One of this year’s hottest event trends stems directly from the recent focus on creating unique, top-quality guest experiences with the best that a particular budget can buy. The trend, known as “fine art weddings,” prioritizes those things that bring a theme to life, the elements that turn ordinary weddings into extraordinary, memorable events.
Less is more
Fine art weddings are “curated” experiences. Each design element, menu item, and musical experience is carefully chosen to complement and further the vision for the celebration. According to Louise Beukes of B.Loved Blog, “This trend is all about keeping things simple and elegant, by having less but curating the most beautiful, artisanal items at every step.”
Photo Tim Dunk Photography
Only the finest
Everything about a fine art wedding is hand-chosen for its impact and contribution to the overall experience. Instead of a random open bar, for example, each course of a reception meal may be paired with an exquisite wine carefully selected to complement the ingredients.
Choose a focal piece over spreading blooms everywhere. Photo Georgina Harrison Photography
Or, rather than spreading common flowers everywhere, a few focal pieces may be crafted from unusual or rare blooms presented with artistry and drama. Attention at fine art weddings is paid to things like spotlighting important, hand-selected elements such as a couture cake, a romantic sweetheart table tableau, or a featured live specialty entertainer. The goal is for guests to walk away awed by how authentic and memorable their experience was.
Jessie Thomson of Jessie Thomson Weddings & Events points out, though, that, “It’s definitely more about refined elegance than statement making. The focus is on quality over quantity.”
Photo Tim Dunk Photography
Smaller weddings maximize budgets
Thomson predicts that the trend will help to welcome in “smaller weddings, but with a cast of amazing vendors that still give a ‘wow’ factor.” Limiting the guest list allows couples to take any budget and stretch it to make the biggest possible impact with the best that money can buy.
The “new” vintage of fine art weddings. Photo Rocksalt Photography
An enduring trend
Beukes calls the fine art wedding trend, “the new vintage” and emphasizes that it’s not going anywhere soon. “It will keep growing as the luxury market continues to seek a more tangible experience,” she says.
Catering professionals can best prepare to meet the demand for fine art weddings by brushing up on high quality ingredients and unique service styles, as well as exploring services like personalized wine tastings with an in-house sommelier; anything that will enhance the client and guest experience. Your research will pay off when the next couple approaches you with dreams of their own fine art wedding!
Kylie Carlson is the owner of the International Academy of Wedding and Event Planning. With six locations globally, the academy boasts an internationally recognized accreditation program that brings professional training to wedding planners, designers and stylists.
