As a creative person, and with a background in the fashion industry, I am all about discovering innovative ideas and pushing the boundaries. Its what gets me excited and inspired so I was very excited to be attending the press launch for A Most Curious Wedding Fair 2017, on behalf of The Wedding Business Magazine. The show advertises itself as “THE wedding show for the style savvy couple”, keeping “it simple, stylish, free spirited and NOW.” As a wedding planner, designer or stylist you may individually focus on different areas of the market be it traditional, luxury or alternative, so we feel its important to bring you the latest news and trends from across the board and around the world (look out for updates throughout the year!). Most Curious really targets that stylish millennial market who are looking for something different, something that can be personalised to them as a couple.
The Key Trends
My brain was spinning when with so many new ideas when I left the show! Thats the great thing about going to these events or sharing your ideas with your peers; it’s not about copying but about inspiring each other. Someone else’s great idea can trigger the seed of a new different idea in your own mind, or loving what someone else is doing could lead to collaborations or expanding your supplier relationships. Here are some of the key trends and innovations that stood out at this years show:
- Neon Signage – Although still relevant there was much less of the light up letters that have been popular over the last couple of years. Instead there was more of an emphasis on neon signs, cute slogans, and even a giant light up doughnut curtesy of The Curious Collection.
- Go Big or Go Home Florals – The florists and floral stylists exhibiting had really gone all out on the displays. FROG floral artistry was particularly impressive, as was the fusion of geometric props and botanical elements from GEO-FLEUR x CLARE NICOLSON. There was even some fabulous you-can’t-tell-they’re-not-real faux floral arrangements by Friend of Faux.
- Alternative Bridal Wear – The Bridal Fashion element seemed to have exploded this year, with more and more alternative bridal wear suppliers from dress-less options at House of Ollichon to super contemporary gowns from Dana Dallal. There was definitely an emphasis on Made in London, which I spoke about with the lovely Kevin Muscat of Muscat Bridal.
- New Takes on Keepsakes – I’m quite a minimal person and I hate clutter but I think every person, even me, would want to have keepsakes from their wedding. I saw some great businesses catering for this at the show, from bespoke botanical artworks of your bouquet by Flowers & Foliage, to pretty framed guest book alternatives by Rebecca Rees Design, to personalised banners by Oh Squirrel, that you can use on your day and then display in your home.
- More than a Photobooth – Although I am sure photobooths will continue to be popular some couples are looking for something that’s a bit different. Introducing Amy Pennington and The Portrait Machine, what better way to impress your guests than immortalising them with a bespoke portrait? Or utilising the amazing dress-up animal masks we discovered by the talented Animalesque.
- Pink! – The predominant colour theme for the event was pink. Pink press bags, pink florals, pink catwalk, pink lounge area, pink neons and pink food courtesy of the prettiest East London cafe Palm Vaults.
The Exhibitors and How They Are Presenting Themselves
A Most Curious Wedding Fair attracts a range of exhibitors “from the very coolest of the established brands to up and coming makers working from their bedrooms, kitchens, studios and raw imaginations.” On our private student Facebook group I often see conversations discussing the merits of exhibiting and how best to go about it. Now I don’t have the stats from this event but what I can say is that it had really grown in size since last year and there were queues round the block for those who purchased preview tickets, even on a Friday night!
My biggest take-away from the event was the effort the vendors had gone to to make their stands attention grabbing to pull in the potential clients. It was also interesting to see the tools and materials they used to promote themselves. Business cards and flyers came in all shapes and sizes, some told their story whilst others relied on bold imagery to do the talking. Patchwork, a creative gift and cash registry site that takes away the awkwardness of asking for money, used technology and bold branded postcards to demonstrate what they are about. Whilst wedding and event planners Delicious London gave out yummy gifts of pink popcorn pegged to their business cards, and JJ wedding venue added aromatic sprigs of rosemary. The most amazing displays included an explosion of paper decorations by POP POP PAPIER and the world of hand dyed silks by Pom Pom Blossom. Not forgetting the amazing PINK catwalk complete with DJ booth and pink velvet mix and match seating.
Most Curious, thank you for an inspiring night!
