Feature Story: A Bridal Season To Remember

Challenges, Conquests And Savvy Celebrations In The Age of COVID All You Need Is Love

“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.” — Maya Angelou

In a world that loves love and all its celebrations, the last two years have not been bridal friendly. COVID-19 has hijacked and radically changed our lives, especially where weddings are concerned.

It has, however, put the focus on what is really important and meaningful to society — family and the gathering of friends, who bear witness to this thing called “love,” which we know will always find a way!

We have seen many marriages postponed or cancelled since March 2020, amidst a sea of challenges, disappointment, and lots of tears. Yet the weddings that have occurred have been special and well-thought-out, with grand details, coupled with lots of precautions for the safety of everyone in attendance.

Now, in 2022, millennials are marrying and they have overtaken the baby boomer generation with their fresh attitudes and a new vision.

They are socially conscious and practice inclusivity and sustainability and they view their lives much differently than the generation that preceded them. They aren’t traditionalists, but they do know what they deem important and they are adamant about adhering to those beliefs.

These couples are all about statementmaking and highlighting their personality as a couple when planning for their special day.

Many are footing the entire wedding bill themselves, so budget and cost are important factors. They want something traditional, yet modern, and they want it to look expensive, without overspending. It’s a delicate balancing act and they understand that at the end of the day, their guests will remember the overall ambiance, not the little details.

Trends change and evolve every bridal season and one year’s celebrations may be distinctly different from the previous one.

In 2022, you’ll see even more weddings occurring with a record number of couples tying the knot.

With the use of technology, there will be even more personalization and communication than ever before; for example: live streaming platforms, Zoom weddings, bridal websites, Save the Date, Change the Date, and invitations, all being issued online. Keeping the wedding party and guests in the loop will be even more important than ever, as details small and large are constantly being updated.

Weddings are magical occasions and what sets them apart from any other special event or gathering is the marriage ceremony. No two are identical — they are as unique as the couple hosting them.

More couples are eloping, being wed in civil ceremonies, and hosting intimate and cozy micro-events, due to the virus. They are marrying every day of the week now, and they are spending more time and care focusing on writing and reciting their wedding vows.

Ceremonies and micro-receptions will continue to be hosted outdoors in intimate settings; using parks, waterfront properties, barns, large tents, backyards, and other unique locations, for their smaller guest counts.

Pop-up weddings are beginning to surface in the U.S. as an efficient way to host a wedding. Couples agree to share a beautifully decorated space, at a set price, with other brides and grooms. It’s practical, efficient, and an innovative way to keep the budget manageable with others who are marrying on the same day.

Progressive weddings are also in style — receiving lines, flowers, and garter tosses are traditions that are being sidelined by this demographic. Brides are choosing not to have someone give them away, while cake cutting, traditional vows and the garter toss are also being eliminated because they offer little relevance to the couple’s socially conscious philosophies.

Today’s brides and grooms want the experience of their special day to be as fulfilling to their guests, as it is to them. They view the day as an experiential event; one to be savoured, enjoyed, and memorable for all.

Last fall, the Pantone Color Institute released its 2022 colour of the year — Very Peri — a complex hue that is considered a member of the blue family, which is generally seen as familiar, steadfast, and comfortable, but by infusing it with an undertone of violetred, it gains energy and dynamism according to Lee (Leatrice) Eiseman, a company representative. This combination of cool and warm tones feels new and unexpected, a reflection of the type of innovation this moment in history calls for.

“It helps us to embrace the future, the possibilities, as we rewrite our lives,” she adds. 2022 wedding fashion continues to be unique with modern flair, floral lace motifs, feathers, and cathedral-style veils that make for stunning photographs, something else that has become a primary wish during this time.

Memories are still being made, and they are more important than ever.

Sarah Taylor, Owner of It’s Your Day Bridal Boutique, 1661 Front Road in LaSalle (ItsYourDay.ca), reports that brides are loving long trains and billowy, balloon, puffed and detachable sleeves.

“There’s a gown for everyone; simple, elaborate, cocktail or floor length,” indicates Taylor. “There are no rules anymore and anything goes,” adding, “bridesmaids’ dresses don’t have to match, they can be different colours, textures, and styles, allowing them to be worn at a later date for different occasions.”

This is just another way that illustrates the millennial bride’s practical side.

But, brides aren’t the only ones with great taste and an interest in fashion. It is also the groom’s big day and he too wants to add

2022 Brides are loving this season’s bridal fashion. Watch for billowy sleeves, detachable sleeves and elegant detailing. Just when you thought bridal fashion couldn’t get any better, the designers continue to make their magic! From sleek and simple, to looks that are as unique as the bride herself, comfort is a key factor this year. Cathedral length veils are back and gowns are available in floral prints that are available in short and long lengths. Pictured is a gown designed by Stella York available at It’s Your Day Bridal Boutique in LaSalle. Photo courtesy of Essence of Australia.

his own personal style and unique look to the occasion!

Millennial grooms are more organized and involved than ever before, seeking out Pinterest boards and social media sites, before choosing their wedding attire.

“They’ve done their due diligence,” says Lazaros Dimitriou, Owner and Operator of The Suit Shop Co. Ltd., 593 Erie Street East in Windsor (TheSuitShopCo.com). “Grooms today differ from my generation. They know exactly what they want; custom wear is the majority of what they are choosing. They’re loving this season’s suits in very bold shades like pistachio green or burgundy, as well as the more subtle hues of pearl grey, black, or cobalt blue. They want fashionable and handsome groom attire!”

He continues by stating: “Tuxedos are also making a comeback. Grooms want to be as prominent as their future bride, and they want to stand out from their groomsmen too, with a more formal look. They want the spotlight to shine on them so that their photos show them as “king” and “queen” each sharing their wedding day, equally.”

Wedding décor in 2022 takes centre stage with simplicity, refinement, and elegance.

Expect to find venues decorated with richer, deeper, and moody colour palettes that are highlighted by romantic reds, midnight black, and smoky grey accents that create a dramatic vintage feel.

For a bride looking for a softer, more natural feel, floral linens will dominate. Venues will be propped with vintage furniture, metallic mirrors, and a feeling of glam and excitement.

Couples want a site that will envelop, hug and engage their guests, adding to their overall experience.

“This season we will continue to take the party outdoors, with tents of all sizes, in unconventional settings and on gorgeous, manicured grounds,” states Diane Spencler, Event Planner, Certified Décor Specialist, and owner of Designs by Diane (5885 Huron Church Line, LaSalle; DesignsByDiane.org), a company that she founded 30 years ago.

She also expanded her business recently, to include an outdoor venue for receptions on the 15 acre ranch property she owns with her husband Jay Glover (To learn more refer to: WindsorMicroWeddings.com).

Spencler has a keen eye and a knack for understanding exactly what a couple wants, and she goes beyond their expectations, with elegant and breathtaking ideas. She has a talent and flair for making every occasion she designs awe-inspiring, unique, warm and welcoming.

“This is the year of the micro-wedding,” says Spencler. “Close your eyes and picture a fine dinner party, hosted especially for you and your guests; a setting that will engage all your senses; a place that feels as special, comfortable, and distinctive, as the occasion itself.”

It’s going to be a 2022 wedding season to remember and the groom will be as dashing as his bride is beautiful! Lazaros Dimitriou, Owner/Operator of The Suit Shop Co. Ltd., wears a burgundy velvet tux, double breasted with wide lapels. Today’s millennial grooms will be sharing centre stage with their brides while making fashion statements at the altar. They are embracing the return of the tuxedo with their fancy, wide peak and shawl lapels, paisley patterns, plus updated modern textures, fabrics and colours. Photo by Rod Denis.

This season, fresh, inviting and pretty décor is the star of a wedding ceremony or reception, as decorated here by Designs by Diane at their outdoor venue. Diane Spencler and her team can also come to you! From intimate brunches on a patio or poolside, to unique natural settings, ambiance and comfort will be celebrated and highlighted in both traditional and non-traditional locations. Couples want their guests to feel special and pampered and they’re creating moods and settings to enhance their guests’ experience. Photo courtesy of Designs by Diane.

She adds: “There may or may not be sit-down tables. Guests will delight in non-traditional meals; think individual food stations with signature cocktails, fancy hors d’oeuvres, and over-the-top, gorgeously presented desserts. You’ll also be served by wait-staff with trays laden with delicious fare. Stand-up tables will be readily available and guests will be able to move around, socializing with ease, while accessing different parts of the reception grounds.”

Keep in mind Spencler and her team can come to your home or any local facility, or you can have your wedding hosted at their outdoor country venue.

Start Planning Your Best Day Ever Now

From exceptional fashion and colour, to remarkably well-thought-out celebrations, today’s couples are planning memorable wedding days that will be filled with lots of love, and laughter, and will transcend the conventional.

No matter what type of wedding a couple may be planning — modern, traditional, classic, or something in between — it’s the details that make the day truly unique.

Windsor and Essex County is filled with experienced professionals who are ready, willing, and able to deliver with expertise and style. Planning ahead in the next few years is a necessity because it’s going to be very busy as weddings make a huge comeback and couples finally have a chance to celebrate their love.

And they all live happily ever after!

Sheryl Davies is the Publisher/Owner of The Wedding Guide Windsor/Essex County, now in its 29th year (TheWeddingGuide.ca). She is President of DMS Communications, a creative marketing solutions company, and also serves as a Social Media Commentator to selected area businesses. Davies was a Biz X Award nominee in two categories; Leader Who’s A Tough Act To Follow and Leader Of The Franchise World. As a proud supporter and advocate for the Arts, Sheryl is a founding member of The Canada South Festival Network, The Canada South Blues Society, and a Past President of the Arts Council Windsor Region. She spent 18 years as one of the original organizers, and publicist of the original Bluesfest International.