What’s hot for wedding trends this year? We’re sharing elements you can incorporate into your 2023 or 2024 wedding to stay current and wow your guests!

1. Statement Signage
Whether it’s a welcome sign, a seating chart or an escort card display, a statement piece at the entrance of your event sets the tone as guests arrive. Their interest is piqued and they’re excited to head inside to see what’s next.

Left: JBW | Right: Tomasz Wagner

2. Petite Wedding Parties
We love the simplicity of having only one or two of your besties stand up for you. The benefits of a smaller bridal party? Fewer people to coordinate and cost savings for attire, beauty services, flowers – even transportation!

Top: Carey Nash | Bottom: Nicole Ashley

3. Live Music
Live music adds an ambiance that recorded music cannot replicate. For our clients weddings, we try to incorporate live music during at least one portion of the day – whether it’s for the ceremony, cocktails, during dinner or the party.

Top: Nicole Ashley
Bottom L: Carey Nash, Bottom R: Retrospekt Photography

4. Ikebana Inspired Florals
Ikebana is a Japanese art of floral arrangement that has seen recent resurgence in popularity. We love ikebana style arrangements as they are minimalist and graceful.

Photo: Fragment of Light

5. Fashion
If you’re donning a traditional wedding gown during the day, why not have some fun with a fashion-forward cocktail dress for the reception or dance? We’re loving puffy sleeves, oversized bows, removable capes and sheer detailing.

Top: Bryttanni | Bottom: Etoroma Creative

6. Delicate Greenery
Thick greenery runners have had their moment. We still love greens, but we’re using them more sparingly for a dainty, refined look. We’re also saying sayonara to mountains of eucalyptus! We want to see greenery in a true green colour, or green and white varigated leaves for a romantic, garden vibe.

Photos: Nikki Collette Photography

7. Luxe Craft Cocktails
Step it up from standard sparkling and treat your guests to an expertly crafted cocktail upon arrival. Old Fashioneds are still fan favourites, but we also love tequila or gin-based beverages. Don’t forget to have something special on hand for those guests who prefer spirit-free drinks.

Top: Nicole Ashley | Bottom L: Blushed Beaute, Bottom R: Mango Studios

8. Waste Conscious Events
It seems silly to call this a trend, but we want to draw attention to the waste created by events, and get you thinking about how you can make your wedding more sustainable. Our top tips:

• Say NO to plastic cups, straws and disposable water bottles (anything single use, really).
• Rent instead of purchase.
• Source locally whenever possible – this includes food, décor and flowers.

Photo: Nicole Ashley

9. Bright Blooms
Don’t get us wrong – we’re all about timeless, elegant neutrals – but colour adds so much life to events! Even if you want to stay mostly neutral, try adding a splash of colour where guests may not expect it: table stationery, a statement arrangement in the cocktail reception space, or your DJ booth for the dance party.

Top: Etoroma Creative | Bottom: Kelsy Nielson

10. Mix Up The Menu
99% of the weddings your guests have attended served a soup or salad, followed by a main course and then dessert. Why not mix it up and surprise them with a unique style of service or unexpected courses? Try tapas style family service, or a charcuterie appetizer followed by pasta, a main and a trio of desserts –  we guarantee your guests will be raving about their culinary experience at your event!

Photos: Retrospekt Photography 

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Team JBW | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Wedding Designers

Grace + Jason had a gorgeous romantic garden-style wedding at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, in both the Wedgwood and Empire Ballrooms. They had an all-star wedding team to execute their vision, and impeccable bridal party style!

Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings 
• Venue: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
• Officiant: Tammy Banting
• Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Cake: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Music: DJ Kwake Entertainment
• Hair: Nina Simons
• Makeup: Vicky Vu Artistry

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Suzanne, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management

Katrina + David were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony last summer at Edmonton’s Royal Glenora Club. The sun was shining, the skies were blue – you’d never guess there was a torrential downpour just one hour before the ceremony was scheduled to begin! Luckily with some great teamwork we swapped out the chair cushions just in time to seat guests and send Katrina down the aisle looking absolutely angelic.

Just For You Photography was on hand to capture all the beautiful moments of the day, including the couple’s “first look” at The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. After the wedding Katrina + David enjoyed an amazing honeymoon in Italy!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Credits:

• Coordination + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Just For Your Photography
  
• Officiant: Bill Bulger
  
• Stationery: Pinkpolka Wedding Design
• Florals: Wild Orchid
  
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
  
• Cupcakes: Whimsical Cake Studio
  
• Ice Sculpture: Ice Works
• Ceremony Music: Marilyn Bulger (Harpist)
• Reception Music: Baseline DJs
• Transportation: Esquire Limousine
• Hair Stylist: Jenn Chivers
  
• Makeup Artist: Priya Kapur
  
• Gown: Enzoani Fatima from The Bridal House
  
• Groom/Groomsmen: Tuxedo House
  

The winner of our 2nd giveaway is…

Kelsey D.

Kelsey wins her choice of a FREE bridal bouquet (value $325) or three (3) FREE “just because” floral arrangements (value $300) from amazing Edmonton wedding florist, faBLOOMosity!

Giveaway #3 announcement coming soon – stay tuned for your chance to win something very tasty (hint hint)!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

In celebration of our 5th Birthday, Jennifer Bergman Weddings is partnering with local entrepreneurs to give away 5 prize packages until the end of 2013!

GIVEAWAY #2: Flowers from faBLOOMosity
November 28-December 3, 2013

Win a FREE bridal bouquet (value $325)

OR

Win three (3) FREE “just because” floral arrangements (value $300)

To Enter:

1. ‘LIKE’ the Jennifer Bergman Weddings Facebook page.

2. Comment on the giveaway post telling us which prize you’d choose if you’re the winner: bridal bouquet or “just because” arrangements.

***Bonus entry: SHARE the post on your personal Facebook page!***

.

Giveaway ends December 3, 2013 at 11:59 PM MST. The winner will be randomly drawn on December 4, 2013 and announced on the JBW Facebook Page and Blog. Winner must redeem prize by December 31, 2014. 

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Good luck!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planning + Design

Ranunculus. Dianthus. Phalaenopsis. Hyacinth…huh?

Flowers may have tough names to pronounce, but their ability to add beauty and life to a wedding is something that everyone understands. Today’s In the Limelight feature is on faBLOOMosity – a new Edmonton flower shop located in downtown’s revitalized Mercer Building. The shop may be new, but the talent behind it has years of experience.

Meet Janine Sebastian. From designing boutonnieres that look more like art than the eyesore your prom date wore, to centrepieces that defy gravity, Janine and her faBLOOMosity team are leaders in the Edmonton floral market and they push boundaries left, right and centre. My favourite thing about working with Janine is her passion and energy – no one will get you more excited about your wedding flowers! Read on to learn what sets faBLOOMosity apart.

Photo Credit: Infused Studios

Tell us about faBLOOMosity:

At faBLOOMosity we specialize in custom floral designs for everyday arrangements, weddings, and special/corporate events. Each client is unique, as is each design created specifically for them. What we do is an art form in which we turn the ordinary into extraordinary, changing the way people view florists and floral design as a whole.

What is your personal experience in the floral industry?

I’ve worked in floral design for the past 10+ years which has allowed me the opportunity to adapt and build my own style and presence within the industry. Gearing myself towards the unexpected and more modern approach has set me apart within Edmonton as a unique and ‘out of the box’ designer. A fan of anything that is “not popular”, I strive to establish new trends and push my clients, and ultimately, myself to take risks and be adventurous.

What makes faBLOOMosity different? How do you provide a distinct wedding experience?

• First and foremost, we are non-believers in packaged wedding florals. What sets us apart is our ability to build off of our clients’ unique personalities, individual style, likes and dislikes, and anything else they’re passionate about to ensure that we truly capture the essence of what it is they are looking for and expecting from us.
• Secondly, we are not afraid to voice our opinions or concerns, as well as love or hates, to our brides and grooms. Honesty is the best policy, and we expect pure honesty out of them and in turn provide that same feedback to the clients.
• Lastly, our amazing team of FAB Florists make for an inviting atmosphere in the shop, and provide our clients with perfection each time. With the team we have in place, nothing is impossible and everything is achievable.

What are some of the upcoming floral trends that you’re excited about?

• One design that I have been working on implementing into the Edmonton market for over a year now is ombré. I was thrilled when a few past clients allowed me to design their wedding with this, and I hope to continue it forward on a larger scale!
• As well, I am a huge advocate for large, structural focal pieces. It really does take your dollar far by creating one over the top focus for your guests to awe over.
• Another way of creating a ‘wow’ factor is by having a more elaborate backdrop behind your head table. Out are the days of boring white voile, making room for things like: texture, LED lighting, en masse florals, etc. Be creative and make a bold statement.
•  am also extremely excited about the introduction of the color mint into wedding designs! It offers a fresh, new vibe and carries a youthful feeling.
• Finally, I am happy to be introducing more elaborate and detailed bouquet handles into the wedding season. Mirrored bands, romantic textures, dramatic graphic prints, and natural elements such as birch are just a few examples of things to watch for from me!

What do you like most about working with brides and grooms?

The sheer excitement and love that fills the room when working with the couples is the most enjoyable part for me. It is SO much easier to build off of that energy. It really drives everything forward and sets the pace for the entire process. Working in that environment truly has the ability to keep me smiling and enjoying my career day in and day out. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of the most important day of someone’s life?

What are your top tips for brides and grooms when considering their wedding flowers?

Don’t be afraid to try something different, and do not allow yourself to get caught up in the opinions of others around you. It is your day – have what YOU want. All too often I see brides give in to what their mother, or sister, or friend, or whoever wants them to have. Everyone has an opinion but remember that it is your opinion that matters the most and it is your voice that I listen to when designing for you. Stick strong to your gut feelings and your vision, and I promise that it will be exactly what you have always dreamed it to be.

 +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

Here’s a look at faBLOOMosity’s stunning work for some of our recent weddings:

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer

Photo Credits: (top) Eternal Reflections, (middle) Kelly Redinger Photographer, (bottom) Katch Studios.

City and Dale is a local lifestyle blog devoted to delighting in what’s new, hot and undiscovered in the capital region – from fashion and style to tasty eats and local happenings. We were thrilled when editor Kendall Barber contacted us to be their wedding expert for a new series: The Edmonton Wedding Guide. The guide is chock-full of fabulous local vendors, unique venue ideas, and tips to help you along the way. Follow the links below to view the full posts and be sure to keep City and Dale on your list of regular reads.

+  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +  +

(1) Unique Edmonton Venue Ideas

• If you have a lot of out-of-town guests attending ensure there are hotel options nearby or be prepared to provide transportation for your travelling guests.
• Is having a rockin’ party one of your wedding priorities? If so, don’t forget to ask about noise restrictions and closing time.
• June through September is an extremely busy time for weddings in Canada and especially in Alberta where our warm weather is short-lived. If you are set on a summer date be prepared to begin planning at least 12 months in advance.

(2) Gowns, Baubles & Shoes

• Before trying on wedding dresses, do your hair and makeup as though you are going out for a nice dinner or a night on the town. It’ll give you a better idea of what the gown will look like on your big day.
• Your dress should complement your wedding location, season and style. Share these important details with your bridal consultant so he or she can help guide you towards choices that will work best.
• Break up your shopping trips – visit no more than two boutiques in a day. You don’t want to become overwhelmed or get confused. 

(3) Cakes, Flowers & Stationery

• When it comes to dessert, there’s no need to play it safe! Be bold and have some fun with your wedding cake’s design. This is a great area to incorporate your personalities and shared interests.
• If you’re on a tight budget, instead of cutting back on all flowers focus your floral funds on a few important areas: your bouquet, the head table, and a statement piece at the reception. These items will be in many photos throughout the day.
• Your invitations set the tone for your wedding’s style and level of formality. Ensure the design, typeface and wording reflect just that.

(4) Photographers – Who to Snap Your Big Day

• When choosing your professional wedding photographer make sure you see an entire wedding that they’ve shot. It’s also important that your personalities are compatible – you’ll be spending a lot of time with them on your wedding day!
• Allow enough time for your photos. Most photographers want at least 2 hours (3-4 is even better). Your wedding planner or coordinator will help ensure your wedding day schedule can accommodate this important photo time.
• Have an engagement session with your photographer. This is like a practice session for your wedding and will help you feel more comfortable when the big day arrives.

Jennifer
Edmonton Wedding Planner + Designer