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 

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

It was the end of a cold snap in Edmonton, and Samantha and Raymond’s guests were so excited to be out of the house attending a beautiful wedding! Side note: we love winter weddings and don’t think they get enough credit!

One of the most important parts of their big day was ensuring they threw an awesome party for their guests, so Sam and Ray put a lot of thought into the food and drinks they served, the entertainment they hired, and memorable touches. Pops of lavender, mauve and blush added warmth and romance to The Fairmont Hotel Macdonald’s iconic Empire Ballroom, where both the vows and celebration were held.

One of the highlights of the day was Ray’s speech at the reception – his delivery was so endearing, not to mention hilarious! It was among the best we’ve ever heard and everyone was in stitches! A nod to the winter season, a hot chocolate station opened later in the evening with all the toppings you could imagine, as well as cake pops and biscotti to snack on.

Infused Studios delivered a stunning collection of images for the happy couple to look back on their day – enjoy!

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

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Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Infused Studios
• Officiant: Pastor Genghis Chan
• Ceremony Music: Terry McDade – Harpist
• Reception Music: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis – Harman B
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Wedding Cake / Sweet Table: The Art of Cake
• Photo Booth: Ready, Set, Booth
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Hair: Carrie’l Salon & Spa
• Makeup: Lydia Yapp
• Gown: Delica Bridal

Dessert tables have been a popular feature at wedding receptions over the past few years. This trend began with candy tables and has evolved to include a couple’s favourite sweets and desserts, such as doughnuts, cookies, cupcakes and pies. We’ve also done frozen yogurt and ice cream bars, custom chocolate truffle stations and popcorn displays!

Why do we love this trend?

• Sweet tables are a great way to personalize your reception, showcasing your tastes as a couple. Think out-of-the-box to your childhood favourites or desserts from your heritage.
• Use a dessert bar to reflect your reception design, adding an element of décor to the space.
• Rather than giving away individual guest favours, instead invest that budget in a fun dessert table that guests can enjoy all evening.

Here are some of our favourite sweet tables and dessert bars we’ve designed for JBW couples. Warning – do not view on an empty stomach!

 White + Pink Sweet Bar: Mariah + Nathan’s Wedding
{Shandro Photo}

Cookie Table: Stephanie + Clark’s Wedding
{C.J. Scott Photography}

Moonshine Doughnut Table: Anita + Ben’s Wedding
Katch Studios}

Homemade Pie Table: Alexis + Tom’s Wedding
{Blake Loates Photography}

Cupcake Table: Carly + Taylor’s Wedding
{Julie Williams Photography}

Cupcakes + Candy Table: Jenny + Hon’s Wedding
{Sharon Litchfield}

Cookies & Milk Table: Ashley + Dave’s Wedding
{Sharon Litchfield}

Dessert Table: Allena + Jamie’s Wedding
{Kelly Redinger}

Pink + Green Candy Table: Krista + Scott’s Wedding
{Sharon Litchfield}

Pink + Purple Candy Table: Sabrina + Fil’s Wedding
{Sharon Litchfield}

French Themed Sweet Table: Kristy + Joe’s Wedding
{Kelsy Nielson}

Purple + White Candy Table: Saveena + Rodnie’s Wedding
{Katch Studios}

Rustic Sweet Table: Violeta + Barry’s Wedding
{Kelly Redinger}

Black + White Dessert Table: Melanie + Chris’ Wedding
{Kelly Redinger}

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