Everyone who is an event professional needs to stay on top of trends in weddings and event design. Why? Because whether you are an Entertainer, Planner, Florist, Rental Specialist, Caterer, Cake Designer, etc.., the more you know about current event trends, the more your customers will trust that they are going to have the best event possible since it is in your hands. This is the currency of our service.
So here it goes. I spend hours researching trends and talking to leaders in the industry and here is what I am seeing for 2012:
Color trends are one of my favorites. Here is what you will see this year!
Spring/Summer 2012 Colors: Tangerine Tango (Pantone color of the year), Mustard, Hot Pink, Lavender, Lilac, Navy, Sage Green, Tiffany Blue, Grey & Khaki.
Fall/Winter 2012 Colors: Dark Chocolate, Honey Gold, Hot Pink, Tangering Tango, Ultramarine Green, Olympian Blue, Chartreuse, Cool Grey, Victorian Lilac, Blush Pink.
When it comes to fabrics, think TEXTURE! Be on the look-out for Dupioni fabric (it’s a polyester version of raw silk). Rosette and Lace fabrics (traditional, cut-outs, and braided sequin) are a must have for brides this year (look for Rosette and Lace fabrics on clothing, purses, wedding dresses, decorative pillows, and tabletop design all over the place). BOLD Pucci style prints are hot! And the classic Embroidered Sheer fabrics are always a favorite among brides.
Every customer has their own ideas about design, but there are certain looks that tend to be consistent throughout the year.
Here are my picks on 2012 Design Trends:
Eco Chic – Many brides want to be ecologically friendly. They are using recycled papers for invitations, second-hand or vintage dresses, food from local farms, etc. Many want to create the look, without being excessive. Touches of burlap fabric (i.e. using a table runner) can do the job and look great paired with elegant fabrics. Events & weddings taking place on a ranch or in a barn are a great place to create this look. French Toile, Plaid and Gingham fabrics are making a comeback for table linens or accent decor.
Shabby Chic or "Modage"- "Modage" is a marriage of words trademarked by Woodson & Rummerfield's House of Design to mean modern and vintage and is currently our favorite design theme. Not only is this a home decor trend but definitely an event decor theme being used by many brides and social clients. Whether it is mixing vintage furniture pieces with modern, bold prints in table coverings or adding hints of lace and feather accents with damask patterns and contemporary centerpieces, this trend is here now and will be huge moving forward. For linens we are seeing a mixture of texture and patterns. For example, a Fortuny (crinkle taffeta) table covering will be paired with a lace overlay and a monochromatic damask pattern for napkins and sashes. Classic woven baroque patterns create a sophisticated, Old-Hollywood look but are modernized with either metallic threads or flocking in the fabric. Color pairings like soft vintage blush and antique ivory or a cool grey are very popular or bold colors from the 80's like chartreuse and fuchsia create a modern, yet retro look. Rich reds are also being paired with deep purples for an elegant yet dramatic palette.
Simple Chic – This look can be created by simply using color. Try ivory, tan or mocha colored linens mixed with turquoise blue Chiavari Chairs. Adding in some beautiful dish and glassware can really create an amazing look.
Color Chic - Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Here are a few colors that are fun to pair:
Teal & Papaya / Purple & Red / Grey & Yellow / Tangerine & Fuschia
How can you learn more about trends?
Visit the pantone website (www.pantone.com/spring2012), read trade publications (i.e. Special Events Magazine, Catersource Magazine, Event Solutions Magazine), watch HGTV, review the front cover of Fashion Magazines (for color trends), or visit the websites of the national bridal stores or www.theknotbiz.com. Follow blogs like The Perfect Palette, Style Me Pretty, My Personal Artist and Pinterest.
