An Affair To Remember

Weddings celebrate new beginnings and, at the same time, the continuity of tradition.

Yet, while nods to heritage, family and culture are as important as ever, many rituals of the past are becoming as passé as a garter toss. Today, couples are walking down an aisle that is all their own and embracing trends that reflect their sensibilities and values – as well as their adventurous spirits. While we’re happy to report that diamonds are forever – and love and commitment are always in style – we’d like to share local wedding experts’ take on popular wedding trends of the moment.

Get This Party Started

Couples may not remember every moment of their weddings, but they’ll always get nostalgic when they hear “their song.” The most popular first dance song this year? “Shallow” from “A Star Is Born,” says Art Weiss of Heatwave Music in Fort Lauderdale.

Although a live band gives couples the most entertainment value for their money, he says, the trend of mixing DJs and live musicians is strong.

Today’s young brides want the latest music, but ’90s medleys and country music are also in. For their parents, songs by Earth Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Journey and Madonna are common requests. 

Welcome Wagon

As owner and head planner of Busy Bee’s Weddings and Events in Boca Raton, Bettina Benizri is at the frontline of trends.

One of the newest: wedding-weekend welcome receptions for out-of-town guests.

The long-awaited wedding day, Benizri says, has morphed into a days-long celebration: “Now, there’s a welcome reception, bites and beverages, then brunch on Sunday.” 

Guests are also treated to welcome bags, Benizri says, packed with both practical and personalized gifts (bottled water, snacks, programs, etc.) as well as items that reflect the weekend’s theme, like sunscreen and sunglasses for a beach wedding.

Timing is still everything when it comes to weddings, and Benizri’s brides are heeding her advice to hold the wedding rehearsal early on the day before the wedding so that the bridal party can get to the rehearsal dinner without rushing.

Benizri has spotted another marked shift in weddings today.

“Millennials are taking over weddings,” she says, noting that long-held traditions, such as the cake cutting, are not as appealing to them. “Millennial couples do not announce the cake cutting. They won’t stop the party. They cut the cake and go back to dancing.”

This Takes The Cake

The wedding cake – the subject of millions of wedding photos and countless sleepless nights for brides – is no longer the pièce de résistance. 

These days, couples are opting for a smaller cake paired with a dessert table, says baker Zoey Wexler, who, with her mother, Deborah, owns Two Fat Cookies in Delray Beach.

Metallics – silver, rose and gold – are all popular decorations for cakes, says Wexler, who uses gold or silver leaf and edible metallic paint on fondant or buttercream.

The traditional three-tier cake is still in demand, but more rustic cakes have gained traction. So, too, have fun flavors like “funfetti” and Oreo. 

Clients also request designs that have personal meaning to them as a couple or reflect their personalities. Recently, Wexler made a six-tier cake that opened to reveal fresh flowers inside. 

“They had a vision,” she says. “It was romantic, modern, definitely a showstopper.” 

Every Picture Tells A Story

Say goodbye to staged photos with stilted smiles and hello to candid portraits that convey a couple’s special connection.

Modern brides and grooms want to tell their unique story through pictures that capture the essence of the day and the personalities involved, says Michele Harmon of The Harmons Photography in Coconut Creek. The trend is an “in-the-moment” style where nothing feels artificial or rehearsed. That’s why she and her husband, Matt, take a journalistic approach to wedding photography.

“First looks” – the moment the groom sees his bride all gussied up before the ceremony – are more popular than ever, Harmon says. In the past, such an encounter was considered bad luck. However, many couples today opt to spend some time alone together before the ceremony.

“It’s just us and them in an intimate moment,” she says. “It gives them a chance to show their emotions.”

First looks also allow the bride and groom to join the cocktail hour after the ceremony and before the reception. 

“From a photographer’s point of view, it helps the day flow better,” Harmon says. “We’re able to take portraits and get bridal party photos before the ceremony starts and still have time to get cocktail hour and receptions, so we don’t miss anything.”

Going Green

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue. And, these days, there’s something green added to the mix – and we’re not talking about monetary gifts. Meredith Clarin, luxury floral designer and proprietor of Kitanim Flowers in Miami, says the latest trend in wedding florals is incorporating ample greenery, like succulents or palm fronds. 

“People are choosing to get married in Florida and embrace the tropical environment as part of the décor inspiration,” she says. 

For table décor, garlands are trending. 

“I’ve noticed that a lot of our outdoor weddings are choosing floral garlands for their tablescapes,” Clarin says. “This can be a simple tropical garland or a more elaborate garden garland with several types of greens and floral elements. Garlands are fun to create and look gorgeous down a rectangular table.” 

Color trends tend to change with the seasons, she says: “This year, we’ve done a lot of white weddings. Summer weddings tend to go with hotter colors, which are very much in line with the hot summer weather.” 

About half of brides still toss the bouquet, she says, even though it must be tough to give up an elegant arrangement of peonies, garden roses and orchids – “the constant go-to bridal bouquet favorites,” according to Clarin.

Setting The Stage

One thing that will never change: Happily-ever-afters need a perfect backdrop. And, whether the venue is luxurious, cozy, rustic or charming, couples these days want a sense of place, says Stacie Hallinan, director of catering for Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan, which has 30,000 square feet of event space, ocean views and a spot for outdoor ceremonies overlooking the tranquility pool and ocean.

“A lot of my brides and grooms are busy establishing careers,” she says. “They want to reconnect with family and friends. They love when they come here and make us their own Palm Beach mansion for the weekend. It’s a destination environment.”

Other couples seek a more historic vibe like the one at The Addison in Boca Raton, a 1920s estate on the National Register of Historic Places with a grand marble ballroom and a picturesque courtyard with 100-year-old banyan trees. While the setting is what some might consider old-fashioned, modern decorations look right at home. 

Last year’s nuptials of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle saw St. George’s Chapel festooned with floral arches, a trend that’s currently making waves in South Florida.

“The circle arch is big right now,” says Grace Eurglunes, The Addison’s wedding and special events manager. “We see a lot of brides requesting it for their ceremony, not just because it creates a dramatic backdrop but because, like a wedding ring, it also symbolizes eternal love. After the ceremony, the couple will usually use it behind their sweetheart table as an added decorative accent.”

Eat, Drink And Be Merry

Alan Bergman, chef and owner of Chef Alan Bergman Catering in Davie, has seen wedding styles evolve tremendously in the last three or four years.

Weddings are “more casual, going a little retro and country,” notes Chef Bergman, who works alongside Executive Chef Alyssa Grover. “Couples are looking for more fun, a more lively type of caterer that can accommodate them.”

Brides and grooms don’t want stiff butler service but prefer  servers who are friendly and engaging instead. 

“They want their guests to feel welcome,” he explains.

Fun foods, like chicken and waffles as well as smoked duck wontons, are on the menu these days – along with food stations and pizza bars at the end of the night.

Multicultural marriages and sophisticated palates are challenging caterers to be creative with diverse international menus. Food allergies and dietary requests have also upped the game. 

“Molecular” gastronomy elements like liquid nitrogen are adding a modern twist to specialty cocktails and plates. For example, a lavender-flavored pearl drop floating in a cocktail adds unforgettable drama. 

Dressing The Part

Anyone who has watched the TV show “Say Yes to the Dress” knows that a wedding dress doesn’t have to be white lace. These days, dresses are boho chic, “flowy, with not a lot of structure,” says Megan Mejia, who, with her husband Sebastian, owns Lighthouse Bridal and Letterpress Design in Fort Lauderdale. 

Other popular choices are A-line silhouettes, crochet detailing and long sleeves, she says. The two-piece gowns that were in vogue in recent years are being replaced by illusion tops, featuring sheer fabric.

“Right now, illusion tops are in, where it gives off the look of a two-piece because the skin peeks through the illusion of the lace,” Mejia says.

Although white will always be an option, blush dresses are so last year. Nude colors have taken their place. As for the all-important headdress: The one-tier cathedral veil is more popular than fingertip length. Alternatives include flower crowns and soft hair adornments.

For shoes, brides are frequently choosing an open-toe block heel, Mejia says: “Comfort is key!” O