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A Thoughtful Fete

Floral and event planners keep an eye on the details.

Recent emerging trends in the floral and event design industry have led wedding planning specialists to become more well-rounded and detail oriented, focusing attention on each individual couple. "We are becoming more like ‘production managers,’" says Ed Barrett of Signature Productions, "the bride today wants a planner that has attention to detail and freely offers guidance." Most brides have a vision and budget, but need the skillful talent and masterful eye of an event planner to make their ideas become a reality. "It’s about creating a customized package that reflects both the bride and groom’s personal style," he adds. Extravagance and opulence are synonymous with weddings, but in recent years, Barrett has seen a gradual shift towards smaller, more intimate affairs. Barrett also senses a spike in the groom becoming a more valuable and interactive component of the wedding planning process.

When it comes to choosing your florals, many brides, he says are turning from traditional white to bright, punchy colors that accent the wedding’s overall theme. This trend is especially noticeable in weddings that the bridal party wears neutral-toned gowns, allowing the color to be captured in their bouquets. "Flower colors are no longer driven by season change," he mentions. Shades of yellow, red, orange and green are the prevailing choices of the moment, regardless of the time of year. Contemporary colors may be a popular trend, but when it comes to style, Barrett has witnessed a turn towards vintage-inspired, cascading bridal bouquets. "These vintage styles are perfect for complimenting tulle and lace wedding gowns," he adds.

Wedding planning professionals are gearing more time and attention towards the personalization of the wedding and the overall outcome of the event, giving the bride and groom a privy sense of distinction in creating a customized wedding experience.

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