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

Residing in Toronto, Jocelyn and Naheed wanted to host a destination wedding in the majestic Rockies to bring together their loved ones from across the country (and beyond). The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge fit the bill as the perfect venue for their weekend of events.

• The weekend kicked off with a welcome event held in the Golf Clubhouse, complete with live music and a food truck serving sweet treats and traditional East African delights.
• The next morning, Jocelyn and her crew had their Mehndi done while enjoying brunch. Guests joined them on the lawn of the Stanley Thompson Cabin to partake in the Pithi and Mandvo – traditional Ismaili ceremonies held before the wedding to bless the couple with well wishes.
• Everyone donned their best lehengas and Indian suits for the evening Sangeet held in a clearspan tent on Beauvert Plateau. Set right in front of the lake, the colourful decor and attire made for spectacular photos as DJ Double J brought the party!
• Saturday was reserved for an outdoor ceremony held on Whistlers Plateau, with both western and Ismaili rituals. The evening Gala followed in Beauvert Ballroom and featured a 4-course meal, heartfelt toasts. The Rondel Roberts Band and Double J alternated sets keeping guests on the dance floor into the early hours of the morning!
• Sunday morning brunch wrapped up the incredible weekend.

It was certainly challenging planning a multi-event destination wedding during the pandemic (to say the least!), but it all turned out phenomenally. We are especially grateful to Jocelyn, Naheed and their families for being so wonderful to work with and such kind, gracious humans.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Jennifer)
• Venue: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
• Photography + Videography: Tomasz Wagner, Wagner & Co.
• Florist: Cory Christopher
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Stationery: J.Gartner Studio
• Welcome Event Music: Paul Woida
• Welcome Event Catering: Take It And Go YYC Food Truck
• Ceremony Music: Marilyn Bulger, Harpist
• Reception DJ: Empire Entertainment – (DJ Double J)
• Reception Band: The Rondel Roberts Band
• Hair + Makeup: Nickol Walkemeyer
• Henna Artists: YEG Henna

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Jennifer, Event Producer and Designer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Wedding Planner

Jada and Daniel pivoted their original (pre-COVID) wedding plans to celebrate with loved ones at a family lakelot. On a warm, sunny day, their backyard celebration came to life with the help of the Cory Christopher and the CC Team, who both designed the event and provided florals.

The evening featured a show-stopping yurt, food truck catering, dancing under the stars and a fireworks display!

Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Venue: Private Residence
• Décor Design + Florist: Cory Christopher
• Officiant: Dawn Carter
• Photographer: Dallas Curow Photography
• Videographer: Arrow Films
• Food Truck: Curbside Food Truck 
• Bartending: The Bottled Bronco
• Cake: Triple L Cakes
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Hair Stylist: Goldie Salon (Shayla Chalifoux)
• Makeup Artists: Filament Hair Inc.

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Suzanne, Event Producer and Designer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management

Like many others, Kristen + Peter were forced to be nimble with their wedding plans in the summer of 2021. They pivoted to an intimate Rocky Mountain wedding at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. It was a beautiful, warm weekend making precious memories with their closest loved ones.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Venue: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
• Officiant: Behitched by Laura
• Photographer: Janine Rose Photography
• Videographer: Plaid Collar Films
• Florist: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
• Cake: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
• Music: Encore
• Hair + Makeup: Blushed Beaute

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Jennifer Bergman, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Wedding Planner

Like many others, Melissa and Gray were forced to pivot their original Summer 2020 wedding plans, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. They held a wonderful backyard event with their nearest and dearest, dining and dancing under the stars.

Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Officiant: Kaye Steward
• Photographer: Jade Gabrielle
• Videographer: Calvin Kho Films
• Florist: Cory Christopher
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Music: DJ Kwake Entertainment
• Stationery: Wedding Design by Anika
• Cake: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Hair + Makeup: Bliss & Glow Artistry
• Transportation: Apex Limousine

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Suzanne, Event Producer and Designer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management

Jennifer and Evrhetton envisioned a weekend destination wedding in the mountains to celebrate their love story with family and friends. Of utmost importance was the guest experience, ensuring everyone was taken care of and that it was stress-free and enjoyable. We worked alongside them to plan their dream wedding at one of our favourite venues, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Their beloved Danes – Moose and Mountain – joined in on the special day, strolling down the aisle and standing up as “best dogs” for Ev. The weekend culminated in a raging dance party featuring alternating sets by the couple’s favourite band, The Barkells, and DJ Troy from Premiere DJs.

https://vimeo.com/366373746

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Ceremony + Reception Venue: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
• Photographer: Just Married Photography
• Videographer: Plaid Collar Films
• Officiant: Beryl Cahill
• Band: The Barkells
• DJ: Premiere DJs by Urban Metropolis
• Florist And Backdrops: FoxBackdrop
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Invitations + Stationery: J. Gartner Design
• Hair + Makeup: Bliss & Glow Artistry

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Wedding Planner

Irene and Geoffrey’s fall wedding was nothing short of a fairytale! A horse-drawn carriage reminiscent of Cinderella was waiting for the newlyweds following their traditional Catholic ceremony at St. Joseph’s Basilica in downtown Edmonton.

Their vibrant reception at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald featured drummers, traditional African dances, indoor fireworks and a magical first dance in the “clouds.” The day’s events certainly kept us on our toes, and we were honoured to be a part of Irene and Geoffrey’s love story!

Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Suzanne)
• Ceremony Venue: St. Joseph’s Basilica
• Reception Venue: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald (Empire Ballroom)
• Photography: Carey Nash 
• Videography: A Love Story
• Reception Music: DJ Paddy Entertainment
• Cake: Cake Affair
• Florist: Therese Lopez Florals
• Rentals: Exquisite Affairs
• Dance Floor Wrap + Sparklers: Talent Productions
• Horse-Drawn Carriage: Diamond B Ranch
• Limo: Apex limousine
• Drummers: Afrah Al Majd Group
• Hair Stylists: Hair Designs by Maggie
• Makeup Artist: Allure by Mariam

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

Ania and Matthew began their wedding day with a traditional ceremony at the spectacular Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. After the marriage was official, they took off for photos in a gorgeous red vintage Porsche!

The newlyweds celebrated with their loved ones later that evening at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald in the Wedgwood Room – one of our favourite Edmonton wedding venues – infusing several Ukrainian and Russian traditions to personalize the event. It was such a pleasure to provide Wedding Day Management for this happy couple! Enjoy this beautiful snippet of their day.

Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Suzanne)
• Ceremony Venue: Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral of St. John
• Reception Venue: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald (Wedgwood Room)
• Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Reception Music: DJ Kwake Entertainment
• Cake: The Art of Cake
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Pet portrait As wedding Gift:  mooportraits
• Hair + Makeup: Blushed Beaute

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