After more than twenty years of planning weddings, I’ve had the privilege of watching styles evolve. Every generation has its signature trends, and that’s part of what makes weddings so personal.
I remember when chair sashes became one of the most requested wedding details. From about 2006 through 2011, they were everywhere. Ballrooms, hotels, and country clubs embraced them because they reflected the style of the time. I even remember a five-star resort partnering with a respected fashion designer to create a wedding gown with a coordinating sash. Several of my brides chose that beautiful dress, each selecting a different sash color to make it uniquely their own.
Those weddings were beautiful, and they bring back wonderful memories. Looking back today, those details simply reflect the style of that era. It reminds me that trends naturally evolve, while certain design choices continue to feel just as elegant year after year.
Wedding designers have refined lighting in much the same way. Designers once projected elaborate gobo patterns across ballroom walls and dance floors because that reflected the style of the moment. Today, lighting is often approached with a lighter touch. Rather than becoming the focal point, it enhances the architecture, highlights the landscape, and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Sometimes, what we choose not to emphasize can be just as impactful as what we do.
That’s one reason I’ve always been drawn to timeless design. Beautiful linens, well-chosen napkins, quality chargers when they fit the setting, lovely glassware, and, if the budget allows, colored water glasses can add just the right pop of color without overwhelming the table. Pair that with simple yet elegant florals, warm LED candlelight—or real candles when they can be used safely—and thoughtful lighting, and you’ve created an atmosphere that feels welcoming, comfortable, and timeless.
Trends can be fun, and there’s certainly a place for them. However, when couples ask where to invest their wedding budget, I often encourage them to begin with the elements that have lasting appeal. Years from now, when family and friends gather around the photo album, the celebration should feel just as timeless and meaningful as it did on the wedding day.
At the end of the day, the most beautiful weddings aren’t defined by what’s trending. They’re the ones that reflect the couple, their story, and what feels right to them. Trends will come and go, but a celebration that feels authentic never goes out of style.
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