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

Katherine + Stephan spent their entire wedding day smiling – which is exactly how it should be. These two have an infectious zest for life, and this celebratory atmosphere was present throughout the festivities from start to finish.

Once they were all dressed up and looking incredible, Katherine + Stephan met up at Fort Edmonton Park for a ‘first look‘, followed by photos with their awesome wedding party. The rain held off for a late afternoon ceremony on the Hangar lawn. Guests then enjoyed refreshments and lawn games including bean bag toss and mini golf.

The evening continued inside the Hangar, where over 200 guests celebrated with delicious food, drinks, toasts, an ice cream dessert bar, and of course – dancing! Kelsy Nielson did a gorgeous job capturing the special moments of the day. Enjoy this sneak peek!

Katherine + Stephan: thank you for allowing us to be part of your incredible day. Looking forward to seeing where your next adventure takes you!

Jennifer + Team | Jennifer Bergman Weddings
Edmonton Wedding Day Management
Edmonton Wedding Day Coordination

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Credits:

• Wedding Day Management: Jennifer Bergman Weddings
• Photography backdrop: ubackdrop
• Pastor: Matt Ziprick
• Florist: faBLOOMosity
• Rentals: Special Event Rentals
• Drapery / Lighting: Site 6 Events
• Cake: Crave Cupcakes
• Music: Happy Wife, Happy Life
• Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
• Transportation: Apex Limousine
• Hair + Makeup: Behind the Blush
• Gown: Lilybridal
• Bridesmaid Dresses: Groupdress
• Suits: Derks

So far we’ve looked at Classic White Bouquets and Bright + Bold Bouquets. Today it’s all about romance!

Lush peonies, full-blown roses and soft pastel colours exude luxury and romance in these JBW bridal bouquets. These talented florists created a beautiful balance between feminine florals and delicate hints of greenery or dusty miller to add texture. To finish your romantic bouquet, add flowing ribbons, brooches or satin and lace handles.

Photo: Jesse Holland Photography / Florist: Verbena Floral Design

Photo: Photographik / Florist: Flower Artistry

Photo: Kelsy Neilson Photography / Florist: Laurel’s On Whyte

Photo:  Sharon Litchfield Photography / Florist: faBLOOMosity

Photo: C.J. Scott Photography / Florist: faBLOOMosity

Photo: Eternal Reflections Photography / Florist: faBLOOMosity 

Photo: Sharon Litchfield Photography / Florist: faBLOOMosity

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

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around
once and a while, you may miss it.” — Ferris Bueller

Meet Kelsy Nielson, Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer extraordinaire. The above quote is posted on Kelsy’s website and I believe it perfectly sums up her approach as a photographer. She has a relaxed vibe which instantly puts her brides and grooms at ease, and she has a knack for capturing special moments that exude warmth and romance. Not only is Kelsy an amazing photographer, she’s an all-around wonderful person who gives back to her community.

Read on to learn more about Kelsy’s style and discover her top tips for couples on their wedding day.

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Quick – give us your best Tweetography (tell us about yourself in 140 characters or less)!

I’m a wedding and lifestyle photographer who loves my adorable daughters, my hilarious husband,  and capturing  sweet moments with my ever-present camera.

Why did you become a photographer?

I originally wanted to go into cinematography – I love all things film. I started taking photography classes in high school because I thought it would be a good stepping-stone; then I ended up really connecting with photography. It was so fun capturing moments and seeing them in print when you picked up your little white film envelope from the lab. I wanted that excitement for a career.

Who have been the biggest influences in your life?

Without sounding like an Oscar speech, I’d have to say my family. When I was starting out they always helped me practice my posing and let me continually shoot them to gain confidence. After I married Tim he was a great support, he told me to just go for it, quit my day job and start my business. He helped me just jump in with both feet!

How would you describe your photography style?

I would say it’s romantic, natural photography. I don’t get to0 carried away with lighting or dramatic posing but rather put the emphasis on natural beauty and capturing love between individuals. I hope my photography is more about the people in the image and the connection they share rather then being about a backdrop (but, hey, I love those too). I definitely lean more towards classic Alberta landscapes – fields, trees, old homesteads and big skies.

Do you have a favorite part of the wedding day that you love to shoot?

Other than the posed portrait part of the day (which of course I love), I really enjoy the reception. I know a lot of photographers dread it,  but I love hearing the speeches and watching the first dance. I still tear up every reception during a heartfelt speech or a good slideshow! I also love seeing a Bride’s vision come to life. It’s so fun to hear about all her ideas and projects and then see the final result just shine with creativity.

What are some wedding day photography tips that couples should keep in mind?

• I’d say it’s important to spend time with your photographer before the wedding. Getting to know each other can make the wedding day a lot more relaxed.
• Everything seems to take longer then you think, so budget time appropriately. I never want to steal a Bride and Groom away from family hugs and well wishes – it’s part of the fun! Being able to take it all in without feeling like you’re missing out on essential picture time is important.
• And when portrait time comes, just relax and have fun. If you trust your photographer, you can just enjoy your moment in the spotlight and know your personalities are being captured perfectly.

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We’ve had the pleasure of working with Kelsy on some very beautiful weddings!

Visit Kelsy’s blog to keep up-to-date on her gorgeous work!

Cheers,

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