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

Be sure to check out the next post, Part 2 – The Wedding Day…

Credits:

• Wedding Planning & Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Jennifer)
• Venue: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
• Photography: Nicole Ashley Photography
• Videographer: Wagner & Co.
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Modern Rentals, Special Event Rentals
• Music: Premiere DJs (Harman B)
• Stationery: J.Gartner Studio
• Hair + Makeup: Sen Studios
• Henna Artist: Elegance by Simi

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Jennifer, Event Producer and Designer | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Luxury Event Planner, Edmonton

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

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

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

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Suzanne, Lead Coordinator | 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

Alyshea and Al-Karim celebrated their union with multiple events over a weekend in Edmonton – a destination they chose because of the recently opened Aga Khan Garden at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden.

This wedding weekend was such a delight to plan and design (and there are so many incredible details to share!) that we’re breaking it into three blog posts:

• Part 1 – The Mehndi Party at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
• Part 2 – The Wedding Ceremony at Aga Khan Garden
• Part 3 – The Gala Reception at JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District

The festivities kicked off with a Bollywood Chic Mehndi party at Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. Guests enjoyed a custom ‘Flavours of India’ menu and could visit a draped Mehndi tent to have professional henna artists adorn their hands with beautiful designs.

The event featured dance performances, traditional Ismaili ceremonies and Vancouver’s Juno-nominated DJ A-SLAM. Stay tuned for Parts 2 and 3 coming soon…

This wedding is not only featured on Wedluxe, but it was also honoured as a finalist for Best Wedding over $150,000 at the 2020 Canadian Event Awards!

Credits:

• Wedding Planning + Design: Jennifer Bergman Weddings 
• Getting Ready Location: JW Marriott Edmonton ICE District 
• Mehndi Party Venue: Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
• Photography: Mango Studios
• Cinematography: A Love Story
• Live Trio: Indian Music Academy
• DJ: Divinity DJs (DJ A-SLAM)
• Florist: Fabloomosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals, Dress My Day, M Weddings
• Stationery: J. Gartner Studio
• Henna Artists: YEG Henna
• Transportation: Exxotic Cars
• Hair + Makeup: Nickol Walkemeyer
• Bridal Attire: Pooja Boutique
• Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo
• Jewelry + Rings: Zameer Kassam

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Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Mehndi and Sangeet Event Planner, Edmonton

Along with 150 of their favourite people, Grace and Shane travelled to the majestic Rocky Mountains for their winter destination wedding at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

As most guests were visiting the area for the first time from the US, Grace and Shane hosted a welcome reception the evening prior to the wedding. They shuttled their guests from Lake Louise to wine and dine at the The Bison and experience the world-renowned Town of Banff.

The wedding day itself was mild as far as Canadian winters go, and the happy couple were able to exchange vows outdoors in front of the icy blue lake. After dinner and toasts, they danced the night away in the Victoria Ballroom to old and new hits covered by Five on the Side Band!

Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings (Suzanne)
• Rehearsal Dinner Venue: The Bison Banff
• Ceremony Venue: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Lakefront Terrace)
• Reception Venue: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Victoria Ballroom)
• Photography: Photography
• Officiant: Jason Suydam
• Ceremony + Reception Music: Five on the Side Band
• Wedding Gown: Lilybridal
• Florist: Banff Mountaintop Flowers
• Charter Buses: ABBC Charter Busses
• Rentals: Mountain Event Rentals
• Hair + Makeup: Botega Salon + Gallery

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Suzanne, Lead Planner | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Lake Louise Wedding Planners
Rocky Mountain Wedding Planners