NARCES Essential Wedding Trends
Wondering what the hautest fashion, beauty, floral, décor, cake and photography trends are as you move forward with wedding planning? We of course have many thoughts on wedding style, and we turned to five expert wedding industry insiders who shared their predictions on what to expect for this year and in to 2022.
FASHION
“Wedding style is all about being confident, unique and creative. I am strong believer in customization—this ensures you have your absolute dream gown with all the features you want that is perfectly fitted to your body. I love getting into the minds of a bride-to-be and interpreting her vision and feelings into a perfect design, one they might not have even known was possible to create. On the subject of trends, fashion and wedding styles are inextricably linked. Currently I am loving strong shoulders,voluminous puffed sleeves, coat dresses, candy and pastel tones and metallic disco ball paillettes.”
—Nikki Wirthensohn Yassemi, NARCES creative director, designer and founder
Photography by Riley Stewart. Styling by Tara Williams. Editor & creative production by Alison McGill. Floral wall by Prairies and Petals. Hair & makeup by Cia Mandarello for P1M.ca using OGX. Hair & makeup assistant, Sierra Elliott for P1M.ca. Model, Jasmine, Sutherland Models. As seen in Weddingbells.
BRIDAL BEAUTY
“There is a strong focus on individuality and simplicity with wedding day beauty. The shift is towards very natural beauty and putting emphasis on the skin—we’ve all had a lot of time at home to up our skin regime so let it shine! For makeup, I love using a multi-stick in one shade on eyes, lips and cheek to create a beautiful monochromatic wash of colour. Accentuate the eyes with a thin wing of liner, mascara and full brows. For hair, the most beautiful wedding looks are effortless and undone. Brushed out waves and curls, shiny natural texture and easy, unfussy chignons. Hair accessories are also big—bows, organza scrunchies, birdcage veils and coloured headbands are my favourites.”
— Amybeth owner and lead artist of Bespoke Beauty
Makeup & Hair by Amybeth of Bespoke Beauty. Photography by Erin Leydon of Leydon Photography.
FLORALS
“I love the use of intentional and interesting palettes that highlight unusual colour pairings. This could include monochromatic bouquets featuring various tones of the same hue with one other accent colour—for example, various tones of lavender with a hit of chartreuse. I love to see colours work harmoniously and be more sophisticated and nuanced. Also, trending are streamlined bouquets featuring floral varieties with almost zero greenery. For tablescapes, I love single varieties of flowers in bud vases, with coloured tealights and votives. Organic-feeling installations are now built from the ground up instead of being suspended from the ceiling. I love floral accessories like statement corsages and would even love to see floral epaulettes paired with a sleeveless gown! Lastly, wave goodbye to pampas and dried arrangements….done, done, DONE!”
— Rosalie Villanueva, floral designer and owner of RZY
Flowers by Rosalie Villanueva owner of RZY. Photography by BKH Photo.
DÉCOR & CELEBRATION STYLE
“A neutral-toned palette is beautiful, but we need energy and I encourage taking risks with colours, patterns and anything that screams ‘let’s celebrate!’ As for event styles, I think that smaller scale parties and intimate weddings have truly resonated couples in the last year and will continue to in the future. Intimate weddings have demonstrated the specialness of connection and have allowed our couples to visit with all of their guests on the special day—it takes the pressure off! If you are planning ahead and looking for a larger event, plan for a big dance party, people want some FUN! We miss live music like never before and in so many ways; consider booking a band AND a DJ. As for décor, there will be a lot of colour happening.
—Lexi Haslam, event planner and principal at Lexington & Co. Events
CAKES & SWEETS
“There are lots of things that are new and cool with wedding cakes. I look at fashion and home decor trends as inspiration for cake designs and am seeing a lot of chinois prints, chintz florals, smocking, tweed, fringe and ruffles—the vibe is a little granny chic! I am also working a lot with rice paper and wafer paper to create sculptural textures and fabric-like movement. As for accents, I have swapped my paint brushes for spatula to create textural buttercream blooms in pretty colour palettes. I am also incorporating lots of floral and herb aromatics into my creations which is an added treat for the senses. We are also very conscious of sustainability as it’s important factor for so many, so we are focused on local ingredients where possible and less waste. Lastly, as sweet tables are on hold, send your guests home with treats. I love the idea of take away slices of cake presented clear boxes with a gold liner and wrapped it with beautiful stationery and ribbon. Who doesn't love cake for breakfast?!
—Nadia Colella owner of Nadia & Co.
Cake by Nadia & Co. Photography by 5ive15ifteen Photo Company.
PHOTOGRAPHY
“Shooting film is making a huge comeback and I expect this will become more popular in the months ahead. Film gives a completely different feel and mood to photographs and it’s something I personally always love to shoot. I also am starting to work with many couples who want very editorial and artistic photographs. Effortless, chic, modern, less whimsical and airy. Everything is veering towards a more natural, less retouched feel. No heavy editing or pre-sets, just beautiful, natural photographs and I am very into it!”
—Erin Leydon, photography and principal of Leydon Photography
