An exciting new year of weddings is upon us, complete with a bevy of new trends to match. We’re thrilled to have a bustling calendar of events ahead of us and Jennifer Shortridge, our Director of Wedding and Social Market Sales, is sharing some of the design highlights we have to look forward to in 2018.
We are so pleased to be welcoming Jennifer Shortridge back to lead Global Gourmet’s wedding team. Jennifer rejoined Global Gourmet last summer after a year and a half planning weddings with Downey Street Events, one of the Bay Area’s top planning firms. As we jump headfirst into the new year, here’s her take on the exciting wedding trends that we’ll be seeing in the year ahead!
Photo courtesy of Sweet Ice Cream Photography.
First and foremost is the Pantone Color of the Year: Ultra Violet. A stark departure from last year’s natural Greenery and 2016’s muted duo of Serenity and Rose Quartz, Ultra Violet will bring a boldness to wedding design that we haven’t seen since 2014’s Radiant Orchid. I expect to see this color being featured in bridesmaid dresses, flowers, and linens.
Photo courtesy of Rebecca Matthews.
On the beverage scene, brides are opting for a more experiential affair. Tasting bars are on the rise and with Rosé continuing to gain increased popularity, it’s the perfect sweet addition to any bride’s cocktail hour. Our Master Sommelier, Catherine Fallis, is always available to help guide our couples’ wine selection, whether they’re looking for a French Rosé or a something more local.
A swell of modern and clean designs is another trend to watch in 2018. While not completely new to the scene, brides will covet this look now more than ever. Rustic elegance is quickly fading and being replaced with lucite chairs and streamlined invitations. Marble will be featured heavily as well. Brides are looking for any way to add that sleek and sexy feel to their weddings — some are even opting for custom marble-finished dancefloors.
Photo courtesy of The de Jaureguis Photography. Floral by Amy Burke Designs, Planning and Design by Downey Street Events.
Hanging florals are another trend we are excited to show off and see more of. From floating centerpieces to foliage clouds and floral ceilings over the dancefloor, this trend keeps trending! Keeping with the modern theme, expect to see lots of tulips and lilies featured in these arrangements.
The tiered sugar petal cake, our most-requested and recreated cake design — Global Gourmet Catering.
No wedding is complete without something sweet and we’re seeing a resurgence of the classic wedding cake. Flash trends such as donut walls, candy bars and cupcake towers are starting to fizzle. Our Executive Pastry Chef, Steven Cheung, loves the challenge of a custom wedding cake and our brides are taking full advantage. We’ve incorporated thematic new flavors, fresh and sugar-crafted flowers and custom edible decor into cakes for our couples.
Late Night Tiny Taco Stand — Global Gourmet Catering.
Finally — and one of my personal favorites — is the catered after-party. Many popular venues now mandate a 10:00 p.m. cutoff time, well before our brides, grooms and their guests are ready for the party to stop! The after-party will have a major comeback this year; guests love being able to stop in, grab a bite, and keep celebrating until the wee hours of the morning. Interactive food stations are always a welcome surprise, and our Late Night Taco Stand is a serious crowd pleaser. Top it off by adding our fried-to-order cinnamon sugar churros station, maybe a margarita bar, and you’ve got yourself a party.
Leave a comment to let us know which trends you’re most excited about incorporating into your big day!
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