Wedding reception trends to love

We asked some of Queensland’s top wedding stylists and event planners for some of their favourite wedding reception trends.

Related Article: 100 must-ask questions for your would-be reception venue 

1. Personalised Ice Creams

“This is the sweetest trend, in every sense of the word,” says Ashleigh Boileau from Champagne & Confetti Events. “Personalised ice-creams that reflect the favourite flavours of the bride and groom will go down a treat, especially during summer in Queensland. Check out the delish flavours – and gorgeous ice cream tricycle – from Wheel & Spoon.” Signature-flavour ice creams, gelato, waffle cones and sprinkles, all served by a uniformed attendant? Yes, please.

2. Strawberry Towers

According to Alysia Bridger from Celebrations by Alysia, strawberry towers are a fun choice to grace dessert tables and lounge bars. “They’re total showstoppers: elegant, edible art that people also really love to eat.” Covered in things like white chocolate, tiny edible pearls and silver leaf, it’s easy to see why.

3. Coastal Colours

A raw coastal colour palette is a lovely choice, says Marianne Edmonds from Honey & B. “Think linens and styling features in hues of indigo, stone and olive.” Nicole Smith from Hampton Event Hire agrees: “It’s a colour palette that works in just about every setting, but especially at a beach wedding.”

4. Favourite Favours

We love the idea of a charitable donation in lieu of wedding favours. “The idea is simple,”  says Marianne from Honey & B. “Donate the money you might have spent on bomboniere to a cause that means something to you and your groom-to-be.” Aww.

5. Bespoke Backdrops

Pretty much any wedding artwork can be transformed into a backdrop, from a stylish motif to a monogram used on invitations and wedding stationery. The trend is not only to place the backdrop behind the bridal table at the reception but also at the entrance or somewhere central so that guests can use it as a photo wall.”

6. Acrylic Tables

Acrylic cake and feature tables are a clear (boom boom) winner. They’re a lovely, super-stylish option that looks great in any setting, and really let whatever’s sitting on them take centre stage. Think of them as the bridal version of the iconic Philippe Starck Louis Ghost Chair.

7. Tuk-tuks

“When it comes to alternative forms of transport, you can’t go past a tuk-tuk! Fun fun!

8. Desserts in a Jar

Sweet tooths will love the trend for cakes in a jar. “They’re the perfect pudding; you can have them instead of cake, and they make gorgeous table decorations and guest gifts, too,” says Alysia from Celebrations by Alysia.

9. Tipis

Fun, festive and totally photogenic, tipis are the perfect alternative to a marquee. Taking the indoors out is a big trend, with backyard weddings featuring tipi tents and open marquees – it’s all about harnessing that festival-chic vibe, with live music and a chilled-out atmosphere (but with way better food and portaloos!).

10. Top Table Toppers

There are certain items that are staples on a wedding table, but according to Alysia from Celebrations by Alysia, luxury linens and beautiful stationery elevate the setting to a whole new level. “The glam factor will be well and truly amped up – it’s all about luxe details.”

11. Platters & Grazing Stations

“Because who doesn’t like a big table filled with food?” says Ashleigh Boileau from Champagne & Confetti Events. “This is a great sharing option, which is much more relaxed than the traditional three-course alternative drop. And while food stations tend to focus on one particular dish, theme or cuisine, these are all-encompassing and decadent.”

12. Make Your Own Bomboniere

No, we’re not talking about a craft session in the lead-up to your big day: a hot trend for weddings is DIY bomboniere stands for guests at your actual wedding. “It’s a great way to fill in the hour or so when the wedding party is having photographs taken,” says Marianne from Honey & B . Suggested ideas? “Anything from make-your-own flower crowns and buttonholes to make-your-own fragrances and olive oil infusions.”

13. Brunch Weddings

“This is a great choice, especially for a destination wedding,” says Marianne from Honey & B. “Why choose a venue with a stunning view in a faraway destination if you can’t even see it at night?” A daytime wedding also lets you go to town on fabulous, elaborate brunch-style food and drinks: “Think bagels, ham stations, antipasto platters, gorgeous seasonal fruit, parfait bars, mimosas and Bloody Marys galore,” says Marianne. No problems there!

14. Custom Cocktails

Forget standard drinks from a normal bar: according to Marianne from Honey & B,  signature cocktails that are in keeping with the wedding theme and served from a custom bar are huge in weddings. “Once formalities are over, opening a spirits bar is a great way to get people up from their tables and moving around the venue. It creates an ice breaker for guests and gets them chatting and mingling as they share in a drink chosen or concocted especially for the wedding.”

15. Food Stations

Food Stations: They’re a great way to show your individual style, serve interesting and amazing food, and make things fun for your guests. Jess from The Wedding Planners Whitsundays agrees: “Food stations and unique menu options are well and truly here to stay”. Marianne from Honey & B says the key is for food and drink stations to be creative: “Think gourmet coffee stations, build-your-own taco stands and carnival food.”

16. Intimate Dinners

According to Jess from The Wedding Planners Whitsundays, elopements and intimate weddings are a huge trend. “With a smaller guest list, the options are endless and budgets a bit more flexible. So expect to see some extraordinary intimate dinners.”

17. Room Reveals

Alysia from Celebrations by Alysia says another wedding trend is room reveals (yes, we’re talking weddings, not The Block). Everyone – including the staff – leaves the room and the couple get a moment on their own to see the result of everything they’ve been planning for so long. “The day goes by in a flash, so it’s lovely for couples to have a moment to themselves to take it all in before the guests arrive. It’s really special and most of the time we’re all in tears!”

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With thanks to Alysia Bridger from Celebrations by Alysia; Ashleigh Boileau from Champagne & Confetti Events; Helen Sotiris from Events and Settings; Nicole Smith from Hampton Event Hire; Marianne Edmonds from Honey & B and Jess Lawrence from The Wedding Planners Whitsundays.

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