02 Feb 2022 To say ‘I do’ in 2022! Ask the experts
We asked Julianne Darnell, owner of Most Joyful Day Wedding Planning, for her tips for couples who have decided to say “I Do” in 2022.
As virus concerns continue, what trends do you see in weddings this year?
Overall, wedding budgets are remaining about the same, despite COVID-19. One trend we are seeing is couples embracing the idea of much smaller gatherings. Rather than feeling limited or frustrated as virus concerns continue, many clients are excited to hold more intimate celebrations with their close family and friends. Because guest lists are smaller, they can spend money on special elements that would have otherwise been cost prohibitive with a large guest list.
Some examples include:
Flowers/tablescapes: More of the overall budget is spent on bridal party flowers, floral installations, tablescape design, and décor. There is an increased trend where clients want to make each guest’s place setting memorable by adding elements such as “unique contemporary” or “boutique vintage” glassware, plateware, and flatware. Also, at each seat, they add little touches like organics or flowers, a handcrafted favor or personalized goodie, custom paperie, and unique linens and textiles.
Music: Couples are springing for live musicians, both for the ceremony and reception. We are hiring many more live musicians when assembling vendor teams. The genres range from small, classical orchestra ensembles, to cover dance bands, coffee house style singers and small jazz groups.
Dining. Guests are being offered more involved dining experiences. Couples are choosing higher-end fare, and they are spending more on full-service catering, rather than buffet. Some clients are adding unique cuisine to the mix, as well as things like an “end bite” with a fun food truck and special custom cocktails at the bar.
Extended receptions: Because many couples are limiting their guest list and inviting only close friends and family, we’re noticing receptions go later into the evening because people enjoy being together in more intimate groups.
What criteria should a couple use to
pick a venue?
Our biggest advice is for couples to talk to their planner first before settling on a venue. Planners should be familiar with the capabilities of local spaces, and layout for guest flow, etc. The planner will have good insight on what venue best matches the “vibe” a couple wants, and whether they can achieve that at a particular location, aligned with what the couple wants to spend.
At Most Joyful Day, we offer good ideas for the nontraditional use of a venue’s space. At the recent fall wedding in the photos, we designed an elegant tablescape that included 50 place settings. The guests dined, al fresco, in the venue’s outdoor chapel space.
What are popular colors this year?
We’re excited about the Pantone Color of the Year: periwinkle! We still have many brides who go with lovely classics, such as soft blushes and sage, and ivories and creams. There is also a movement toward warm colors such as rust and dusty apricot. Copper is big, as well as antique silver and brass for metallics.
What styles are brides seeking for flowers, wedding gowns, and tuxedos?
Above all, clients want their wedding attire and florals to match their personalities. Couples often choose dresses or suits from curated boutiques, or source pre-owned or vintage items. Some brides use custom, online dressmakers, and many offer pricing competitive with brick-and-mortar shops. For tuxes—classic black is back!
At Most Joyful Day, we are happily spending increased consultation time with our clients and floral designers to create the perfect palette to match each couple’s vision.
What is a recent trend you have been excited to take part in at weddings?
More than ever, couples are working to make their wedding a fun and exciting experience for their guests. Many have found our chocolate wedding favors to be the ultimate crowd pleaser. It’s the delicious gift they’ll never return! We offer ready-to-go confections and collections, or can customize a gift of chocolates, caramel apples, fudge, turtles, caramel corn or brittle and we can customize a delicious treat for your budget. Located in the Little Rock River Market, we invite you to come and experience our high quality products and in-store craftsmanship. Our values are simple; treat others as you want to be treated, do your best, and have fun! This is exactly what we can help you do on your big day!
David Lister,
Kilwins Little Rock
What is the best piece of planning advice you can give to couples who expect to wed this year?
The bridal industry is labeling 2022 as a “wedding boom.” The demand for wedding products and services will outweigh supply. This means early planning and alternative options are important. With wedding venues booking up for this year, you should start planning months in advance. Micro Weddings will be a trend this year still. Using the same budget as traditional weddings, couples upgrade rentals such as luxurous linens, one-of-a-kind decor and unique florals for a more personalized experience with close friends and family.
Karen Bernard,
Events Rental and Floral
What is something a couple can to do help make a wedding truly unique?
What is more unique than a one-of-a-kind, converted horse-trailer mobile bar named Jolene? Southern Sippery is a traveling cocktail bar and bartending service serving Central Arkansas and the Arkansas River Valley. It is our goal to create a completely unique cocktail experience for our clients. We love to meet with couples and help them create the perfect custom cocktails for their special event. In addition to Jolene, we also have a buffet southern sidebar and our packages include licensed bartenders, ice, mixers, garnishes, cups, napkins, straws and fruit-infused water. We even provide add-ons such as a champagne wall, custom cups, koozies and more! General and Liquor Liability insured.
Stacy Drilling & Misty Willbanks,
Southern Sippery
What should a bridal party look for when selecting their wedding venue?
First and foremost, a wedding venue should be at a location where you feel at peace. Our timeless venue sits on 40 acres of beautiful land, ideally located in Central Arkansas. Our Chapel and Ballroom are simply white so the bride can create her own unique vision for the big day. Our couples are thrilled with our spacious cottage where the wedding party can relax and get ready. The bride has access to the venue the day before the wedding to decorate and rehearse, which allows her and her family to simply focus on being together and celebrate the day.
Diana Kirkland,
Legacy Acres
What can you do to help a bride look her absolute best in a wedding dress?
Even when eating a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise many of us still have stubborn areas that need slimming. Emerald Laser™ is a 30-minute, non-invasive, painless procedure that has little to no downtime and can get rid of fat in problematic areas. We actually work with both men and women and have the only device proven to not only treat small pockets of fat, but also those with a BMI 40+. We go through every part of the recommended treatment plan that will help them reach their goal. Our system can help with virtually any part of their body, including waist, hips, thighs, neck, bra area, arms and more with up to 6 inches of loss possible. We suggest coming in at least five weeks in advance to discuss your personalized laser therapy to be ready for your special day.
Sheila Hayes, APRN, FNP-C,
Restoration Wellness
