The wedding is a time-honored tradition. Today’s ceremony and reception—not so much. Indeed, top wedding planners have had to refine their skill set in tweaking tradition to create weddings that are personal yet not precious.
Here, top wedding planners share the personalization trends that are in and those that are fading out:
What’s In:
“I think signature cocktails are here for a while. Just try and switch it up so it is something unique and not just their favorite. I have hired a mixologist to meet with the couple, and he actually designs and custom never-before-seen cocktails for each of them based on their likes.” – Frank Andonoplas, MWC, Frank Event Design
“As a nod to the host’s love of diamonds, custom-molded diamond-shaped ice was served in the signature whiskey cocktails.”— Kristin Banta, Kristin Banta Events
“Lawn games are a huge rage for outdoor weddings. A personalized cornhole game or giant Jenga is a great way to have guests play during cocktails. Later, the couple takes home the games for more memories to make.” --Cheryl Fish, Someone's in the Kitchen
“A cheeky shout-out to the groom’s love of Batman included the bat signal shown on a nearby building during the reception, along with tabletop cloches that offered bat masks and a tag that said ‘Become the Batman.’”—Kristin Banta
“An elaborate monarch butterfly installation was incorporated into the ceremony design, signifying the bride’s memory of her late grandmother.”—Kristin Banta
What’s Out:
“Definitely the photo booth with printed photos is fading away and being replaced with beautiful photo vignettes for people to take selfies.” --Therese Cole-Hubbs, Electric Karma
“Dance floor monograms are not as popular as before. It’s more about creating total environments and intimate enclaves that reflect the couple and their passions.” --Cheryl Fish
“Names and monograms are being replaced with a stunning graphic arts design on the dance floor, invitations and event cookies. This motif will pull the whole look together.” --Frank Andonoplas
“Finally, couples and their planners are thinking beyond logos and the ‘name-tini’ cocktail to find deeper ways in which the couple’s interests and passions can be expressed. As soon as trends are followed, personal relevance is lost. It’s important to transcend trend in order to adapt it with one’s own unique signature spin.” --Kristin Banta
“We try to discourage the DIY personalized items if possible,” says Cheryl Fish. “Yes. We do try to tactfully and gently talk them out of ‘cray.’” --Joann Roth-Oseary, Someone's in the Kitchen
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