked out with a trio of crystal stemware, alternating flatware patterns, a silver square charger, and square white plates. Under the plate, a toneon-tone black napkin with a wide satin stripe was placed. Each plate displayed a custom-sized acrylic menu that doubled as a personalized place card.

START WITH THE FOCAL POINT AND WORK OUTWARD FROM THERE

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HEAD TABLE AS A

Down the center of two tables were runners of white Dendrobium orchids encased in acrylic boxes and tall slender black lamps with black barrel shades. Between the lamps, you’ll see modern groupings of silver-mirrored vases in varying sizes featuring Phalaenopsis orchids and pom pom mums which were dotted down the table.

The mirrored finishes on the tables were repeated in the laser cut monograms that were applied to the crystal champagne flutes, at right. These monograms were repeated on the chocolate meringue favors, contained inside a small silver box with a clear window lid, and placed above each setting. Inside the lid, another laser-cut monogram created panes in which you could see the

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delicious meringue treats, at left.

Continuing the art-inspired theme, an outstanding selection of hors d’oeuvres was designed to coordinate with the wedding palette.

The menu included Beef Satay with Thai Basil Dipping Sauce, at right, and Crispy Pork Dumplings with Chili and Scallions. Each hors d’oeuvre represented the color palette of the wedding—the beef satay included a lavender garnish and pale green dipping sauce, and the pork dumplings were accompanied by soy sauce in a small white circular dish.

The menu continued with an amuse of raspberry meringue spoom, served with Thai chilies; a petit beef tenderloin incorporating Thai flavors, creamed Thai basil, fava beans, and chili syrup; chargrilled cornish game hen with kumquat lemongrass dressing and sweet snow peas; mango and goat cheese salad with black olives and elderflower nectar cordial dressing; and carrot consommé, parsnip steeped served in a small demitasse cup with olive oil foam.

See the complete inspiration at theweddingguys.com/ModernArt

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SELECTING FOODS THAT COMPLIMENT YOUR DESIGN CREATES EFFORTLESS IMPACT

INSPIRATION: FAB FOREST Clean, geometric lines paired with brass accents, lush greenery, and pops of color curate the tone for a contemporary affair. Envision thoughtful modern decor, pale blues accompanied by soft reds, and metallic details to set for a dreamy aesthetic. When paired with light and airy floral and greenery, textured fabrics, and structural signage you create an elevated and timeless backyard dinner party.

The details of this wedding come together in a blend of materials from the lightweight table runners to the sleek tabletop decor and two-toned flatware. Custom acrylic signage throughout makes for a personal touch to this modern, yet timeless look.

Choosing the right setting will help with the design of your wedding. And remember — a small guest list doesn’t mean you have to go light on the little things. Incorporate bold furniture structures with gold and white details and hints of muted tones. A bespoke geometric arch with floral to match the aisle decor pops out from the woodland scenery, making for an alluring spin on the traditional ceremony backdrop. The white wire chairs,

Marya Juliann Photography

at left, boast unique lines adding shape and texture to the reception set-up softened by abundant greenery.

Guests are delighted to see signature “his and her” libations prepared on an acrylic 3-D custom bar sign, at left. The pale blue and reflective gold matches the invitations guests received earlier that set the tone of the day. Structural geometric signage with bespoke shapes is seen throughout from the wedding welcome sign to the place cards. Watch as wedding signage is elevated to create memorable Instagram moments.

A small group of family and friends are greeted to an intimate and glam dinner party atmosphere with curated welcome bags filled with local goodies as well as a glass of champagne to begin the celebration. No detail was missed — even the dog has a part in the wedding

Marya Juliann Photography

with an adorable tulle tutu, at right.

By using a muted palette of blush pink, crisp white, pastel blues, and natural greenery, a romantic and timeless look is achieved for the bride’s bouquet, at right. The charming arrangement includes the ever-popular anemone for some contrast, blush roses, lisianthus, and blue thistles sprinkled with organic greens and a dose of vibrant French blue tones.

The blooms used throughout the design complement the secluded woodsy vibe of the locale. The sky blue and pale pink tones reflecting off the nearby lake were transferred into the centerpieces and bouquets. White and greenery dominated the arch and ceremony flower decor flowing delicately into the natural landscape. This elegant palette was accompanied by a multitude of textures creating layers and movement amongst

HAND-PICKED LOOKS HELP TO CREATE A TIMELESS STYLED AFFAIR

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the petals.

The color palette effortlessly blends into the reception decor as blue, soft red, and white candles sit atop sleek brass taper candle holders. Overflowing floral centerpieces sit amongst frosted votive candles and ultra-modern, sleek champagne flutes and wine glasses, at right. Guests are amazed to see their name on a 3-D blue acrylic place card — matching the ceremony backdrop shape — adjacent to dusty blue napkins followed by simple white plates and a textured gold-rimmed charger. Even the flatware stands out with matte gold tops and white handles.

After delving into locally-sourced fare like lemon butter braised whitefish and sous vide beef tenderloin, see yourself sipping an artisan cocktail under lights strung across the backyard while a live band plays to round out the elevated backyard party feel.

See the complete inspiration at

Marya Juliann Photography

theweddingguys.com/FabForest

inspiration in full bloom

Photos by Lauren B Photography and Anna Grinets Photography

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