Romance is alive and well as we at Qld’s largest wedding expo ‘Qld Brides Wedding at Honeymoon Expo’. Held over 3 incredible days, the White Chapel team were delighted to meet so many brides who were searching for all those little bridal treasures. They were on a mission to find those ‘Diamond wedding days’ that would dazzle their guests and deliver ‘priceless’ memories.
Just like the current fashion is to have something bespoke, White Chapel Kalbar is the new direction for venues. We have a giant Fairytale book, large poloroid picture frame, outdoor fireplaces and much more. This new direction in venues provides something that hasn’t been seen in any other of their friend’s wedding photos.
It provides plenty for those that dare to be different. And at the expo, our brides chatted about all the little extras they were looking for…
1. The Unexpected
Brides love the element of surprise. One of the key ways they can achieve this is by finding an unexpected setting for their wedding. It might be somewhere that isn’t a traditional wedding venue, or in an unusual location. Maybe it’s a country-chic wedding venue in a restored 1884 church in a quaint country town? Maybe it’s a rustic barn bar backdrop.
2. Natural tones with a touch of ‘bling’
Styling is vital in creating an individual look. When it comes to wedding styling many brides are gravitating towards natural tones such as timber and stone, but are wanting to glam it up with metallic accents of copper, rose gold, gold and silver.
They love warmth, with some ‘wow’!
Think rustic timber reception tables, natural floral centrepieces with gold decorative lanterns with copper bead lighting.
Understated glamour is the goal.
3. Sophisticated Whimsy
How do you want to remember your day? Brides at the expo, loved the idea of incorporating a whisp of ‘whimsy’ into their celebrations. Of course a wedding day is a serious commitment, but once it’s all been ‘sealed with a kiss’, then why not let the fun begin.. There are endless choices of photo booths, magic mirrors that take your photos, Donut boards , Airstream martini vans and what about your own country timber signs that welcome guests to the front doors? Also, gone is the stiff photography that once dominated the day, now there’s a level of cheekiness and play between couples. They want beautiful, rustic backdrops rather than something staged . After all, it’s your one day to celebrate, make it memorable.
Photo courtesy of @We are Twine
4. Autumn Weddings
Spring weddings used to be the busiest time on the calendars for Brides. But Autumn is fast gaining popularity. Couples like the idea of cooler weather and the softer light for photography. The cooler season opens up more options for wedding dress styles. It’s one of the reasons we’ve built fireplaces into our reception venue Black Hall. It boasts a beautiful, gas fireplace as a centre-piece underneath a deer antler chandelier and a wood burning outdoor fireplace, out in our pergola area.
Our barn bar even has special ‘fire pits’ to keep all the guests toasty. It seems that ‘cool’ is now ‘hot’ with brides!
Photo courtesy of @Ivory & Rose
5. Vertical Impact
Many brides talked with us about wanting to achieve ‘vertical impact’ when it came to their wedding ceremony and reception. This can mean dramatic backdrops and lighting.
The hanging floral centrepiece trend isn’t going anywhere either. Brides still love dramatic green chandeliers to create impact at their reception. This photo at Black Hall Kalbar shows how beautiful these ‘living’ centrepieces can be.
Photo courtesy of @We are Twine and styling by @Beautiful Weddings Australia
6. But What about the Guests?
Whilst the bride and groom are always the centre of attention, couples are increasingly focussing on their guests and what will make their wedding special for them. They’re looking for entertainment & creative ice-breakers. Yard games such as boules, Giant Jenga, and even a cornhole game is a fantastic way of keeping your guests entertained, while you and your party slip away for those shots.
Selfie Station photo courtesy of HandsInTheAttic
7. The Instagram Wedding
Many brides have grown up as ‘digital natives’ and choose to turn to social media platforms as a way of planning their weddings. They scour Instagram for information and inspiration.
They stream through Facebook to discover new wedding venues, stylists and photographers. Pinterest is often used for creating virtual wedding scrapbooks for would-be brides.
Of course, websites remain a key tool for information gathering. Social media is now so popular that one bride even told us that she planned her entire wedding on Instagram. So, whatever medium, bridal industry parties are using they need to do it well, electronically.
We’re sure there are many other hot trends happening right now in the bridal industry, and there’s so many ways brides can spread the love even more on their wedding day!