By Liz Johnson
(Photo by One L Photography, our 2020 Happening List Winner for Wedding Photography.)
Weddings are mostly on hold at the moment, but you can still plan for one of life’s hallmarks. Here are some trends/ideas to consider as you plan during this time, along with some Philly Happening List Winners who can make the day one you’ll cherish forever.
Flowers
Sustainability meets the non-traditional this year, with dried, painted or bleached flowers being incorporated into bouquets and centerpieces. Greenery draping from the ceiling, flowers tacked to the wall or used as inventive aisle décor are this year’s splurge. Reusable plants are replacing flowers in many weddings. Philly Happening List Winner for Best Wedding Florist Ten Pennies Florist in South Philadelphia offers creative wedding arrangements that include roses as well as tulips, lilies, hydrangeas, dahlias and peonies.
Food as art
On the sustainability front, locally grown and sourced food, edible flowers in ice cubes, salad and on the wedding cake are now the rage. Elaborate cheese and charcuterie tables are replacing the standard appetizer fare. And long, farmhouse-style tables with more creative settings and centerpieces are replacing roundtops. Check out Philly Happening List Winner for Best Wedding Caterer Conroy Catering, which operates out of the Knowlton Mansion in Philadelphia. It offers some fun food sample stations including seafood martinis with jumbo shrimp and lump crabmeat, creaos of asparagus and herbed goat cheese crostini dippers and a variety of Asian samplers.
(Photo from Conroy Catering’s Facebook page.)
Non-traditional wedding dresses reign
Capes, exaggerated sleeves, jumpsuits, and skirts are replacing the more sleek dresses of the past. Mismatched bridesmaids dresses are also proving popular this year. Check out Philly Happening List Finalist for Best Bridal Boutique L&H Bridal off Bustleton Avenue which has a selection of designer gowns and bridesmaids dresses.
(Photo from L&H’s Facebook page.)
Venues are more than a place to eat in 2020
Out-of-the-box venues provide a popular setting for 2020 weddings – places with lots of space for imaginative elements such as Prosecco trucks, caricature artist and even bounce houses. For something truly romantic, try Knowlton Mansion in Philadelphia, Philly Happening List Winner for Best Wedding Venue. Or for something more low key, check out Manayunk Brewing Company, a Philly Happening List Finalist for Best Wedding Venue
(Photo by Artistic Imagery via ConroyCatering.com)
Groom’s attire changes color
Blue is the new black. Navy, teal and cobalt jackets are replacing the traditional black-and-white tuxedo. Philly Happening List Winner for Best Wedding Formal Wear Rudi’s in South Philadelphia will suit up any groom in the latest style.
(Photo by One L Photography.)
Micro Weddings
With the uncertainty of the coronavirus and the changes it’s bringing to large gathering, smaller weddings are beginning to trend. Couples are still spending roughly the same amount on their nuptials, but with fewer people – say 40 people or less – they’re able to splurge more on food, gifts and interactive entertainment. Philly Happening List Winner for Best Wedding Planner Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants specializes in creating fairy tale weddings.
Invitations
Bold colors and textured, recycled paper and soy-based inks are part of the new sustainability trend. Philly Happening Winner for Best Wedding Invitation Paper on Pine in Center City can design customized invitations, programs and signs for a signature event.
Wedding Fun Just Went Funky
DJs and bands (like our Philly Happening List Winners DN Entertainment and The Business) still rule the dance floor at wedding receptions. But today’s newlyweds are also looking to add a little pizzazz for their guests in the way of interactive entertainment. Mixologists, who add entertainment to serving drinks, are replacing bartenders, while magicians, sketch artists and tarot card readers are enhancing the dance party experience. Consider adding some comedy to your nuptials with acts such as Philly Happening List Finalist for Best Entertainer Joe Conklin, who is sure to leave your guest rolling in the aisle.
The Wedding Cake
Hand-painted cakes, ferns and botanical themes, mosaic designs are all trending this year for wedding cakes. Check out Tiffany’s Bakery in the Fashion District, Philly Happening Winner for Best Bakery and Specialty Cake Design. They can custom design a cake to match your bridesmaids dresses or showcase the interests of the Bride and Groom.
(Photo from Tiffany’s Bakery website.)
Click here to view ALL of our 2020 Philly Happening List Winners and Finalists.
We Are Supported By:
