Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Trend Forecast 2010

It's that time again... our "Event Trend Forecast"! This is the time of year when we look ahead to forecast a few trends and ideas we expect to see flourish in Special Event and Wedding Planning, Design, Fashions, etc during this event planning season and throughout the year to come. Ok, there is a lot to cover so let's get to it.

Color:

Gray is the new Chocolate Brown - This neutral color is very versatile and can complement any color scheme. Gray can offer a wide range of characteristic from deep, smoldering undertones like a Smokey gray which will work well with warm hues to soft or even bluish undertones like Silver or Slate gray... ideal for cool colors.

Other Event and Fashionable Colors - Shimmer Pastels and Metallic tones like Pearl Pink, Buttercup, and Champagne in the Spring. Also, thanks to the dazzling colors seen in movies like "Avatar" and "Alice in Wonderland" expect to see Vibrant Jewel tones such as Sapphire blues, Garnet Red, Turquoise, and Jade Green in both event designs and fashions as the year progresses... delicious!

Fashion:
The Oscar's Red Carpet often serves as a crystal ball - highlighting some of the newest trends in fashion which may translate into some of the most highly sought after Bridal looks. Here are a few observations:

Texture, Texture, Texture - The Red Carpet was practically overflowing with lush and eye-catching textures. Oh how I love this one - it's all about textural embellishments, flowing fabrics, bold Ruffles, and elegant Lace.


Silhouettes - In addition to the continuing popularity of the one-shoulder and asymmetrical neckline you'll be sure to see a return to carefully tailored yet retro and classic silhouettes like Mermaid, Empress and A-Line silhouettes. Fashion as Art - A new and very exciting fashion trend, which more unconventional Brides may be drawn to, is the Sculptural Gown. Yes, I know, it's not for everyone but on the right Bride this will be stunning.
Are you being served?:

Eating Green - The "Green Trend" will continue at the reception table with Chefs and Caterers offering more fresh, seasonal, locally grown, and organic menu options. Creative Cuisine Pros will delight in developing scrumptious creations featuring the flavors of the local region and the freshness of the season... yum!

Family-style Service - For Brides looking for an alternative to the Buffet-style service but want something more casual than a Sit-down dinning the "Family-Style" food service trend may be a fantastic option.
"Mini" just for me - The "One bit", Amuse-Bouche, and Individual Serving-size item will continue to be popular in catering.

Food Magic - I've been on this trend for a while now and I know, this is not for your average Bride (or Caterer for that matter) but when technology, Food and Art come together I can't help but take notice. Molecular Gastronomy is a cutting edge food trend where advances in chemistry and gadgetry are used to prepare (and even change the property) foods to create unique dishes. Cleaver Chefs can be change something normally served in a liquid (like a soup) into a completely different form like a foam, sculpted into edible sheets or caviar-like beads that melt in your mouth. Another example would be taking salad dressing and transforming it into droplets encased in grape-sized edible shells. Way cool.

Raising the bar - The Candy Buffet will continue to be a popular treat at receptions but, as they have been doing over the past year, they will evolve into more of a Dessert Bar featuring cookies, mini cupcakes, etc with Milkshake Shots or a Gourmet Coffee bar. The most notable change to the "bar" concept will the trend of sophistication. Some Caterers may offer freshly made hot donuts, cooked on spot. Also be on the look out for Artisans and Craftsmen hired to create Hand-rolled Cigar, Micro-Brew Beer Bars, or a Cognac Bar.Making a comeback:

Retro Inspiration and Themes - From "Mad Men" to Lilly Pulitzer... the kitsch and chic, sophisticated and swell 40's, 50's and 60's stylized look will be seen in "hip" and trendy events, weddings and Brides. Expect to see its' influence in cocktails, accessories, decor, photographic styles and props, and even hairstyles.

Head tables - For a number of years the Head table has been replaced by the more intimate Sweetheart table for wedding receptions. However, with reception designs creating a main focal point in specific areas of the room instead of elaborate tablescapes on all table (see "Center of Attention" below) it looks like the Head table is making a comeback.

Cascading bouquets - The Cascading bouquet is making a comeback. The design will feature premium flowers and take a more reserved, sculpted and defined look.

Center of Attention:

Floating flowers - Floating and submerging flowers will continue to grow as a popular choice for centerpieces. Also, expect to see reception designs with mostly low centerpieces and only a few tall, elaborate centerpieces strategically placed throughout a reception hall such as at the Head table.

Design Elements:
Pomanders - You've seen them on chairs, hanging from arches, or even from tall centerpieces - yes, the pomander will continue to be a favorite. The simple design is decorative, versatile and good choice for Brides and Designers interested in incorporating slighting Mod, geometric or even carefree, whimsical look without being too floral. Charming and Sentimental Touches - I love this trend. Well, I love any excuse to embellish. Expect to notice tons of little personal details like decorative pins, charms, lockets, framed pictures of loved ones, and other small personal statements. Ribbons (but beware the bow) - No, no, no big, poofy, round gift bows! Designs featuring the linear flow of multiple ribbons or sashes streaming across tables, the back of chairs or suspended from the ceiling and backdrops will gain popularity. Ultra chic, stylized, and sculpted Bows (not those shiny round, holiday wrapping-like bows) will be seen in dresses and use very sparingly in decor.


Laid out - Long Banquet tables and Square tables will continue to gain popularity as an alternative to your traditional 10 top round reception table but also expect to see unconventional configurations and unique layouts like "Clover leaf" table designs. Although the design below is a demo table a design using 6' rounds could accommodate 18 to 24 guests very comfortably.

Phew!! Told you it was a big one. Well, if you have questions or need any help navigating through the trends and idea to create a cohesive vision for your event... don't hesitate to contact us. Cheers!!

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