The Key to Nailing a Stylish, Yet Modern Wedding Design
A wedding style that references present-day trends, contemporary design includes an assortment of décor that can be categorized under a modern or minimal theme. Some of the design qualities that can help define this specific concept: plenty of neutrals, lucite accents, sprinkles of fresh greenery, and a liking for negative space (especially when it comes to your place settings). Read on for more expert-endorsed contemporary design elements that can help to transform your big day.
“Contemporary weddings reflect a marriage of cherished family traditions, coupled with respectfully crafted menus to include the guests’ individual food preferences of today,” says Lisa Dupar, Owner of Lisa Dupar Catering. From the presentation to the palate, integrate modern elements into your culinary decisions.
“Black is such a universal sophisticated and contemporary shade,” says Laura Remmert, Owner of Laura Remmert Events. “For your tablescape, consider natural textures with varying items of black-clad décor to create a striking contrast with neutrals,” Remmert adds.
“A contemporary look we are seeing is more candles on the tables in various sizes acting as the centerpieces,” says Jill Remy, Owner of Jill & Co. Events. Add hanging florals over the tables to incorporate color and the flower aspect to your design.
Kick-off your contemporary design with an invitation suite that’s refined and modern. “When capturing a couple’s day from start to finish, it’s important that everything starting with the beginning stages of your planning process reflects your final vision,” says Kat Braman, Owner of Kat Braman. “This stationery balanced minimalism and character, a direct reflection of their contemporary wedding,” Braman adds.
Acrylic works wonders in contemporary event design. “It can be used in small details or furniture pieces in order to bring form and function to a space in a way that doesn't clutter up the overall look or fight with the rest of the elements at play,” says Becca Atchison, Creative Director of Rebecca Rose Events. For this place setting, an acrylic menu added the perfect touch of modernism to this current place setting.
“While most of the weddings we see trend toward the more traditional, there are the occasional unique contemporary or hybrid weddings,” says Clay Johnson, singer at The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. “We have performed music for synchronized swimming mermaids, dancing wall art and street parades for the happy couple, just to name a few,” Johnson adds, emphasizing the memorable quality that is undoubtedly associated with such a modern choice of entertainment.
“Take advantage of your venue by making it look large and airy by utilizing well-defined shapes on chairs and centerpieces,” says Rocio Villase?or Moreno, Event Designer at Del Cabo Weddings. Play with an assortment of seating choices to create a fresh concept for your reception.
“One way to convey a more modern wedding style with flowers is to select a monochromatic color palette, for example all white tones,” says Kathleen Deery, Owner of Kathleen Deery Design, adding, “and using one type of flower in each vase.” The effect is clean, fresh, and uncomplicated.
Consider mixing mid-century modern elements into your design that have rounded edges and light wood finishes. “Paired with rich textures such as velvet, and a bold color to enhance the natural modern de?cor, you instantly set the tone for an aesthetic that lends itself to contemporary flair,” suggests Lorrie Nielson, Founder of Unveiled Hawaii.
“The qualities that stand out to me in photographing a contemporary wedding are minimal, clean, and classic looking,” says Greer Gattuso, Owner of Greer Gattuso, who captured the contemporary vibe of this all-white ceremony thanks to its refined design.
“Stacy & Stan’s elegant affair had a modern take on design with elegantly styled choices,” says Leah Hoos, Director of Catering for Mandarin Oriental, New York when describing how one couple added a contemporary vibe to their traditional ballroom space. “Delicate orchids positioned on the tabletops and a pristine ceremony setup integrated the natural white color scheme that seamlessly flowed into the dining space,” Hoos adds.
Neon touches can add a fresh and modern feel to any design aesthetic, especially when it comes to finalizing a contemporary concept. “Go custom with your signage by incorporating you and your new spouse’s moniker into the display,” says Sherene Hulugalle, Owner of Wisteria Lane. “The neon pop against this lush green backdrop gave this escort card display designed by EDE by Jacqueline the perfect modern touch,” she adds.
“We created a modern, contemporary design by mixing tables covered in white and metallic cloth with mirror rectangles that reflected other decorative elements of acrylic and lucite,” says Leslie Mastin, President of Leslie Mastin Events. Mirrors can also help to make a space feel brighter and larger while adding an eye-catching feature to your design without a lot of color.
“Simplicity can be very impactful, don't be afraid to commit to strong minimal design choices,” says Tori Terzakis, Creative Director of Revel Décor. Choose an element that you can carry throughout the room, where you can play with repetition, height and volume. “Juxtaposing different textures is a thoughtful way to add interest,” Terzakis adds.
Choosing a venue is one of the most important steps of planning a contemporary wedding. “Big windows, bright open rooms, and outdoor spaces are ideal in complimenting a modern aesthetic,” advises Heather McCroskey, Director of Event Sales at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Consider the format of your space before finalizing on your aesthetic to guarantee synergy in both your vision and venue.
The Key to Nailing a Stylish, Yet Modern Wedding Design
A wedding style that references present-day trends, contemporary design includes an assortment of décor that can be categorized under a modern or minimal theme. Some of the design qualities that can help define this specific concept: plenty of neutrals, lucite accents, sprinkles of fresh greenery, and a liking for negative space (especially when it comes to your place settings). Read on for more expert-endorsed contemporary design elements that can help to transform your big day.
Keep it fresh for your big day.
Solve the daily Crossword
