I resisted it for all of two weeks – as a guilty-pleasure Gossip Girl fan (and a total Blair), I knew I’d get sucked in immediately – but when we had our snow day this past weekend, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to pop a bottle of Prosecco and finally turn on Bridgerton.

Needless to say, I was hooked immediately – and not just because of the steamy Regency-era romance and the violin covers of Billie Eilish songs. I was totally drawn to the stunning floral arrangements, champagne towers, and warm candlelit ballrooms that made up the gorgeous party scenes of Daphne + the Duke of Hastings’s social world. It’s no wonder that Bridgerton has already become a huge trend in weddings!

Want to get a few ideas for incorporating this beautiful show into your big day? Check out some of our inspiration images below!


Color Palette

Unless you want to channel your inner Lady Featherington and go for bold canary yellows and lime greens, take a page from the Queen’s book and go for a more subdued palette. Simple pastels like blush pinks, sage greens, and that classic Bridgerton Blue pair beautifully with warm creams, ivories, and golds for a stunning and versatile look – and you’ll have plenty of options for flowers that fit into your color palette, too!


Attire

It goes without saying that empire-waist dresses and simple, lovely accessories are the order of the day. Try a gown with layers of delicate lace and a straighter, high-waisted fit (flattering AND easy to dance in – bonus!) for a look that Daphne would swoon over.


Stationery

If you’re wanting an invitation suite worthy of being hand-delivered to the Duke of Hastings himself, opt for lightly deckled edges, beautiful ribbon accents, and, of course, custom calligraphy. The vintage look is timeless, luxe, and perfect for setting the tone of the wedding. And don’t forget about your day-of paperie, too, including place cards to keep your cute single friends seated far away from your, ahem, Lord Berbrookes. Wax seals are encouraged – dance cards, on the other hand, are optional.


Florals

From the arrangements stunning bouquets delivered by suitors to the lavender creeping up the walls at Daphne’s family estate, flowers play a leading role in Bridgerton – and they should at your Bridgerton-inspired wedding, too! An al fresco fete would be ideal, but if you’re saying “I do” indoors, bring the outside in with statement arrangements and installations that make your guests feel like they’re dining and dancing in a garden.


Details

Just like at the balls and parties featured in the show, every decorative detail plays an important part in the overall design and feel of the event. From flatlays to cake design to mood lighting, you need to focus on creating a cohesive whole that really channels your inspiration into every aspect of the day. Look for delicate vintage pieces, warm tones, and luxe touches to complete the look. No detail is too small to be addressed – and don’t forget the champagne tower!

Feeling inspired to start solidifying your wedding vision? Drop us a note through our contact form! We’d love to help you create a wedding experience that even Lady Whistledown would approve of.

If you’re anything like us, you have a love/hate relationship with Pantone’s Color of the Year… at least in terms of actual real-life application. When 2021’s colors were announced – Illuminating Yellow and Ultimate Grey, in case you haven’t yet heard – we were a little stumped. We love grey – in fact, grey was one of Ginny’s wedding colors back in 2019 – and yellow is always a beautiful, vibrant favorite, but the two of them together seemed a little… 2013? Baby’s first nursery? Cheery guest bathroom? It definitely didn’t strike us as the next big trend in wedding colors, unlike 2020’s Classic Blue and even 2019’s Living Coral – both of which we saw LOTS of in our wedding designs.

But then we wandered over to Pinterest and started putting ideas together – and we fell in love. If you make a few tweaks, like warming up the yellow and mixing a bit more black into your grey, what you end up with is a gorgeous mix of light and dark that works in any season. Check out some of our favorite examples from Pinterest:

So, all things considered, maybe we judged too soo. When done correctly, this rich and unexpected color palette will make for a truly striking wedding design in any season and in any type of venue. Plus, after this crazy year we’ve all experienced, the meanings behind the two colors – yellow for hope, grey for strength – are enough to make anyone want to celebrate.


Image Credits: (1) Pantone, (2 and cover image) 100 Layer Cake, (3) Design by Nature Flowers, (4) Magnolia Rouge

It’s no surprise that weddings are looking different these days. All the rules, regulations, and safety precautions of the Covid era have changed the wedding industry in a lot of ways. There’s no denying that it’s been an incredibly tough year for couples and industry professionals alike, but not all of the changes have been bad; in fact, we foresee many of them becoming the norm! Here are some of the trends that we’re expecting to see last well into the new year – and beyond.



Reception Entertainment

With many venues reducing or eliminating dance floors altogether, couples are getting more creative with their entertainment. Whether it’s hiring a band to provide a show instead of just some dance hits or introducing a more interactive performer like a magician, celebrity impersonator, or tarot reader, our clients are looking outside of the box for vendors who will keep their guests engaged – even without the Cha Cha Slide.


Long-Distance Celebrations

Hosting a Zoom call for faraway guests has become a major element of Covid weddings this year, but we foresee it continuing into future celebrations, too. So many couples have far-flung guest lists these days, and why should we forget about guests who can’t travel for the occasion when we could so easily Zoom them into the party too – and send a bottle of champagne and a party popper to them so they can enjoy the festivities with us?


Welcome Gifts

One of our top new trends in favors: welcome baskets! Instead of having koozies at the bar, programs at the sign-in table, and sparklers outside the back door for send-off, couples are looking more toward curated gift boxes that encapsulate the entire wedding experience – from hand sanitizer to custom masks to fun wedding-centric items – in a more personalized way. Why spread interactive elements out across the venue when you can package them together in a beautiful box for each guests that also includes favors and heartfelt Thank You cards?

Looking for more trends to get inspired by? Check out the rest of our blog series:

Style + Beauty

Covid

Catering + Bar

Design + Decor

Photo credits: (1) Brides, (2) Wedfully, (3) Martha Stewart

It’s no surprise that weddings are looking different these days. All the rules, regulations, and safety precautions of the Covid era have changed the wedding industry in a lot of ways. There’s no denying that it’s been an incredibly tough year for couples and industry professionals alike, but not all of the changes have been bad; in fact, we foresee many of them becoming the norm! Here are some of the trends that we’re expecting to see last well into the new year – and beyond.


It goes without saying that weddings have become smaller and more intimate out of the necessity of social distancing and keeping our loved ones safe. With that shift, though, has come a new and, quite frankly lovely, change in focus – namely, from the Instagrammable to the truly special and meaningful. We’re seeing such a change in priority, and the result is that more and more couples are forgoing the elaborate and Pinterest-inspired for the details that make their days personal, comfortable, and guest-oriented. There’s been a definite turn toward nostalgic details (think custom paperie, comfort food on the menu, and playlists full of the classics) and elements meant to make guests feel at home – like comfy lounges, which are just as much a design element as they are a way to ensure the comfort of your guests.

While guest counts are dropping, budgets largely aren’t, so we’re seeing much more flexibility in spending than hat we often had before. After all, a budget of $50k looks very different for a 150-person wedding than it does for a 20-person wedding! With all the extra money left in our clients’ budgets, we’ve been seeing lots more custom pieces and major design statements, like high-dollar floral installations and gourmet dinners that may have been unattainable before.

Some of the old stand-bys are still holding for 2021 – jewel tones in winter, pastels in spring, soft dusty blues in summer, and earth tones in fall – but we’re also seeing a major rise in bright, cheery colors. Vibrant pinks, oranges, and yellows are striking, eye-catching, and celebratory, and couples who have been through 2020 are wanting to celebrate in the biggest ways.

One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing in the planning process is in the way couples are choosing their vendors. It’s no longer enough to see good reviews and a gorgeous Instagram feed; couples want to know that their vendors share their values. Whether it’s support of marriage equality, inclusive and accepting content on websites, or a Black Lives Matter sign in the office window, couples are more in-tune with vendor values than ever before.

(And, just so we’re as clear as can be, Julep Events loves, supports, and celebrates ALL couples.)

We’ve also seen a major shift toward nostalgia in our clients’ designs. More than ever, our brides are having their dresses heirloomed and their bouquets pressed, and grooms are picking out cuff links and ties with timeless designs that they can pass down to their sons for their wedding days. We love to remind our couples that a wedding is a celebration for the whole family, and it’s so special to be able to pass pieces of it down to future generations as heirlooms.

Overall, 2021 is showing us that traditions are being upended. Couples are wanting to create designs and experiences that are unique to them and that reflect their love stories instead of recreating what they love on Pinterest, and they’re focusing more than ever on celebrating their guests and loved ones, too. Everything has a more personal touch to it – and, quite frankly, we’re here for it.


Looking for more trends to get inspired by? Check out the rest of our blog series:

Style + Beauty

Covid

Catering + Bar

Guest Experience

Photo credits: (1) Kelsey LeNae Photography, (2) Lightly Photography, (3) Lightly Photography, (4) kikki.K

It’s no surprise that weddings are looking different these days. All the rules, regulations, and safety precautions of the Covid era have changed the wedding industry in a lot of ways. There’s no denying that it’s been an incredibly tough year for couples and industry professionals alike, but not all of the changes have been bad; in fact, we foresee many of them becoming the norm! Here are some of the trends that we’re expecting to see last well into the new year – and beyond.


With elopements and courthouse weddings on the rise and so many couples looking to buck the old traditions, it’s no wonder that brides are thinking outside the white, lacey box for their wedding dresses. Modern looks like jumpsuits and colorful dresses have been gaining popularity over the past few years, and we expect to see a lot more of them in 2021. I mean, who wouldn’t want to look as chic as Lily Allen in her vintage Dior?

For the brides who do still want to hold onto tradition, though, we’re expecting them to go all-in. We’re seeing so many brides who are embracing the nostalgia and classic looks of vintage wedding styles – specifically, the styles of their mothers and grandmothers! Whether they’re wearing their loved ones’ dresses as-is, updating them for the modern era, or just incorporating details like veils and shoes, we love the sentimentality of it all. For some inspiration, check out the dress Princess Beatrice chose for her summer micro-wedding: a vintage one that her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, wore in the 60s.


Hair and Makeup

We’ve seen a lot of soft, dewy, understated makeup and boho braids lately, but we’re also seeing a return to Hollywood glam – and after nearly a year of not having much to get dressed up for, we’re not surprised! Brides and their bridesmaids are getting excited about bold, dramatic makeup looks and classic, striking updos that will have all eyes on them. On your biggest day, there’s no better time to go big with your style, too – and if you need inspiration, look no further than Lizzo’s gorgeous look from this year’s Grammys.


Groom Style

Let’s not forget our guys! One trend that we’ve started to see recently that we expect to just keep getting bigger is the idea of grooms and their groomsmen wearing statement suits. Whether it’s a jewel-tone look for a fall wedding (like our client Kyle, pictured below in purple for his vineyard nuptials) or a rust-colored option for an elopement in the wilderness, we simply love to see grooms getting creative and letting their own personal styles show through.


Costume Changes

Can’t decide if you want to go classic or modern? Do both! It’s your wedding, and if you want a big, beautiful princess gown for the ceremony and then a fun little dress you can dance the night away in, go for it. Looking for inspiration? Check out Debby Ryan’s style switch below. Grooms can get in on this too: swap out your ceremony tux for a colorful suit, or loosen up by ditching your tie and loafers for a comfortable pair of Chucks. Whatever your style is, embrace it!


Looking for more trends to get inspired by? Check out the rest of our blog series:

Design + Decor

Covid

Catering + Bar

Guest Experience

Photo credits: (1) Brides, (2) People, (3) New York Times, (3) On the Times Photography, (4) Popsugar

It’s no surprise that weddings are looking different these days. All the rules, regulations, and safety precautions of the Covid era have changed the wedding industry in a lot of ways. There’s no denying that it’s been an incredibly tough year for couples and industry professionals alike, but not all of the changes have been bad; in fact, we foresee many of them becoming the norm! Here are some of the trends that we’re expecting to see last well into the new year – and beyond.



Personal + Prepared

One of our favorite new trends overall is the rise in smaller portions, pre-prepared drinks, and grab-and-go offerings. Displays of individual menu options – whether it’s a display of single-serving soup shooters, a small dessert at each place setting in lieu of a big cake, or rows of pretty pre-mixed cocktails – aren’t just great for reducing crowding around high-traffic areas like the buffet and the bar; they can become a decor element, too! I mean, who wouldn’t want their own mini-charcuterie (which, by the way, doubles as a favor!).


Plated Dinners

Another way of reducing crowding is by opting for plated dinners rather than the ever-popular buffet. While it is a little more expensive overall, smaller guest counts mean more room in the budget for these “upgrades,” and keeping guests in their seats and presenting them with a beautifully designed meal feels both very luxe and very safe – a total win/win! Who doesn’t want their guests to feel special and taken care of? It also reduces the time that guests spend waiting around for their food so that they can focus on socializing, making memories, and enjoying the evening.


Interactive Dining Experiences

For couples who want a less traditional approach, interactive catering – like mobile bars and food trucks – are perfect for those outdoor weddings! Moving cocktail hour and/or dinner outside means that guests can mix and mingle comfortably, and then put their masks on to go back inside. Plus, mobile vendors become as much a part of the decor as your flowers – and they’re way more fun for your guests!


Looking for more trends to get inspired by? Check out the rest of our blog series:

Style + Beauty

Design + Decor

Covid

Guest Experience

Photo credits: (1) Enchanting by Mon Cheri, (2) Kate Panza Photography, (3) The Bubble Bus Co

It’s no surprise that weddings are looking different these days. All the rules, regulations, and safety precautions of the Covid era have changed the wedding industry in a lot of ways. There’s no denying that it’s been an incredibly tough year for couples and industry professionals alike, but not all of the changes have been bad; in fact, we foresee many of them becoming the norm! Here are some of the trends that we’re expecting to see last well into the new year – and beyond.


Weekday Weddings

It’s no secret that venues start booking up over a year in advance, so when 2020 weddings started to postpone, there were very few Saturdays and Sundays to choose from – especially during peak season. Because of this, many couples have chosen to opt for weekday weddings! According to The Knot, one third of weddings are already being held on weekdays, and it’s a trend that we fully support. Choosing a date that falls during the week can be cost-effective, and since vendors are typically all booked up on the weekends well in advance, you’re more likely to get the ones you want if you choose a non-peak day – especially when you’re planning for a shorter engagement.


Brunch Weddings

This can go hand-in-hand with hosting your wedding on a weekday, but we love a good brunch wedding! There’s so much room for creativity when it comes to a morning or afternoon reception; if you’re not locked into the typical “dinner and dancing” format, you can introduce all kinds of alternatives for entertainment. Plus, who doesn’t love a luxe coffee bar or a breakfast buffet, like we arranged for Hannah + Rodrigo’s beautiful at-home celebration?


Outdoor and Tented Weddings

Tented weddings have always been stunning, but these days they’re becoming a necessity, too. Whether you’re hosting your wedding at home, on the grounds of a venue, or in a non-traditional location like an open field, a wholly outdoor wedding allows for larger guest counts while still maintaining social distancing. When the weather is less than ideal – think summer in Texas – opting for a tent works as well for protecting guests from the elements as it does for providing a stunning design element.


Shift Weddings

One new trend that we’re seeing a rise in is the concept of a “shift wedding,” where guests rotate in and out of the celebration. For example, think childhood friends for the ceremony, coworkers for cocktail hour, and immediate family for dinner and dancing. It’s definitely an out-of-the-box idea, but with so many traditions being thrown out the window, why not embrace this idea? It’s a great way to keep from cutting your overall guest list, and you get to spend more quality time with each group of guests throughout the day. Another method for this is splitting up the celebration into several different small parties – and who wouldn’t want to stretch out their wedding for as long as possible?


Elopements

Want to forego the typical traditions altogether and just get married? Elopements are on the rise, whether it’s just a quick visit to the courthouse or a full-blown trip across the world. After all, what could be more socially distanced than you, your partner, your officiant, and your photographer out in the wilderness?


Looking for more trends to get inspired by? Check out the rest of our blog series:

Catering + Bar

Style + Beauty

Design + Decor

Guest Experience

Photo credits: (1) Lightly Photography, (2) Town & Country Magazine, (3) Green Wedding Shoes