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

Sabrina and Romeo had planned to be wed in New York City at the Rainbow Room in April 2020…we all know how that went. Another couple’s plans deeply impacted by the pandemic, and yet another resilient and optimistic response. They moved it home to Edmonton, Canada, and with only a 6-month planning timeline we worked together to produce a very different event than they had initially envisioned.

Trading skycrapers for an entirely outdoor wedding, Sabrina and Romeo’s late summer soirée featured a mirrored aisle for their Sikh ceremony, live violinists, modern Indian cuisine, and two DJs. There was even a suprise appearance by Punjabi singer, Jazzy B! As a nod to their original venue, the Rainbow Room, we had the iconic compass featured on their dance floor.

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Credits:

• Full Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Jennifer)
• Venue: Aspen Valley
• Photography: Andras Schram Photography
• Videography: Parfait Productions
• Caterer: Zaika Indian Bistro
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Ceremony Arch, Rentals: BASH Decor
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Stationery / Signage: J. Gartner Studio
• Plexi Stages: Exquisite Affairs
• Cake: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Cocktail Music: Charms YYC
• First Dance Singer: Lindsey Nagy Music
• DJs: Urban Beats Entertainment + Harman B
• Hair + Makeup: MADE by PG
• Vinyl Wraps, Indoor Sparklers: Talent Productions

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Jennifer, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planner

In our previous post we shared 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Ceremony Venue. Today we’re sharing 5 important questions to ask the venues you’re considering booking for your reception or wedding celebration.

1. What time must the event end? Are there any community noise bylaws that must be adhered to? Most commonly in Alberta we see a 1:00 AM bar closure time, but some venues choose to shut down a bit earlier than this. Other communities have noise bylaws that prohibit loud music past 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM. This can especially be true for venues located in residential areas, or backyard tented events. Check the bylaws in your area if you’re hosting an event at home.

Whyte Museum Grounds (Banff, AB) / Natalie Andrusiak

2. When can the venue be accessed for decorating? When must all items be removed? It may seem early to worry about logistics, but it is important to consider when you will be able to set up and decorate for your event, and when everything must be taken down and picked up. Most rental and decorating companies will charge a premium to come back late at night, so if your venue allows next-day pick up this can save you some cash.

50th Parallel Estate / Tara Peach

3. Is catering provided by the venue, or is external catering permitted? Are alcohol and bartending services provided by the venue, or can you bring your own alcohol and liquor license? It can be convenient when the venue provides all food and beverage services. On the other hand, choosing your own caterer and bar company offers you more control over your menu and budget. In either case, be sure to ask ahead about meal service styles (plated vs buffet vs family style) and any special must-have menu items or cultural dishes.

JW Marriott, Wayne Gretzky Ballroom / Mango Studios

4. What are the nearby options for guest parking? It is helpful to include parking details on your invitations or wedding website so guests have a heads up about parking locations, costs, walking distance to the venue, and whether they can leave their vehicles overnight. If your venue is outside of an area serviced by taxis or Uber, consider arranging shuttle bus service to provide your guests with a safe and convenient way to attend your wedding.

Aspen Valley Events / Andras Schram

5. What is included with the venue rental and what am I responsible for renting or supplying? Find out what the venue provides and what you must bring in yourselves or rent. Some examples of items you may require for your wedding reception include: chairs, tables (ask about sizes), linens, napkins, staging, dance floor, podium, AV equipment (microphones, sound system, projector, screen), dishware, flatware, glassware, candles, easels and coat racks.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge / Nicole Ashley Photography

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planners, Edmonton Event Planners

You can visualize yourself walking down the aisle, locking eyes with your partner, saying ‘I Do’ and sharing that first kiss as a married couple. You’re ready to sign on the dotted line to book your wedding ceremony venue! But wait – have you asked all the right questions?!

Not to worry, Team JBW has got your back! Here are 5 important questions to ask when booking your wedding ceremony venue.

1. Are there any décor restrictions? For example, many indoor venues do not allow real flower petals down the aisle. Some churches have restrictions on what (if any) décor can be placed at the altar. It’s important to find out what is and isn’t permitted before booking your wedding ceremony venue.

St.Joseph’s Basilica / Carey Nash Photography

2. What is included with the venue rental and what am I responsible for renting or supplying? Find out what the venue is providing and what you must bring in yourselves or rent. Some examples of items you may require for your wedding ceremony include: chairs or bench seating, a signing table for the registry, a ceremony arch or arbour, a sound system with a wireless or lapel microphone, and easels for directional signage.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise / Stoffer Photography

3. When can a rehearsal date and time be confirmed? Some venues will allow you to schedule this upon booking, while others will only confirm your rehearsal a couple weeks in advance. This is important to ask, as it may take some juggling to coordinate the availability of your Officiant, Wedding Party, Wedding Coordinator and rehearsal dinner venue.

The Lake House / Infused Studios

4. Is there an indoor or covered backup space in case of inclement weather? Always have a Plan B! If weather is poor, is there an on site backup space you can move the ceremony into? And when must you make the weather call? Often times this can be done on the day of the event, as late as a few hours prior to your ceremony start time, but some venues require 24 hours notice if utilizing the backup space.

University of Alberta, Botanic Gardens / Kelly Redinger

5. Is only one wedding held per day? Some ceremony venues book multiple weddings on a single day (we’ve seen as many as 4 different timeslots), while others provide exclusivity to a single wedding couple. It’s important to understand if you are restricted to a specific ceremony time, and whether you have to hustle out of there following your nuptials or if you can stick around to take photos.

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald / Romy Young

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We hope this is a helpful resource for you when booking your wedding ceremony venue. Stay tuned for our next blog post outlining 5 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Reception Venue!

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

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

Set in the charming Alberta countryside, Danielle and Jason’s wedding was held on a warm summer day at The Whitewood Barn just outside of Edmonton.

After a ‘first look’ and taking photos with their wedding party, they exchanged rings and vows in a quaint clearing of pine trees adorned with café lights and rustic wooden benches. Guitarist Jeff Ramsey serenaded guests while they sipped bubbly from a boxwood champagne wall, and enjoyed tasty hors d’oeuvres by Stir Catering. After dinner, guests danced the night away under string lights and country stars.

See more of this beautiful, rustic wedding featured on the Blush Magazine blog!

Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photographer: Jess Leigh Photography
• Venue: The Whitewood Barn
• Officiant: Howard Saunders
• Ceremony + Cocktail Music: Jeff Ramsey
• Reception Music: DJ Kwake Entertainment
• Cake: The Art of Cake 
• Catering: Stir Catering
• Florist: Laurel’s on Whyte
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Bartending: Strong Bartending
• Marquee Letters: Talent Productions
• Transportation: Blue Sky Limos
• Hair + Makeup: Bliss & Glow Artistry
• Gown: Novelle Bridal

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Suzanne + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Whitewood Barn Edmonton Wedding Planner

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic made backyard weddings the new norm, Lisa + Alex chose to celebrate their marriage with an intimate guest list at Lisa’s childhood home. Their vision for the soirée was a relaxed evening with their favourite people, dining al fresco and dancing under the stars!

If you’re planning your own backyard affair this summer, here are some of our top tips for ensuring a successful event.

1. Expert evaluation. A large, empty lawn can be deceiving – involve an expert to evaluate your space for grade and access to power, and to advise you on the right tent, layout and rental requirements.
2. Bathroom basics. If you don’t like the idea of guests coming in and out of your home to use the washrooms, consider renting portable toilets. The options have expanded over the years and now there are luxury models available with fantastic lighting and ventilation.
3. Be a good neighbour. If neighbours aren’t invited but may be affected by your wedding (more traffic/cars parked on the street, noise late into the evening) it’s courteous to let them know you’re hosting a big event.
4. Consider guest comfort. Use your wedding invitations to inform guests the events are outdoors so they can prepare accordingly. Having sunscreen, fans, bug repellent, lap blankets and umbrellas on hand will make you the ideal host.
5. Prep a ‘Plan B’. Weather in Alberta is unpredictable – be prepared for the worst case scenario. Rent extra tents in case of rain, heaters for chilly evenings and fans to help cool down a hot day.
6. Hire help. You want to enjoy your wedding day so let others handle decorating, bartending, catering, serving and clean-up. Hiring professionals will allow you to relax and avoid placing this burden on family and friends.

Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Officiant: Howard Saunders
• Photographer: Jacinta Daniele Photography
• Catering: Stir Catering
• Dessert Food Truck: Ohana Donuts
• Florist: Laurels on Whyte
• Rentals (Dinnerware): Special Event Rentals
• Rentals (Chairs, Tables): All West Wedding Rentals
• Hair + Makeup: Filament Hair Inc.

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Elyse, Lead Coordinator | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management
Edmonton Backyard Wedding

Jenilee and John’s intimate backyard tent wedding came together with just a few months of planning. We worked together to design a day that would allow them to share their vows in front of their closest friends and family, then celebrate with a candlelit dinner and dance party under the stars. Guests were served a gourmet family style meal by the Culina Team, while enjoying custom cocktails crafted by Strong Bartending.

Credits:

• Full Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography: Katch Studios
• Videography: Plaid Collar Films
• Officiant: Tammy Banting
• Caterer: Culina Catering
• Bartending: Strong Bartending
• Music: DJ Kwake Entertainment
• Invitations + Stationery: Pinkpolka Design
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Tent + Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Wedding Cakes: Brianne Gabrielle Cakes
• Late Night Food Truck: Orbit Food Truck
• Transportation: Distinct Limousines
• Hair + Makeup: HQ Salon and Spa

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Planner, Edmonton Wedding Designer